Sera's POV

I could finally see the reason why dad was so closed to himself. Why he was always afraid of anyone touching him… except mum. I remember the first time I went over his chest when I was younger. He freaked out. I was his kid and yet he freaked out. But by time… he grew more accustomed to me. I enjoyed his closeness… his cherish… I was hoping that this time we'd be the same, and not so cold to each other.

Since he talked and expressed himself clearly about what happened to him, I could realize that we were more than similar. I realized that he could understand me. He started spending more time with us… he started really listening to both mum and I… although at times we disagreed on a lot of things. He started teaching me the piano, and telling me the tell tales of the Young Christian Grey… I had to admit… he was wild… only that now he changed and his tastes changed with him.

It always ceases to amaze me how we grow accustomed to everything. How we grow and from something that we used to love to do it turns into something unsafe. Probably because when we're younger, we want to experiment… we want to test our limits… until we reach to a certain age that one realizes that he or she shouldn't put more risks into life as it's already complicated as it is. I couldn't understand dad's philosophy… because if his parents allowed him to do so… than why shouldn't I go camping? Or skydiving? Or up sailing?

Dear Bert,

I really don't know where to start… I haven't written in here for months. You didn't miss anything special… It's not like was going to talk about them anyways… I'm still not very comfortable discussing anything as yet. Although… Bert… I promised dad not to feel sorry for him… but I can't help it… he not only went through what I went… but she was also his mother's friend. How could someone do that? I always thought that men weren't victims of these things… Guess I was wrong… Very wrong… and the worst part is that although years had passed, he still thought that he needed this… that it was the right thing to do… how can someone think that it's the right thing to do? I just don't get it… and probably I never will…

I've finally figured it out Bert… at least I think so… His song… his words… the things he already endured… it all makes sense now… it all sums up to what he meant. Since I remember him singing it, I always wondered what it meant… and after years and years of trying to figure it out… it's a little more clear… but there is something that is scaring him and he's afraid of admitting. I've tried asking him about it… but all he says is that someday he'll explain… I hope it doesn't take him 17 more years… When I asked mum about it, she replied the exact same thing… I am only assuming that it has to do with Elena and co… I only ask a rhetorical thing… Why us? Why the Grey's?

Ohh… before I forget Bert… Clarissa is getting married next month… She's pregnant again… only this time she planned it. Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliott didn't take it well but they're being supportive… everyone is… Ava's going to be the flower girl, Walter and Derek the page boys, dad the one that will be signing the papers, and I'm going to be a bridesmaid. We already went to see the dresses I have a blue chiffon flowy long strapless dress. She's having a beach wedding. Aunt Kate is not keen about these quick preparations. I heard her tell mum that they weren't expecting this… but since the miscarriage Clarissa wanted another child… Uncle Elliott is afraid that the story will repeat itself again. Guess all fathers are the same Bert… Imagine if I get pregnant! Dad will have an absolute fit! :p He would probably forget all the 'non-anger' promise. I could try it as an April's fool joke… I'll tell mum before though.

Ana's POV

'Sera?' I called her as I entered her room.

'Yes mum?' She replied softly as I went facing her and helping her to stand up on the impossible to walk high heels.

'You look stunning honey…' I smiled as I hugged her tight. '…but you better lose the shoes. Your grumpy father won't approve of those.' I knew that Christian wouldn't like the new trend Mia was getting our daughter into. Shopping with Mia is fun… but she always goes overboard.

'Aunt Mia bought them for me when we went shopping. She said that they go with the dress. She won't be happy if I don't wear them.' She tried as she paced trying to get the feeling of the plat form and the pencil heel.

'Easy…' I guided as I held her hand before she fell to her face, while Christian came running in.

'What's wrong?' He asked worriedly.

'Nothing Christian…' I tried as I helped her walk around. He was already grumpy on having the auction and everything. He was dreading that someone would bet higher on me and he'll have to give me up for a dance. I was getting the time of my life teasing him… although he knew my game…

'Is your foot hurting?' He asked again as he was about to move forward to her.

'No…' Sera and I both replied in unison as I left her hand so that she can get the hang of them, but on her third step she twisted her leg and was straight on the floor.

'I can't do it mum…' She admitted as I looked at her while Christian went forward and pulled her shoe off.

'This is out of your wardrobe…' He ordered. 'These are killer shoes not heels!'

'Mia won't be happy…' I said again as he pulled a medium length shoe and handed them to her.

'Mia has to realise that Sera is my daughter…'

'…but your sister looks at Sera as her own personal doll…'

'Well my sister has to face the fact that these shoes aren't made for human…'

Sera's POV

It was funny seeing them this way. One states one thing and the other states the exact opposite. I sometimes wonder if they were becoming the children.

'…and you two have to realise that it's almost time to go…' I stopped them from the fact standing ovation. '…and I still have to get dressed.' While they chuckled as I imitated them. 'Why are you grumpy anyways dad?'

'…because your father wants to renew our vows…'

'That's so sweet! Where are you going to do it?' I asked excitedly.

'In the same chapel we were married.' Mum replied.

'On The Grace…' Dad said at the same time.

'Yeah…' I eyed them. 'That's what I thought…' I smiled as I kept watching them with their child like games. They kept stating their points, but the time was pressing and I still had to get ready.

'Sera… get ready…' Mum replied as she pulled dad out with him still arguing about it. They were getting closer and I was enjoying these moments. Especially dad's pout… It remained the same of when I was young.

I went back to the journal as they exited. I had to finish what I started.

Quick save Bert… Anyhow… I have to go… In 10 minutes I have to get all dressed up and be all ready.

Love xxx

Sera…

The hall was filled with people I barely knew, except for family members. Walter and Derek came running to me exactly as they saw me. Those kids always make my day.

'Serrraaa!' Walter jumped on me as dad held me from my shoulders for balance.

'Walter! Easy!' John scolded him as he took him from his arms. 'What have I told you about jumping on people?'

'You told me not to jump on people…'

'Hey! So I'm not people…' I asked in fake offend.

'No…' He replied. 'You're my sister...'

'If she is your sister she is mine too…' Derek jumped on him.

'Come Sera… let's play!' Walter pulled me again as I looked at dad.

'Go… we're on table 6 with Elliott and John…' He smiled as a waiter went forward blocking my sight.

Walter and Derek were growing up so fast, and the more it went the trickier and not easily to handle they were becoming. Walter had more energy than I had, and after almost an hour of dancing with both of the kids, Ava came forward and took Walter and Derek… they were dancing the only way kids knew… I decided to take my chance and rest while I can. The table was empty. Aunt Kate, Aunt Rhian and mum were in deep conversation with Clarissa. Uncle Elliott seemed to be talking seriously to her alleged boyfriend Damien or Daniel… I have never quite met him but his name was something with a 'D'. Dad took my advice to approach the Brosnan Brothers and John was with Grandpa Carrick. All the better… some quiet…

I sat down and stared at the glass of wine dad left to continue later. I pulled it where I was and passed my finger round the edge of the glass. It made a pitched sound… I realized that it was a crystalline glass. I laughed at myself. This was something I always enjoyed doing. Yet never got tired of it. I sipped some of the wine. It burnt my throat but it was crispy. I saw why dad loved wine… and mum wasn't less. At times on occasions such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, dad allowed me to have a little champagne, or some of his wine… but only on special occasions… I wondered if this counted as one… Glad he wasn't looking, until someone from behind me took the glass from my hand as I was about to take my fifth sip.

John's POV

Although I was conversing with dad, I kept an eye on my kids. They were getting more energized the time went by… and Sera for sure wasn't able to handle their hyperness. She was still very weak… I was amazed how she managed to make it till now with my two kids badgering her…

'Excuse me son… I have to say hi to my granddaughter…' Dad started.

'Would you mind if I talk to her for now… I have to fix something before…'

'Yeah… sure… what happened?' He asked concerned.

'Nothing… it's just she asked me something and I said no… since then I haven't heard from her…' I admitted.

'Yeah sure… but is everything ok John?' He asked again.

'Yeah… I hope so…' I admitted as I made my way over to where she was sitting. I realized that she was lost in her thoughts, drinking slowly her father's glass. I moved from beside as she was taking another sip I took the glass from her hand. She looked at me while I smelled the alcohol.

'Mhmm… Prosecco…' I started. 'If I recall correctly it's illegal to consume any type of alcohol before the age of 21 in this State…' I continued as I took a seat beside her. '…and I don't think your father would approve…'

'It's just a sip…' She replied back nonchalantly.

'Yeah… If I recall correctly your father left it full…' I continued as I eyed her.

'Ok… maybe half a glass…' She admitted.

'Sera, first rule of drinking is to never drink on an empty stomach…'

'I thought you should drink milk before…'

'Yeah kind of the same thing…' I chuckled lightly. 'Anyhow… where's Christian?'

''He's making a business proposal or deal whatever you may call it with the Brosnan Brothers. We'd like to start using Ferrofluids for Deomain Detections Bio-medicine and sensors.' She explained.

'We?' I asked her smiling.

'Yes… dad and I… We've been trying to come up with new ideas. You'd be surprised and the scientific background he has…' She smiled. 'I'm amazed… I always thought he sat down and ordered and intimated everyone with his CEO diplomacy…'

'Guess he proved you wrong…'

'Doesn't he always!' She chuckled.

'Sera… we need to talk…' I started as she looked at me questioningly.

'Now?'

'Yes…' I replied. 'Come with me…' I said again as I stood up.

'Can't you leave it for some other time?' She asked me again as she looked up to me.

'No Sera…' I replied again.

'Let me tell my parents…' She replied as she put her shoes back on, and we made our way to Christian. He was the one that was visible.

'Dad…' She started.

'This is my daughter, Sera Elizabeth Grey and this is my brother John Flynn…' He introduced us both. 'Sera, John, these are Calvin and Carter Brosnan…'

'We heard a lot about you Ms. Grey…' Carter smiled as he kissed her hand, followed by Calvin.

'Nice meeting you too…' She smiled as I shook hands with both brothers.

'So you say that you have some new ideas on how to use Ferrofluids in different ways other than the standard ways?' Calvin asked Sera.

'Yes.' She replied professionally. 'In viewing their abnormal magnetic properties, acting as a polaroid, one can clearly conclude that one can inhibit ferrofluids doing alloys with the other metals. It would provide better conduction to anything that you want to…'

'You're only explaining in theory.' Carter challenged.

'Mr. Brosnan…'

'Please, call me Carter…' He encouraged.

'Carter, if I may, all ideas start from theories. We place hypothesis and from there we come to the theory… For instance, we can take Einstein and his Theory of Relativity.' She emphasised while I saw Christian smiling in pride. '…or Newton and his idea of the Heliocentricity. They weren't able to conduct everything hands on… but we still recognise these important people in history for having revolutionised the world.' She explained. 'Yes, my father's and my ideas are theories, but we have been working with prototypes. Till now we've had 69.65% success rate. We need more people who are into this sector to continue building this project.' She continued.

'Fair point well-made Ms. Grey…'

'Sera please…' She encouraged back as she met Carter's glare.

'Mr. Grey… I have to admit…' Calvin started. 'You have competition…'

'We're not competition…' Both answered in unison.

'We work as a team…' Christian smiled. 'She'll be taking over once I retire…' He added.

'I'm sure GEH will be in great hands…' Carter smiled as Christian turned to his daughter.

'What did you need peanut?'

'Uncle John and I will be…'

'…in the garden…' I finished her sentence.

'Ok honey… be here for dinner… you haven't eaten as yet…'

'Dadd!' She grumbled.

'Hey… I'm just saying…' He chuckled.

'What was that in there?' I asked her as I pulled her on the bench beside me.

'What what?' She asked again.

'The solid argument. You impressed me…'

'I was bluffing with Newton and Einstein… I'm nowhere near them…' She smiled lightly.

'You weren't bluffing… they are facts and everybody starts that way…'

'Uncle… Einstein and Newton are two amazing people that I'd bow down in front of for giving us real answers…' She explained. 'Nothing more… I'm just working with dad…'

'How long have you been doing so?'

'2 or 3 weeks… something like that…'

'How are you doing?'

'Surprisingly good…' She smiled again as quiet took over.

'You didn't call…' I finally decided to talk.

'I… I was busy… you know… working with dad… had to go for Clarissa's dresses and things…'

'Sera…' I stopped her. 'You could just tell me that you didn't want to come… I wouldn't have taken it personally…'

'I want to come…' She admitted. 'It's just…'

'It's what?'

'I asked you electrocute me…' She admitted. 'I didn't think you'd want to talk to be about anything…'

'Hey… I said no because it's a very dangerous procedure. I don't want you to end up as statistical evidence…'

'Yeah… I know…' She admitted. 'Do you forgive me?'

'For what?' I chuckled. 'There's nothing to forgive munchkin'.'

'For expecting you to do it for me…' She admitted. 'I was asking you something that is against your ethical code. Will you forgive me?'

'Of course I do munchkin'…' I smiled as I pulled her to my chest and hugged her tight. 'So… are we up for the Sunday? Rhian is taking the boys to her mother… I have the whole day at your disposition…' I smiled.

'Okay…' she replied back as she returned my hug. 'Where are we going?'

'We can either have a picnic and walk on the sand… you used to love it when you were younger… or we can eat in a diner watch a movie or two…'

'Do you mind if we go for a picnic? I hate crowds…' She said again.

'Yeah sure…' I smiled. 'Bring your flip flops…'

'and towels?'

'Leave everything to me…' I smiled again. '…and what's this I hear about you not having eaten anything all day?'

'You'll like this thing…' She started. 'Dad and I made a pact that whenever I'm not hungry I'll tell him, but I'll also tell him the reason why I'm doing it. Like that we can see whether I'm doing it because I'm restraining or whether because I'm really not hungry… today as we knew we were coming here, he told me that I can skip lunch so that I'll eat properly now… but that means no rituals and nothing…'

'I'm glad to hear that…' I smiled again. '…and how are you holding up with this?'

'Sometimes it's hard telling him the reasons… but he's growing accustomed and he's doing everything he can to understand. I've even found him reading books about these things… he's doing research…'

'He loves you Sera…'

'I know…' she replied. 'He told me about what Elena did to him…'

'Ohh…'

'Yes…' She continued. 'What I don't understand is… how none of you never noticed anything…'

'He kept it a secret… until I found out he became a dominant…'

'You know?'

'Yeah… I found one of his contracts…'

'Ohh…'

'Yeah… he freaked out when I did so… since then he started therapy… I was still studying at that time… mum and dad sent him to a psychiatrist but when I graduated he took me as his second opinion.'

'That's sweet… at least he wasn't intimidated on sharing things with you…' She smiled back.

'Yeah…' I smiled.

'I was thinking last time… If Elena was grandma's best friend, and best friends do share everything, and they lived with them for a couple of weeks or so… then how come did grandma not know about her fetish? I mean Natalie knows my fetishes… we practically share everything… how we imagined our first time to be… how we imagine our first man to be… if we want a boy or a girl… the amount of kids we want… the age gap… everything… how come grandma didn't realise anything? Dad is not the most person to hide something from his face… if he's growling you'll know… if he's angry you'll know… his stern look tells you everything…' She continued babbling. I realized that the wine had taken a kick in her.

'Sera?' I asked her stopping her from her little mantra.

'Yeah…' She replied back as she looked at me while I brought up one finger.

'Can you see my finger?'

'If maybe you stop moving it yes!' She replied back with the most serious face she could get.

'Sera…'

'Yeah?'

'Are you tipsy?'

'A little' She admitted as she chuckled lightly. 'Just don't tell dad…he'll flip… it will pass…'

'…and how do you know?' I asked her again.

'…because sometimes when I desperately wanted to sleep, I used to take a mugful of wine…' She admitted while I stared at her in disbelief. '…and I shouldn't have told you that… damn blabber mouth…'

'That's the wine talking Sera…' I replied. 'Ana and you are practically the same. All Christian had to do is give her a glass of wine and she would be open like a book… unlike you… you just speak your mind…'

'Not for long… enjoy it while it lasts Uncle…' She smiled as she rubbed her eyes. 'All I need are few minutes.' She continued.

'Just out of curiosity… has Christian never realised your visits to the wine cellar?'

'Gail brings the wine Uncle…'

'Makes sense…'

'…but I can assure you it works…' She replied. 'Don't get me wrong… I only did it once a month or so… but it's effective… especially when I'm frustrated with myself but I'm not going to get into that. I know how you work you psycho analyse everything.'

'Damn how easier you are to read like this…' I smiled. 'You know… I missed this talkative you…' I admitted.

'Yeah…' She smiled. 'Uncle… can I trust you?'

'You don't have to ask munchkin…' I encouraged. 'What is it honey?'

'Do you know why I prefer Walter?'

'You never quite gave me a reason… no…'

'Walter reminds me clearly of Jason. His laugh… his child like antics… His energy and his never lasting smile and stories for the matter… his hugs and kisses…' she continued. 'I wish Jason is still here… he would have loved tonight… and most probably I would have been teasing him on how many girls will be drooling over him.'

'Sera… Jason may not be here physically but he's always in your heart…'

'Yeah… I know…' She smiled, as some classical music started. 'I think we better go in… I promised dad I'll save him a dance…'

'…and you have to save one for me...'

'I should let you know… you'll end up stepped on more than dancing…'

'Nah… it's in your family's blood…' I smiled as we made our way back inside.

'Tell dad about that… this week I almost ruined him his Armani shoes.' She chuckled as Christian came to us.

'There you are… I've been calling you!' Christian started as he hugged her tight.

'I left my phone in the car. Better than losing it…' She replied.

'Is everything ok John?' He asked while I nodded smiling.

'I thought classical music meant dancing dad…'

'Yes… but this classical music means dinner…' He replied as we arrived at our table.

'Where's Rhian?' I asked as I realised my boys were already helping themselves.

'She went to the ladies room.' Ana replied. 'Honey… they have vegetarian dishes.' She added.

'Thanks mum…' She smiled. 'So dad how did the talk go with the bros?'

'They're coming at GEH next Monday at 11am. Meeting won't be less than 3 hours…'

'I'll prepare research papers?'

'We'll prepare them peanut…' He smiled again.

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