Christian wakes with a jolt and immediately grabs his blackberry. Leaning up on his elbow he runs his other hand through his hair as he reads a text from one of his security guards. He looks over at Ana and is pleased that she hasn't been disturbed. She is sleeping soundly. He climbs out of bed, drags on pajama bottoms and a t-shirt and sleepily walks out of the room.
After briefly checking on Natalie, he walks down the steps and through the back doors that lead to the spacious land that is their backyard. With two blankets in hand he walks over to the two lounge chairs and drapes one of the blankets over Ava. This startles her, but she keeps still as he covers her up. She had been curled up on the lounge chair shivering. It is August, but it is chilly this early in the morning. Ava tucks her hands underneath the blanket and holds it up to her chin, thankful for the warmth that it brings.
Christian settles on the lounge chair next to hers and covers himself with the other blanket. He lies back and looks up at the stars in silence for what seems like an eternity, while Ava remains curled up on her side facing him.
"Thank you for letting me stay here" Ava says softly.
Christian lightly smiles and closes his eyes. "You are welcome to stay here anytime you need to, as long as your parents know about it."
"I didn't ask them."
Christian shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. Your control freak of an Uncle took care of it."
Ava knows she is being mocked, since she knows Christian overheard her talking to Phoebe and calling him a control freak. That happened a few years ago, but he still throws it back at her anytime he has the opportunity.
There is some more silence between the two. They can hear the peaceful sounds of the waves crashing.
"How did you know I was out here?" she asks in a tired voice.
Christian picks his head up slightly to look at her, but she doesn't look back. He rests his head back and looks up at the sky. "My security alerted me of the silent alarm that went off. That happens when someone opens one of the doors from the inside." His voice is soft, not at all reprimanding.
"Are you mad that I came out here?"
This takes Christian by surprise. Ava has always been the strongest of the Grey kids, but right now she appears weak. He answers her quickly. "No, I'm not mad." He inhales and exhales lightly and tries to change the subject. "Do you know any of the constellations?"
Ava lets out a yawn before answering. "My Dad does, he tried to teach me." There is another pause before she speaks again. "I'm a horrible daughter."
Christian frowns and looks over at her again. "Why, because you don't remember the constellations?"
Ava lightly chuckles as a tear leaves her eye. "No." She releases one of her hands from underneath the blanket to wipe the tear away. "Because I let him down."
"Why would you say that?" Christian challenges her.
"Because, I can't be what he wants me to be anymore."
"Which is?" he asks.
"I can't be his little girl anymore" she says sadly.
Christian shakes his head and sighs. "I've got news for you. You are always going to be his little girl." He looks over at her again but she isn't looking at him. "No matter how old you get, that's how he's going to view you."
"I guess that's how you view Phoebe" she observes, and Christian nods in agreement.
"Yes I do. It's hard for us, Avalon. We don't want you girls to grow up so fast. I'm having a hard time with that, and so is my dear brother."
Ava shakes her head and grows upset. "I know that people think I'm a brat. And they're right. But I really hate fighting with my parents."
Ava starts to cry, which also takes Christian by surprise. He reaches over and pulls her toward him so that her head is on his shoulder. "Shhhh, listen to me." She tries to pull away from him but he doesn't let her. "Don't pull away from me" he says softly. She's taken aback by his soft tone with her. She stops pulling away and allows him to comfort her. He starts to grip and rub his hand through her hair. "Your Aunt Ana and I invited your parents for lunch tomorrow" he explains, still using his soft tone. "We're going to sit down and sort this all out. But right now you're tired and you need to sleep." He continues to gently rub his hand through her hair as she nods. "Close your eyes." She obeys, and before he knows it she is fast asleep.
Christian stays awake for a little while longer and looks up at the stars. He too can remember Elliot teaching him about the constellations. He was very passionate about it when they were teenagers. But just like Ava, he doesn't remember them as well as Elliot. He is then brought back to the present and a frown starts to form on his face. His brother really messed up tonight by getting drunk. Elliot will probably chew him out for keeping his daughter for the night, but he doesn't care. Seeing Ava like this, he knows he made the right decision by keeping her away.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
A few hours later, Ana is awake and wanders through the house in her nightgown and robe. She finds her husband and niece sleeping on the lounge chairs in their backyard. A smile grows on her face as she gently sits on the edge of Christian's chair. She gently puts her hand on top of his, which is resting on his chest. Ava's head is still on his shoulder and some of her hair is hanging over her face. Christian feels his wife's presence and slowly opens his eyes. He smiles when he sees her.
"Good Morning" he says softly, being careful not to wake Ava.
"Good Morning yourself." He lifts his hand from his chest so that he can play with Ana's hand. "How long have you been out here?" she asks quietly.
"I came out here around four. How'd you find us?"
Ana smiles and continues to play with Christian's hand. "You know Ava. Anytime she's upset and needs a time out she likes to be outside. It's the only thing that calms her."
Christian nods, knowing that Ana is right. Ever since his niece was a baby she had to be taken outside anytime she needed a breather. Elliot and Kate would take turns being with her out in their backyard or out on the balcony at Escala, or outside of a restaurant anytime Ava put up a fuss or threw a tantrum. He looks in his wife's eyes and can tell she is remembering something. "What are you thinking about?"
"That time I found you out here with Ava, when she was a baby." Ana smiles at the memory. Elliot and Kate had left Ava with them when she was two years old so they could vacation in Mexico for a few days. Ana was surprised to find Ava sleeping on Christian's chest in their backyard since Ava didn't take to Christian. She would cry anytime Christian tried to pick her up. But that early morning was an exception.
Christian also smiles at the memory as he stroke's Ava's hair and pushes it off of her face. It frustrated him that he could so easily tend to his own children, but his niece was a challenge. "She had severe diaper rash" he recalls. "I knew she needed to be changed but she wouldn't let me do it. And I didn't want to wake you or Gail."
"You were great with her" Ana says lovingly. To that, Christian shakes his head. To this day he still doubts himself and his ability to be everything he needs to be for his family.
"She didn't make it easy. She wouldn't stop crying, but as soon as I brought her out here it's like someone had flipped a switch. As soon as the cool hair hit her face she stopped crying and agreed to let me change her."
Ana laughs and then covers her mouth, worried that she will wake Ava. "That security guard we had at the time, what was his name?"
"Oliver"
"Oliver, yes" Ana laughs again. "You had him fetch the stuff for Ava to change her out here, and he practically brought the entire nursery out here with him." They both laugh at Oliver's expense. "Baby stuff just made him so nervous."
Ava starts to stir which halts their laughter. Christian continues to rub his hand through her hair as she wakes up. "Good morning" Ana says to her warmly.
Ava looks confused. She slowly sits up and Christian sits up with her. He brings his knees up and rests his arms on them. They watch Ava rub the sleep out of her eyes and look around the spacious backyard. The sun had already come up and it is warm. She looks sad, remorseful and lost. They are not used to seeing Ava this way.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep out here" she says softly.
Christian shakes his head and brushes it off. "Don't worry about it. How'd you sleep?"
Ava slowly nods her head. "Good." She offers a light smile.
Ana smiles back at her and reaches over to put her hand on top of hers. "Good. Penny had put some fresh towels in Phoebe's bathroom. Why don't you go have a shower and then join us for breakfast? I'll make French Toast."
Ava smiles and nods. "My favorite." Ana smiles back and wraps her arms around Christian's shoulders. "Thank you for letting me stay here."
"You're welcome Sweetie." Ava stands and starts to fold her blanket. "Leave it, we'll get it" Ana tells her, but Ava insists on tidying up after herself. She folds it neatly and carries it into the house.
Ana looks down at her blackberry which is currently vibrating. "Kate?" Christian asks.
"Yeah, she says Thank you for taking care of my family last night and for having us for lunch. What time would you like us?" She looks up at her husband for confirmation.
"Let's say noon. We can talk and then have lunch at one."
Ana sends a text back to Kate and then kisses her husband. "Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?" she asks him.
Christian gently kisses her lips and runs his hand through her hair. "If I am wonderful, it's all because of you, my wonderful wife." He kisses her again, slowly running both hands down to her backside, and then swiftly pulling her closer to him. "Mine!" Ana lets out a yelp and then giggles. "I will never grow tired of that sound."
After they kiss and enjoy a few more minutes together, they pull apart and decide to start their morning. "I have to go get Natalie" she says to him, but he stops her.
"No, let me. I believe you have some French Toast to make Mrs Grey."
They both stand and he playfully swats her bottom before they wrap their arms around each other and walk into the house.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Christian walks into the kitchen with Natalie in his arms. Ana has been preparing the ingredients for the French Toast and stops when she sees her husband. Natalie is still in her pajamas and her head is rested on his shoulder.
"Everything alright?" she asks him.
Christian nods and walks toward the breakfast bar. "She didn't want to wake up. She even stayed asleep when I changed her diaper. Was she up late last night?" Ana bites her lip. Christian's always been a lot more strict about bedtime than she has. Christian looks up at her when she doesn't answer. "Ana?"
"She had trouble going to sleep, so yes. She was up a little late." She sees that he is about to reprimand their daughter and she stops him. "Don't be mad at her. She was sad that you weren't here."
Christian changes his mind about reprimanding his daughter and kisses her head. Rather than put her in her booster seat he sits at the breakfast bar with her still in his arms and rubs her back. Ana brings a cup of coffee to him. "Thank you Baby." She starts to cook the French Toast since she hears the girls coming. "By the way, Mom wants us all to go out to dinner tonight. She said something about a surprise and she wants us all there."
Ana turns and smiles at him. "You'll have to pry your son away from the hospital for a few hours if you want him there."
The girls both walk into the kitchen together. "Good morning" Christian says to them after sipping his coffee.
"Good Morning" they both respond. Ava takes the stool next to Christian and Phoebe sits next to her. Ana puts a few pieces of French Toast in front of them once it is ready and they both thank her. Ava stands and pours some orange juice for herself.
"Did you enjoy yourself last night?" Christian asks Phoebe as he takes another sip of his coffee.
Phoebe nods and smiles. "I did. Thank you for taking me. And for the manicure and pedicure."
Christian returns the smile. "You're welcome." He then lifts Natalie off of his lap and puts her in her booster seat, only for her to throw a fit. Christian tries to calm her but it doesn't work. She kicks her legs and cries as Ana puts a plate in front of her. Christian tries to help her eat her breakfast, but it just winds up on the floor. He picks her up and Ana grows worried. He walks toward the main room and she follows.
When she catches up to him she grabs his arm. "Babe, please don't punish her."
Christian calmly turns and looks at Ana. Natalie is still screaming in his arms. He's been trying to soothe her by rubbing her back and shushing her. "I'm not going to" he says softly. "She needs a time out to calm down. Don't worry I'll stay with her until she is calm."
Ana relaxes and reaches up to kiss his lips. She goes walks back to the kitchen to cook while Christian tends to their daughter. He sits on the sofa with her still in his arms and he comforts her until she stops crying. When she is calm he sits her on his lap so that he can look at her.
"Natalie, can you use words and tell Daddy what's wrong?"
Natalie has a frown on her face and she's not looking at Christian. "Daddy mad" she says sadly.
Christian rubs her arms up and down and shakes his head. "No, Daddy's not mad. Are you sure that's why you're upset?"
Natalie nods and has a pouty lip. He leans forward and kisses her head. "Daddy's not mad at you Sweet Pea. Although, I am upset with you for throwing your food on the floor. You need to apologize to Mommy because she made that for you. Are you ready to do that?" Natalie nods again but still has a pouty lip. "Can you use words for me please?"
"Yes" she says softly.
"Good girl." He kisses her forehead and stands with her in his arms again. He walks into the kitchen and is immediately met with Ana's curious eyes. She stands from the breakfast bar and walks over to them.
"Natalie, what do we say to Mommy?" he asks her.
Natalie leans up from Christian's hold to look at Ana. "Sowwy Mommy"
"Natalie is sorry for throwing food on the floor" he says on her behalf.
Ana puts her hands on her daughter and smiles. "It's okay Baby. Mommy forgives you." She leans up and kisses her daughter's cheek. "Shall we try again?" she asks. Ana takes Natalie from Christian and they walk over to the breakfast bar to sit and finish breakfast together.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
A few hours later, Kate, Elliot and Cameron are lead into the backyard where Christian, Ana and Ava are waiting. Kate puts Cameron down and he immediately runs over to Ava. She picks him up and hugs him tight. They all make pleasantries before deciding that Kate, Elliot and Ava will talk in the main room while Ana and Christian watch Cameron for them.
Christian and Ana settle on the patio chairs underneath the umbrella. They are enjoying some fruit and they have cheerios for Cameron. They can't help but laugh at the way he fists the cheerios in his hands and shoves his fist in his mouth. Ana holds Cameron in her lap as he enjoys his snack. Christian notices that she is thinking something over.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he asks her before popping a grape into his mouth.
Ana smiles lovingly as she continues to observe her baby nephew. "Oh, I love my girls so much. But I'm kind of hoping this one is a boy." She rubs her stomach with one of her hands for effect.
Christian smiles too as he watches his nephew. "We can find out if you want. We can ask during your next check-up."
Ana looks back at her husband. They didn't find out the sex of either of their kids. They were surprised with all three of them. "Are you sure? We've never done that before."
Christian smiles his seductive smile at his wife. "Another first Mrs Grey, it's been a long time since we've had one of those." He reaches over for some cheerios and puts them in his hand for Cameron to take and feed himself.
Ana blushes. She loves when her Fifty is sexy and playful like this. She reaches her hand up and softly rubs it over Cameron's head. His hair is slowly coming in. She can remember each of her kids at this age. Teddy would sit with her like this for a little while, and then break free from her to run around and play with his toys. Phoebe would just want to sit with Christian any time he was home. She demanded his attention the most. Natalie doesn't prefer one parent over the other. She's always demanded attention from the both of them. She immediately starts to wonder about Natalie. "Do you have Natalie's monitor out here?"
Christian reaches into his pocket and pulls out the video monitor and shows it to her. Natalie is napping in her bed. Ana looks at the screen and a tear forms in her eye. "Hormones?" Christian asks, and Ana nods.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Elliot and Kate are each seated on the couch with Ava in between them. Elliot is noticeably hung over from the night before. He has to work hard to push the symptoms aside to be able to talk and make things right. Ava and Kate sit quietly and wait for him as he gathers his thoughts.
After some silence he turns to his daughter and miraculously finds the words. "I want to apologize for last night" he starts, and his tone is soft. "My behavior was totally unacceptable and I set a really bad example for you. No matter how upset or angry I am, you never deserve to see me like that. I should never be like that."
Ava looks down and nods when he stops talking and takes a few breaths. He leans his head down and rubs it hard with his hand before he continues. "What you did was unacceptable for a different reason, and I should have reacted differently. I should have taken some time to think about the situation and…. had I done that I probably wouldn't have hit you." He says the last part as a whisper. Ava looks up at him and can tell that he feels shame for hitting her. "I'm not ready for any of this Ava. You…. having sex and drinking. Unfortunately it's not illegal for you to have sex, but it is illegal for you to be drinking. So I'm allowed to be mad at you for that."
Ava looks down again and nods her head. She still doesn't say anything to him.
"I'm not going to ban you from seeing Nathan" he says. "Your mother and I have agreed that that wouldn't be practical. But you can't drink again, not until you are twenty one."
Ava nods. "Okay"
"Really?" he asks her and looks at her. He has to work hard to keep the shock out of his face.
"Really, I won't drink. It's not like I enjoyed it. And what happened after." She says the last part softly. "Just… don't be mad at me for growing up. I need to do that."
"Yes, you do" he agrees. "I don't have to like it, but I guess I need to learn to accept it."
"We both do" Kate adds as she wraps her arms around her daughter. "You're our little girl. Well, our little big girl." Both Ava and Kate laugh at that, and even Elliot can't help but smile at them. "Your Dad and I love you so much."
"I love you guys too" Ava says, still enveloped in her mother's arms from behind her. "I hate all the fighting."
"So do we" Elliot says. "How 'bout we don't do that anymore."
Ava smirks at him. "You make it sound so easy."
Elliot shrugs. "It's not. It's something we need to work at. We all need to be willing to do that….. Kate."
Kate's eyes and mouth widen at this. "Me?"
"Yes you" Elliot says jokingly and takes a pillow swatted at him by Kate. "Fine, all of us. There, is that better?" Kate gives him a look which tells him he will pay for that later, and Ava doesn't see it. She is looking at her father. "Can I have a hug too?" he asks her. Ava leans forward and hugs him. "I love you Pumpkin."
"I love you too Dad" she says as he squeezes her tighter.
Right on queue Ana walks into the main room with Cameron in her arms and Christian right behind her. "Lunch is ready."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
While her family has lunch in the dining room, Phoebe prepares to meet with Trevor. She is nervous, even though she shared a few dances with him last evening. This meeting will involve talking. Talking about their relationship, or the end of it? Talking about the road trip, about not having sex, about Dylan? Oh no, I don't think I can talk about that. He's going to want to know why I left. What should I say? She doesn't have much time to think it over since a text message from Trevor comes through to let her know he has arrived. She slams her hair brush down on her vanity harder than she meant to and checks her make-up one last time before leaving her bedroom.
I really didn't mean to end this as a cliffhanger. This chapter is long and I need to stop and post it. I didn't want you to think I forgot about Phoebe and Trevor. Thanks for reading and as always, Happy Reading!