A/N: Thank you all for the reviews! can't tell you how much your reviews mean to me. Thank you all for the kinds words. Now this chapter goes out to my dollface AKA Anonbishy. She gave me some great ideas for this chapter.. Thanks Doll your the best. If you guys have not checked her out, you should read her stories. Loving Memories and Run and Hide. I am reading them now, They are GREAT! This also has a bit of a time jump, Grace was talking about family dinner on Sunday. I will put flashbacks in for the week. Also just fair warning, this is my longest chapter, hope you all don't mind. So with that being said...On with the show!

Chapter 9:

Ana POV:

Here it is Sunday morning and I'm sitting on my bed holding onto the letter Christian wrote me. I left his apartment on Monday night telling him he had a choice between me and the Bitchtroll and when he did not answer me I knew I had lost. I told him if he still has her in his life I can not be apart of it. I left a broken Christian. I left broken. I told him I love him and he said nothing. I think that may have hurt the worse.

I did not show up to work on Tuesday, as I could not face him. I told him I put in my 2 weeks, but since I don't really have a set time to work with school going on, I'm not sure when my 2 weeks starts. When I come home that night from school there was the biggest bouquet of tulips I have ever seen! Right away I knew who they were from. Kate was asking questions. All I told her was that we got into a fight and I am not talking to him right now. I know she dose not believe me, but I'm so thankful that she is not pushing me into talking about it. I don't think I can. And besides, untill Christian can see what the Bitchtroll has done and come cleans with his family, I can't really talk about it. Along with the flowers there was a letter. As I am reading his letter I am crying. He loves me! He really loves me! He says he is getting her out of his life, but we will see how that works. He wants me to give him a chance to talk. The things he said in his melts my heart and makes me want to run to him, but I need to stand my ground. He told me to call or text or e-mail him when I'm ready. It's not that I didn't want to, it's just that I was scared that I would brake down.

Grace has been calling me since Monday night. I have not picked up the phone. Not till Thursday I was laying on the couch reading my book my phone rang and i picked up without looking at the caller ID.

Flashback:

" Hello"

" Hello Ana, it's Grace."

" Hi Grace, how are you?" I bet I know why she's calling. She's calling about Sunday family dinner. To be honest I don't think I can show up.

" I'm fine dear how are you?"

" I'm good. Just taking some time out from studying and having some me time."

" That's great dear. I worry about you. All that studying. I just don't want you to stress yourself out and forget to eat and take care of yourself. I know you only have a few weeks of school, but I still worry. .You know I think of you as my own daughter."

" I know you do Grace, and I love you for it. I hate to sound rude, but is there a reason why you called me in the middle of the day?"

" Yes there is actually. I called to remind you about Sunday dinner and I'm hoping you can come by early so we can have some time to catch up."

" I don't know Grace, I'm not sure I can make it this time."

" Ana, dose this have anything to do with the fight you and Christian are having?"

" Grace, please. I really don't want to talk about it. It's something me and Christian has to work on. Well him more than me."

" I understand dear, and I wont push you. But it would mean so much to me if you still came. I hardly get to see you these days and seeing how Mia is in Paris, well I thought we could have some time together, just us before dinner."

"Ok Grace, I will be there." I let out a big sigh...I hate her guilt trips.

" Oh Ana, you made me so happy, I can't wait. I will see you say about 5:00pm then?"

" Yes Grace, that sounds great."

" Ok, see you then. I love you."

" I love you too. Bye."

" Bye."

End Flashback:

I also texted Christian on Wednesday thanking him for the flowers and the letter. He texted me back asking if I would have dinner with him so we could talk. I told him I wasn't ready to see him yet, but I agreed that we needed to talk. I asked him if he meant everything he said in his letter, and he told me with he did, He was sorry it took me leaving to open up his eyes to what was right in front of him. That made me cry hearing him say that. He told me that he loves me and he will do anything it takes to prove to me that I am what he wants, and that all he wants is a chance. I told him maybe we can talk on Sunday after dinner. He agreed and told me he would see me then.

So here it is, Sunday morning and I'm sitting on my bed, holding the letter he wrote me and crying. I have read it so many times I know it word for word. But each time I read it, it touches my heart even more. I love him so much. He is everything to me. I want us to be together, I want us to work, but in order for that to happen, he has to get ride of Mrs. Lincoln once and for all, and he has to come clean to his parents. They need to know. Grace needs to know. How many other boys has she done this too? How many boys is she still doing it too? The thought of that makes me sick to my stomach.

Kate has been trying to get me to get me to talk to her about the fight all week. I just keep telling her it's between me and Christian and that we are trying to work things out. I love her to death, she is my best friend and like a sister to me, but sometimes she drives me crazy. She even got Elliot to try help her. That is when I told her that I just wanted some time alone for awhile, so she has been staying with Elliot for the past few days. I feel bad for telling her I want space, but that is what I really needed right now. Kate is coming back today so we can get ready for dinner together.

I get up and head into the kitchen to start making some breakfast and get my day going. I need to keep busy till Kate comes back. So i make some eggs and toast, seeing how I am not that hungry right now. After I eat I wash the dishes, do some light house cleaning seeing how there is not much anyways. After all that decided to take a nice long hot bath to help me relax and get my mind ready for the talk Christian and I are going to have tonight. I have not seen him since Monday, 6 days and it feels like a life time! I long to look into these beautiful gray eyes of his, to smell his scent, to feel his body on against mine when he wraps me in his arms for one of his hugs. I wipe a lone tear that falls down my check. He needs to know I mean business and that I mean what I said. It's either her or me, and he said in his letter it was me, and always has been and always will be. Time will tell. I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

As I am getting out of the bath I hear the front door open and close and I know Kate is home.

" Ana are you home?"

" Yes Kate, I just got out of the bath." I wrap a towel around me and head back into my room to start getting ready. Kate walks in and sits down on my bed and just looks at me. She has this sad look on her face.

" Kate what's wrong?"

" Nothing Ana, I am just worried about you is all. You have never wanted space before. How bad is this fight? I mean You have not gone into work all week, you have not seen or even talked to Christian. Ell says Christian is not doing good either."

" Kate, I texted him the other day, and we agreed to talk tonight after dinner. I'm just...I don't know anymore Kate, I told him." I let out a big sigh and turn away from her so she can't see me cry. But knowing Kate, she knows I am already.

" Oh Ana! This is what it's about? You told him and he didn't say it back? I'm going to kill him!"

" Kate, stop. He sent me a letter along with the flowers and he told me. He told me how he felt, and how long he has felt this way and why he could never tell me. It was the most beautiful letter I have ever read."

" Then what's the problem? If you love him, he loves you then what is it?"

"It's just...on Monday, when I came out of the bathroom Olivia told me Christian wanted to see me in his office, and when I walked in, there was some brown hair women on her knees in front of him trying to you know..."

" Give him a blow job?"

" Yes. I ran out of there so fast. I saw that and I just thought, I had lost him to someone else. Then he sends me the flowers and the letter telling me how he feels. I am so confused Kate."

" Oh Babe, I'm sorry. Do you want to be with him?"

" More than anything Kate. He means everything to me and has for as long as I can remember. He's it for me Kate. He's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."

" WOW Ana! This is big! So your going to give him your v-card then?"

" Yes I want too."

" Alright then this is what he will do. We will dress you up tonight where he can't keep his hands off of you and will die if he can't have you"

I laugh at Kate, she can always make me laugh when I need it. I am so glad she is in my life. I don't know what I would do without her. Kate goes into my closet and pulls out my gray halter top dress that is backless and goes just above my knees and hugs all my curves and gives my boobs a nice boost, with my sliver Jimmy Choo sandals. She puts my hair in a messy bun leaving some lose hair down to frame my face. I put on some light pink lip gloss seeing how I don't really need much make-up.

" DAMN Ana! Your HOT! If Christian don't want you I may just take you."

I laugh at that. Only Kate would say something like that. She has been known to make out with a girl or two. She wont say she's bi, but she says its college, everyone needs try new things in college.

" Thanks Kate, you don't think it's to much? Am I trying to hard?"

" No Ana, you looking amazing really. Christian would be lucky to have you. Hell any guy would Ana."

I look at the time. It's almost 4:00pm and I told Grace I would see her at 5:00. If I leave now, that should put me there just in time. I ask Kate if she wants a ride.

" No, Elliot is coming to pick me up and I am going to ride with him. You going to be ok driving alone?"

" Yes I will be fine. I just wanted to ask. I will see you there ok."

" Ok drive safe. I love you."

" I love you too." I tell her as I give her a hug and grab my coat and purse and head out to my car. As I am walking to my car, I spot an black SUV and I know who it is. I shake my head and make my way over and knock on the window,

" Luke."

" Ana."

" Did he really put you on follow Ana duty?"

" You know it. He worries about you. And with things going on and you not talking to him. He just feels the need to make sure your ok."

" Well you can tell him I am fine. I take it you will be following me out to the Grey's house then?"

" Yes you would be right. Would you like a ride?"

" Sure why not. Gives me time to think of what I want to say to him."

Luke just nods, and I get into the backseat, buckle up and stare out the window thinking about everything that has happened. Not just on Monday, but everything. From the time we were kids, to the him pushing me away, now I know why. To him going off to college for 2 years, to coming back and starting GEH, to him telling me about what SHE did, and how he thinks she helped him, to now. To his letter he wrote me. The words he has always been scared to tell me. To his true feelings for me.

As I sit there and wonder what our life could be like, he asked me to give him a chance, and a chance I will give him. I mean we both want this. We both need each other in our lives. I can still be strong stand my ground, and give him a chance at the same time. I will make him work for it. I am not just going to cave and give in. He still needs to tell his parents, and I will be there for him if he wants. I will not push this tonight, but I will tell him he needs to tell them soon.

We pull up to Grey's house. Home away from home. I spent more time here then I did at my own house. Who could blame me through. Ray was always working to make sure we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, and everything we needed in life. Ray worked hard, and I am so proud to call him my dad. Carla however...She always took. It was never enough for her. She wanted more and more. When Ray could not give it to her fast enough she went out and found the first man that would. Carla cheated on Ray for a good year and a half before she finally told him. I can't say he was surprised by it. Me however, I could not be more upset for what she was doing. How could she do that to our family? There was so many nights that I heard them fight, that I would sneak out the window and run over to Christian's house. There were many mornings where Ray would come over and carry me from Christian's bed back home. That was till Grace and Carrick told Ray that it would be much easier if I just had my own room there. Ray was fine with it. He knew I loved him, but he also knew that I could stand being around all the fighting.

I step out of the car and starting walking to the front door. Before I had the chance to ring the bell, Grace opened the door and pulled me into a hug. This is a mothers hug to her child. She may not be my mother by birth, but she has always been more of a mother to me then mine own mother was. I sniffle and Grace pulls back and wipes my tears.

" Ana? Why are you crying? Are you ok? The worried in her voice makes me feel so loved and wanted.

" Yes Grace. I was just thinking how much of a mom you are to me then Carla was."

" Oh Ana, you know I have always loved you and thought you like one of my own. You are just daughter as Mia is."

" I know Grace. And thank you for everything you and Carrick did for me growing up. For allowing me sleep with Christian when the fights would brake out, to giving me my own room. To basically letting me live here and raising me when Ray was at work."

" Ana, you don't need to thank me. You and Ray are family. Always has been. Now come in, Carrick is wanting to say hello as well."

We walk in arm and arm and head into the living room where there is a nice fire going in the fireplace even though it is a warm night, the fire warms my bones.

" Ahhh there she is. How are you baby girl?"

" Carrick" I walk up to him and he wraps me up in a warm hug and kisses the top of my head. He is my second father. I could always come to him when I couldn't go to Ray, and Ray never minded at all.

" Hows school coming alone? Are you getting excited about graduating next week?"

" Yes, I can't wait. I am looking to putting my degree to good use."

" Yes your English Lit degree...You know we could always someone like you in the office."

" No thanks, I love you, but I don't think I can work for you."

" Can't blame me for trying."

I have to chuckle at him. He has always tried to get me into law. If he couldn't get one of is kids, then maybe he could get me, but atlas, I went into English Lit.

" Would you like a drink Ana?"

" Yes please." I go to sit down on the love seat, and wait till the others show up. Grace and I have been talking for about 2 hours till the first guest showed up. Where did the time go? I am sipping on my drink when I hear Elliot and Kate walk in.

" Ana Banana!" Elliot walks in pulls me into a tight hug lifts me off the floor. I love Elliot so much. He is the big brother I never had. So I'm glad it's him.

" Hey Ell, how are you?"

" I'm great. I got my work, I got my girl, I got my family. And now I'm about to get food! What more could a guy ask for?"

" Always thinking with your stomach."

" You know it."

" Ana, you look hot, by the way, sorry babe."

" It's ok, I told her the same thing."

" Just wait till my baby bro gets here. He will not know what to do."

" Thanks Ell, have you heard from him?"

" Yeah, I talk to him about an hour ago, he should be here soon."

" Ok, well lets all go back into the living room and sit and wait for Christian to get here." Grace leads all back in and we sit down and go back to talking till we hear the front door open up 10 mins later. I look up and see Christian walking in. He is in a pair of gray dress paints, a dark blue bottom down shirt, his hair is the just fucked look, and man dose it look good.

Christian goes to say hello to his mother first, then Carrick, then of course Elliot then Kate. Once he says his hello's to everyone he comes over to me, not sure how to approach me. So I will make the first move. I open my arms and walk and wrap my arms around his wist and breath his scent that I love to much. He wraps his arms around me, lays his check on top of my head takes a deep breath and kisses the top of my head.

" Hi." I say

" Hi." He says back. I pull him tighter to me, not wanting to let go of him. Not seeing or talking to him for almost a week has had more of an affect on me then I thought.

" I have missed you Ana. I am so glad you read my letter. I was so scared that you would just throw it away without even reading it first."

" Christian, of course I would have read it. Just because of how things ended on Monday, dose not mean I don't care for you."

" Look, can we go some where and talk? Before dinner? Please?"

" Christian...I don't know."

" Please, just hear me out ok?"

" Ok, let's go." I pull away from Christian and look around the room. Everyone is looking at like not sure what is going to happen next. I think they are waiting for a full on blow out. It wouldn't be the first time they have been witness to one of out many go around. Christian grabs my hand and turns to Grace.

" Mom, Ana and I are gonna go for a walk. How long till dinner?" Grace has a wide smile on her face.

" You have about 20 mins till it's ready."

" Thanks mom, see you in a bit."

With that Christian leads me through the kitchen, out the back door, into the backyard and towards the dock. We walk hand and hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles. It sends chills up my spine, and a tingling feeling where he's stroking, and boy dose it feel so good. We get to the dock and sit on the swing that over looks the lake.

" I have always loved coming out here. It's so quite and peaceful."

" Ana, you look breathtaking tonight." I blush at his comment.

" Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself."

" I'm glad you came tonight, I was worried that you wouldn't seeing how things ended on Monday...Ana," He runs his hand through his hair. He is debating with himself on what is he going to say and how to say it. I giggle at him.

" Christian, just tell me. Don't think, just feel." With that I place my hand on top of his, and he brings my hand up to his lips and places a soft kiss. His lips are so soft. I would love to feel them on my lips. He takes a deep breath in and turns to look at me.

" Ana...I love you, I have been in love with you for a while now. I know I told you all this in the letter, but i need to tell you to your face. To see look into eyes, while I say all this. Ana, I am so very, deeply, incredibly sorry for Monday, and how what happened, and how I let things get as far as they did. I should have spoken up. I should have made Elena leave as soon as she entered, but I didn't. I told Taylor to change all the codes to the penthouse, to the elevators, to the garage. She can no longer get in. I should have listen to you. I'm sorry, If she was a true friend like she said she was, she would not be pushing me into anything, she would not brought Leila into my office or my home. It was very disrespectful to not only me, but to you as well. I hope you can forgive me, and give me a chance to be in your life. I need you Ana. You are my light. I don't want to lose my light. Please say I haven't."

I have to look down, if I keep looking into his eyes I will lose it. I repeat over and over to myself, that I will not cry. I bite my lip, but Christian places his fingers under my chin and lifts my head up. He cups my check with his hand, and wipes my tears away with his thumb. I lean into his hand, and kiss his palm.

" Christian, I love you too. I have for a long time as well. I just never thought you would ever want someone like me. A plain nobody. Sure I am your best friend, but I have seen the girls/women who have thrown themselves at you, and I never stood a chance, so I never said anything either."

" Oh Ana, how could I not want you? You are everything. Your smart, funny, kind, caring, a smart ass. You have always been there for me. You were there before all my money. Your not scared to say what you think, you will put me in my place, you stand your ground. I am in awe of you. You Ana, are not a plain nobody. You are my everything."

" Christian" I begin to cry and he pulls me into his chest. He holds me tight and rocks me back and forth. Kissing the top of my head. I grab onto him and hold me close to me. Scared that if I let go all this will be a dream. Christian pulls away from me, and wipes my tears again, and places soft kisses on my eye lids, and my checks. He takes his thumb and rubs my bottom lip, he licks his lips, he looks at my mouth then back to my eyes, asking permission to kiss me. I give a small nod and he goes to lean in and just as our lips are about to touch we hear someone clear their throat.

Christian gives a small growl and I have to giggle at this. I can tell he is having problems below and it is very noticeable. We look over to where the person is standing, and there is Elliot, with a grin on his face, and looking quit pleased with himself. It's like he wants to cause issues for Christian.

" Yes Elliot?"

" Mom sent me down here to bring you two back to the house. Dinner is ready, oh and we have an extra guest just to let you know."

" Who is the extra guess?" I have to wonder who else would be there? Can't be Ray, as he is on his fishing trip till tomorrow.

" Mrs. Lincoln." Both Christian and I grasp at the same time.

" Thanks, Ell, tell mom we will be up in a few mins."

" Sure I will tell her that you had an issue and only Ana can take care of." He wiggles his eye brows at us and starts walking back to the house laughing.

" Christian, what are we going to do? If she is here, she is going to start things up."

" Let me take care of it Ana, don't worry ok. I only want you. Your the one for me ok."

" Ok." Christian stands up from the swing holds his hand out for mine, I grab it and he lifts me up on my feet. We walk back to the house hand in hand. I love the feel of mine hand in is. It's like we were made to fit each other. As we enter the house, I tell Christian I am going to use the bathroom and let Grace know I will be there in a few mins. As I am walking to the bathroom I see Elena talking to Miss Pigtails, AKA Gretchen. Graces, housekeeper. She has had a thing for Christian as long as she has worked here. I think she was hoping to catch his eye, but he never gives her the time of day. I am so thankful for that. I wonder what they have to talk about?

I come out of the bathroom and back into the dinning room and take my place next to Christian like always. Grace and Carrick at each end of the table, Elliot, Kate and Elena on one side and me and Christian on the other. As the starters are served, the conversation is light. We talk about our week, jobs, and of course school for me and Kate.

" So Kate, I was asking Ana, earlier if she was looking forward to graduating next week, what about you? How do you feel?"

" I feel great, It's like that chapter in my life is over, and I'm ready to start the next."

" What about work? Have you found a job yet?"

" Yes I am going to be interning at Kavanaugh Media. I hope to one day take over for my dad."

" How is your dad? I saw him last week while we were playing golf and he looked a little under the weather."

" He's fine, I think he just had that bug that has being going around."

" Poor Edmond. I hope he is feeling better." That's Grace, always making sure everyone is fine.

" He is, thank you Grace."

I look up from my food to see that Mrs. Lincoln keeps eyeing both me and Christian, although she keeps narrowing her eyes at me. I shoot her back a look that tells her to back off or we will have a repeat of Monday night and I'm not scared to do it. She looks away fast and starts talking to Grace.

" Grace dear, did Christian tell you I came to see him on Monday and introduced him to a young lady that I thought would be perfect for him?" OH HELL NO! She went there?

" Um no he didn't say anything to me. Christian?"

" Yes, as I told Elena here, that I was not interested, as seeing I am looking to start something with someone else here soon. I am just working my way up to it."

Christian smiles at his mother, then smiles at me, I notice Grace smile at both of us and nods, she knows he's talking about us. I think Grace is looking forward to that more than anyone else. I think she is hoping for us to finally get together, so she can plan a wedding, then grandkids. The conversation keeps going and Christian keeps a hold of my hand which is laying on my thigh. His fingers interlocked with mine, and there is a electric feeling that is running from my hand to every part of my body. I wonder if he feels it too.

I peek up to him through my lashes, and he just smiles at me, and gives me a wink. Out of the corner of my eye I see Mrs. Lincoln push he lips in a hard line and shoot me daggers. I giggle to myself and think I have won, you have lost, stick that up your pip and blow.

As the main course is severed, Gretchen comes around refill everyone's drink. When she get's to Christian she some how misses and it goes all over his shirt and lap. Making him jump and Gretchen grasp and apologize over and over again.

" Christian, why don't you go up stairs and change. I will put those in the wash for you."

" Ok mom, I will be right back." He goes to stand and places a soft kiss on my check. Everyone goes back to eating and little Miss Pigtails goes off back to where she came from. Kate, Elliot and Carrick are talking about Elliot's new project he's working on. Making low income housing which he is more than happy to work on. While Bitchtroll and Grace talk about the salon and what is going on there, I sit and wonder what is taking Christian so long. Grace looks over and notices that I am looking towards the stairs.

" Ana dear, would you please go check on him."

" Sure Grace, be back in a min." As I go to stand, I notice an evil smile on the Bitchtrolls face. I make my way up the stairs and I start to hear noises coming from Christian's room. I call out to him as I open the door and I see Christian in nothing but is boxers and Miss Pigtails in her bra and panties, hanging all over him.

Christian looks at me and all I can see is red. I can't believe it! Again? After everything? Really? I walk into the room and start yelling, I don't care who hears me. Christian pushed Gretchen away and holds up his hands.

" Ana..."

" You fucking son of a bitch!" I walk up to him and slap him right across the face. I don't cry this time, I don't run. I stand my ground this time. Really? After everything?

" Ana...let me explain."

" Go fuck yourself! Better yet, why don't you continue what you were doing before I walked in." I turn to leave, as he's putting on some pants and yelling after me. I head back down stairs grab my coat and purse and head out he door. I hear Christian running after me, calling my name over and over. I don't care. I just want to get out of here and away from him as soon as I can. I yell for Luke.

" Luke take me home please and hurry."

" Ana? Are you ok?"

Christian keeps calling out to me but I get into the car and tell Luke to go, and to lock the doors. As he dose, Christian tries to open the door.

" Ana, please don't leave, not again. Please it's not what it looks like, I know I said that before but please." He's now pounding on the window and I can see everyone has gathered outside to see what is going on.

" Luke go please."

With one last look out the window I watch Christian fade into the background. I watch the only man I have ever loved fade away. Once he is out of sight, I brake down, and everything goes black.

A/N: There you have it...what did you all think? I know i left it in a cliffhanger, and next chapter is from Christian's pov from when he heads up to his room. Do you think Ana did the right thing and leave? or should she have stayed? I know this was a long chapter, but i had to work up the the slap...This is for you Dollface! I hope you like it. I will be working on Chapter 10, it might be just as long, and maybe another slap for the next chapter...Leave your reviews and let me know what you think. So untill next time.

Much Love,

Allie