Chapter 14

A/N: I hope you enjoy. Sorry for the delay. This is unedited, not the beta'd version, so some things may change. But it's been a couple of weeks and I am feeling the itch to post. Again I hope you enjoy.

Narration: Ana is receiving an award for all of her work with Coping Together over the past year. It's her night and she is beautiful and accomplished. Christian learns what was taking so much of her attention and feels like a heel.

~oo0oo~

June 14th, Evening of Coping Together Ball

Ana

The marquee is magical. No one does a shindig like Grace, though shindig is probably the wrong description, more like a soiree, with three hundred of her closest associates. It is absolutely the height of elegance. A quick glance around confirms the fact that half of the guest are watching our table agog at the speculated drama that may ensue here. Some peering surreptitiously, others blatantly staring at the two-step we perform around each other. Of course Christian and I had been seated beside one another, but Kate in typical fashion rearranged our place cards upon our arrival at the table. Now, she, Elliot, Scott, Mia's current boyfriend, and Mia were between my husband and me. I am surprised that he showed up at all, thought he would be busy elsewhere. He at least had the decency not to take his place at the table until just before dinner was served. Then there is the fact that my dad is here sitting to the right of me, and itching to get a hold of Christian.

In between attempts to engage me in conversation Ray is staring daggers at his son-in-law, who manages to duck as the sycophantic hoards clamber to get in his good graces or close to the unfolding drama, either way I'm sick of watching it.

As my mind retreats I escape as I do a week in review.

oo0oo

I walk into Grey Publishing Monday morning to hushed tones as I walk by, very grating, but little I can do about it, so I go about my morning, escaping to Montesano becoming more attractive by the minute. One of my more distasteful errands is to run by Dr. Greene's for a hastily made appointment. I was fortunate she was able to fit me into a late morning visit. About thirty minutes before I need to leave I am made aware of a commotion down the street when Sawyer rushes into my office informing me we will be staying inside until we get an 'all clear' from Taylor, then refuses to leave my side for the rest of the day, with the exception of my examination at Dr. Greene's. Once we were able to leave the only thing Sawyer would tell me was that there was a potential threat that had to be handled. On the short ride to Dr. Greene's Sawyer shows me an envelope that came in the morning's mail. The script is distinctive and I recognized it immediately, even though my name 'Anastasia' is the only information on the envelope. Sawyer said that someone slipped it in my already scanned mail, but he had been looking for it, expecting this particular hydra to rear her ugly heads. Elena Lincoln, I had hoped maybe she'd crawled into a cave a died, no such luck. I refuse to touch the offending envelope and tell Sawyer to make sure Christian got his fan mail. And the hits just keep on comin', but what was about to occur was the final straw. As I was leaving Dr. Greene's office, just as Sawyer was about to close my door, Christian runs up, blocking the door as he searches my face. I am startled, alarmed, and irritated, my heart thumping hard in my chest.

"What the hell are you doing?" I hiss.

He just stands there searching my face until his eyes drop down and scan my seated form.

"Christian?" I feel naked after that thorough perusal.

"Ana, are you pregnant?"

What alternate universe have I crossed into, if he had slapped me across the face I couldn't be more appalled. I want to slap him back, so, I narrow my eyes and clue him into why I needed to see my gynecologist.

"No, I'm not." My tone is glacial. "Actually, I came to get a complete STD screening. God only knows what you two mongrels gave each other." He stands there stunned enough that Sawyer is able to get my door shut, hand him Elena's envelope and slide into the driver's seat.

"Drive Sawyer, please, just get me the hell out of here." Tears sting the back of my eyes. "We need to go to Grey Meadow so that I can pack some clothes and toys for Teddy. We are going to Montesano, now." I am sure my tone and the look in my eyes brook no questioning, as Sawyer just quietly nods and heads toward the house on the Sound.

oo0oo

I am brought out of my thoughts by the waiter taking my first course from in front of me. This is probably one of the most expensive meals in all of Seattle tonight, but it might as well be chalk for as much as I am enjoying it. I watch for a spell as conversations go on around me. I am relieved when I notice no one is paying me too much attention, with the exception of the grey eyed devil across the table. He seems intent on catching my gaze and I am just as intent on ignoring him, at least until after I give my 'thank you' speech for the award I am receiving in recognition of the hard work done on behalf of the families that Coping Together assists.

I retreat into my head again; smiling as I remember spending the week at my dad's.

oo0oo

Evading the paps is always headache, but this time it is unexpectedly exhilarating if I am totally honest. I know if we can make them believe I am still in the house I might have a chance at a calm visit in Montesano with limited security staff. They are particularly aggressive this afternoon. I am in the very back of the SUV, the cargo hold, ducked down behind our luggage, so I only hear what is happening. I hear muffled shouts…

"Mrs. Grey,…(garbled words I can't understand)…is she in there?"

"Mrs. Grey…..husband…affair?"

"Come….roll down the window. Let….

Sawyer is honking the horn and grumbling for them to move aside.

"Get the fuck out of the way, you pack of jackals." He muttered under his breath. I feel the vehicle come to a complete stop.

"Where are you taking Mrs. Grey?" I hear that one clearly. "Is she in there…roll down the window."

"No!...Move!" Sawyer is shouting at the closed window. The SUV starts inching along. "Move!" I finally hear the window slide down. "Get the fuck out of the way you vultures." You tell'em Sawyer.

I hear the clicks of camera shutters; and the incessant shouts of…"Mrs. Grey! Mrs. Grey!

"Cut the crap, you clowns are ridiculous. Do you think I would roll down this window with Mrs. Grey in the vehicle? I value my life and my job. Now go get a real job and stop harassing upstanding citizens."

"Roll down the back window, we want to make sure she is not on the floor hiding from us." One of the pushier bastards demands.

"GET the fuck outta here, NO!, I'm telling you she's not back there."

"Well then we're just going to follow you to see where you are taking her." Another voice has joined in, my heart jumps into my throat and my stomach plummets.

"Mrs. Grey is hiding from you blood sucking leeches,….in her home, where if you set one toe on her property she can have you arrested." Just roll down the damn window Sawyer so we can get out of here, I shout in my head. I am annoyed and relieved when I hear the windows going down. More clicking shutters, now I can actually see flashes, and I'm terrified they are going to discover me. I hold my breath.

"Satisfied, you fuckers?"

"Sawyer, how is Mrs. Grey?" A female voice.

"None of your business," He hisses, I am practically giddy when I hear the widows sliding back up and feel the SUV pick up speed.

I wait for what feels like an eternity before I ask, "Are they following us?"

"No, you can come out now."

"Oh my God, Sawyer, I was petrified for a moment there." I say as I climb over the third row."

"Dammit, Ana, could you wait for me to come to a stop, you know you are the most accident prone person I know." He huffs.

I scrunch my face because I don't believe that is true. "No I'm not. Anyway, I'm in my seat and buckled up."

"Good."

Two hours later we are headed south on I-5. Twenty miles out of the city I decide I'll text Christian and let him know where we're headed.

*I'm on my way to see Ray and spend some time away from all of this madness. I have Sawyer with me and Teddy* Ana

I know this will send him into a frenzy.

I get a surprise security lecture from Luke as I wait on my security lecture from Christian.

"Ana, I know you have always pushed back against your security, but I have to tell you quite frankly I feel that is childish. You don't understand the level of threats that are received about you and Teddy on daily basis." He states firmly never taking his eyes from the road.

"Of course Sawyer, I understand, but in my defense, I have given you guys no problems since Teddy was born, as a matter of fact, since Hyde's attack." I am a little perturbed that he feels the need to chastise me. "Why did you feel the need to chastise me just now?"

"Because we took off from Seattle with little or no notice, because I am currently the only protection officer with you and Teddy. This is the perfect opportunity if someone is watching to grab you or Teddy or both of you. Now that you understand what it is we look for and think about on an hourly basis, I'll relieve your possible panic by letting you know that I contacted Taylor while we were at Elliot's and told him we were going to Montesano. Reynolds is racing to catch up to us, so we won't be left without sufficient coverage."

"I'm sorry." I say turning to look out the back window, what I am looking for, I don't know. "After the events of this morning I had to get out of there."

"I get that Ana, I do, how long have you been contemplating going to visit your dad? He flicks his eyes to me in the rearview mirror.

"In all honesty I first thought of it last Friday while at the attorney's office, but I was thinking next week after the ball. But Elena's letter, Christian's ambush, and whatever was taking place outside the office earlier all came together and I started feeling suffocated, like the walls were closing in, and I just had to leave."

"Had you mentioned that before now, we could have had things in place to accommodate you, rather than scrambling last minute, leaving us more vulnerable than we ever should be."

I nod my head somberly, I really do see his point. My cell phone vibrates. Great, now Christian's going to give me a rash of shit.

*I understand your need to get away. I wish you had given us more notice, but we will do what is necessary on this end to keep you and Teddy safe. Please be careful. I love you Ana, kiss Teddy for me.* CG

I stare unblinking at the message I just received, so un-Fifty. Though I cannot blame everything on Christian's infidelity, all the events of this morning are a direct result, and though I don't know exactly what happened outside of GP I have a sinking suspicion that it has something to do with his indiscretion.

We arrive at my dad's by 4:30 with daylight to spare; Reynolds pulling up right behind us. The feeling of being home is indescribable; I feel as though I have set down a heavy, heavy load, and melt into my father's embrace. After I get dinner done and the kitchen clean we relax in the backyard. Ray questions me on why I was suddenly so homesick; I tell him a half truth.

"The paparazzi were getting out of control. I see the light's on at the Moore's, think I'll go over and say 'hi'." I'm not ready to have that conversation just yet. I grab Teddy's hand tell Sawyer and Reynolds I'm going just across the alleyway to say hi to my childhood friend's family, they nod and trail behind me.

"Guys I doubt…." Sawyer cuts me off with, "Don't." I heave an exasperated sigh and turn on my heels and push the back gate open. I love visiting with Cami's family, hell, I spent just as much time here as my own home growing up. I rap on the back door open it and walk in. All of the squealing and hugging scare poor Teddy half to death, he has a death grip on me and his head is buried in the crook of my neck.

"Oh Ana he is just precious," Miss Dee Dee coos at Teddy. Teddy keeps a wary eye on her peeking from under my chin. "He's getting so big, hi Teddy." He turns his head, hiding in the crook of my neck again. I roll my eyes.

"Give him a minute Miss Dee Dee, he'll warm up." Delores Moore looks exactly the way I picture Gabrielle Union looking when she reaches her early fifties. "He's anything but shy."

"Then he's nothing like his mother, is he?" She's says lightly tickling his sides. I feel him smile against my neck. "I guess I'll just have to give my delicious chocolate chip coooookies to these two handsome gentlemen over here." She winks at me playfully.

"Oh!" I exclaim, "I'm sorry, my manners are deplorable, Mrs. Delores Moore this is Luke Sawyer, and Craig Reynolds; Luke, Craig this is Delores Moore; the finest pediatric nurse, and best cookie baker in all of Washington State."

"I don't know if I'd go that far," She jokes, "just Grays Harbor County. Hello Luke, I believe we've met before, Hello, Craig it's a pleasure to meet you." She receives a head bob and a tight "Ma'am" in response. Oh, Lord it is time for them to go. I manage to get them to at least retreat to the patio and we go and sit in the dining room. She finally coaxes Teddy out with a cookie, before I know it he is in her arms stroking her face.

"Uh-oh Ana, I think you may have a lover on your hands." I roll my eyes and groan.

"Please don't jinx me like that Miss Dee Dee." We both laugh.

"Can Miss Dee Dee have a kiss Teddy?" She asks while tapping her cheek. My ever so out-going son plants a cookie crumb covered kiss right on her cheek. We are all startled when we hear a booming baritone voice ask who was kissing his wife and evidently eating his cookies. My poor little guy didn't know what to do so he cried.

"Wayne you should be ashamed of yourself, scaring a little baby like that." She swats at her husband while chastising him. "I'll never get another kiss now." I hear the back door and I'm not sure if Sawyer and Reynolds' are advancing or retreating, I don't see them so they must have figured out everything is okay.

"Hi Mr. Wayne," I say laughing. "You should be ashamed scaring me and my baby like that."

He makes like he is so surprised to see me, "Well hello there Ana! You're so tiny I didn't see you there." I shake my head as this has been his greeting to me for as long as he's known me.

We have a pleasant visit, I learn that Cameron and Carmello, Cami's older and younger brothers are doing well, and that Camille has a small side business, but I'll have to ask her what it's all about when I see her tomorrow. I see that Teddy's is getting tired, so I say my goodbyes and we make our way back across the yard.

The rest of my stay is just as fun and relaxing. Cami and I finally get together on Wednesday, we go to take Teddy over to our favorite childhood playground only to find it rundown and dilapidated. I am heartbroken and more than a little angry.

"Cam, what happened? There is no way I am letting my baby play here. I'm not even putting him down." I hold him tighter as he is wriggling, itching to get down and run. "Where do the neighborhood kids play?"

"I have no idea hun. The neighborhood is not what it used to be."

"Well what would it take to get it rehabbed?"

"Ooooh yeah, we could call it the Teddy Ray Grey Playground." Cam is way too exuberant, she's jumped over the how, straight to kids romping in the newly renovated Teddy Ray Grey Playground. I signal for Reynolds to come get him and put him in the SUV.

"Um….slow down, no Teddy Ray Grey anything. We don't put him out there like that. We don't ever invite attention to him in that way. Cami honey, you don't realize how despicable the media can be, and I've learned the hard way."

"So, the rumors, they're true? Her face falls when she sees the look on mine.

"Yeah Cam, he cheated." I say as the tears begin their track and my voice cracks. "Not just some fling, which is unforgivable by itself, but he stood in our family room and told me he was in love with her."

"Ana, no," She folds me into a loving hug. "When did you find out? How long has it been going on?

"Cam I don't know," I abruptly pull away from the embrace. "Please, we haven't actually talked, and I don't really want all of the dirty details at this point. Look, I just had this very conversation with Kate and I really don't want to have it again. I found out one week ago today. And it's been hell ever since. I'm in Montesano right now because I had to get away from him, the paps, and all the tension."

"Ok, ok, I get it." She leans in and bumps my shoulder with hers, "You do know we will go to Seattle and kick his ass for you, don't you?"

"Who is 'we' Cam?" I'm dying to hear this.

"Oh, you know,…Pookie n'the boyz." My mouth is hanging open. Tears forgotten.

"Who!" I bark and start laughing."Camille, you don't know any one named Pookie." I see the smile slide across her face.

"I know, I was just hoping to make you laugh."

"Well you succeeded." I hook my arm in hers and start walking toward the SUV. "Now tell me about this side business that your mom can't talk about in front of your dad."

"Oh, I sell sex toys, lingerie, and erotica to horny housewives, career girls, and college coeds." Once again she's left me with my mouth hanging open. "Let me tell you Ana there are some real kinky freaks out there."

"Is that right," I say, my words dripping with sarcasm, as we slide in beside Teddy."You'll have to tell me all about that one day."

~o0o~

"Annie, you're not enjoying your meal?" Ray leans in to question, bringing me back to the here and now.

I look down at my plate; I thought I had managed to eat more than I had.

"The meal is great," I lie, "Just not much of an appetite at the moment."

"Try and eat alright P'nut, you don't want to go fainting when you receive your award, do you?"

"A case of butterflies," Elliot leans behind Kate to ask. I give him a wan smile and nod my head.

"Really Steele, you'll be wonderful, don't sweat it." Kate adds.

I flick a quick look around the table and everyone is honed in on this conversation. Great.

Just then some kind of fairly significant skirmish kicks off. The security team jumps into action, some surrounding our entire table, seconds from hauling us all from the marquee; while others attended to whatever problem has transpired.

"I want my son. I want to see my son!" My voice increasing steadily in volume, I hear simultaneously, in a much deeper voice. "Does Morgan have eyes on Teddy? I am heading to the house; I'm not fucking asking….Christian is snapping at Taylor.

There are several new names and faces on the security roster Calvin Morgan is one of them. He may be the biggest human being I've ever seen in my life. He dwarfs the rest of the security staff and that is no mean fete. I believe if he had the notion he could carry me about like a Raggedy Ann doll. I met him on our return to Seattle yesterday, he's going to be second on Teddy from now on. Ted peered at him from behind my legs for the first several minutes, then craned his little neck to continue to stare at him from his car seat in the second row, as we ran last minute errands. His smooth coffee complexion and light brown eyes make his face very pleasant to look at. He looks to me, to be in his twenties but I can't tell and I haven't seen his personnel file.

We learned that a reporter, posing as a member of the wait staff had been uncovered, and had been forcibly removed after being thoroughly and roughly searched. Everything has been delayed as they sweep the rest of the servers for any recording devises. One of Graces assistance comes over to collect me as Grace is about to make her introduction and present the award to me. Ever present Sawyer presses in on his ear piece then reassures me that Mr. Grey is at the house personally checking on Teddy. I find that calming for a number of reasons, one, he won't be here watching my speech, and two, I can relax knowing my son is well protected.

The butterflies erupt again as I stand alongside the stage. Trying to quell the nervous tick I've developed of smoothing my dress. I love my gown. It is young, sexy, flirty, while tasteful and elegant, and I feel beautiful in it. It really is stunning. It is a Reem Acra, intricately beaded in a leaf motif, off the shoulder, with a long flowing white skirt, that I have paired with strappy beaded sandals, keeping to the young and flirty theme. My hair is up in a messy bun, with lots of wisps falling around my shoulders. I leave my jewelry to a minimum as the beading in the bodice and the cut of the gown showcase my neck and décolletage perfectly...I step on the stage feeling confident... Sawyer assists me on stage as Grace begins her remarks.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am so happy to have you at this year's Coping Together Ball. It is my sincere honor and great pleasure to bestow this year's Volunteer of the Year Award to my very special daughter-in-law, Anastasia Grey. Ana, as she prefers to be called, worked tirelessly in service to the many families Coping Together assists, giving of herself, her time and her many resources to ensure a better future for those battling addiction. Our Ana conceived and saw through to fruition a new service Coping Together is excited to offer. The Grey Center for Musical and Artistic Therapy will provide musical education and instruments, painting and art supplies, writing, and acting workshops as an artistic outlet for our participants and their children. Ana will you step forward please," she pivots and stretches her hand out to hold mine as I step to the podium. Her smile is so warm and genuine, I know she is truly thankful for all of the time and effort I put into seeing 'The Center' get off the ground.

"Ana it is with a great deal of professional but more importantly personal pride and heartfelt gratitude that I present you the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award." The applause is thunderous, I can feel it in my chest, I can hear Elliot whistling from our table. Grace hugs me and hands me the beautiful crystal flame award, then steps aside so that I can stand directly in front of the microphone. As the applause dies down I begin my speech.

I lean toward the microphone as say, "Thank you" and turn to leave, but Grace is right there smiling and shaking her head pointing back to the podium. There is laughter from the audience.

"Many of you who know me, know that the spotlight is not where I feel most comfortable, so this will be quick." More laughter. "I sincerely thank the nominating committee for considering me worthy as this year's recipient, and the Coping Together board for recognizing all the hard work done. The honor and pleasure is all mine, though the thanks should go to the many people who were instrumental in seeing 'The Center' as we call it, get off the ground. There are truly too many to mention here this evening, but you know who you are, and know that I could not have done any of it without you. The idea of bringing the arts as a way of therapy to those struggling with the scourge of addiction was not a bolt from the blue. I was in the privileged position to see how learning to play the piano helped to heal one broken little boy and how that t ability helped him even in his adult life, and it was not much of a leap, once I started spending time at the Coping Together house to see how the arts could move others to a better place in their lives also." A resounding "Mama" is heard throughout the marquee. "Hi Teddy, Mommy will be down in just a second, be good. Again thank you for this honor, I am humbled ."

I turned to leave and heave a sigh of relief that this is finally over, and I am faced with Christian standing at the bottom of the steps waiting to assist me from the stage. Shit! I look quickly out into the audience and everyone is watching. Shit! There are only about five steps until the end of the stage, I have the award, and my dress to navigate. I will definitely need assistance down the steps. I start over to the stairs and suddenly Ray is there, Thank God. I hand Christian the award, lift my dress over my shoes, and grab Ray's hand as I descend the stairs.

"P'nut, you were sensational" Ray has me by my elbow and his other hand at my mid-back, directing me to the table, and shielding me from Christian who is following close behind us."

"Sensational," my steps falter. That is the ultimate praise coming from my dad, the original man of a few words. I look up into his eyes and he needs to say no more, I can see how proud he is, and I well up. At the table everyone envelopes me with hugs and whispered word of congratulations, all I want is to hold my son. I sit for a moment with Teddy on my knee, guests from other tables are starting to make their way over. The family knowing we don't like to have Teddy in such public situations, and the obviously tense and alert security staff is making for highly charged atmosphere. I want to get away for a few moments to myself. Grace is very intuitive and comes over to take Ted back to the house, I watch for a second as she and Teddy head off with Ryan and Morgan in tow. Leaning over I inform Kate that I am retreating to the lavatory for a few minutes of private time. As I exit the most lavish port-a-johns I've ever seen, Christian lays in wait for me.

"I had no idea, why didn't you tell me?" His head is bowed, as if he is talking to his shoes.

"It was supposed to be a surprise, a special moment, I wanted show you how much I loved you, how touched I was by the remarkable man you turned out to be." I let out a very unladylike humph while rolling my eyes. We are walking toward the house not the marquee. We stop on the patio; I try to move past him.

"Ana, will you stop and listen to me. Please." I know he wants to grab me, hold me in place, he's on the edge, desperation and sorrow stain his voice. "I am so sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake….

I let my head snap back so that I can see his face. "No Christian, you didn't make a mistake, you made a decision, you made a choice, over and over again.

"You're right, I made the wrong decision, I made terrible choices. All I want…

"Yeah, you did," I cut him off again. "and now we all get to live with the consequences. What you want is no longer my concern." I can feel the venom emanating from every pore like I am trying to purge a sickness. "Look Christian, this isn't healthy, this isn't doing either of us any good, don't get me wrong it feels damn good to stand here and hurl angry, hurtful words at you, but at the end of the day it gets us nowhere.

"I deserve every word you have to say to me." Well how fucking noble.

I shake my head sadly, and hunch one shoulder in resignation.

"Then it's lucky for you I have no more words, there aren't enough to express how badly you've hurt me, what you've done to us, to our family."

"Baby," I flinch at the endearment, it doesn't go unnoticed. "Ana, tell me what to do, tell me what you need, let me make this right. I'll do anything." He's pleading.

"You can't." my tone is as dead as I wish my feeling were.

"Never without a protection Ana, not once," he mistakes the disgust on my face for confusion, "Monday, your STD tests," He all but whispers by way of explanation. Random much Christian?

"Teddy and I are leaving in two weeks for Savannah." See, I can do it too. This conversation is off the rails. "You can see him as much as you want before we go."

"For a visit or are you moving there?" Panic evident.

"I haven't decided yet, depends on whether I find a job or not."

"How can we work on things, how can I make this right if you are on the other side of the country," He moves to stand inches from me, shaking his head slowly back and forth. "What I needed to tell, what I want you to know… is that it's over. I ended it officially last Sunday but I had already made up my mind during that ill thought out dinner at SkyCity. She's not my lifetime, you are Ana, you, no one else. Please Ana give me the chance to make this up to you, to Teddy, to everyone I've hurt."

"This is exactly why I have to get away from here. You think ending your filthy dalliance and saying 'sorry' will make this alright. I have no doubt that you are sorry, hell, I can see it. But sorry won't bring back the broken trust, or mend my shattered heart, will it Christian," My nerves are starting to fray, I can feel myself coming unglued, and I'm not doing this tonight. He doesn't get to control this. "I'm done with this conversation for this evening, no doubt we will have to have it sometime soon, but I would appreciate you leaving me alone tonight, I'd like to enjoy the remainder of what should have been an outstanding night for us." Turning on my heels I march past Ray back to the marquee and a much needed glass of champagne. I'm sure my dad has some choice words for my philandering husband, good luck Christian, sure hope you have those running shoes handy.

Thirty minutes or so later, and two glasses of champagne down I see a most decidedly unhappy Christian walk back into the marquee. I spot the mini seizure he has as he sees who is talking with me. A short while ago David Perez from the Mariners walked over to tell me how impressed he was with my dedication and success with starting 'The Center', and hands me my third glass of champagne. I thank him graciously and hope that the conversation ends there, it doesn't. He tells me how drug addiction had touched his family, and how he wished there had been a program that could have helped some of his family members. I was never so thankful to see Kate, and Elliot. They came over just seconds before Christian entered the marquee or there could have been a real scene. Kate and I wander off to check on how the silent auction is going, when I see Christian and David Perez having a tense conversation, I see security gathering and Elliot steps to them telling them cool it, or take somewhere else.

Grace has come back from the house and is holding court at the table. I make my way over and let her know I am heading in for the evening. This is the culmination of a very long week and all I want right now is the bed. I am stopped several times before I actually get out of the marquee and head for the house with Sawyer right behind me.

The day dawns and last night is a little blurry. It was a great night for the most part, one I will treasure, as I received my first award of merit, for something I conceived and created. The thought puts a silly grin on my face, it's a tremendous feeling. I also recall my confrontation with Christian. I know we have to have a real sit down bare it all conversation but I'm fine to put that off for now. I don't care what anyone says, I know I am not ready for that yet, though I can feel myself getting stronger. I have made up my mind and I am going to go to Georgia for awhile, spend some time with my mom and hopefully heal a little. I need to get up, there is a houseful of people and I'm sure Grace could use a hand with the guests.

The kids are up, the house is lively, the smells of breakfast permeating every room, putting everyone in a jovial mood.

Grace, Mia and I are in the kitchen getting brunch together. Gretchen is there also, being more friendly toward me then she has ever been in the entire three years I've had to deal with her. I guess she thinks she has a chance now, and for all I care maybe she does. Brunch is going to be buffet style, with Gretchen doing omlettes upon request. Feeding Teddy and Ava has the whole family in stitches. Ted of course likes the French toast and bacon, but watching him spit out scrambled is gross. Christian trying to reprimand him and teach him table manners is comical, I can tell he is getting frustrated as the hand is sweeping his hair the whole meal. I am glad it is just family and a few of Grace and Carrick's close friends. The morning winds down and I want to get back to the house, spend some time with my son and my dad. I decided while in Montesano that I would come home to my own house. I needed to provide some familiarity and stability for my son, and this is our home, beside with my dad spending the weekend I couldn't impose on Elliot and Kate any longer. I didn't know Christian had gone back to the house on the Sound until Gail informed me on Tuesday when I asked her to get a guest room ready for my dad. Well, he can just go back to Escala, I'm not going to sweat it. We have managed polite conversation all morning, both of us chasing Teddy and co parenting with no emotional breakdown from either of us, but now he wants to see me in his dad's study for a private conversation.

"Ana, please I really want you to reconsider running to Savannah."

"I won't, I am actually excited about going. Call it running if that is what gets you through the night, but I am going to do what's best for me right now."

"What about what's best for Teddy, are you thinking about that?"

"Were you so concerned with Teddy's well being when you were running around with Paige." He visibly stiffens at the fact that I know her name. "Yes, Christian, I know her name. Paige Dennison. I have us on Google Alerts also." I sniff the air and crinkle my nose, "What's that?" I make a show of sniffing again and gasp, "Christian! your desperation smells a lot like bullshit. And just so that you know, the best place for Teddy…is wherever his mother is."

~oo0oo~

Once again my thanks to fungirlygirl, she took my idea for an award and kicked it up several notches by coming up with The Grey Center for Musical and Artistic Therapy.

I have started a Pinterest page, you can find it at pinterest dot com slash writerDi slash after-the-fall slash

All previous disclaimers still apply.