Wow over 65 reviews for the first chapter, I'm so blown away. It would be awesome to get another 65 for this chapter. I want to give my thanks to my girl "J" who helped me out with this chapter. I will be slowly adding pins to the board throughout the day. Also please read the Authors note at the end.
"You left. You didn't say goodbye. No, in fact what you said was worse than any goodbye. I haven't heard from you in over ten years. Then out of nowhere you end up showing up to my high school reunion. How the fuck you even managed that, and then two days later to my house. So yeah, I have a right to be like this. To be pissed at you"
Chapter 2
He jerks back as if I slapped him. He looks stunned, those piercing gray eyes wide, his mouth moving like he wants to say something but the words aren't coming out. Finally those eyes narrow and he snarls, "What do you mean you haven't heard from me? I wrote you over a dozen letters, Anastasia. You are the one who didn't contact me. You are the one that was able to move on less than a year later.
It fucking killed me to hear that. After writing to you, explaining why I said what I did, that I really did love you and wanted a chance to make things right, your father was much too happy to let me know you had a new man in your life. I had to accept that what I did was unforgiveable and you were happy without me. So don't stand there and say you have a right to be pissed at me.
I let you live your life while every year that passed without a response I died a little more inside, locking away my emotions so I could never be that hurt again. And do you know what the crazy fucking thing is? I still lo-," he cuts himself off, his lips pressed together in a hard line, shaking his head.
When he turns to go to the mini-bar and fix himself a drink, I sink onto the arm of the couch behind me, my head down. I'm speechless, my brain is muddled, my eyes dart back and forth unseeing as I try to process what he said. He did love me…still does. It wasn't a lie. But…letters? What letters? What new man? My father...?
"What—no comeback Anastasia? Do you need time to come up with an excuse to continue to pin this all on me?"
My head snaps up. He stands there with a tumbler of amber colored liquor, derision in his eyes. Where did the man that was near tears go? I need answers. I'm so confused. "Christian…I don't know what you're talking about. I never got any letters. There's hasn't been any other man in my life. And when the hell did you talk to my father?"
He stares at me a beat, his face hard, eyes searching my face. For what, I don't know, eventually he softens. It's like a mask slips away and for the first time, I can see that he's been hurting just as much as I have.
"You really don't know," he murmurs. It wasn't a question, but I still shake my head slowly. He leaves his glass behind as he crosses over to me, taking my hands. There's that tingle again, every single time. "Come here." He leads me to sit on the couch properly, settling himself on the other end facing me, his inside leg under the other.
I mirror his position and wait anxiously.
"Ana…there's so much you need to know. I don't know where to start." He runs a hand through his unruly copper locks. Something he always did when he was frustrated. I smile inwardly at the familiar gesture.
"Start with the letters."
"I wrote you that day," he gives me a pained look. "I went home, hating myself for what I said, forced into doing what I was told was right. After a few hours of brooding and not being able to get the look on your face out of my head, I decided to write you letter. To explain why I did it and what really happened and where I was going. I couldn't leave without letting you know, but I couldn't stick around and risk running into you. It was already killing me to let you go. My apartment held too many memories, and quite frankly, I wasn't given much choice. I put it in your mailbox that night before I left."
"I never got it," I whisper. "Why? Why did you say it? Why did you lie?" I beseech him. I've spent ten years thinking our love was a lie. It's finally sinking in that he did love me, and if I'm right, based on what he almost said earlier, he still does. I'm desperate for the answer.
He gazes at me intently, "Didn't you ever wonder how Mr. Smith found out?" He waits for my nod, "It was your father."
"Whaaa-? How? No…" I can't believe it. It's not possible. We were so careful. Surely he would've talked to me first.
"Ana, I called your father the night before."
Flashback (CPOV)
It's about half past ten in the evening. I've been sitting here for twenty minutes after dropping Ana off at our secret spot. My phone moves back and forth between my hands as I contemplate what I want to do. I keep wavering on if it's necessary or not. Fuck it! I love her. And if I want to be with her freely, I need to do this. I dial the number and wait as it rings.
"Hello, Steele residence. This is Ray speaking." While the greeting is polite, there's caution in his voice.
"Good evening Mr. Steele, this is Christian Grey calling."
"Oh! Mr. Grey, you're Annie's music teacher correct?" Not just that, but he doesn't know yet.
"Yes, sir. That's correct. I was hoping to talk to you about something. Is now a good time?" Maybe I should have waited until the morning.
"What's this about? It's a little late for a school call isn't? I will say though that Carla and I sure do appreciate all the help you gave Annie with her song writing. It's a beautiful song."
"Yes, it is. She's very talented and will go far in the music industry. I apologize for calling so late. What I wanted to discuss is of a more personal nature." There's silence on the other end. I wipe my clammy hand on my pants, praying this wasn't a mistake. When there's still no reply, I proceed, albeit hesitantly.
"You see Mr. Steele, graduation is coming up, and although Ana is of legal age, I know how important you are to her. I wanted to ask your permission to date your daughter. We've fallen in love and I want us to have a future together," I hold my breath and wait for the outcome. It doesn't take long for me to know this was a massive mistake.
"YOU WHAT!" He roars. I hear some murmuring in the background and then a door slam.
"I love her, she loves me. We've gotten to know each other very well over the last few months. She's means the world to me." I state, surely that's got to count for something.
"Annie is eighteen years old; she doesn't know what love is. Did you rape her? Did you trick her into believing she's in love with you?" His tone is so cold and hard it could slice through stone.
"What! NO! I didn't touch her without her consent, which she is of legal age to give." How could he think that of me? I would never do that.
"You listen to me you sick son of a bitch. She's been spending hours with you writing a love song. She was probably caught up in the notion of love, and you, being her teacher, she trusted you. She didn't know what she was consenting to," he spits.
Now I'm getting angry. "Mr. Steele-," he cuts me off.
"SHUT UP! Now, this is what you're going to do. You are going to end things with Annie. I don't care how you do it, but you make damn sure she knows you don't love her. Then you're going to go far, far away, and never contact her again. Let her forget about you and work toward that bright future you know she deserves."
He is out of his fucking mind. I could never do that to her. I won't let her go. "With all due respect Mr. Steele, you can't make me do that. And you can't stop Ana from being with me. I thought I was doing the right thing by asking your permission, ONLY because you mean so much to her. But legally, we don't need it. I can see this was a mistake."
"You're damn right it was a mistake! It was a mistake that you ever touched her! I will ruin you! I may not be able to get you on rape, but I will do everything I can to make sure your sorry ass ends up in jail if you don't end things with Annie. Your job, your reputation, a stigma will be attached to your name in this town, perhaps the state. Choose wisely."
My jaw is set, teeth grinding together. I won't let him push me into this. I haven't done anything wrong other than being her teacher, which is a moot point in two weeks. I can deal with the backlash. But can Ana? Will she want to stay with me if her father revealed our relationship started while school was still in session? We could leave together. I know she was accepted to various music schools, all on the east coast. She wouldn't admit it, but I know she was reluctant to choose because she didn't know what it would mean for us. I'll follow her anywhere, my family will understand. These thoughts fly through my head in the space of seconds. "I choose Ana, Mr. Steele. I will always choose her. I love her. Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't do the same for your wife?"
"My wife wasn't a high school senior when we met, nor was I her teacher. You leave me no choice Mr. Grey. I will see you in the principal's office tomorrow. You can explain to him how and why you've had a personal relationship with a student. I'll bring the cops with me." Click.
Fuck! I launch my phone at the wall. Its pieces rain down onto the floor.
End flashback (APOV)
Holy shit! How could my father do that? Why didn't he talk to me first?
"I'm sorry," he says lowly. "I know that sounds trite and you probably don't believe me. But I really am truly sorry. A big piece of me died having to say those words to you...having to lie to you. I loved you so much Anastasia," his eyes are swimming with tears before he closes them. He shakes his head and opens his eyes again before I have time to process that.
"I had been in that office for over an hour. First with Mr. Smith questioning me, then with your parents. The cops were outside the door. Your father again, accusing me of rape and threatening to have me arrested. I was your teacher and should have known better. I could see it; it was different than when I talked to him on the phone. I could see in his eyes that he would never let us stay together.
You were so talented and had your whole life ahead of you. I did what your father wanted, I hurt you, I let you go, and prayed that when you looked back at our time together, you would know I lied and someday you would understand that I did it for you. When I got home everything reminded me of you and the look in your eyes when I said those words was imprinted in my head.
I had to get away...from the memories, from the pain, and try to figure out what to do next. Turns out it was an impossible feat. There wasn't a second that went by that I didn't think of you, miss you, and wish I could just pick up the phone and call you. You took my heart with you Anastasia. I was floundering, lost, guilt ridden.
A couple months later I wrote you again, I poured my heart out and begged you to forgive me, to give me another chance. When no reply came I told myself you just needed time. The months passed and I started to doubt I'd ever hear from you again, but I couldn't give up just yet. I sent another letter about six months after the second one, March I believe…," he trails off his eyes wide as if he's just realized something.
He looks down and whispers, "son of a bitch," to himself, but I catch it. Then his head snaps up, his eyes locked on mine. "It was about a week later when I got a call from Ray. He told me to stop writing to you as it just upset you and that you were happy, that you had moved on and had a new man in your life. Of course, I thought he meant an adult man, a love interest. I know now that he purposely misled me. It was Theodore wasn't it? He was born March 7th?"
At my nod he jumps up and starts pacing. "He lied to me Ana. He kept me from knowing about my son, from being there for him…and for you." He turns toward me quickly, kneeling in front of me. He wipes the tears flowing down my face with his thumbs. The mounting deception of my father is gutting me. "You know I would have been there for you in an instant if I had known right? Do you believe that Ana?"
"I do now. Back then, not so much. What you said and how you said it hurt me to my very core. I had no reason to believe what you said was a lie. You face showed nothing, no sign of guilt, no remorse, nothing," I manage, my voice choked with tears.
He drops his hands, sitting back on his feet. "I know. I can't apologize enough." He looks down; his hands rest on his thighs.
The position freaks me out. It's almost like he's submitting to me. All this time…it wasn't a lie. Our love was real. I should have known. I felt his love. I could see his love. You can't fake that. He was waiting for me to contact him. He thought I moved on, that I got over him.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Underneath all the anger and all the hurt, I still love him. I can admit that now. No matter how much I tried to deny it to myself. I still irrevocably love him. And based on what he's said, and those mumbled words- he still loves me. Hope springs to life in the dark, cold place in my heart I had shut off. Before I know what I'm doing I hear myself softly singing,
There's only one thing left here to say
Love's never too late
Christian's head snaps up so fast I'm surprised he doesn't have whiplash. "What?" he asks, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief.
I let out a breath, "Christian…I never stopped loving you. I just buried it under a hell of a lot of anger and hurt. I was devastated when I called you and both lines were disconnected, when I went to your apartment and someone else was living there. I understand now what you did. I can't say that I agree with it, but I understand. I'll take the blame for not trying to contact you further after that. Especially eight weeks later when I found out I was pregnant. But I couldn't see past the hurt and anger, and Teddy became my priority. I was a single mother at 19," I shrug my shoulders. Not sure what else to say.
"Teddy?" He whispers. His lips twitch as he tries to hold back a smile.
"Yes. His nickname is Teddy."
"I guess he doesn't know about me." Christian sighed.
I drop my eyes to my lap as guilt washes over me and I twist my fingers together. I can't look at him when I slowly shake my head. "I'm sorry," I murmur. "I thought I'd never see you again and I couldn't lie to him. I couldn't tell him his father wanted nothing to do with us and left me feeling used," my voice cracks at the end. I hear him gasp and quickly add, "Or so I thought." I wipe vigorously at the tears that run down my cheeks.
Next thing I know he has me wrapped in his arms as we both cry. "I'm never letting you go again," he whispers while kissing the top of my head. Oh God! I've missed being in his arms. He feels just as good as I remember, if not better, more muscular. And his scent, that intoxicating, heavenly, Christian Grey scent that fills my senses and calms me like nothing else.
Time passes; minutes…hours…I can't be sure. Eventually my tears subside and he's gone quiet. I tip my head back and my eyes meet his. My ocean blues to his smoky grays, red rimmed from crying. They say our eyes are the windows to our souls. In his I can see his regret and sorrow, but I also see love.
A love that stands the test of time? We'll have to see. Right now I'm acutely aware of how close his lips are. His eyes flick down to my mouth then back to my eyes. In silent approval I close my eyes and lean forward just a bit. His lips brush my hesitantly before locking on. It's passionate, yet soft. Hungry, yet sweet. We devour each other's mouth pouring all our emotions into it.
My hands find their way into his hair and he groans when I pull at it. His flavor invades my senses. I never want it to end. Sensations long since dormant are awakening in my body. Regretfully, I have to end this before it goes too far. I slowly pull away, breathless, panting. All I can say is, "Wow."
"Yeah, wow. I love you Ana," he breathes into my ear.
My heart stops. If I wasn't in his arms, couldn't feel his body, smell his scent, I would think this is a dream. But it's not. It's real. He's here. We have a second chance. "I love you too Christian. But we have to do this slowly, get to know each other again, you have to meet Teddy, and I have to confront my father."
He leans back to look at me. "What are you going to do about him?"
"I'm not sure. What else is there? I need to know everything. You said you wrote over a dozen letters. You've only told me about three," my fingers play with the hair at the back of his collar. A habit that hasn't died apparently. I used to do this whenever I was sitting in his lap. It feels great to be able to do it again.
He slips a hand under my legs, lifting me when he stands, and settles on the couch with me in his lap. Again, just like old times. It seems to come so naturally. I rest my head on his shoulder as he holds me close.
"Like I said, it killed me when I thought you had moved on with someone else instead of responding to me and giving me another chance. I finally reached bottom. I won't tell you the details, but it was pretty bad. My mother cornered me and I broke down and told her everything.
She told me a quote, 'If you love someone, set them free. If they return, they're yours. If they don't, it wasn't meant to be'. I didn't understand why she told me that. I had already let you go. Until months later I was sitting in a lawyer's office. My dad's office to be exact. I had no idea what he wanted from me. I almost thought that your dad was finally was going to press charges, but instead my father told me that a record company had gotten ahold of him.
He didn't understand why. They told him that a young girl sold a song she had written and for some reason my name was on that contract. At first it didn't register, then he handed me a copy of the song that was written. I only had to read the first few lyrics of it and I simultaneously wanted to die but yet was so freaking proud of you.
It was our song, the song that brought us together. The pain was immeasurable, but I also understood then what my mother meant. You were moving on with your life and succeeding. With every hit single, every artist collaboration, and every award you won, I grew prouder and sadder. As much as I wanted to find you and make things right, it wasn't my decision.
It had to be yours. I wrote you once, every year, on the same day. It was just to ask for a meeting and to reiterate how sorry I was. I figured that if things didn't work out with the boyfriend then it wouldn't hurt to ask for another chance, and if it did, I just wanted your forgiveness. I couldn't close the door on us completely Ana." He buried his face in my hair.
"If I had known, I would have given you that chance Christian. There hasn't been any other man in my life besides Teddy. I can forgive you, but I don't think I can forgive my father. All these years he took from us. He had no right. This is way beyond any parental duty. I was an adult; it was my decision to make. How did he get the letters anyway? Where did you send them to?"
"I sent them directly to you, where ever you were that year. I didn't pry into your life Ana, but I did have my head of security let me know if you moved," he presses a kiss to my neck as if to soothe the intrusion. "I didn't want to send them to your parent's for him to intercept. It's quite clear he despises me."
"Which begs the question—'How did he get them?' or stop me from getting them?"
"I don't know baby, but I'd like to be there when you confront him. No, don't tense up," he requested when I did just that. "Just think about it please."
That's asking for disaster. I can't imagine that meeting happening without one or both of them throwing punches. I have so much I have to say to my father, so many questions. I think over everything he's done, from outing us to the principal and driving Christian away, hiding the letters that would've brought us back together so much sooner, lying to Christian about me moving on, keeping Christian from knowing and being with his son, Teddy from knowing his father…the list is endless. And Christian was wronged just as much, if not more. Can I deny him the right to confront my father? If we're going to work things out we should do it together right?
"Okay. I want you to come with me. If we're going to move forward we have to work together. You should be there."
He lifts his head to meet my eyes. "Thank you. And yes, we do this together. Neither of us is going to be alone again for a very long time Ana. If he hadn't of interfered, if I hadn't thought asking him for permission to date you was the right thing to do, I have no doubt we would be happily married right now and Teddy wouldn't be an only child," he flashes me that devilish smirk.
Well knock me over with a feather! Holy crap! Since I have no idea what to say to that I give him a small smile. "I have to go. Kate's probably worried about me."
"Can I see you tomorrow? Lunch maybe?"
"I would like that" I bite my lip.
"Ana that lip of yours still has the same effect on me as it did ten years ago. Please don't do that. It's been so long and I don't know if I'll be able to control myself"
"Sorry" I whispered. Christian leans in for another kiss. His lips less than an inch away. The fucking door swings open and in comes a couple making out like a couple of horny teenagers completely oblivious that Christian and I are in here.
"I think maybe we should get back to the party. I'm sure everyone is looking for me"
"Your right"
Christian held my hand and we walked into the crowded room. In the distance I spotted a very angry Chad. Shit! How long have I been gone for? The closer we got the more worried I felt. Chad has never been one to get angry but the look on his face right now would say otherwise.
"Where the fuck have you been Ana? We have been worried sick about you. You can't just take off like that without telling someone. Half the security here is out looking for you," Chad said. Yup! He's pissed.
"Chad, clam down or you'll give yourself a stroke. Or worse heart attack. I'm sure Ana has a reasonable explanation for why she left. Just give her a chance to explain herself. For all you know she got sick and has been in the bathroom throwing up. Lay off her" Have I mentioned how much I love Avril. She always has my back.
"Your right baby. Ana I'm sorry. But Christ you had me scared woman"
"Listen man it's my fault. I had asked Ana if we could talk in private" Christian stands next to me still holding my hand. Chad's eyes go wide before looking back and forth at the two of us.
"Dude! Long time no see" Chad extends his hand to Christian. They slap hands and pull each other in to one of those man hugs. Patting each other on the back.
"Wait? You two know each other? I mean I know you know of him, but I didn't know you knew him" I ask.
"Yeah Grey and I met a year or so ago"
"Why didn't you tell me?" I look at Chad.
"Ana come on, you know why" I nod my head in knowing why.
"You're right. And I'm sorry for not telling you that I left"
"It's water under the bridge now. Is everything ok though? I mean with the two of you?" Chad waves his finger between Christian and me.
"Not yet, but it'll take a while getting there" I turn my head and smiled shyly at Christian. He returned the same smile.
For the rest of the day and into the night, Christian stayed at my side. He seems to be in his element. The way he handles himself, the way he speaks to them with such compassion about the music industry. Me on the other hand prefer to deal with these type of people either phone or e-mail. Chad being the exception.
When someone would congratulate me on my contribution to the "Here & Now" album, the smile that would display on his face showed me just how proud he was of me, and it melted my heart. Every so often he would kiss my sweet spot that is just below my ear. It sent electric shocks right to my core.
"Hey kid you ready to call it a night? Av isn't feeling so hot so we're leaving. Do you want to ride back with us?" Chad said as he wraps his arm around my shoulder giving it a light squeeze.
"Yeah sure. Let me go find Kate" I saw Kate earlier talking to Daniel. I tried to tell her he's a married man but I don't think she cared. She just loves a man covered in tattoos and Daniel just so happens to be have sleeves on both his arms.
Just as I thought, there she is running her hands up and down his arms. The look on Daniel's face is priceless. He looks frightened. She must be telling him how much she just adores him and what a fun time the two of them could have together.
I clear my throat and Kate turns her head to see who it is.
"Ana. Hey girlfriend" She slurs. Oh dear lord she's drunk. Drunk Kate is a horny Kate.
"It's time to go Kate. Say bye-bye to Daniel" She pouts her lips and says, "But I don't wanna go, we're having so much fun. Aren't we Danny boy" She looks at him and he runs his hands through his hair and tugs while keeping eye contact with me. Yep I would say he needs my help.
"He'll meet us back at the house Kate. Right Danny boy" I giggle at the last part but widen my eyes so that he'll get the hint that I'm throwing out.
"Um yeah sure. You go and I'll be there soon" Great he got it.
"Really!" She says breathless.
"Sure" He tries to smile sweetly.
"Otay!" Wow she is really gone. Kate tries to stand but ends up almost falling over. I grab ahold of her to steady her until she is able to stand without falling over.
Trying to walk to the front door is a challenge, Kate is leaning her entire weight on me almost causing me to fall over myself. Just as we get to the front door Kate slips from my grip and falls to the floor taking me down with her.
"Shit!" I cry out. When I fell, my knee slammed down hard onto the ground. A group of people start to crowd around.
"Move….I said MOVE OUT OF THE DAMN WAY" I watch as Christian pushes his way through the crowd of people. When he reaches me he squats down in front of me and asks if I'm alright and who did this to me.
"No one did this to me. Well Kate kind of did this….She's drunk and I tried helping her walk to the limo out front but as soon as we reached the door she slipped and fell down taking me with her and I landed on my knee pretty hard"
Still squatting he inspects the rest of my exposed skin for any other marks or scratches. When he sees nothing other than my knees damaged he looks at me.
"Taylor" Christian calls out. Christian has a few words with him, I'm not quite sure what they are saying, but with the hand gestures towards Kate I'm sure Christian is asking Taylor to help Kate into the Limo.
"Can you stand?" Christian asks me.
"I think so" He takes my hand and places his other one at the small of back. In one swift motion I was brought to my feet. My knees were in pain but I could deal with it.
Christian held open the door for me, and I stepped outside. It was cold. I forgot how cold nights here in Vancouver can get. My body instantly reacts and starts to shiver. As the perfect gentleman Christian takes off his coat and places it over my shoulders. With his hand at the small of my back he walks me over to the limousine.
He grabs hold of the door handle and opens it. I take a quick peek inside, Chad and Avril are cuddling next to each other, and Kate is sprawled out on the one seat. I stand straight and turn to face Christian.
"I'm glad we talked, Christian. I just wish the things you said about my father weren't true"
"I know baby, and I'm sorry. You go and get some rest. We'll talk more at lunch tomorrow" I nod my head. He cupped my face in his hands and leaned in to give me a soft kiss on my lips. Pulling away he whispers, "I love you" to me.
"I love you too Christian"
"I'll see you tomorrow," He says before giving me another soft sweet kiss on the lips.
"Tomorrow" I smile before getting into the limo. Christian closes the door. I expected him to start walking away to his own limo or car but instead he stands there and waits until the driver pulls away from the curb.
(The next morning)
I wake up to the sun shining through the windows. I stretch out my arms and legs before getting out of bed to use the bathroom. Washing my hands I go back in my room to grab my robe and head over to the main house to Join Chad and Avril for breakfast.
"Good morning" I said as I walk into the kitchen. Chad is standing so close to the coffee pot you would think he's making love to it. Yup he kept on partying even after he got home.
"Hey" Avril turns around and smiles at me. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes I did, but have you ever thought about getting black out shades? That sun is killer in the morning"
"Yeah sorry. I keep on telling Chad to take care of that but he never listens" She shakes her head.
"It's alright no big deal. So what are your guy's plans for the day?"
"Oh you know" She winks at me. Really wishing she wouldn't have done that.
"Well then I'll just…go"
"What! No stay for breakfast. I didn't mean we were going to go at it right now" Thank god. These two go at it like rabbits. Well at least that's what Chad is always telling me, and I think Avril just confirmed it.
The three of us sit at the kitchen table and enjoy the wide spread of pastry's, eggs, bacon, and so much more. Just as Avril and I were clearing the plates Kate walks in looking like shit. She has the sunglasses I gave her yesterday on and she rubbing her face with her hands.
I feel sorry for her because I know she feels like shit but then again she deserves it for the amount of liquor she drank last night. As she walks pass me I get a whiff of her. Dear lord she smells awful.
"Haven't you ever heard of a shower Kate? You smell nasty"
"Oh my god why do you have to yell?" She whispers in an angry tone.
"Kate I'm not yelling"
"Yes. You. Are" she huffs out. I roll my eyes at her. She pours herself a cup of coffee and sits at the kitchen table with her legs tucked under herself. She slowly sips on her black coffee.
"Whatever. I'm going to take a shower and get ready for my lunch date" I try to turn on my heel but I'm stopped by Kate.
"You have a lunch date? With who?"
"Christian" Kate gasps.
"How did…When did…Holy shit" She stops and blinks her eyes for a couple of seconds.
"You're going on a date with Christian. As in Christian Grey your old music teacher"
"That's right, I am. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, no problem. I just thought…well you know, you wanted nothing to do with him because of what he did"
"Well while you were busy throwing back those shots, Christian, and I talked"
"About what?"
"That's not important right now. What is important is that I need to shower and get ready for my lunch date" This time I do turn on my heel and leave the kitchen and walk through the house and out the front door and head over to the guesthouse.
…..
I'm in my bedroom stripping myself of my clothing when I hear my phone beep alerting me of a text message.
I reach over to the middle of the bed where I throw my phone earlier when I walked in. I tap the screen and my phone comes to life. I trace my pattern on the screen and open the message from Unknown.
I hope you slept well last night. I'll be there to pick you up in an hour. –Christian How in the world did he get my number?
How did you get my number? I don't remember giving it to you last night. – Ana
I have my ways ;) – Christian
It was Chad wasn't it? -Ana
Maybe, maybe not. Be ready in an hour. –Christian
And if I'm not ready in an hour? -Ana
Detention Miss Steele ;) –Christian
Oh dear lord the thoughts of him saying detention has me all hot and bothered. I remember the one time he gave me detention.
(Flashback) (I know parts of this flashback might sound a little gross but I'm sure this has happened to a few of you in your high school days. It did to me. Damn you Mother Nature)
I'm running late for class. Only by 10 minutes. I just spent two minutes in the nurse's office waiting for her to give a tampon and the rest of the time in the girl's locker room showering. Out of nowhere my period decides to come two days early. Luckily for me I always keep a pair of yoga pants in my locker.
After taking off my blood soaked pants and showering I insert the tampon and put on the yoga pants. Looking at myself in the mirror you can clearly tell I'm not wearing any underwear. Thankfully my shirt in long enough for anyone not to notice that.
I exit the locker room and run to class. Not just any class, music.
…..
When I get in front of Christian's classroom I take a few deep breaths to control my breathing. When it's under control I slowly open the door and walk in. Forgetting to hold the door as it closes, it slams shuts.
All eyes are on me. Especially Christian's and he don't appear to be happy. He looks at the clock above the door then back at me.
"Miss Steele you're late"
"I'm sorry Mr. Grey. Something came up and I needed to attend to it"
"Was it that important that it made you late for my class?" Is he serious right now?
"Yes Mr. Grey it was," I said in a stern voice. Of course it was. There was Ooo's coming from the other students in the class. I ignored them all as I walked to my desk.
"I don't appreciate that tone of voice Miss Steele. See me after school" Not even thinking I say,
"For what?"
"Detention"
…..
I spent the rest of music class giving Christian dirty looks. But only when no one else was looking. He in return would give me the same looks. I tried my hardest to stay mad at him but I couldn't.
After all my classes were finished, I went to my locker to drop off my books that I no longer needed. Grabbing my book bag and my dirty clothes that I put in a plastic bag that the nurse had given me I made my way down the empty hallway to Christian's classroom. On my walk there I stuffed the bag with my soiled clothes in my book bag and hung it over my shoulder.
I knocked on the door and let myself in. Christian is sitting behind his desk grading papers. He looks up and watches me and I walk across the room and plant myself on the desk in front of his.
"Really Christian, detention"
"Yes Anastasia, detention. The way you spoke to me in front of the class was unacceptable. Even if you're my girlfriend, you're still my student and you need to respect me as your teacher while in the presence of other students. And if I would have let your comment slide lord knows what someone might have thought. I didn't want to risk that," He said to me as he walks to door and pulls the shade down as well as locking the door.
"So what was so important that you were late for my class?" He asks and he stands in front of me. He spread my legs apart and pulls me closer to him by wrapping his arms around my waist. I take my own arms and wrap them around his lower half and put my hands in the back pockets of his jeans.
"That's a private matter between me and mother nature, not you" I look up at him and rest my chin on his chest.
"Mother nat….Oh" His lips form an 'O' shape.
"Yeah and she is killing me with all these damn cramps too"
"You know I have a cure for that" He grins.
"You do?" I ask.
"Mmhmm" He hums sliding his hands down my back to my ass.
"What! Eww gross Christian" I squirm in his grasp as he chuckles.
"What's so gross about it? I see nothing wrong with it. Women have sex all the time while on their periods. Besides it means I don't have to work so hard at getting you wet"
"Well I'm not one of those women. Not to mention the mess it would make"
"That's what showers are for baby"
"No" I say firmly.
"Fine. But don't come crying to me when your cramps have you bent over in pain"
"I said no Christian" I roll my eyes at him.
(End flashback) (So how many of you thought this was going to end up like the tampon scene in the book? Lol And not to sound gross but I have read that having sex while on your period does help with cramping)
I throw my phone back on the bed and head into the bathroom. I turn on the shower and wait for the water to heat up. It doesn't take long before the entire bathroom is filled with steam. I walk in and close the glass door behind me.
…..
Sitting on the bed I start to apply lotion to my warm skin. The smell of Victoria Secrets "Love Spell" fills the room.
As soon as the lotion soaked in enough I grabbed a pair of panties and the matching bra to go with it. White lace.
Looking at the alarm clock on the nightstand I only have twenty minutes to finish getting ready. I start to panic, my hair isn't even dry, I still haven't picked out anything to wear, and I'm not even sure if I should wear makeup or not.
"Ahhhh" I scream while tugging at my hair.
"Calm down chick, and stop pulling your hair" Avril said from the doorway.
"I can't. Christian will be here in twenty minutes and I have no clue what to wear. My hair is still damp, and I have no clue if I should put makeup on or not"
"First yes you can. Second I want you to take a deep breath and sit down. I got you babe" She smiles.
And got me she did. Maybe a little too much. The eye makeup she did for me was a little to…Avrily. Something I would never do or wear. Very smoky. As for my outfit she kept it simple. Jeans and a shirt with a light gray sweater.
I toweled dry my hair giving it a curly messy look. Something I used to do when Teddy was younger. I never had time back then.
"You look great Ana"
"You think?" I look in the full-length mirror. I turn right, and then left checking out the whole look.
"Babe, trust me. I think I know a thing or two about fashion" She winks at me. Of course she knows a thing or two about fashion. She's Avril Lavigne for crying out loud.
The sound of a car's horn beeping from outside puts my stomach in knots. He's here. Oh my god he's here.
"Do I look ok? Is my hair ok? Is my makeup ok? What about the outfit?"
"Will you relax, you look amazing. You would look amazing in a garbage bag. Now stop being so nervous and get your ass out there"
"Ok" I let out a breath. "Wish me luck"
"Good luck, even though I don't think you'll need it"
I walk down the stairs. The closer I got to the front door of the guesthouse the more my stomach flipped. I'm so freaking nervous right now. I know that I really shouldn't be nervous about anything it's only Christian. But I can't help it.
I open the front door and there he is leaning on the passenger side of the car with his arms and legs crossed looking gorgeous as ever. He is wearing a pair of blue jeans and a gray long sleeve button down shirt.
When he sees me, he smiles. I have missed that smile of his. So warm and inviting, it truly takes my breath away.
"Hey" Christian said rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
"Hey" I replied back and took a step closer to him.
"You ready to go?" He asked.
"Yeah" He pushed himself off the car and opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you" I told him as I sat down on the soft leather. He closed the door for me and walked to the driver's side. I could smell his sweet aroma as he got in.
After closing the door and starting the engine we were off. As we got to the end of the driveway I asked,
"So where are we going?"
"My place" He looks at me quickly before turning his attention back to road.
"W-what?" He doesn't reply back.
…..
I don't know where we are going. Christian keeps making all these twists and turns, it's so hard to keep track of what street we are on. We make another turn and I see a big open field surrounded by gates and barbed wire. Upon closer inspection I realize that it's an airfield.
"Christian why are we at an airfield?"
"I told you were going to my place"
"I understand that but why are we at an airfield?"
"How do you think we're going to get there? You said it yourself it's a 2.5 hour drive to Seattle, but not in Charlie"
"Charlie?"
"Charlie Tango. My EC- 135 Euro copter"
"A Helicopter"
"No a Euro copter, there's a difference"
"Whatever you say Mr. Grey" I giggle.
We pass through the gates of the airfield and continue to drive on the main road until we were just outside a hanger. Christian put his car in park and turned off the engine.
"So where is this Euro thingy?"
"It's not a "Thingy" it's a helicopter, and it's right over there," He points. Standing next to the hanger is his Euro copter. The thing…excuse me the Euro copter is huge. Nothing like I have ever seen before. On the side of it, it reads 'Grey Enterprise'
"Holy crap!"
"What you thought I was lying?" He lightly laughs.
"No. It's just…it's huge. I've never seen a personal helicopter that big before"
"Well now you have" We both exit the car at the same time.
"Are you sure you know how to fly that thing?"
"No. Not really. I figured I'd just wing it and hope for the best"
"Oh God! Are you kidding me? Jesus Christian"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Stop worrying Ana I'm an excellent pilot"
"I have a son. All I do is worry" His face changes from happy to sad in an instant.
"Christian I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I meant to say we have a son"
"It's ok I get it. It's been ten years after all, it's not like I expected everything to change overnight"
"Please don't be upset with me. This is all so new to me"
"I know. I'm not mad at you. Come on" He holds out his hand and I take it. We walk over to the hanger where we are greeted by an older gentlemen with a baseball cap on. He hands Christian a binder and tells him that everything is all set.
Christian helps into the helicopter and closes the door for me as well. I watch as he walks in front of the copter and opens his door and gets in. Christian helps me buckle in as well as handing me a headset to put on.
"You ready?" He asks.
"Yeah"
He flips a few switches and pushes some buttons then says,
"November 1224 Charlie Tango ready to depart"
"Roger that Charlie Tango, your flight plan from Vancouver to Seattle is cleared" Someone says back to him over the airwaves.
Before I knew it, we started lifting off the ground. And in no time at all we we're in the air flying to our destination.
Thirty minutes into our flight Christian asks,
"So what do you think?"
"This is amazing Christian. Everything looks so different from up here"
"I'm glad you like it. We'll be at Escala soon" He smiles.
I bite my lip and whisper, "Ok" I'm so nervous. There is so much that Christian and I have to talk about. I know the main reason why we are having lunch today is because Christian wants to talk about Teddy. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to Teddy.
He is such a good boy; I've never had any problems with him since the day he was born. He is so smart and talented. He has straight A's in all his classes. He hardly asks for anything for himself.
I'm pulled out of my thoughts when I hear Christian say that we're here. I look out the window and see that we have already landed. Wow he is good at flying this thing. Christian helps me unbuckle the seatbelt. Christian is the first one to get out. He walks over to my side turning the handle to open the door.
"Thanks"
"You're welcome Anastasia"
He takes my hand and helps me down. I thought once I was out of his helicopter he would have let go but he didn't. We walked hand in hand to the elevator. The door opens as soon as he pushes the call button.
When we get inside he punches a few numbers into the key pad. The door closes and we soon start to go down. To my surprise we only go down one floor.
The elevator pings and the doors open. Christian gets out first, then myself.
"This is where you live?" It's big, like really, really big. It doesn't even compare to the apartment he had ten years ago.
"Yes" He replies. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Water" I watch as Christian walks through his living room and into what I'm guessing is his kitchen. I stay in the foyer area and look around. To my left is a staircase, to my right there are two doors. Not entirely sure where they lead to. In front of me of course is the living room, if you can call it that. There are some couches and end tables, and that's about it. No TV, no pictures hanging on the wall. Well no family pictures at least. Floor to ceiling windows.
"Here" Christian hands me the glass of water.
"Thanks" I take a small sip.
"Would you like to sit down? Gail said lunch should be ready in about ten minutes" Gail? Who's Gail? "I see the wheels turning inside your head. Gail is my housekeeper"
"Oh. I wasn't…I mean I didn't"
"It's ok" He laughs.
"So Teddy" I say quickly trying to change the subject. "I scanned some pictures on my phone for you. You know um…" I don't even know what to say. I take my phone out of my back pocket and slide the screen to unlock it. I tap on my pictures and hand the phone to Christian.
"Here" He looks at them one by one. Studying each one for about a good minute or so. He smiles at a few of them. He continues to slide throw the pictures but stops at one and stares at it for a while.
"He looks…."He stops.
"Just like you doesn't he"
"Yeah" He breaths out.
"He's a lot like you too. He loves to play the piano, top in his class"
"Really" Christian smiles proudly.
"Yes. He has won several awards because of it. For only being 10 he has a very strong head on his shoulders. Teddy has told me that he wants to be the next Alfred Cortot"
"Well if he is as good as you say he is, than I have no doubt that he will be the next Alfred Cortot" He smiles.
"Tell me more; I want to know everything about him. Start from the beginning"
"Well like I told you before I didn't know I was pregnant with Teddy until I was about three months. I had zero problems through my pregnancy with him. But the labor is a whole different story. I was in labor for a week. The first four days weren't so bad, small contractions here and there. On the fifth day I was really to kill you"
"Kill me?" Christian swallows hard.
"Oh god yes. I was in so much pain. On the 7th day my mom called the doctor's office and told them that if they didn't admit me to labor and deliver that second she was going to break my water for me and have me deliver Teddy in the bath tub" I laughed. It's true. My mother couldn't bare seeing me in that much pain. (True story, but it was my sister in law)
"Then what happened?" He asked.
"The doctor told my mother to get me to the hospital right away. And three hours later Teddy was born"
"Wow"
"Yeah wow. But thinking back about it now, it was all worth it. Teddy is such a sweet little boy. You know he learned how to walk when he was only 9 months"
"Really?"
"Yeah. It was just after Easter. I was sitting on the living room eating peeps of all things. Teddy was a good seven feet away from me. He kept eye balling the peep in my hand. He managed to grab hold of the coffee table to stand himself up. Next thing I knew he was wobbling towards me and fell right into my lap" (This is another true story. I was visiting my brother and that is how my niece started to walk. FYI she now hates peeps…lol)
"That's amazing"
"He's an amazing little boy"
"I can't wait to meet him"
"About that Christian. It's going to take some time. Not to mention having that talk with my parent's about why they hid everything from me all those years ago"
"I know Anastasia. And I still have to explain everything to my own parent's as well" He frowns.
Ok Ladies once again I am stuck. I know, I know. You all must hate me. I swear I must have ADHD or something. But like the last chapter I would love for you all to PM me or leave a review with your suggestions on where I should go next. I want things to go fast with them. I want them to get back in to the swing of things. I already have an idea on how I want his mother to find out about Teddy. That will take place on a field trip with his school.