Christian's POV
After a very busy morning getting all of the kids up, dressed and fed we are finally ready to go. Leticia takes Elizabeth and Christopher to their school while Ana and I take Natalie and Sophia to their preschool. Taylor hired more security so that we have everyone covered. Kevin Collins and Evan Jones will be with the girls. Evan is Gail's nephew. He figured since his sister Penny does well working for us he'd give it a try.
This is Natalie's first day of school. I think I am more nervous than she is. I glance at her a few times during the ride to see if there is any sign that she doesn't want to do this, but it's not there. She watches out the window and swings her feet up and down until we arrive.
"This is it" Ana says animatedly. "Are you ready?"
"Yes Mommy."
Ana and I help the girls out of their car seats and hold their hands as we walk into the building with Collins and Jones behind us. I key in the code and hold the door for everyone to walk in. Sophia leads the way and shows us where the classroom is. When we arrive we are greeted warmly by the teacher, Mrs Porter. Ana and I have already met her but this is the first time Natalie is meeting her.
"And this must be Natalie. Hi Sweetie."
I squat down to be at my daughter's level. She looks around the room and takes everything in until I get her attention. "Sweet Pea, this is Mrs Porter. She's going to be your teacher. Can you say hi?"
"Hi" she says sweetly and waves her little hand.
Mrs Porter is leaning over with her hands on her knees and she's smiling at the girls. Natalie smiles back and giggles when her teacher makes a fuss over her outfit. She picked it out herself. She is wearing a purple jumper over a white long sleeve shirt, white tights and light brown boots.
"We are just about to start circle time. Are you girls ready?"
"Come on Natty" Sophia says as she takes her cousin's hand and leads her over to the carpet. I stand and start to feel emotional as I watch my baby girl. I don't want her to grow up too fast. I can't believe she is already starting school. It feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time. She was so little. She's still so little. Ana elbows me and interrupts my thoughts.
"Time to go, Grey."
She starts to pull me away by the arm but I stop her. "Wait, shouldn't we say goodbye?"
"No" she answers quietly but sternly. "She'll be fine. Let's go."
I glance one last time at my daughter before I reluctantly follow my wife out of the classroom. Barlow is waiting in the other car for us. I open the door for Ana and she climbs in. I walk around and climb in the other side. I don't realize that I'm sulking until we are on the road and Ana is giggling. "What?"
"Look at you" she says teasingly. "Why the long face?" I shake my head and open my mouth to speak, but then I close it again. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh" she says with less humor in her voice. "Please tell me what's wrong."
"I don't know" I say as I struggle with my thoughts. "I guess….. I didn't expect to feel this way."
"How? What do you mean?" she asks me as she puts her hand over mine and squeezes. I bring her hand up to my lips and plant soft kisses and I continue to gather my thoughts.
"I still see her as a baby, but she's not anymore, is she?"
"She's a toddler, Christian. She is our remarkable, smart, sharp and funny little three-year old. She's ready for school so we have to let her do it."
"I need her to still need us. I know that's selfish but I don't care."
"Oh I get it. You're upset because she was not upset about us leaving?" I look at her and just my look alone gives her confirmation. "I know that Teddy and Phoebe weren't all that thrilled to start school. Phoebe had you camping outside of her kindergarten classroom every day. I think it's great that Natalie is coping well. So far she's been the most well-adjusted out of all of our kids."
"That she is" I say before planting more kisses on Ana's knuckles. "I'm proud of her. I just don't want her to grow up too fast. I want to enjoy her baby and toddler years for a little while longer."
Ana smiles and I can't help but smile back. My wife is so beautiful. "She'll need us for quite some time. To chase the monsters away, to teach her right from wrong, to make sure she eats properly, brushes her teeth…. Oh, and by the way. She told me that she likes it better when you help her when she uses the potty."
I can't help but laugh at that. "Did she now?"
"She did. What do you do different?"
I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know. She sings while she's waiting to go. Sometimes I sing with her, but then I stop and pretend that I don't know the words so that I can hear her sing."
Ana giggles. I thought she knew about that but I guess she didn't. My wife has managed to cheer me up. I let out a sigh and start to relax as Barlow drives us home. I had taken the day off for Natalie's first day of school, and because Ethan will be transferred to our house today for home care. We had decided on home care because the closest available rehab facility is about two hours away. Ana and I agreed that having him recover in our home made sense for everyone. The Kavanaghs can visit whenever they want, and he can see his kids when he is ready.
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Teddy's POV
I'm sitting at The Coffee and Sandwich Shop when I get an update from the detectives working on Rebecca's case. They are now searching for Carlos Hagen as a person of interest. About fucking time. I don't understand what is taking them so fucking long. I'm grateful that Dad's men had already started their own investigation. They've been trying to locate Hagen but there hasn't been any trace of him. No cell phone or credit card activity, and they haven't been able to locate his vehicle.
The waitress brings my food, which is the usual Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. She also refills my coffee, knowing that I will keep drinking it until I leave. "Thank you" I say softly but sharply. I don't mean to be so short with people, but ever since Rebecca's disappearance I haven't cared to be my usual friendly and social self. Every little thing gets on my nerves. I've even snapped at Reynolds a few times for things that aren't even his fault, but being the professional that he is he just takes it and moves on.
I've come to like this Coffee and Sandwich Shop. It is a cozy place with about 15 tables and a few bar stools at the counter. Sarah always waits on me when I come in so I never even have to order. They have a great selection of lattes and cappuccino, which Rebecca loves. I hope to be able to bring her here. I hope to be able to do a lot of things with her. I just miss her so much. I need her back in my arms. I need her back in my life.
Her father sends me a text to let me know that he's landed safely in Seattle. He had to return home for a few meetings, but he will be coming back. While he was here he helped me organize a few searches for our girl. A lot of people in the college community came out, and despite the cold weather they spent hours searching in areas that we'd mapped out. A lot of people like Rebecca. She and I have both made a ton of friends since moving out here. They have all been so supportive and very active in our search. People have donated and raised money for our award, which continues to grow since we have not found her yet. Dad and Grandpa put up $100,000, and thanks to the college community we are up to about $145,000.
After I finish my meal and pay my bill I am off, but I notice that Sarah has left already. I find the manager and ask him to make sure that she receives her tip. He gives me a smile and agrees to keep it safe for her until she is back for her next shift.
I pull on my jacket, hat and gloves and venture out into the cold. I have two new security guards following closely, Liam Michaels and Neal Brunges. They have been here for a few days and I've made small talk with them, but my focus has been on my school work and finding Rebecca. When I turn the corner I notice two men roughing up a woman. I quickly intervene, and Michaels and Brunges help me pull the men away from the woman. She had fallen so I help her up.
"Are you okay?" I ask her. I get her to stand and then I realize that it is Sarah. "Sarah"
"I'm okay" she says, but I know she's shaken. "They took my purse."
I turn and glare at both lowlifes. "Give the lady back her purse" I say harshly. I watch as one man tries to struggle away from Brunges, but it's useless. The other man drops the purse and looks down. I reach for it and hand it back to Sarah. I look down and notice that her knee is busted and bleeding pretty badly through her tights. "You're bleeding" I say to her softly.
"It's nothing, I'll be okay" she says.
I ignore her. "This is my security team. They will stay here until the police come. I'll walk you home."
"You do not have to do that."
"Don't be difficult. I insist" I say as I try to get her to walk with me. "How far away are you?"
"Um….. a few blocks."
As I get her to walk with me I notice that she is limping. "You know what, you're hurt. I live just down the street. We'll get you cleaned up at my place and then I will drive you home."
"But…"
"No buts" I say sternly. "Sarah, you were attacked. It's okay to accept some help."
She looks down at her knee and the blood dripping down her leg. "Yeah, okay."
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Christian's POV
Ana and I spend some time at the hospital while Ethan is being prepared to be transferred. We are in Mia's hospital room which is filled with cards, stuffed animals and flowers. I'm sat at her bedside and I'm holding her hand. I don't get to visit her as much as I'd like, but I know that my parents, the Kavanaghs, Kate and Elliot have spent a great deal of time here. I start talking to her about her kids. How Elizabeth is working on a solo for the next competition, how Christopher is enjoying soccer, and how Sophia is showing Natalie the ropes at school.
"I miss you" I finally tell her. "I miss your energy and your spirit, and your infectious smile." I lean up and kiss her forehead. "Come back to us soon, Mia."
Ana takes my hand and we walk out together. When we are told that Ethan is ready for transport we leave so that we are back at the house before he gets there. I check in with Ros while we are in the car. She tells me that everything went smoothly during the meeting this morning that we'll be meeting again next week when I am able to attend. I am so grateful for everything this woman does for my company when I need to get away to take care of my family. I end the call and take Ana's hand in mine for the rest of the ride.
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Teddy's POV
We arrive at my place as it starts to get dark. By now Michaels and Brunges have caught up with us and are a few feet behind us as we enter the apartment. I help Sarah to the sofa and help her sit. The blood from her knee has dripped down her leg and into her shoe. When I start to walk away to get the first aid kit she starts to stand. I turn and glare at her and I'm met with worried eyes.
"You know, this was a bad idea. I'll just go" she says and stands to walk away, but I stop her and force her to sit down again before she hurts herself.
"No, we need to take care of this first."
She tries to stand again but my hands are still holding her arms. "No, please"
"Why are you fighting me on this?"
"Please, I don't want this. Please" she pleads as tears spring out of her eyes. What is she talking about? And why is she crying? I look up and see Michaels and Brunges hovering, and then I realize what this looks like.
"Guys, that will be all. You can go" I dismiss them. I watch as they leave my apartment and lock the door behind them. Sarah is still shaking and tears are running down her cheeks. "I'm not going to hurt you" I say softly. "I promise. Will you let me tend to your knee?" I wait for her to give me the okay. She takes some breaths to calm down and nods. "Good. I'm just going to get the first aid kit."
I stand and walk out of the room to collect some things that I'll need. I can feel her eyes on me as I walk through the apartment. She's afraid of me. She thought I was going to hurt her. Have I become so distant and so harsh that I come off as a monster? That's not me. Well, I guess that is the me without Rebecca. God, I miss her.
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Ana's POV
We are in the bedroom that Ethan will be staying in. It is located on the far side of our home away from the bedrooms that the rest of us are using. This is the wing next to Taylor and Gail's wing. Some of our security guards live here and use this wing. Ethan had asked for this bedroom because he does not want his kids to know that he's here. I don't agree with this. His kids need him, and he needs them. But Christian insists that we go along with his wishes, for now.
"How's Grey House? Am I unemployed?" he asks Christian.
"You are on medical leave. I happen to be very generous when it comes to my employees' medical plans."
"Can we get you anything?" I ask him. "Are you hungry?"
"No, no I'm not hungry. I can't believe you guys are doing this."
"Well, believe it" I say to him. "This family sticks together."
Christian puts his arm around me and holds me to him. "That's right. You were here for me and the kids when Ana couldn't be. And now we are here for you."
He takes a deep breath and lets it out. "My kids cannot know I'm here. I don't want them to see me like this."
I look up at Christian and then back at Ethan. "We won't say anything. But Ethan, at some point we will need to…."
"No" he snaps, and then he gets upset. "Please. Please, they don't need to see me all broken and attached to wires. It will frighten them. They are better off knowing what you've told them, that Mia and I are in the hospital and they don't allow children to visit."
"We won't say anything" Christian says softly.
The nurse steps in and suggests that we leave so that Ethan could rest.
"I'll come and see you tomorrow" I tell him.
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Teddy's POV
There is silence as I take the time to properly clean Sarah's knee and leg. She allows me to rip off what is left of her tights below her knee and I remove her shoe so that I can clean off all of the blood. There's a lot of it. I'm surprised she didn't pass out. I abandon the task for a moment and grab a water for her out of the fridge. "Here, drink this. You need to stay hydrated."
I go back to cleaning her leg and I notice that she is drinking the water. I can't help feeling guilty for what she thought when I brought her back here. I'm not that kind of person. And I don't want anyone to ever look at me that way. It's bad enough people think I killed my girlfriend.
I get to the part where I need to apply the antiseptic so I try to get her to talk to me. "Tell me about yourself."
"There's not much to know about me."
"I'm sure that's not true. Tell me about your family. Where are you from?"
I look up at her and she shrugs her shoulders. Okay, she doesn't want to talk about her family. "Alright. What's the last book you've read?"
She starts talking about two books that she's been reading. I wait until she's not paying attention to what I'm doing and then I apply the antiseptic. She winces and hisses through her teeth but allows me to continue the task. I ask her more basic questions. Favorite color. Favorite ice cream. Favorite food. I apply a clean cold towel when I'm done and she starts to relax. I look up at her and manage a soft smile. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
She also manages a soft smile and shakes her head. "No, it wasn't. Thank you Mr Grey."
Mr Grey? I realize that I've never told her my name. Why would I? She's waited on me several times but I've never made conversation with her. I always pay with my credit card. That must be it. "It's Teddy. Mr Grey is my father."
"Okay. Thank you Teddy."
"You're welcome. Listen, I gave you the water because you've lost a lot of blood. Do you feel light headed or dizzy?"
She shakes her head and regards me oddly. "What, are you a doctor?"
"That's the plan. After college I plan on going to medical school."
"You've done a great job here. I think you'll do great."
I look at her face and really see her. I've never really made eye contact with her. She's no Rebecca but she is a beautiful girl. She is a few inches shorter than me, way too thin, she has long dark hair and long bangs that practically cover her eyes. What I can see of her eyes is sadness. I grab the large band aid and carefully put it on so that it covers the large cut on her knee. I stare at her knee for a moment before I work up the courage to ask her about earlier. "Can I ask you something?"
She shrugs. "Sure"
"When we first got here, and my security followed us in…."
"I thought you had other intentions."
"You thought we were going to rape you." She looks down and doesn't answer. "That's happened to you?"
She takes in a breath and lets it out. "That's not really your business."
"You're right. It's not. I apologize that you thought for even a second that that was what I was going to you. I would never do something like that." I then stand and put my hand out for her to take. She takes it and stands.
"I should get going."
"I can drive you." I walk away to retrieve our jackets.
"You don't have to do that. Really."
I walk back over to her and she takes her jacket from me. "I insist. It's dark, it's cold, and the less you walk around with you injured knee the better. Come." I take her elbow and get her to walk with me out of the apartment. I let Michaels and Brunges know where I'm going and they both follow.
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Ana's POV
Christian is so relieved when Natalie is home from school. She had a great day. She is sitting with her Daddy on the sofa and telling him all about her first day, while Sofia is talking to me. She doesn't have as much to say as Natalie so I take her with me to check on the babies. They are napping in their nursery. I tell my niece that we have to be super quiet so that we don't wake them up. She is so cute as she tiptoes into the nursery with me. I lift her and place her on my hip so that she can see into the cribs. Both babies are sleeping peacefully so we leave to join Christian and Natalie again. Natalie is still talking when we walk back into the main room. I smile at my baby girl as Sophia busies herself in the corner where we have been keeping all of the girls' toys.
"Look, Mommy, I got a stamp" she says as she holds out her hand to show me.
"I see. That's great, Sweetheart. Did you have a good day?"
"Uh huh." She slides herself off of the sofa and joins her cousin in the corner.
I sit down next to my husband and admire him as he watches the girls with a big smile on his face. "Look how happy she is" he says softly.
"She is happy. I'm glad we did this." I take his hand in mine and start playing with it.
"I wouldn't say I'm happy about our three-year old already being in school. But, I'm happy she's happy." I lean in and rest my head on his shoulder. He kisses my forehead and rests his head on mine.
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Teddy's POV
"You can drop me off here" Sarah says. She seems nervous.
"Is this where you live?" I try to keep my voice calm, but I'm annoyed that she seems to be keeping something from me.
"I live just over there. I can get out here."
"No, let me drive you as far as my car will go. I want to make sure you get in okay."
"You don't have to. I'll be fine."
"Have you forgotten you were attacked earlier?" I try to stay calm but she's making it so difficult. "Why don't you want me to see your place?"
"I just don't, okay? Can you please unlock the door so that I can get out?"
"Come on. I've showed you mine. Show me yours?"
She glares at me and I have to stifle a laugh. "You did not really just say that."
"Yes, I did. I was trying to lighten the mood. Now, will you please stop being difficult and let me drive you home?"
She pouts. Now I understand why Dad hates it when we pout. "Thank you for helping me. You've been very kind. But can you just please do what I ask and let me out here?"
I sigh and decide to give in. I really can't force her to let me help her. Can I? I unlock the door and look over at her. Our eyes meet for a second. "Thank you." She turns and carefully climbs out of my car and stands a few feet away from my car. For some reason she does not want me to know where she lives. It really isn't my business. The only affiliation I have with her is The Coffee and Sandwich Shop that she works at. I sigh and drive away, but decide to park my car nearby and follow her on foot to make sure she is okay.
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Ana's POV
Kate and Elliot are in our house visiting Ethan while Christian and I are putting the little kids to bed. We had decided that tonight will be the night that Ava needs to tell her parents about her pregnancy, so we had suggested that they visit with Ethan and have some tea with us after. I'm very nervous for Ava. I have no idea how they are going to react to this news. I don't think they will turn their backs on her, at least I hope not.
I find Christian in the nursery checking on the babies. He's standing and cradling a sleeping Monte in his arms. I love watching him with our children. It never gets old. He turns and catches me staring. "See something you like?"
I walk into the room and wrap my arms around him so that my face is at our son's head. I gently place a kiss there and then kiss my husband's lips. "I see a lot of things that I like. We should probably get down to the main room."
"Yeah you're right" he says softly. I watch as he smells our son's head and then plants a kiss. He's so sweet with the babies. I can't help the tears that form in my eyes. He lowers Monte into his crib and then turns and walks toward me until he is standing right in front of me. "Why the tears, Mrs Grey?" He lifts a hand to my face and gently wipes them away.
"I just love you and our family so much."
He wraps his arms around me and I am able to put my arms around him. "Oh Ana, I love you too." He plants a few kisses in my hair. "Even when you are an emotional mess." I sniff and I manage to giggle. "And I love that sound. Come, we will be needed in the main room."
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Teddy's POV
I don't know why I'm doing this, but I am following Sarah as she walks a few blocks from where I dropped her off. I watch as she struggles to climb the steps to a building and opens the door. I stay back because I don't want her to see me. She got in safely so my work is done, but as I turn to leave I realize what this place is. I can't believe it. I am frozen in my spot as I stare at the building. I don't know how long I stand there, but long enough to see her leave the building.
She is walking in my direction. Rather than hide I step out so that I am in plain sight. When she looks up she sees me, and she is not pleased.
"You followed me?"
"I had to make sure you were okay, which clearly you're not."
"I get by just fine. Look, you can't tell anybody that you saw me here. If my manager finds out that I'm homeless he'll fire me."
"I won't say a word" I say calmly. I'm still in shock. This girl is homeless and she's been hiding it so well. "You shouldn't be walking around, you're injured. Where are you going?"
She looks down embarrassed. "There's no room left at the shelter. I got back here too late. There's somewhere else I can go. Can you please not follow me?"
I shake my head and keep my place in front of her. "Why won't you let me help you?"
"You've helped me. You saved me from my attackers, you got my purse back, you took me to your place and took care of my cut. I appreciate all of those things. I wish there is something I can do for you in return. But I can't. I can't repay you in any way."
"I'm not asking you to."
"That doesn't make any sense. People don't just do nice things. There's always a payback somewhere."
I shrug my shoulders. "I agree. There are more fuckers in this world and not enough decent people. But I'm not looking for a payback. I don't need anything from you. I want to help you because I can. Can that be good enough?"
I watch her as she thinks it over.
"I have a second bedroom. It's yours as long as you need it. What do you say?" She doesn't get a chance to answer before it downpours. I take her hand and pull her with me until I see Michael's and Brunges in their car. I encourage Sarah to climb in the back seat with me away from the pouring rain. "Wow, that came of nowhere."
"Okay, Sir?"
"Yes, Brunges. Home please."
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Ana's POV
"Do I have to do this tonight? Ava asks when the four of us are in the main room. Kate and Elliot have not joined us yet.
"Yes" Christian says in his no nonsense tone. "Ava, we can't keep this a secret anymore."
"It will be better to get this out" I add. "No more secrets. And then you can concentrate on the pregnancy."
"Better for who?" she asks under her breath and rolls her eyes, but we all hear it.
"Ava!" Christian scolds.
Ava just gives us a look and shakes her head.
"Look, we all need to calm down" I say calmly and take Christian's hand in mine. "We agreed that we are in this together."
Gail and Penny bring in trays with tea, sugar, creamer and cookies and place them on the coffee table. Christian thanks them and tells them that they can take the rest of the night off.
We go about fixing our tea in silence while we wait for Kate and Elliot. When they walk in Kate greets me warmly. I stand and give her a hug. Elliot kisses my cheek, shakes Christian's hand and pats his shoulder. He then goes over to the other sofa to greet the girls while Kate stays in front of me and holds my hands. "Thank you for everything you are doing for my brother and the kids. And Ava" she turns and glances at her daughter. I glance at Christian and mirror the same panic that he's feeling. Does she know?
"Ava? What do you mean?" I ask her nervously.
"Come on, Ava's over here all the time. I was thinking of brining Cameron over here so that he can join all of Grace and Carrick's grandchildren for a sleep over." I glance at Christian again and we both manage to chuckle. "Why, what did you think I meant?"
"Why don't we sit down?" I suggest. "Gail and Penny just brought in the tea so it's nice and hot. Help yourselves."
Christian and I take our seats on the sofa and wait for Kate and Elliot to get settled on the sofa in the middle of the room. The girls are seated on the smaller sofa on the other side of the room that is facing us. I glance at Ava and she is looking everywhere but at her parents. She really is going to have a hard time telling them, but she needs to.
"So, to what do we owe this delightful tea party?" Elliot asks as he sips his tea.
Christin puts his tea down and leans forward so that his elbows are on his knees. "Well, there isn't really an easy way to say this. Ava has some news to share with you, so we thought we'd get you together so that she can tell you what's been going on."
Kate and Elliot both look over at Ava, who begins to pale as all eyes are on her. "Ava, what's this about?" Kate asks before taking sip of her tea and placing it on the coffee table.
She doesn't answer right away, so Elliot speaks up. "Ava, Pumpkin is something wrong? Are you sick?"
"No" she answers quickly. "Not exactly."
"Then what is it?" he asks.
"Mom… Dad….." She takes in a breath and lets it out. "I'm sorry" she says as she grows emotional.
"Ava, just tell us what it is" Kate says. She already sounds aggravated.
"I'm pregnant" she blurts out.
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Teddy's POV
Sarah and I are back at my apartment. I have sent a text to Reynolds to pick up a few things for her from Walmart. I would have gone myself, but the last thing I need is the paparazzi taking photos of me and another woman out and about at a store while my girlfriend is missing. The press would have a field day with that.
I am not aware of what she is doing until she speaks up. "She's beautiful. Is she your girlfriend?"
I walk toward her to see what she is looking at. She has a framed photo of Rebecca in her hand. "Yes she is. That's Rebecca."
"I've seen her before."
That gets my attention. "You have? Where?"
"Well, I don't think I've seen her in person. But a picture of her. Wait, the missing person posters. She's been missing."
"Yes"
"Her posters are all over town."
"We've been trying to find her. We have been setting up searches every weekend. Her father has been out here. The police are investigating."
"Do you think somebody took her?"
"She was here at the apartment. I came home and found the bedroom a mess, and there was blood…."
"Oh no" she says in a panic. "Teddy…."
I step forward so that I am closer to her. "We're safe here. I usually only have one CPO but my father hired two more after Rebecca was taken. They won't let anyone get in here."
She looks at the photo again and then back at me. "Why do you need a CPO?"
"You really don't know who my father is?"
"Should I?"
I shake my head and look down. This is actually refreshing. I rarely every meet someone that hasn't heard of my family. "A lot of people know my father. He's very wealthy, so he's a big target for fuckers out there that will do anything for ransom money. I've had a CPO follow me around all my life."
"So…. Rebecca?"
"We've been together for three years. We moved here from Seattle so that we could attend school. We thought one CPO was enough….. I don't think her disappearance is linked to my father."
"No?"
I shake my head and look down, and I hope she gets that I don't want to elaborate. I'd rather not get into the whole thing about Rebecca cheating on me with that fucker Hagen. She carefully places the photo back on the table and picks up another. "Is this your family?"
"Yes." She has the photo that was taken on Christmas Day after my mother came out of her coma.
"Everyone in your family is so good looking" she says as she admires other photos on my shelves that I have of my Aunts Uncles and Grandparents. Why is your mother in a bed?"
"There were complications when she had my baby brother and sister. She was in a coma, and she came out of it on Christmas."
She looks at the framed photo in her hand again and smiles. "I'm sure that was the best Christmas present ever."
"That it was. I don't think I would have done too well without my mother. And my father, forget it. He'd be lost without her."
"Sounds like he loves her very much."
"My parents are great examples of the real thing. And Rebecca…" I start to feel emotional, but I want to say this out loud. So I push down the lump that is in my throat. "I love her. When we do find her, I'm going to ask her to marry me."
We are interrupted when Reynolds comes into the apartment with a few bags.
"Thank you Reynolds." I take the bags from him and place them on the sofa. I go through them and hand some things to Sarah. "Here, take these." I give her pajamas, underwear, socks, tampons and a toothbrush. "There are towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo, tooth paste….."
"Tampons" she says as she pulls them out of the pile of things that I've given her.
"I tried to think of things you might need. I don't need to know anything about your cycle, just…. use them if you need them. Everything else you need is in the bathroom. Why don't you go have a shower and then we can replace the bandage on your knee?"
"Teddy, thank you but you didn't have to do all of this. I can't repay you."
"I know, I don't expect you to. I meant it when I said I am not expecting a payback on this."
"Why are you being so nice?"
"My parents and my grandparents have set very good examples for me. They help people that need help. And, people here have been so generous with their time and donations to help find my girlfriend. This is my opportunity to do something decent. Can you accept that?"
She nods and offers a small smile. "This isn't easy for me. I'm not used to this. I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Go have a shower. I'll find something for us to eat."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Ana's POV
Ava is very emotional after blurting out that she is pregnant. Phoebe is sitting next to her and she tries to calm her down.
"You're what?" Elliot asks.
"I'm pregnant" Ava says in a softer tone. She reaches her hand up and wipes away tears.
"I can't…. believe this. How could you let this happen?" he asks angrily.
Christian intervenes. "Elliot, calm down."
"I won't fucking calm down, Christian. My daughter just told me she is pregnant. And what, you knew about this?"
"Elliot" Kate intervenes this time while she looks at her daughter. "This isn't helping."
"Kate, our daughter is pregnant. Christ, am I the only one who has a problem with this?" He looks at Kate and then seems to have a light bulb moment. "Or am I the only one that's been in the dark about this?"
"No, Babe, I swear. I didn't know about this." She then looks at the two of us. "But you knew. Why did the two of you know about this? Have you been keeping this from us?"
"How long have you known about this?" Elliot asks.
"Not long" Christian responds as he takes my hand. "Ava confided in us a few days ago and we told her we would be here to support her."
"A few days? You didn't find it fucking necessary to tell us when you found out?"
"Elliot" Kate tries.
"No" he says as he roughly takes his hand away from Kate's and stands up. "This is so fucked up. You are fucking eighteen years old" he addresses Ava this time. How could you be so stupid and irresponsible? This is exactly why I told you not to have sex at your age."
"Elliot, stop" Kate admonishes him, but he ignores her.
"How could you ruin your life like this? You had plans to go to college. We've been saving all of your life so that we could send you wherever you wanted to go. And now you go and ruin it to have Nathan's little bastard?"
"Elliot, that's enough" Christian stands and shouts which causes Kate and the girls to flinch. Elliot turns and faces him. He is so angry. "You need to leave" Christian says more calmly, but I can hear the anger in his voice.
"Kate, lets go" Elliot says without taking his eyes off of Christian. He doesn't even look at Ava before he leaves the room. Kate stands and looks at me sadly. I can tell she's conflicted. I go to her and rub my hand up and down her arm.
"Go, we'll take care of her" I say to her softly. She nods and walks over to Ava. She squats down in front of her and takes her hand in hers.
"You're father and I need some time to process this, okay?" she asks emotionally? Ava wipes her own tears away and nods. After Kate leaves I sit next to Ava and Phoebe and I both hold her as she cries. I look up at Christian and he is standing in the middle of the main room with his hands on his hips, no doubt pissed at the way his brother handled this.
Hi Readers, I know it's been a while and I'm sorry. I've been so busy with work which I would never complain about. I like to write long chapters and put a lot of thought into them before posting. I hope you like this one. I had some ideas for this chapter but it took me a few weeks to write it. I do not have any plans for Teddy to cheat so that won't happen. Happy Reading!