Hey guys I'm sorry it took so long, but the chapter is just under 7,000 words. I hope you enjoy! Please Review. I am in school again so I've had less time to write, but I will hopefully post once a week maybe more.

Ana's POV:

As the car turning into the beautiful drive way my anxiety hits me front on there are so many people here to be honest I had no idea what I was going to expect. "You'll do great Anastasia" Christian says while giving my hip a reassuring squeeze before pulling out a box. "You'll need to put this on." that is when I notice Kate and Elliot putting mask on. "It's a masquerade ?" Christian just nods as I open the box to see a beautiful gold stick on mask which no doubt matches my dress perfectly. I put it on a turn to see Christian which his simple black mask. He looks handsome in his dinner jacket and bow tie. He is my dark price who looks darker with his mask on. His smoldering gray eyes staring at me send a new yet familiar sensation of arousal I only get from Christian.

"Ready?" No

"As I'll ever be." I give a half-smile knowing I don't have a say in the matter. He kisses my hand as the valet opens the door. Sawyer goes with Taylor to park the car we are safe here through there is a lot of personal security along with some added security Grace and Carrick have hired.

There is a dark green carpet running along the grounds surrounded by lanterns to the beautiful tents that are set up. We are walking in a steady stream of people Elliot and Kate just a head of us. Everyone is dressed beautifully with a whole array of masks. The men are typically in simple black masks but I have seen one or two that resemble the Phantom of The Opera masks.

"Mr. Grey" A photographer calls our attention Christian pulls me in close as we take a quick snap. Is this normal for him because it is proving to be very annoying. They don't ask my name this time I guess even with the mask they know its me. Which makes me wonder how did they know it was him? Most of the men are dressed very similar to Christian. The copper hair and the gray eyes though are a dead give away. From what I can see there is a canopy where we are now with a stage and a dance floor and a tent with formal dining tables set up. Everything is black and white with gold accents here and there. Hundreds of lanterns are covering the grounds giving off warm lighting. It is absolutely beautiful.

Mia catches the two of us by surprise I guess this mask thing is going to prove to be very trying. She is dressed in a stunning black and white strapless sheer-inset gown with mile high black stilettos.

"I told you she would look fantastic!" Mia says with her beautiful smile plastered on her face.

"Mia helped pick out the gown and mask." Oh that makes sense she has impeccable fashion sense.

"Yes I did and you'd still look better then anyone here if you were wearing a paper bag." I blush behind my mask.

"Thanks you. Your dress is stunning no doubt and the mask fits perfectly." She goes into a fit of giggles at least she's uneasy around flattery as well.

"Oh this old thing?" She replies making me laugh it's obvious the dress in brand new and best of the best.

"Well I have to go find my date." She hugs Christian and I both before heading off.

"Oh great another schmuck has his claws into my sister."

"You haven't met the guy how do you know he's a schmuck?"

"They all are!" he nearly screams "They just string them along then dump them her like yesterday's trash."

"That's just a generalization Christian if I had thought that about all guys after douche bag after douche bag dumped Kate I wouldn't have gone out with you or let Kate go out with Elliot."

"Well I'm happy you agreed to go out with me but you should have warned her about Elliot." I play fully hit him while laughing and he grabs and pulls me in as close as he can.

"If you hit me again I may have to restrain you." I can tell he's joking but there is a husky sensuality to his voice and I know he's actually thinking of restraining me. His grip on me is to tight so I can't move I shimmy a bit and when I am far enough away to open my mouth I bite down on his collarbone as hard as I can. Once he let's go so do I.

"Someone's feisty today." He grabs my hand and leads me to an area where people are congregating and talking. Almost everyone we walk by stops Christian and its the same conversation:

"Christian how are you?"

"Great and you."

"Excellent now who is this lovely lady?"

"This is my girlfriend Anastasia."

"Its a pleasure to meet you Anastasia I'm _"

"Its a pleasure to meet you to _" Then we are on to the next.

The waiters move effortlessly through the sea of people handing out delicious champagne.

"Ladies and gentlemen I would like to thank you all for coming tonight. Dinner is being served so if you could find your seat that would be fantastic thank you."

Christian grabs my arm and pulls me close as we walk to the large tent surrounded. I didn't know a tent could look this beautiful. They have kept the black, white and gold theme. There are gold sparkles everywhere with ivory silk lining the walls and ceiling. It looks like a restaurant Kate and I went to when we were in New York for her birthday last year absolutely beautiful. There are crystal glasses, china plates and silver cutlery. The room is brought to life with colour from the assortment of pink peonies from a deep dark pink to a pale almost white pink.

Christian leaves my side momentarily to find where we are to be seated. Usually this many people would make me anxious to the point I would have an anxiety attack but I am so lost in glitz and the glamour of the event I couldn't give two shits about it. We are shown to are table where I see Grace, Carrick, Mia and some young man I don't recognize but it's hard to tell any of the men here apart since they are all dressed so alike. Grace is wearing a beautiful lace-bodice taffeta gown which screams elegance and beauty with a Venetian mask to match.

"Mother." Christian greets her warmly and kisses her on the cheek.

"Always so formal Christian." She scolds in a joking tone knowing full well if he was able to he would run and hug her. I am sure in time he will be able to hug his mother to a child it is the most comforting place on earth and he should know that feeling.

"Ana! How delightful to see you again. You look beautiful." I blush I am so thank god for this mask maybe I should make I apart of my everyday look. My subconscious and inner goddess just shake their heads in disapproval. Mr. And Ms. Trevelyan make their way over to us sounding absolutely cheerful. They look adorable in their matching bronze masks. They are over the moon when the see Christian with is arm draped around me holding me close.

"Grandmother and grandfather, it's a pleasure to introduce you to Anastasia Steele my girlfriend." He says that last part rather proudly. I burst into an uncontrollable laughter when his grandmother says "I told you he wasn't gay! It looks like I'll be getting those first editions of Tess of the D'Urbervilles that I wanted." Everyone just stands there laughing for a moment except for Christian who looks mortified. I guess when you find out everyone in your family thought you were gay it comes as a shock.

"Well Mr. Trevelyan I am sorry you lost but I am quite happy your wife likes Tess it is one of my personal favourites. Although I can assure you that Christian is not gay."

"Well we would love him either way. I am also happy to buy her whatever she wishes but I hate losing." We all chuckle.

Once Elliot and Kate join us we all take our seats. On each plate there is a menu of what will be served for dinner.

Coping Together Charity Gala

Menu

First Course:

Zinfandel Poached Pears

Bitter greens & Roquefort, spiced pecans, walnut vinaigrette.

Second Course:

Crab Cake

A flavourful fried crab cake served on a bed of arugula with a red pepper remoulade

Third Course:

Oso Bucco

Veal Shanks braised in a Cabernet franc with tomatoes, mushrooms, & garden herbs. Served with mashed garlic Yukon potatoes & roasted root vegetables.

Fourth Course:

New York Cheesecake Tower

Raspberry sauce & citrus Madeleine

The food all sound mouth-watering good my stomach growls when I am done looking at the menu although Christian is the only one who seems to notice. "Hungry darling." He says with a chuckle and a little to loud as well because Kate pipes in. "Anastasia is always hungry Christian unless she is anxious. That girl can eat more than a football player."

You can always count on Kate to divulge too much information.

"How do you manage to stay so thin!" Mia pipes in.

"That's all thanks to my fast metabolism and my trainer Anderson." Although I haven't seen Anderson in sometime well before the fight that Christian and I had.

Mia's date speaks and I am rather taken back by what he says. "What's wrong Crewe?" Only one person in this world calls me by that name.

"Anthony?" He just nods.

"I don't understand? Why are you here with Mia?" I asked shocked and it almost sounded rude.

"Hey people before you start assuming that Ana thinks I am to good for your darling little Mia she's not. I'm gay so it would come as a shock to my deepest and dearest friend that he's all of a sudden into women." Everyone seems less tense after he explains.

"Well Crewe I know you are wondering what I am doing here to please let me explain. I moved to Seattle a week ago I just couldn't deal with the people in LA anymore so I asked to transfer and I wanted to surprise you. I messaged Kate knowing she has taken care of you in my absence then she talked to Elliot, who talked to Christian, who talked to Mia. I was going to wait until the dancing started to talk to you but you've been seeing Anderson and we all know that mean trouble." He shoots his dark brown eyes at me which seems to confuse people a hell of a lot more. I just give him a stare that says don't-fuck-with-me. Of course just like Kate he doesn't care I had forgotten how similar the two were.

"Well Crewe here has her coping tools like all of us but her biggest one is kick boxing. When she has an unwanted emotion such as pain or anger she goes to see Anderson. With the help of her newest shrink she hasn't gone in a while because she is finding more ideal ways to cope so someone really must have pissed her off." He says without missing a beat. Well this just got awkward.

"The thing about that is... It was Christian anyone who knows him knows how hot-headed and quick-tempered he can be. Also anyone who know me knows I am the same so we were fighting due to a lack of communication and I went to see Anderson." Everyone laughs because they know it's true.

"Well by the way he is parading you around like a trophy I assume he won't make that mistake again." We all laugh some more as our first course passed around and it smells amazing.

"Well I wouldn't be so sure about that neither of us are quick to change." I say laughing.

"Well with how you've been grasped on to him I don't think that's true." Grace says with smile and I know why. Christian kisses the top of my head as we all eat and talk.

"I am a little lost." Anthony says "How is Ana wrapped around him 'change' isn't that normal?"

"Christian could never be touched." Grace polity explains "although Ana has made some excellent progress with him." She gives me a smile and a wink.

"Does that have something to do his mother who committed suicide." Anthony says deadpan. It isn't until after he said it that it was a mistake.

"How did you know that Christian barks." Well so much for a nice introduction. To be honest though I am rather curious.

"I'm sorry that just slipped out forgive me please. I am rather embarrassed to say that I did a background check on you. I do them on everyone who comes into my life of the lives of the people I love. After I read that file I regretted it by the way you have an excellent head of security there is only one man I know who can keep a persons personal information locked away like that. His name is Welch he was in the army with Ana's father and mine he taught me all of this stuff." I can't read Christian's face right now which is bad or so I thought. The next thing I hear is Christian hysterically laughing. "Well I guess I can't be mad because I did the same thing with you. I have a strict policy on making sure everyone in my life is not a threat. It's funny you mention the name Welch because he is my head of security. I never would have figured the first person to see my full background would be a 22 year-old, who studied interior design and grew up in Portland." So he wasn't joking about doing a background check. They are so alike its creepy only Anthony and Christian would so such a thing.

"Wait are we talking about Alex Welch?"

"Yes" They say in unison.

"This is weird. So first Luke and now Welch seems we have some people close to us in common."

"Let's not forget Jason Taylor." That's not a name I have heard in a while I never suspected they were the same person. God I'm stupid. In my defense I haven't seen him since I was six he moved to Seattle and him and my father had a falling out soon after.

"Well this is awkward." Christian says breaking my train of thought.

"How did I not know any of this?"

"Well he and Crewe's father had a falling out I don't think she recognized him because its been fifteen years since she last saw him. He saved her father's life when they were in the army together. Well not her birth father he saved Ray. Taylor, Jason, Welch, Ray, her birth father Frank, and my father Charlie were in the same squad Frank was the leading officer and he died right after she was born. They vowed to Frank as he lay dying that they would look after me I don't think they realized she was Frank and Ray's daughter."

"Luke is good friend with them all of them as well his father was also in their squad." Anthony adds.

"Well it looks like I have to all of my staff now that they are a conflict on interest fuck."

"Language." Grace scolds him as they bring a long our second course which is as amazing as the first. I don't usually like crab but this is delicious.

"Well why would you have to fire them? I don't see any problem." Anthony says trying not to sound too harsh.

"How do you figure my whole security staff knows my girlfriend better than I do."

"Isn't that better? They all vowed to protect her before she knew you. I think that's a better reason to take a bullet for someone then a paycheck." Anthony's words bring me to tears. All these years when I felt like I have no one in my corner everyone was looking out for me because of a promise they made to Frank. Ray always said he was the bravest man her knew and I never got to meet him.

"Excuse me." I say getting out of my chair.

"Where are you going?" Christian asks protectively.

"The ladies room if that's alright."

"Okay they are just over there." He says pointing to a little station they have set up for this evening. I didn't know portable washrooms came like this. There are two washrooms on for men and on for women. The interior is all wood and granite with automatic sinks how is that possible? I quickly use the bathroom, wash my hands and fix my make-up which isn't horribly messed up from crying it's a good thing I'm wearing all waterproof make-up.

As I am exiting the washroom I see a bottle blonde woman who has had way to much plastic surgery I am concerned for her health. She is also wearing a dress that is way to revealing for a woman her age. It is a black Clarissa plunging v-neck gown that sparkles. Although I am not sure I have a pretty good guess of who she is.

"Anastasia what a pleasure to meet you. My name is Elena Lincoln." She purrs oh god her voice is high-pitched and everything about her is so fake.

"Oh I know who you are Elena." I smile and try to walk around her, but she grabs me.

"Where do you think you're going." She says in a harsh tone. It reminds me of Christian's Dom voice maybe she thinks I'm a submissive.

"I am going back to my table my boyfriend is waiting for me." She chuckles.

"Boyfriend? Oh so the rumours are true someone has stolen Christian's heart. I thought you would be prettier." She shrugs.

"Yes he is my boyfriend. A consensual relationship unlike some you've had in the past." She seems caught off guard by my comment.

"What Christian and I had, was consensual."

"A sexual relationship with a 15-year-old is not consensual." I spit and walk away. It took all I had not to slap her god how could someone be so delusional! I hear her calling toward me but I don't respond. Once I get back to the table ice is flowing through my veins that woman isn't safe around me. She was a trusted friend of Grace and she took advantage of Christian and Grace's trusting nature.

"Whats wrong." Christian asks in a whisper.

"Elena" I spit back. Quiet enough so the others don't hear.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be... I don't want her or anyone to ruin our night." He just smiles and I start to eat the Oso Bucco which is fantastic. Christian's grandmother and I are talking about Tess of the D'Urbervilles. She is truly a fantastic woman and is so proud of her daughter and grandchildren.

As dessert is being served the hiss of a microphone draws everyone's attention to the small stage. Carrick's voice is booms over the PA system. I didn't realize he left our table. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our annual charity ball. I hope you have enjoyed the evening so far and what else we have in-store. I just want to remind you all that this charity is very close to Grace and I's hearts and hope you dig deep into your pockets to support the fantastic work it does." My heart sinks deep in my chest thinking about that scared little boy Grace found years ago. I think of all his scars and how far her has come from those days.

"I am going to had the mic over to the master of ceremonies. I hope you all enjoy your evening." Carrick finishes and rejoins our table.

"Ladies and gentlemen if you could nominate a table leader that would be great."

"Oooh-me, me." Mia shrieks bouncing in her seat. No one says other wise which Mia is very happy about.

"If everyone could find, beg, or borrow a bill of the highest denomination you can manage. Write your name on it and slip it inside the envelope at the centre of the table. Someone will be around soon the collect them thank you."

I am so happy I remembered to bring money. Taylor managed to get an excellent deal on Wanda which Christian put right into my bank account. I am still not sure why someone paid 24,000 for my car. Apparently Wanda was in the best shape for a beetle that old and this guy really wanted it. Sometimes people have more money the sense especially Christian.

I pull out a hundred-dollar that I he put in my eggshell white patten leather clutch and write my name on it. I look at Christian who has done the same and from the look on his face I can tell he's not happy as he slips another hundred back in his wallet.

Mia passes around the envelope around and everyone places their bill inside. The conversation around the table ebbs and flows and no one seems to mind when the MC comes and takes our envelope and out conversation stops. The MC asks of table leader aka Mia to pull out the winning bill which is Anthony's. The wrapped basket is awarded to him.

Christian is telling everyone about his company is developing wind up technology. He is so intent on giving the impoverish the same luxuries we have. He is keen on working with his telecommunications company to make the worlds first wind up mobile phone. Everyone is in awe of Christian as he speaks, although Anthony doesn't understand why he won't patent his idea. Christian is a simple man when it comes to helping others he wants to make it as simple as he can for them.

Mia comes over and whispers in my ear "Ana, are you going to help with the auction?" It's a rather strange request of course I will do anything to help with this event. "Of course." I respond which makes Mia smile.

Once we are off the topic of Christian and his company Grace asks "Anthony why do you call Ana Crewe."

"Well when Ana and I were growing up together she loved the book and the movie little princess. She forced me to read it and I told her I would if she watched Star Wars which she did. She always loved Sara's determination to not let anyone or anything change her even in the hardest of times. So after the step-father Stephen Morton abused her for a year then beat her with an inch of her life she never surrendered to him. She stayed strong when most people would give up. She reminded me of Sara Crewe to it became her nickname." I am mortified that he just told everyone my deepest secret.

"I always knew your were strong Ana. All Christian needed was someone who understood him and your are his saviour." Grace says sweetly and I blush.

"Broken people are drawn to Ana – it'd like she gives off this Aura. She has helped countless people get back on track with their lives including me. I was sexually abused by my grandfather multiple times as a child. Ana brought me back from being so lost I thought the only option was to kill myself. She is an angle sent from heaven." Anthony says which makes me smile without him I wouldn't be who I am today.

"She is isn't she." Christian says with a smile but I see the pain in his eyes when he thinks about me being abused.

We are all given a piece of paper – which is a list of all the auction prizes. Everyone is silent as we read the list which is written in the same beautiful silver calligraphy.

I can start to feel a champagne buzz so I think it's best to drink more water.

AUCTION GIFTS FOR COPING TOGETHER

Signed Baseball Bat from the Mariners – James Murray

Prada Lux Tote Bag – Mrs. Acton

One-Day Voucher for Two at Esclava – Elena Lincoln

Drive and Aston Martin for a Day – Mr. And Mrs. L. W. Nora

Two Cases of Your Choice from Closson Chase – Closson Chase

First Edition of A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Dr. A. F. M Lace-Field

Weekend for Two at the Heathman Hotel, Portland – The Heathman Hotel

Day Trip Aboard The Grace – Mr. C. Grey

One-Week Stay in Aspen, Colorado (Sleeps Six) -Mr. C. Grey

One Week at Lake Adriana, Montana (Sleeps Eight) – Mr. And Dr. Grey.

Weekend in New York City, New York (Sleeps Four) – Mr. C. Grey

How many properties does this man own? It is so like Christian so give everything he can to help others that's one quality I cherish in him.

"You own property in New York and Aspen?" I ask shocked trying not to talk too loud because the auction has started.

He nods, and puts his fingers again his lips telling me to be quiet. I drink some more champagne. Each item is sold for an astonishing amount of money. This is a new concept for me.

The Prada bag went for 2,500$ which is about seven hundred dollars over the retail price. The trip to the She-Things spa went for 1000$ and she looked quite proud of herself when people were bidding for a day at her spa. Christian bought the two cases of wine for 3000$ he tells me their 2010 pinot noir is fantastic.

When it is time to bid for A little Princess Christian starts off "10,000 dollars" What the fuck?

"10,500" Someone else says followed by another "12,000"

Everyone shuts up when Christian says "15,000"

"Going once.. twice.. three times .. sold to Mr. Grey."

"So you like the book?" I ask.

"No I bought it for you" I smile and thank him he is so sweet sometimes.

The bidding for the last prize is Christians place in Aspen which started at 10,000 and they are now at 20,000.

"Going once, Going twice," The MC calls out.

I don't know what possessed me to do this but before I can stop the words from coming out of my mouth I say "Twenty-Four Thousand Dollars" Everyone turns to look at me in their masks and gasp in disbelief. But the only person I notice is Elena who gives me this who-the-fuck-are-you look which makes me smile.

"Twenty-Four Thousand dollars to the lovely lady. Going once, going twice ... sold." What the fuck did you just do? My subconscious sneers at me.

Christian is busy applauding but I can tell his twitch palm won't be stowed tonight.

He leans in a kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear in his harshest Dom voice "I don't know whether to worship at your feet or spank the living shit out of you." His words send sensations right to my core.

"I like the sound of option two sir." I say back in a sweet innocent voice which is a shock to him. He takes a sharp inhale and chuckles.

"Frisky Eh?" And I just nod. I am aching for him.

"If everyone could go to the tent where the dance auction will be held that would be fantastic." The MC calls out.

Christian grabs me tight and starts leading me to the tent when we hear Mia behind us.

"Ana! You have to come with me it's time." What? Time for what? Oooh... This must be the auction she wanted me to help with.

"The auction you silly goose come. All my friend are helping I can't wait for them to meet the amazing girl who stole my brothers heart." Christian is scowling at Mia who does he same back. There is no sense in trying to battle Mia she always wins. I give him a kiss on the cheek before Mia drags me away.

All of Mia's friend are kind except for one Lily. It is obvious that she is jealous of me. That's right he picked me not you.

"So I guess he wasn't gay." she says snidely.

"Oh believe me honey he is not." I snap back. I am a new person tonight I guess it makes it easy when you can hide being a mask.

"Lily behave yourself. She was hoping he would swing her off her feet and carry her into the sunset." Mia say's sweetly. We are lined up in a row on the stage and I am furthest from the left which means I go last. Could this be any more humiliating.

"Gentlemen it is not the highlight of the night. These twelve lovely ladies have all agreed to auction their first dance to the highest bidder." The MC booms and there is around of applause.

This is for a good cause I keep chanting over and over in my head. Mia can see I am nervous so she whispers "Don't worry we all know your first dance will be Christian this is a lot of fun I promise." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Of course Mr. Control Freak CEO will not let my first dance be with anyone but him. All of he single men or the people these lovely ladies came with walk closer to the stage. Christian walks with ease in the crowd of people.

"Our first lovely lady is Elizabeth. She speaks Russia, French, Italian and Spanish. And is an Olympic Gymnast." This is obviously a load of bullshit but I don't care. Two men are fighting over her raising the bid higher and higher until one gives up at 4,000$.

They keep bidding on the other girls and Mia leans in and says "I hope Christian wins.. we don't want him to start a brawl." What the fuck?

"A brawl?" I ask shocked. That's something he left out of his story.

"Woops I've said too much."

"So how much for the lovely Lily." The MC asks.

She is quite proud of herself when she is sold for fifteen thousand dollars. Every one claps including me. It's only Mia and I left on stage and it is her turn to be sold off.

"Mia is fluent in French." That is probably the only truthful thing he has said so far. "She plays six instruments and studies at culinary schools around the world." Before the MC can ask someone says "Six Thousand" Mia gives a little wink and a giggle.

"Ten Thousand" a familiar voice calls.

"Fifteen Thousand" The same gentlemen from before calls.

"Twenty Thousand" Carrick calls out knowing very well that these two men will raise the bid higher.

"Thirty Thousand Dollars" The familiar voice says and everyone gasps.

"Going once, twice, Sold to the gentlemen over there." It clicks it was Ethan, Kate's brother. He family has a lot of money and he unlike Kate has always saved his money. He and Mia are getting quite chatty as I step forward on the stage.

"Let us introduce our last lady Ana. She is well read and is a big fan of the classics. She speaks mandarin and is a famous ballerina ... Well gentlemen how much?"

"Ten Thousand." The bidding starts off with Christian.

"Fifteen" I swear I hear the voice of John Flynn. Ooh shit I don't want to feel the wrath of Christian Grey if he doesn't win. I'm already in enough trouble.

"Twenty Thousand." A random man from the audience calls.

"Fifty Thousand." Christians grandfather calls with a chuckle.

Christian looks nervous like he doesn't know what to do next or maybe not "one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ." Everyone's jaw drops to the floor and Elena runs out of the tent mortified.

"Well it seems like we have high rollers in the house tonight." The MC calls. Christian is glaring at Flynn and his grandfather who are laughing at him.

"Sold for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars." Everyone applause's Christian as he helps me off the stage I am so glad that's over.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen are you ready?" The MC asks getting the okay from Grace and Carrick. "Alright Sam take it away." A young man walks on stage and whispers something to the band before making sure the microphone leveled with him. Moments later the familiar strains of "I've got you under my skin start playing."

Christian take's me in his arms, and starts to move. I am a hopeless dancer since I was born with two left feet, but with Christian's leading I have no problem keeping up. Of course he can dance beautifully. I am momentarily reminded of the words my mother once said to me 'never trust a man who can dance." It is just the two of us and the band. We are swaying to the music smiling like idiots for a second the whole world just melts away.

As the song finishes everyone starts clapping and the singer bows.

"May I cut in?" Flynn asks and Christian nods. This is first dancing with my shrink!

The band starts playing "I got a woman." and Flynn takes his lead.

"Enjoying your evening?" He asks trying to break the tension.

"I've had a wonderful time." I assure him.

"You've changed him." What?

"He's helped you as well, but the Christian I've seen tonight is a whole new person. You are a miracle Ana." I blush and smile.

"I think we just needed people we related with." I say and he smiles.

"Well I thank you for what you've done. Christian is not only a client, but a friend. I am especially thankful for finally make him see the truth about Elena." He say's a little agitated.

"I merely expressed my opinion." I smile as the song ends and Christian is back at my side.

"John" He nods.

"Christian." He says nodding as well.

"I'll see you Thursday Flynn." I say as he walks away and he give smiles.

Christian pulls me into his arms as he spins me around. He seems so carefree this is on of Christian's rare sides, but it's his most beautiful. We dance and twirl for what seems like hours and with every more my anxiety fades away.

"Alright everyone grab your dance partner this will be the last dance of the night." Christian grabs me at the band starts playing 'feeling good'. We dance and spin until the music stops and once again the MC's voice is booms "It is almost midnight everyone so if you'll head down to shore the fireworks are going to start soon." and with that some leave and other stroll down to the shore.

"Do you want to stay or go home?" As much as I want to get in the playroom with him now, but I love fireworks way too much to go home.

"I want to see the firework." I say too excitedly.

"I take it you like fireworks." He says with a smirk.

"I love them ." He smiles a we walk hand in hand to the shore.

We are standing in a group of just under one hundred people the other guests have already gone home. Taylor and Sawyer are no visible most likely because we are in a group of people so it is harder to see. Christian's head is resting on my shoulder and he arms wrapped around my waist. All of a sudden a beautiful classical piece starts to play which Christian later tells me is Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture (Finale). Two fireworks fly into the air and explode with a deafening bang over the bay. It is a beautiful sight to see. The sparkling of silver fireworks over the calm water. The only time I have ever seen fireworks like this is on TV, but it doesn't come close to this. We watch as the fireworks burst into a kaleidoscope of colours. Everything is happening in time with the music.

My face he a permanent grin and I glance at Christian who is the same. He looks so carefree and he smiles as the firework show continues. Among the music and the loud bangs of he fireworks you can hear everyone's oohs and ahs. As the song comes to an end a final volley of six rocket shoot into the air bathing the bay in a marvelous golden light as the crowd erupts in applause and cheering.

"Ladies and gentlemen" The Carrick calls out as the applause dies down. "Just one more thing to add at the end of this wonderful evening. All of your generosity has helped raise a total of two million four hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars!"

The crowd burst into applause again, and out of the pontoon, a message lights up in silver streams of sparks forming the words "Thank You from Coping Together."

I kiss Christian on the cheek and smile. "This is the most that this fundraiser has ever made." He says in shock as he smiles.

"It's probably the amount of money you paid for that dance." I say giggling.

"It was worth every cent Anastasia." He gives me a soft chaste kiss on the lips.

We wait until the crowd of people have dispersed and I think I know why. I am very familiar with PTSD seeing as Ray had it when he got back from the war and my struggles with it after the attack and I can tell that glassy-eyed look Taylor has on his face anywhere. When there are only a few people around Luke and Taylor walk towards us and ask what we would like to do. Since I am very tired I we decide it is best to head home.

"Luke and Christian can you meet us at the car I would like to speak with Taylor for a moment if that's alright." They know I won't take no for an answer so they say their goodbyes as I talk to Taylor.

"Does Christian know?" I ask and he seems confused.

"I'm sorry ma'am"

"Taylor."

"Sorry Ana." He corrects himself and I smile.

"Does Christian know about the PTSD?"

"Yes."

"Does he know that the fireworks are a trigger?"

"Yes." What the fuck?

"Well who would he stay?"

"I told him to. I remember when you were a kid you loved fireworks you were always so mesmerized by them so I told him to stay."

"So you did know who I was."

"Not at first no, but after Sawyer I figured it out. You always had away of fixing those who were broken Annie even as a child and I am thankful for everything you are doing for Christian. I miss your father well both of them, but right now I am referring to Ray." He says with a smile. "We had a misunderstanding and both of us were too stubborn to admit we were wrong and then it was just to late."

"Well I know my father and if you got to talking it would be like none of it ever happened." He smiles and nods his head.

"Maybe I'll give him a call." As we approach the car Grace, Carrick, Mia, Kate, Elliot, Ethan and Anthony are there to see us off. It is the same conversation with everyone. I miss you, love you, had a wonderful time, and promises of seeing each other soon.

I am more than happy to in the car on the way home in Christian's tonight was such a lovely evening and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Please Review xxx I promise lemons in the next chapter.