*Authors Note- I know the first chapter seemed rushed, sorry about that. I needed a filler before we can get to the really good stuff. This story starts up really quickly and starts to become one dramatic (sometimes traumatic) event after the next. If you could please just bear with me, I promise, I have no plans of dragging the foundation of future events out too long. I have so many ideas but unfortunately, things need to be explained and key characters (re)introduced.
Chapter Two
"Your not giving me gifts?!" Phoebe with all her trained dramatics is almost amusing. Hands in a fist, practiced tears running down her cheeks. "Daddy don't you want to make me happy? It's my birthday! You gave Teddy everything he's ever asked for, I'm only asking for fourteen small little presents that represent how much you love me!"
"Bee, you know we love you. Your much older now and we're afraid we might have spoiled you a little too much. You can have a present on your birthday and on the day of your party, end of discussion."
She storms off, dramatically stomping up the stairs and to her room, she knows better than to slam the door. Christian walk off slightly irritated and looks at his phone. He's been looking at his phone more than usual, he never texts back or answers but, he's constantly looking at it.
"Teddy go upstairs, let me speak to your father." Without a second thought he takes his laptop and makes his way to his bedroom. "Christian what's wrong? You've been checking that thing all day." He looks away, contemplating? He hasn't hid a single thing from me for sixteen years, why would he start now?
"Christian, look at me."
"Ana, I'm just worried about Hyde. I was thinking we could go overseas for the rest of the summer."
"Teddy still has football, Bee has soccer and dance. You know how much she loves to dance, we cant tear her away from that. Did they let him out?"
"I don't know yet Ana. You should have killed that f****!"
Christians phone goes off and he looks at me panicked before he turns it off and throws it in his pocket. My heart sinks, what is he hiding? He can't possibly be working on my birthday so early and anything for Phoebe's birthday he'd work out with me. Before I can question him he calls for Teddy and they are off outside to fly modeled planes. I pick up my phone to call Kate and as soon as I unlock it an unknown blocked number calls. Hopefully this is the England office confirming my new publishing dates.
"Anastasia Grey" There's complete silence. "Hello, is anybody there?"
"Anastasia? Mrs. Grey?"
"Yes, this is she."
"What do you have that I don't?"
-click-
Chills run up and down my spine as I listen to the dial tone... no, this can't be. The voice was too familiar. Haunting. I slam the phone down. Leila? The name has a foul taste to my tongue. How did she get my number? Why is she calling me? In panic mode, I dial Christian.
"Mrs. Grey, how can I help you?"
"Leila..." My breathing is uneven and my tone almost a whisper.
"What!?" I hear Christian before I see him, putting his phone down on the counter.
"She just called me. It was a blocked number."
Christian takes my phone and goes to his office. Hours passed and I kissed Theodore and Phoebe good night and ran myself a bath. What is he doing? He's been in there almost all day. I pour myself some tea and about to head toward his office until I hear his phone vibrating on the counter. I glance at the clock, 10:20, who would be calling him now? I glance down, blocked number. This has to be Leila, I pick it up now with fury. This insane b**** has the audacity to call my husband?!
"Christian Grey's phone!"
-click-
The dial tone brings me some comfort. I'm glad she didn't say anything. I would have cussed her into next week. I'm not as fragile any more Leila. I'm not as easily intimidated!
"What the hell are you doing?!" Christians voice makes me jump. "Ana why are you looking through my phone?!"
What?! Why is he acting like this? Before I could explain myself he snatches his phone from my hand. He's hiding something. He never gets angry at me answering his phone. He usually encourages it. Something changed.
"Christian what are you hiding?"
"I'm going to bed." With that, he turned on his heel and walked to the bedroom.
The next morning Christian was out of the house before I woke up. Where could he be on a Sunday? I pick up the phone and call him.
'Christian Grey, I'm attending to other matters, leave a brief message.'
"Christian this is your wife, where are you!?"
I hang up and head downstairs to see Carlene finishing my tea. "Tea Mrs. Grey?"
"Were you at the Taylors this morning?"
"Yes ma'am. Mrs. Taylor still hasn't adjusted to my new schedule. She insist on making her own coffee and breakfast." We both laugh at the idea of Gail letting someone else cook in her kitchen.
"Could you make the kids and I some breakfast quiche? You can wake them when the food is finished, I'll be next door with Ga- Mrs. Taylor."
I walk over to Jason and Gails house and knock on the door. Gail has barely aged, she hardly knows what to do with herself since Christian forced her retirement. The memory of her falling off the ladder and breaking her wrist was Christians undoing. Not very retired for someone who still watches the kids and cooks us dinner every other Sunday and Thursday. I've come to cherish our friendship.
"Ana? Is everything ok?" Worry etched across her face.
"Oh, yes Gail, did Taylor go with Christian this morning?"
"I believe so, something about Welch. I'm not even sure I'm supposed to tell you this. Please come in."
I walk in and for the next hour I tell her what's been worrying me. Hyde might be granted freedom. Leila calling me, Christians strange behavior.
"Oh Ana, it's been so long. I'm sure Hyde wouldn't do anything and Christian and Jason would never let a single thing hurt you and the kids. I don't know about that Leila though. Now if I've never seen crazy before, she showed me." We both laughed, I felt like I was there for centuries when the car finally pulled up. Moments later Jason and Christian walk in.
"Carlene told me you came over here, is everything OK?"
Gail and I sat up, traces of laughter still on our faces. "Just girlfriends catching up."
The rest of the day went by slow, Christian refused to speak about Leila or Hyde. His phone never went off and if it did, he never reached for it. We took the kids and went out on the boat again. Teddy helping his dad with the sails and Phoebe sunbathing in the way again.
"If you don't move I'll push you in Bee!"
"Hey Teddy idea, shut up!" Teddy swoops down and picks Phoebe in his arms and walks toward the edge of the boat. "Daddy! Make him stop!"
"Teddy put your sister down!"
"Sure dad!" He acts like he's about to throw Phoebe off the boat when Christian stands between him and the side railing. I can't help but laugh at Christian. He had to have known he was just joking. Teddy puts Phoebe down and looks at Christian.
"Awe dad I was just kidding! Hey, can we stay on the boat tonight?"
Christian looks at me and I grin from ear to ear at the thought. I love staying on the boat. Nothing, nobody matters when we're here. We finally eat and settle on a large hammock toward the front of the boat to watch the sunset. We spend the rest of the night enjoying each others company. My perfect little family cut off from the rest of the world.
"Daddy, can you and mom stay home tomorrow? I'd like to learn to sail... If your up to it."
Christian has never been more proud. He agrees without hesitation and they turn back to their jokes and sports talk.
The next day was another perfect day, spending a Monday out on the sea with my family, disconnected from the outside world was exactly what I needed to clear my head. I trust Christian, he has never given me a reason to think otherwise.
"It's party time!" Phoebe runs downstairs to see her favorite breakfast of french toast, eggs and sausage. "Aunt Mia! Your here!"
"Of course darling, I need to help with the last minute party details! Whatever my precious niece wants today, she gets, on a gold in crested platter!"
Phoebe sits down and hashes the rest of the last minute party details. Ethan and Christian walk in and they both kiss Phoebe on the head and wish her a happy birthday. Christian kisses me and steals an egg off my plate. He's been in such a good mood lately. A lot better than a couple weeks ago. Ethan is holding their second child Cameron. A handsome, blond hair green eyed five year old with every bit of Mia's rambunctious attitude. Their oldest is twelve year old Carrie. Black hair like her mother with her fathers green eyes and laid back personality.
There have been decorators, caterers, movers, designers and a very bossy Mia running around the house and yard all day. Seattle weather was in our favor with a little heat but the cool breeze made the summer weather absolutely perfect. It's nearly five and everybody's getting ready for the party. Phoebe's putting on her light blue dress and heels, her hair and make up perfection. Around 5:40, car after car starts pulling up to the house. Boys in dress suites and girls with their best party dresses. Phoebe insisted on having a "grown up" masquerade ball. Mia set up a fake open bar serving virgin cocktails and daiquiris. In the far end of the stage is a professional DJ, recommended by Kate. This brings me back to Grace and Carricks charity gala. My face blushes as I remember the metal balls and Christians bedroom. Mia did an excellent job setting everything up, Grace obviously taught her very well. Ushers are seating the guest and Christian and I take the stage.
"Good evening ladies, gents. As we celebrate Phoebes birthday we just want to take a second to thank everybody for joining us today on this important day of celebration." Christian steps back and hands me the microphone.
"With no further ado, I present our birthday girl, Phoebe Grey!"
Phoebe struts down an isle of flowers making her way through outburst of applaud. She takes her seat and the waitresses brings out trays of food. We find our seat at the big table with the rest of the family. Time passes when everybody finishes their food, stopping as different guest come and wish Phoebe a happy birthday in person. As dinner comes to a close Carrick and Grace make their way to the stage, wishing their granddaughter a happy birthday with a video montage of Phoebe through the years. Then Elliott and Kate present their gift to Phoebe, a five day soccer camp in upstate Washington. Christian cringes and I let out a lough. Mia and Ethan were next with their gift, three tickets to see one of Phoebes favorite bands with backstage passes. Seriously, nobody ever heard of a gift card? When they finish a band comes out to play as all the kids run to the stage, snapping photos and dancing. It took a half hour before we could finally present Phoebes cake and another two of dancing and enjoying each others company. We finally get everybody to settle down as Christian and I make our way to stage.
"Before we end the night we'd like to invite Phoebe up to the stage."Teddy escorts his little sister to the stage and helps her up the steps. "Phoebe your mother and I have been racking our brains on what to give you for your birthday but, there seems to only be one thing you have truly wanted." Phoebe looks confused as we present her a little envelope. She opens it and instantly starts crying. "I get to study dance in England? Are you sure? I've asked for so long! Thank you!" She grabs us in a hug. "When do I go?"
"We'll talk about everything tomorrow."
She releases the hug and wipes her eyes. Grace, Mia and Kate are all wiping tears. Christian looks like he wants to grab the airline tickets and note and rip it up. I'm not sure what made him agree to our precious baby girl flying to England, it's almost like he wants her to- Oh, no! It dawns on me why Christian was so acceptable of the gift, Jack Hyde has been released.