Just a note- I hadn't even thought of it until someone asked: Christian got Jade's mother pregnant when he was around 16. He's now 35 and I'm putting Ana, Kate and Jose at sort of around 23.
Also-thanks everyone for the follows, reviews, views and positive comments :)
It was Jade's birthday on the Saturday, she had planned to be back in Seattle by Friday night but she had switched her phone off and not contacted Christian for days. He knew Olympic park didn't have great reception but was also aware of just how angry she had been when she left, since what happened in Israel she had developed an incredible temper, the painting and drawing something of a catharsis, but when provoked she could unleash hell.
Friday rolled around and Christian received a call from his mother, reminding him that that evening he and Ana were expected at her charity event, which they had both completely forgotten about. 'Uh, I had forgotten about it mum, to be honest' 'Christian, do you remember what this event is for?' 'no' 'it's for Queen Springs centre for physical rehabilitation'. There was a long pause and Christian sighed, running his hand through his hair 'okay, we'll be there'.
Grace seemed placated and said goodbye, hearing Christian's tone change obviously as he heard who the fundraising was benefitting. If it wasn't for Queen Springs then there was a chance that Jade would have been left nearly unable to move her left arm, and they had managed to ease the burning pains she'd had in her abdomen at every movement. As it turned out, their counselling had also proved invaluable, the only thing that had quelled the dreams where Jade had woken, screaming in Arabic and in a cold sweat.
Christian tried calling Jade again as he left Escala with Ana, who was dressed in a long purple dress with her hair up. She looked amazing but he was distracted by Jade's phone not picking up, worrying whether she would turn up and how she would be towards him. It was only as they got into the car that his phone bleeped with a message from her. 'I got your messages, been busy. I'll be at the fundraiser, and no- I haven't told anyone about your little secret and I won't. Give me some credit Dad'. Her message only vaguely placated her father as they glided in the car down to the Grey home.
The place was full of people, everyone in gorgeous, expensive tuxedos, suits and elegant dresses. Christian and Ana mingled for a while until they found Elliot and Mia, talking to them and a few friends before one of them glanced up. 'Hey Elliot, look at her, god I'd get right on her'. Elliot looked over and his face darkened. 'That's my niece'. The man looked awkward and moved off quickly. Christian and Ana looked up, seeing why the man had been so bowled over.
She'd had her hair trimmed and it was sleek and straight, hanging at her shoulders, the front framing her face with side bangs that suited her perfectly. The newly cut and straightened hair was also dyed an almost jet black, all the copper gone from it, her tanned skin suited the darker look however. Her eyes were Smokey and lightly lined, matching her dress, which was jet black. It was floor length, black satin overlain with black lace, showing off just how slim she was. Her tiny waist was accentuated by the tight panel on the dress acting as a sash; it had thin lace straps and frankly she looked incredible, a pair of black high heels visible as she walked down the stairs and thin gold bracelets her only jewellery.
Ana breathed a 'wow' under her breath as Christian scowled, Elliot grinned and Mia practically jumped up in excitement. 'Jade!' she turned and saw her excited Aunt, making her way over. 'Loving the hair! Oh my god you look beautiful' she kissed her cheek and glanced at her watch. 'Oh dear, I need to go and meet some friends, I'll see you guys later'. Mia wandered off and Jade looked at Christian, the awkward tension between the two making Elliot and the two other men lave rapidly, moving off into the crowd. 'You cut your hair, and dyed it' 'How very perceptive of you Dad'. His eyes narrowed slightly. 'You knew I wouldn't like it' she raises an eyebrow 'well why do you think I did it?'. She glances at Ana 'you look really good tonight, that colour suits you' she blushes 'thanks, you look...incredible'. She looks at get father 'tonight most people are remembering me how I was after I came back, I could barely stand, couldn't move my left arm, couldn't move my left hand, wouldn't talk and was having nightmares worse than yours. So forgive me for wanting to show that their hard work has paid off'. Christian looked over her slowly; looking sour 'Can we talk, please?'
She nodded and the three of them made their way out to the garden, which was otherwise empty. Jade rolled her eyes, sighing 'look, I've known about that room for years, it doesn't bother me particularly and I get it, Dad it's fine' Christian looked blank and she continued, shrugging 'you can still barely let anyone touch you, how else were you gonna have sex? I don't know... if you were into rape or something then that would be a problem. Your little 'friends' always seem sane enough and I've seen a copy of your 'contract' on your printer once. You know, to each his own and all that'. Christian looked pale and Jade looked over at Ana 'he won't hurt you. He's an ass, he's unwilling to listen to anyone else and he'll annoy you till the end, but deep down somewhere he has a heart. You're the first person that has ever brought that out in him… so thank you'. She nods awkwardly at the two of them and begins to walk away 'Jade!' she turns and sees Christian moving over 'all this time, you've known- and you said nothing?' she shrugs. 'I don't want to have this conversation Dad, not right now, not ever. I have to go and see my family'.
The indication was clear. She wanted nothing more to do with Christian as a member of her family, the rest of the Grey's were apparently fine though. He'd always known that she had been closer to Elliot, he'd guided her through life and had helped her through many a teenage crisis. His own parents had been the ones to give her the parental affection that he couldn't manage. Mia and Jade were so close in age that they were more like sisters than Aunt and niece. At the door, Jade turned back to them again 'By the way, both Elena and Karima are here…I'd keep Ana away from them both, both are being full on bitches tonight' She pauses for a second, thinking 'Especially Mum, she's had a few drinks I think'. She disappears into the bustling room, closing the door behind her. Ana turned to Christian 'Karmia?'. It was a new name to her and he sighed 'she was the girl…the one time I've tried this before, you know, a proper relationship'. Ana didn't attempt to hide her surprise and Christian looked awkward 'look, I was practically a kid; it was fucking ages ago... obviously didn't work, I think we had sex once, it was when I was drinking anyway. She was the daughter or one of my Mum's friends; we were just fooling around really'.
Christian slowly made his way back inside the house with Ana, his eyes immediately searching for Jade. She was standing with Elliot and Sawyer, who was wearing a sharp black suit and tie with a dark blue shirt, his hair was only marginally neater than usual. Elliot and Sawyer were talking enthusiastically, smiling widely and laughing loudly. Sawyer had one arm lightly around Jade's waist, and she was leaning into him, her head lightly tilted against his shoulder and listening to the conversation. Christian looked at them for a few seconds before taking Ana into the middle of the dance floor, wrapping his arms around her as they slowly danced. Ana asked the question before thinking about it 'Karima, when were you two together?' 'About the same time as Elaina'. He said nothing more and Ana was deep in thought, realising something suddenly.
Jade's mother was either this woman Karima or Elaina, and they were both here. Maybe she would eventually get the answer of who was the mother of Christian's daughter, who she found as confusing and puzzling as her Fifty.
Vote in your comment who you want the mother to be. Next chapter soon!