Phoebe's POV
I'm so psyched for this weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Grey had gotten us tickets to see the Christmas Spectacular in New York. It was their birthday gift to each of us this year. They didn't know that Mom would be pregnant. I feel bad that she won't be able to come with us. It's not safe for her to fly this far into her pregnancy. But I am so excited that she had given her ticket to Trevor.
We went back to school two weeks ago. It's been really tough going back to a place that holds such sad and scary memories. I wasn't sure I could do it, but Ava and Trevor had made it okay. Not to mention Dad's increased security and the funds he gave to the school to improve their security and monitoring process. He told me nobody will be able to enter the school if they shouldn't be there, and only authorized personnel will be able to carry guns. Dad and Mr Taylor did have say in who would be considered authorized personnel. In cases like that I don't mind my father being such a control freak. Did I just say that? It also helps that parts of the school look different. They had remodeled some of the areas where the shootings occurred. Ava and I have brand new lockers because they had to replace some of the lockers around ours. They also painted the walls a different color and hung up different pieces of art.
I'm currently packing for the weekend. Mrs Taylor offered to do it for me, but that would have been too embarrassing. I don't want her to see my choices in intimate apparel. If all goes well this weekend, it will be for Trevor's eyes only. I had a talk with Ava about wanting to move things to the next level with my boyfriend. She was excited and all too willing to help me prepare. She accompanied me to my appointment for a gynecological exam so that I could start birth control. She also talked me into getting a Brazilian wax. She came with me and held my hand the whole time. That hurt more than anything I could remember, but I'm happy with the results. She insisted that Trevor will be too. And of course we went shopping. I couldn't help but giggle and blush at the sexy lingerie as I went through it to find something I like. The cashier kept giving me funny looks, to which Ava came to my rescue. She said something snarky to the cashier which immediately put an end to her funny looks. I can't help but giggle at the memory as I hold up and admire the results of our shopping spree.
I quickly shove the lingerie into my suitcase and zip it up when I hear a knock at the door. "Come in" I call out once I know that my suitcase is secure.
Sawyer opens the door and smiles. "Is your suitcase ready?"
"Yes, thank you Sawyer."
He walks further into the room, retrieves my suitcase and carries it out for me. I grab my iPad case, purse and cell phone and follow him out. Sawyer and Brooke will be coming with us, while Lucas will be spending the weekend with his grandparents. Dad had given them tickets for the Christmas Spectacular as an engagement present. That's right, Luke Sawyer proposed to Brooke Sullivan. Finally! Dad had also gotten tickets for the security detail that will be coming with us, including Reynolds who is with Teddy and Rebecca on the east coast.
Speaking of Rebecca, I haven't seen her since the summer. She hasn't come home to visit. She and Teddy didn't come home for Thanksgiving, but they will both be home next weekend to start their winter break. I can't wait. I miss my brother so much when he is away. And it will be nice to spend some time with Rebecca.
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Christian's POV
I've been up since five this morning going over reports and plans for the Vancouver project. I have my team in place but I am reluctant to hand over full control to the team lead. I plan to stay involved until the babies are born. After that, Ros will oversee the project.
I look at the time and roughly rub my hands down my face. It is almost eight thirty. I had promised Ana that I wouldn't work all morning, that I would spend some time with her and have breakfast with my family since we will be away from her all weekend. I shut down my computer and leave my study to find Ana and Natalie in the main room. They are singing the alphabet song. I stand in the doorway to my study and observe without them taking notice. I just love these little moments with my kids. Natalie often wakes in the morning or from her naps and just starts singing to herself, and this is one of the songs that she sings. Ana and I listen to her through the baby monitor before one of us goes to get her. Her sweet little voice just melts my heart, and reminds me why I work as hard as I do.
I walk further into the room after they finish the song and Natalie's face lights up when she sees me. "Daddy!" She climbs off of the sofa and runs to me. I bend so that I can catch her and lift her into my arms.
"Good Morning Sweet Pea" I say to her before planting kisses in her hair.
"Good Morning" Ana greets me with her beautiful smile. She's absolutely glowing.
"Good Morning." I sit next to her and kiss her mouth. "How are my girls doing this morning?"
"We're good. I've asked Gail to have breakfast ready for nine. Is that okay?"
"That's very okay" I tell her as I release Natalie from my lap. I watch her run over to her little bookshelf in the corner and pick out a book. "Where's Phoebe?"
"She should be down in a few minutes. Sawyer went up to get her suitcase. I've asked him and Brooke to join us for breakfast."
"Very good" I say as Natalie rushes back over to me with a book. I lift her into my lap again so that she is between me and Ana and we both read with her.
When the book is finished, she wants us to read another. I close the book and move her over to Ana's lap. We'll only be away for a few days, but I know Ana will miss her terribly. Ana wraps her arms around her in a hug. "Guess what you get to do this weekend." Ana says to her.
"What?"
"You are going on a special trip with Daddy, and Phoebe, and Teddy."
"And Mommy" Natalie adds.
"No, Mommy's going to stay home."
"Why?"
"Well, when you go on this special trip, you are going to go on Daddy's airplane."
"Mommy can come on Daddy's alepane too" she says. I have to stop myself from laughing.
"Mommy is going to stay home and take care of the babies" Ana says as she rubs her pregnancy belly. We had explained to Natalie that the babies are inside Ana's stomach. She accepted that without asking too many questions, and before being put to bed at night she often asks to kiss Ana's stomach. Mom had told us that it was a good way to start having Natalie become aware that these babies are coming.
"The babies can come on Daddy's alepane too" Natalie says after thinking it over for a moment.
"No, Baby" Ana says gently. "Mommy can't go on the airplane while these babies are in my tummy."
"Den you can take the babies out of you tummy." I have to suppress my laughter again. Natalie can be quite funny sometimes, but I don't want her to feel made fun of.
Ana squeezes her in a hug again and kisses her hair. "Baby, it's too early to take the babies out. They have to get a little bigger and stronger first. But I don't want you to worry, okay? Mommy is going to be just fine here. And you are going to have a super great time with Daddy."
"That's right" I tell her before pulling her into my lap. "I am so excited to take you to New York. We're going to see a great show with music and dancing, and I'll take you to some of the stores that I think you'll like."
"Phoebe and Teddy too?"
"Yes, Phoebe and Teddy too." I turn her and lift her up so that I can whisper in her ear. "And you can help me pick out the perfect present to bring home to Mommy." She giggles at the secret. I kiss her cheek and place her on the floor so that she can put her book away. I then pull Ana closer to me and kiss her hair. "I don't want to leave you."
"I know" she says before placing her hand on top of mine. "But it will be fine. I'll have Taylor and Gail here with me. And you'll have a great weekend with our kids. You need this and so do they."
"I need you" I say to her.
"You have me" she assures me. "But you have to admit, the timing of this couldn't be more perfect. Teddy is away at school, next year Phoebe will likely be away too. When these babies get here they will need our full attention. And so will Natalie. Please, you need to enjoy this weekend with our kids. Don't worry about me."
I kiss her forehead and keep my lips there. "I always worry about you. It's my job, Mrs Grey."
Natalie runs back over to us and I pick her up again. I pull her into my lap and Ana and I start tickling her, causing a fit of giggles.
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Christian's POV
When we arrive at our New York apartment, Teddy and Rebecca are already there. Natalie's face lights up when she sees her brother and she immediately runs to him. He picks her up and squeezes her in a hug.
"Hey Munchkin! How's my favorite princess doing?"
"Good" she says before he releases her.
Phoebe, Trevor and I say our hellos to Teddy and Rebecca, who no longer needs her wheelchair. We congratulate her on her recovery. I let the kids catch up while I change Natalie and get her ready for the show. It starts in a few hours, so we'll need to leave for dinner shortly. She and I go through the clothes in her suitcase and she shows me what she wants to wear. Gail had packed her suitcase and included two possible outfits that she could wear to the show since Natalie likes to have choices. Once she is ready I unpack some of her toys and have her watch TV while I shower and get ready. I have a look around my bedroom and en suite bathroom, and I'm instantly flooded with memories of having Ana here with me. It's only been a few hours but I miss her already. It doesn't feel right to be here without her, but I have to remember her words to me. She gave me her blessing to come here with our kids and enjoy my time with them. But I know Ana. I know that was hard for her to do. I know she wanted to be here too.
"Daddy?" My baby girl's voice interrupts my thoughts. I walk into the bedroom to find her sitting on my bed with her doll.
"What's wrong Sweet Pea?"
"Daddy, I don't like dis show."
I look at the television and notice that a movie had just started. That won't do. I grab the remote and flip through channels until I find something suitable for my daughter. I'm not familiar with the channels here so all I can do is flip through the channels or the guide. I'm relieved when I find a cartoon that she likes. I look over and see a big smile on her face. "How's that?"
"Fank you Daddy" she says without taking her eyes off of the television.
"You're welcome." I kiss her head before disappearing into the bathroom again.
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Phoebe's POV
It's been a while since Dad brought us to New York. I think I was about twelve the last time I was here. The apartment looks so different from what I remember. All of the bedrooms are very similar in style. Since we haven't spent a lot of time here, we didn't personalize our bedrooms in any way. The walls are all painted a light tan color and the carpets are cream. The kitchen and main room have dark hardwood floors. Mom and Dad have pictures of our family as well as expensive art pieces in each room. The room that I sleep in has a great view of the city. I stare out the window and I'm lost in thought when a presence sneaks up on me. It causes me to jump and squeak because I wasn't expecting it. I turn around and I'm taken into Trevor's arms. I pull away and slap his chest.
"You scared me."
"I couldn't resist" he says in his defense. He tilts my chin up and our lips connect. And just like that all is forgiven. "I wish I could stay in here with you."
"Why don't you?"
"You know why."
"I haven't a clue" I tease, and I am met with his friendly glare.
"I'm not so sure that your father has entirely forgiven me for our road trip. Your parents were very generous to include me on the trip this weekend. I don't think I should push my luck."
I kiss him again in an effort to calm his fears. I need him to stay in here with me. "He wouldn't have to know" I whisper.
"Are you and I talking about the same man here? Your father would know. There isn't a thing that happens in your family that he doesn't know about."
"I know, his stalking tendencies know no bounds. Though his intentions are always good. He just wants to keep me safe. I don't always like it, but I can't fault him for that."
"Me neither. If I had a daughter I'd probably be the same way."
"You and my father agree on something" I smile at him.
"We both love you."
My breath hitches as I'm taken by surprise. "You love me?"
"Yes I do" he smiles at me. The smile I feel on my face is so big my teeth could pop out.
"I love you too." He kisses me again, and this time he parts my lips with his and eases his tongue into my mouth. We hold each other tighter and deepen the kiss. I don't know how long we are lost in each other before we are interrupted by a knock on the door. The person doesn't wait for an answer before walking in and clearing his throat.
Trevor and I pull our lips away but keep our arms around each other. "Sorry to interrupt, but Dad wants us to leave for dinner in a few minutes."
"Thanks Teddy" I say to my brother as I feel a big blush cross my features. I chance a peek at Teddy and he's smiling.
"You might want to lock the door the next time you decide to get caught up in each other."
"Noted" I say to him, hoping he takes the hint and leaves. He shakes his head and does just that. When he shuts the door I let out a chuckle.
"You see what I mean?" Trevor says as he slowly releases his hold on me.
"What?"
"That could have been your father walking in on us. I doubt very much that he wants to see his little girl kissing face with her boyfriend."
"You're right, I'm sorry." I wrap my arms around his neck and he wraps his around my waist. "That doesn't mean we should avoid these moments entirely. We just need to be careful."
He leans down and kisses my lips. "Careful"
"Yes, careful."
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Christian's POV
The show is incredible. But I can't help but think of Ana the entire time because I know she would have enjoyed this too. I'm already starting to make plans in my head to bring her and the kids here next year. I'm sure we can work out bringing someone to care for the babies since they will be too young bring to the show.
I have Natalie on my lap while Phoebe is to my right and Teddy is to my left. I glance at each of them and I can tell they are having a good time. The joy that I see on their faces is the only thing that is going to get me through this weekend. Going away on business is one thing. I hate leaving Ana and the kids for business trips, but at least I can bury myself in my work when I'm away. It makes the time go quicker. Right now I'm with my kids. I don't necessarily want the time to go quicker because I enjoy spending time with them. It is just so alien for me to spend it with them while Ana isn't with us. I know I have to put these feelings aside. It is not fair to my kids. They deserve my full attention and they deserve to enjoy themselves.
When the show is over I notice that Natalie is sound asleep. That was fast. Just a few minutes ago she was clapping and cheering with the rest of the audience. We wait for the majority of the crowd to leave before we stand and make our way out with the help of our security. They each thank me for getting the tickets for them and their spouses. I wasn't going to do that, but Ana insisted that I should extend the invitations to their spouses since they are taking a weekend out of the holiday season to be away with me and the kids.
When we are outside I spot Barlow. He has a taxi ready to take my family back to the apartment. I have the kids climb in first and then I climb in and settle Natalie in my lap. We are able to shut the door before the paparazzi is able to snap any pictures. I let out a huge sigh and look down at my sleeping baby girl. She is out for the night. I gently run my fingers through her hair as my kids chat about the show. I can't help but smile as I listen to them. They are really enjoying themselves, and all I've been doing is moping about missing Ana. I feel like such a shitty father sometimes. I really need to give them my full attention tomorrow.
"What would you kids like to do tomorrow?" I ask. They each look at me and then at each other as they decide, and then they all speak at once.
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Phoebe's POV
So, Trevor didn't spend the night in my bedroom last night. I suppose he has a good point. My father allowed him to stay with me a few nights while I was getting over the shock of the school shooting. He trusted that we weren't going to do anything. But now that I feel ready, I'd be betraying that trust if I have Trevor sleep with me. I've formulated a new plan and I hope it works.
Today, Dad took us out and around New York. We saw Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the big Christmas Tree and the ice skaters. Trevor said we could learn how to ice skate and then come back here some day and join them. I giggled at his idea, and then felt guilty because he was serious. Rebecca knows how to ice skate, but since she is lucky to even be walking right now Teddy doesn't want to take her down there and chance her getting hurt. She graciously agreed with him. Jeez, Teddy is becoming more and more like Dad every day.
At noon we split up so that we can do some of the things that we want to do. Dad took Natalie shopping. I think Teddy and Rebecca are doing some shopping as well. After we went our separate ways, I told Trevor that I was feeling tired and that I wanted to go back to the apartment. I feel guilty for that as well because I caused him to worry. Hopefully my idea for this afternoon will make up for it.
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Christian's POV
I am delighted that my kids are enjoying themselves. I'd decided that we should break for a few hours and do our own thing so that I don't hold them back with some shopping that I want to do with Natalie. I've been carrying her most of the way because there are so many people here this weekend, and she is so small. I don't feel safe to even push her around in her stroller. I want to keep her as close to me as possible. She hasn't been too happy about it because she likes to walk. As soon as we arrive at the Lego Store I set her down and hold her hand. She is so excited. She's bouncing up and down. I bring her over to the big tower of Legos in the middle of the store and grab a container. Then I squat down to her level and show it to her. "Why don't we pick out some Legos to take home? What color would you like?"
"Pink" she says before she looks around to see where the pink blocks are. I spot them and lead her over to where we can get pink blocks. I show her how to use the lever and allow her to pull it. She giggles excitedly as the pink blocks drop into the container.
"Okay, another color. What would you like?"
"Puple" she says and smiles at me. We find the purple blocks and I have her pull that lever.
"Okay, we should pick a few more colors. How about yellow?"
"Okay." We find the yellow and then decide to take some blue, green and red. I put the lid on the container just in time.
"Mr Grey….. over here, Mr Grey… Is that your daughter? Where is Mrs Grey?"
The fucking paparazzi has made their way into the store and they are snapping away at me and my daughter. I grab her and turn her around to block them from getting pictures of her face while my security deals with them. I walk away quickly and realize that I've startled Natalie with my harsh movement. "Its okay, Baby." I carry her through the store and over to the cashier so that we can pay for the Legos.
"Daddy, who was that?" she asks me innocently. She doesn't seem all that affected by the intrusion anymore.
"That was a stranger. Remember when Mommy and I talked to you about strangers?"
She nods her head and wraps her arms around my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. I'm thankful that I went with that. Natalie's too young to understand that what I do for a living attracts a lot of unwanted attention. I don't mind it when it comes to well-meaning people that want to contribute to what my company stands for. I despise it when people just want to take pictures or sell trashy stories to tabloids to make a buck. After the Legos are paid for, my security lets me know that we are clear to leave.
My next stop is the jewelry store. I told Natalie that she could help me pick out a present for Ana. I carry her for a few blocks until we arrive. I can tell she is getting tired. It is almost time for her nap, so we need to make this fast. A middle aged woman approaches us as soon as we enter the store and offers to help us. She introduces herself as Carol. When I tell her that I am looking for something for my wife she immediately gets to work suggesting bracelets that she thinks a billionaire's wife would like. I was thinking earrings and necklace set, so she shows me a few of those. I narrow it down to the two that I like and have Natalie decide. She decides on the heart shaped emeralds. "Sold" I tell Carol.
"Thank you Sweet Pea." I rub my hand up and down her back and she cuddles to me.
Natalie is asleep by the time we arrive back at the apartment. I plan to put her down and relax for a few hours before the kids get back. Maybe I can skype with Ana. When I open the door I see Sawyer running around frantic. "What the hell's going on?" I ask him with a hushed but annoyed voice. I don't want to wake Natalie. I hand her off to Collins and instruct him to put her in my room.
"Sawyer?" I try again. This time my voice is more stern.
"Sir, you better follow me."
I follow Sawyer to the bedrooms until we reach Phoebe's. We walk in to find Phoebe on the bed and Brooke seems to be tending to her. Sawyer hands a bunch of towels over to her. Trevor is next to Phoebe and he is holding her hand. And then I see the blood.
"What the hell happened?" I ask in a temper. And then I look over at Trevor. "What did you do to my daughter?"
I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while. My company recently had a big layoff of 60% of our company, so work has gotten very busy. I'm back to working crazy hours. I certainly can't complain about that, but I feel bad that it takes away my free time to write. I promise there is a lot more. I was going for a longer chapter for this one, but decided that I need to post. Hence, the cliffhanger. Thanks for Reading!