CPOV

I try my very best to keep my poker face and sit down at our table. Right now I'd prefer to drive over to Ana and to spend the weekend with her and the children, but that is impossible. To distract myself I whip out my mobile phone and read through some emails. Elena comes over to me and yells once again.

"Christian! Could you please stop playing with your phone and come with me, I have to introduce you to some people!" she tells me just as she takes my phone away from me. I protest but Elena doesn't listen to me and hides my phone in her purse. We mix with the other guests and start networking which is Elena's main talent. She is able to remember even the smallest details about all the people who do not interest me in the slightest.

Soon afterwards everyone is ushered back to their tables and the food is served. I sigh with relief and talk to Elliot, who is sitting right beside me, and it is just like when we were little. He cracks horrible jokes, I laugh heartily and I take delight in the fact he's acting as the clown just for my entertainment. I don't know why I couldn't take this much delight in it when I was young. I'm feeling like I missed out on something important in my life and this feeling pisses me off.

After a while we even play a game we were always playing at such gatherings when we were smaller: we search two people in a conversation and try to dub their talk. With Elliot this is always a new experience and I really wonder about what went wrong in his life as he always comes up with the weirdest sentences.

After the meal the auction of the first dances begins and as announced Kate is one of the girls to be auctioned off. As soon as the emcee presents Kate, Elliot bids on her. Shortly afterwards the bids touch the $20,000 mark and Elliot is about to win, but I simply have to annoy him.

"$30,000!", I call and grin. Elliot is starring at me with his eyes wide open and promptly increases his bid up to $40,000, all while Elena gasps for air in horror.

"It is for a good cause," I tell Elliot. "$50,000!", I shout and giggle. Elena puts her hand upon mine and hisses "Christian, darling, that won't give a good image for the public!" into my ear. Elliot punches my side and splutters, "Christian, what are you doing?" before he raises his bid to $60,000.

"I'm knitting myself a pullover!" I whisper back to him and shout, "$70,000!". Elena kicks my shin.

To me the entire situation is amusing and a big smile spreads on my face.

"$150,000," Elliot calls and the entire hall is silent. I look at him and he stares at me darkly.

"Alright, alright, I won't say anything at all!" I try to appease him and raise my hands in surrender.

"$150,000! Going once, going twice, sold! Sold to Mr. Elliot Grey for $150,000!" calls the emcee and Kate's face erupts with joy. I congratulate Elliot and demand to pay for his dance to compensate for my intervention.

Owie! I haven't had a stiff neck since like forever and now - two days before my son's favorite amusement park opens - I cannot move my head. How on earth will I be able to ride the rollercoaster with my mother-in-law? ;D I'm feeling sooooo old right now! lol

Pielietje - You just have to see the movie! PLEASE! ;D

mya4snape - I think if you're actively do something towards Ana, you publicly admit that she's on your mind - regardless of whether it's because you care or you want to take revenge on her. And that's something, he doesn't want. He wanted to clear his mind of her and to have no business with her - at least at the beginning. Now Flynn pointed out to him, that it will be impossible, so he will take some actions soon. And regarding the troll: I have to admit, now I'm a little scared if my explanation will be sufficient for you all, but we will see.

Christian618 - I'm so sorry!

SdaisyS - Thank you for your review!

joan . goldman . 9 - I like your optimistic attitude! ;)

Blade's Lover - I hoped to see the movie before I have to answer your review, but no such luck - There's this blissful sleep before midnight ;D But I hope I will be able to watch it today ;)

ashley . mercer . 16 - Tell me about it! I read the beginning of chapter 43 3 or 4 times already, but every time something (to more than 99 percent my kids) comes in between UGH! I think they both have done some stupid things and now it would be their job to make the best out of it. And I think they will ;)

Old Soul in Wonderland - I'm sooooo innocent, all the other readers would spank me if I didn't post daily ;D. Yeah, he definitely changed.