Once back inside the study, Flynn switched up the seating arrangements, putting Grey in his executive chair behind his desk and Flynn taking a seat on the couch with Taylor's wheelchair sort of off to the side. Before sitting, Flynn handed each man a plastic bottle of water. Taylor opened his and gulped some down nervously. Grey placed his on the desk unopened.
Flynn sat down and began to speak, "I know that this is difficult for both of you, but it needs to be done. If at any time, either of you find yourself needing a break, just say so. Taylor is going to share his relationship with Ana after you, Christian, were publicly and officially declared dead. " he nodded at Taylor to start.
"Ana was in a bad place. She had been struggling to go on without you. She had lost weight, couldn't eat and barely slept. Mostly she cried. In the beginning, the time she spent with Ros was just a waste. She wasn't capable of really focusing on anything, except her need for you. I told you yesterday about the miscarriage. She went straight downhill after that. She laid in your closet and just sobbed. She brought photos of you into the closet and had them taped up everywhere. They were like wallpaper. We tried to get her to sleep in the bed but she refused. So everyone turned in. I couldn't sleep, I don't know why but I decided to get up. I was just in my boxers and decided to check the alarms while I was up. I stepped into the security office and automatically started looking at the feeds, and see Ana headed to the kitchen wearing one of your white undershirts. I was hopeful she was going to get something to eat, but food wasn't what she was after.
She pulled a ten inch butcher knife out of the knife block and headed back to the master. I know as soon as I see her draw it out, she plans to use that knife on herself. My mind is racing, trying to think what to do. There is no time! Somehow, I have to talk with her and get her to give up the knife. I walk quickly to the master, snagging a bottle of Bowmore scotchon the way. Outside the door to the master, I get an idea. I break the seal, open the scotch and take a long drag on it. It burns but damn its smooth. I then slowly open the door and shut it gently behind me. I head straight for the closet and pray I am not too late. I open the closet door. She doesn't look up just says,"Go away, Taylor. "
The knife is nowhere to be seen, but I know its there, somewhere. I open the scotch and take another long pull. I look at all the pictures of you and its all starting to get to me. Tears are running down my face and I offer her the scotch. She accepts and I slide to the floor beside her. She takes a big sip and then splutters and chokes and coughs most of it out. I can't help but smile and pull her close to my naked chest. We didn't talk. We just sat on the floor with my arm around her holding her close to me, letting her know she is safe. Eventually, she gets up to use the bathroom. I take that time to find the fucking knife. She has it hid inside a boot. I leave it there. I sip some more from the bottle. I remember being surprised how low it was. I broke the seal on it so I know it was full when we started. I stagger to my feet and decide I need to take a leak as well. We literally bump into each other as she exits the bathroom and I enter. She giggles and grabs my arms for balance, but still manages to crash into my chest. I run my hands up and down her arms then give her a shove towards the bed and head for the bathroom.
When I came out, she was still standing there, staring at the bed and crying. I put my arms around her and ask her what's wrong. She explains that she can't sleep in the bed anymore without Christian, she misses him too much.
Remember, I had been drinking. I get this brilliant idea that could only come from being drunk. I offer to pretend to be Christian. I figured she would laugh. She didn't laugh. She just kept staring at me. Suddenly, she goes back into the bathroom and comes out with his cologne.
"Can you put some of this on first?" She asks solemnly.
I nod and she hands me the bottle. I slap some on my neck and hand the bottle back.
She returns the cologne to the bathroom and comes back to my side. And puts her little hand in mine. Then she leads me to the bed.
"I need a break."Christians harsh voice interrupts me as he stands and storms out of the room.
I watch Flynn follow him out and feel guilty.