Ana was speaking to Mia and her group of friend's when Lilly made a snide comment about Ana and Christian when Jade appeared from seemingly nowhere and her eyes flashed darkly , looking over pointedly at Lilly 'jealous bitch is such a bad look on some people'. Lilly paled and looked away slightly, clearly this wasn't the first time this conversation had come up. Ana and Mia smirked slightly and Jade threw Lilly another cold look before moving away. Ana watched her leave, wondering whether she had said what she had because she didn't like Lilly or because she liked Ana.
Ana was watching Jade through the night, glancing over whenever she could. It was clear very quickly that she had the same effect on men as Christian did with women. At any moment she wasn't with Sawyer she had at least one man trying to talk to her or were giving her admiring glances. When Sawyer was standing with her and he had an arm around her waist or they were hand in hand, the amount of jealous looks coming his way must have been a little unnerving.
It was late in the evening when Carrick stood up to make a speech, champagne in hand. 'I'd like to thank all of you for being here tonight and for all of your donations to the Centre, which as many of you know is something very close to the hearts of the Grey family. They have helped thousands of people on the road to recovery, including my beautiful granddaughter Jade, who was severely injured whilst in the military. Thanks to Queen Springs she is now happy and healthy, and we want to thank everyone on their continued support and donations' there was a round of applause and Carrick glanced at his watch, continuing 'as it is 3 minutes past 12 I also want to say something else to my Granddaughter- happy birthday princess'.
Jade blushed but smiled as everyone cheered 'happy birthday' to her. With the speech over, Sawyer kissed her forehead and muttered something quietly into her ear that made her smile and she kissed him, though the moment was broken by the extended Grey family coming over to wish her happy birthday.
Carrick, Elliot and some friends were having a conversation with Sawyer, their laughing getting louder with each beer. Jade managed to excuse herself and made a beeline for the large open doors that opened onto the terrace. No one was out there, a few people were out on the grass but the terrace, with its creeping vines and small twinkling lights was empty. She sighed, looking out over the sloping lawns, absent minded. She was 20, officially now, not that it made any difference really, she already drank, smoked and had joined and left an army. Another year of life meant nothing really did it?
She sensed a movement behind her and glanced around. Christian Grey was standing in the doorway out to the terrace, looking at her. His hair was probably needing a cut soon, he was dressed in a clearly expensive and clearly tailored black suit, with a crisp White shirt, and the tie was hanging perfectly straight, as per usual. His eyes were looking at her warily, not sure of he should stay or leave before she started shouting at him. Jade met his eyes and looked back down the grass, though he noted the slight movement to the right. She had left him space to join her.
Christian stood next to his daughter in silence for a few seconds. 'happy birthday'. She replied with only a muttered 'mhmm' and he swallowed, feeling suddenly lost for words. 'Did you have any plans- for your birthday?' the Grey's were having a family meal for the occasion the following evening but he didn't know if she had some personal plans. Jade shook her head 'why would I?' 'it's your birthday...'. Jade muttered something under her breath with a derisive laugh and Christian raised an eyebrow and she elaborated. 'it's just one more year isn't it- 20 down, however many more to go'. There was a horrible silence between them as Christian looked at her, the little girl he had once held, that tiny baby was now all grown up. She'd been the happiest baby any of them had ever seen, sparkling eyes, always smiling or laughing, running around as a toddler, screeching with laughter. Now, however, he looked down at her, scarred physically, eyes dull and sad, lips set in a grim line. Carrick's speech had called her happy and healthy... Jade seemed to be able to read his thoughts.
'I don't think this is how I imagined my life at 20 years old, if I'm honest'. Christian ran a hand through his hair 'you've seemed happy recently'. 'Luke has been my saving grace, don't get me wrong, without him I'd be... I don't know really' she trailed off and sighed 'it's just so hard, the pain, Dad, it's unbearable sometimes'. He blinked 'I thought Queen Springs-' 'physical rehabilitation, I can move my left hand and arm again, yes. That's what they were meant to do, the injuries are in muscle and a bone was chipped, there is still pain. There's pain all the time, and the wound on my stomach...that's worse than it looks' she glances at her fathers troubled expression 'much, much worse'.
Christian gulped and asked 'how do you mean' though it was clear how little he wanted to hear the response. 'Did Grams tell you about why I was in the hospital about six months ago?' he shook his head 'she told me it was to try and stop the scarring?' 'it was- well in part. They were seeing how bad the scarring actually was, as it turns out it was pretty bad. They had to do some, ah, 'removing' so let's just say there's now half as likely a chance I'll ever be able to get pregnant...and even that is a pretty slim chance anyway'. Christian digested this news slowly 'why didn't you tell me?' Jade shrugged 'you were in Japan when it happened and you didn't ask so I didn't tell'.
Christian could see the pained look on her face, matching the tone in her voice. 'Im sorry Jade. I should have asked more questions...Did you...do you want to have children?'. There was a long pause but Christian waited silently for her answer 'I'd love to have a family, I've wanted that for years. It's not really fair for me to bring a kid into...this...is it?'. Christian cocked his head to one side, silently questioning her.
'Without Luke I would have left a year ago and never come back. I love my family, and I'd do anything for you guys but since I've been back in Seattle I've felt...restless. This isn't where I belong anymore. It doesn't feel like home'. 'were does?' she shakes her head slowly, looking wistfully at the sky 'I don't know, I just...I've changed, and I'm only staying in the city because there is no way Sawyer would ever leave, his sister is in hospital here with kidney problems like every other week- I couldn't ask him to leave her...and I wouldn't want to leave without him really'. Christian looked out over the grass, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. 'I should have seen this. I should have known how you were feeling, you're my daughter'. She shrugged absently. 'you've finally found happiness, I'm glad for you. Hold onto Ana, let me go'. Jade turned and walked back into the function before her father could digest her words or reply.