A/N:

I owe my inspiration for this chapter to:

Guest G ( August 12) I wrote more about Ray and Grace. I hope you like this chapter.

To ALL who participated in the poll on FB: You're the best!

Vivienne: Thanks for your encouragement and feedback.

This chapter picks up where we left off in the Big Boys Don't Cry chapter.

Chapter Thirty-one: Life Lessons

Christian POV

Lost in a sea of memories, Christian barely noticed as people whizzed past him as he stood outside the restaurant. He didn't realize he'd been crying softly until someone nearly bumped into him, bringing his mind back to the present moment.

When Grace came into his line of vision, he quickly turned his back to her. But instead of going away, she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder.

"Christian, honey," she murmured, "you remembered?" It was more a statement than a question.

Christian turned to glare at her. How could she have kept the truth from him all these years? By keeping silent, she had supported every single one of Carrick's misdeeds.

"Don't touch me," he hissed, moving away from her.

Grace stood back, surprised. The next thing she knew, he was walking in the opposite direction. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

This new revelation was the last straw for Christian. This woman couldn't be his mother. She had to be an imposter. His real mother had been one to raise a flag to the virtues of honesty and integrity.

Across the pedestrian crosswalk, the red hand flashed. He still had time to cross, except he had no idea where he was going.

Ana caught up with him and clung to his body like ivy on a brick wall.

Holy shit, he thought, his body tight with shame. Ana had seen him cry. And there was nothing he could do about it now. In the back of his mind, He heard Carrick's voice mocking him, what are you gonna do now, Sunshine?

The nickname irritated him like a scratchy tag on a t-shirt. Thankfully, he'd never given him the satisfaction to let it show.

"Chris," Ana whispered his name. There was no judgment, only love and acceptance coming from the extraordinary woman he'd married.

She gets me, he thought, she really does.

Their bodies were molded to one another. Their chests bound together by an invisible thread, and the beating of their hearts muted all other sounds.

After a short while, he pulled back a little, peering deeply into her eyes.

"Don't tell me you're surprised to see me like this...we both know I was always the biggest crybaby on the playground," he quipped. Even now, humor was still his salvation in embarrassing situations.

"You had a summer birthday and were smaller than everyone else," she defended him, reminding him of the early days of their relationship, "but then, you outgrew everyone by junior high."

He smiled at the role reversal. Back then, Ana had teased him, calling him a crybaby, and he'd defended himself by reminding her that, in the end, he'd outgrown his peers.

...

Grace POV

Inside the restaurant, Grace watched her son and daughter-in-law embrace through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Her eyes remained glued on the couple as they walked hand in hand to their vehicle.

Her heart felt heavy with grief.

She had never suspected the kidnapping had affected Christian that much. Both she and Carrick had kept him out of the loop. And he'd seemed so happy playing in the police car. And yet, he must have known something was wrong. Was it possible that at one point, Christian had realized what was happening and, in turn, his defense mechanism had kicked in to repress all memories of that time?

The sting of Christian's rejection filled her heart with hopelessness. She had truly believed revealing the truth would soften Christian's heart, but it only seemed to have widened the rift between them. And now, all she wanted to do was to crawl under a rock.

Maybe she should go back to taking her antidepressants. She had stopped taking them a while back since Ana came into her life, becoming the daughter she never had. Her marriage to Christian had given her a new lease on life. She woke up every morning filled with hope of better things to come. And then came the announcement of Ana's pregnancy, giving her every reason under heaven to greet every morning with a smile.

But it all had been an illusion, it seemed, masking the reality of how her life had gone so horribly wrong. Tonight, Christian acted like he hated her. Her payoff after devoting her entire life to her one and only child. Had she not been a good mother? Had she not always put her son's needs first?

God, she had even thrown away her chance at happiness twice. The first time when she stayed married to Carrick twenty-something years ago. The second time around, she foolishly walked away from the best thing that had happened to her in years.

Ray.

Her thoughts drifted to what Ana said at the restaurant... her suggestion that perhaps there was something romantic developing between Ray and Marie Kondo.

Could she blame him for moving on?

Maybe...just maybe it wasn't too late.

Text him.

Yes.

Texting was always easier.

...

ANA POV

The next day

Last night, after getting home, Christian went straight to bed, claiming he had the worst headache ever.

"I know exactly what you need," Ana whispered. Spooning her body against his back, she let out a contented sigh. She then kissed the nape of his neck and gently massaged his temples.

Christian woke in a better mood the following morning.

"You look well rested," she observed, stroking his cheek.

"Really? Well, I spent all night thinking of one thing only."

"One thing only...huh?"

Christian pulled back the covers to show her what he meant.

Wow, just wow.

The instant their lips touched, he molded his mouth to hers with a heat that heightened her senses. Their lovemaking was beautifully punctuated by whispers and sweet caresses. And at the height of their orgasm, Ana could have sworn she heard the sound of birds chirping right outside their window.

"Who's that?" Christian asked when Ana checked the phone during breakfast.

"Grace. She wanted to know how you were doing."

Christian frowned, mumbling something unintelligible.

"Until when are you gonna keep this up?"

"Keep what up?"

"Ignoring your mother."

"I don't want to talk about this right now."

When Ana spoke again, her tone was half-teasing, half-serious.

"Okay, Mr. Grumpy... I just want to say one thing. You can't treat your mother that way. You need to understand her, she..."

"I understand her alright. She's the one who doesn't get me...otherwise, she would know to leave me the fuck alone."

And with that, Christian turned his attention to his phone, signaling the conversation was over.

Ana knew better than to insist. That didn't mean she was giving up. No way, Jose. She was simply giving her husband the space to process everything that had happened in the last couple of days.

...

Ana told Christian she was planning on visiting Ray that afternoon.

"Do you really have to go? I'm taking the rest of the day off."

"I won't be gone long. I just want to be there when the Queen of the Lunatically- Sanitized Homes arrives."

"Until when are you gonna keep that up, Anastasia?"

"Keep what up?" Ana replied with a clear sense of deja vu.

"Meddling in your dad's love life."

Ana stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Are you really taking the rest of the day off?"

"Huh-uh. I promoted Ross and left her in charge at the office."

"But, with both Carrick and Elliot gone, don't you think you should be there overseeing things?

Christian's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait a sec. Did an alien fall from the sky, replacing my wife with a gorgeous lookalike?"

Ana cocked her head just so.

"Huh?"

"You look like Ana...and certainly smell like her...in ALL the right places, " he added with a mischievous grin, "but MY Ana would never EVER send me to the office the one day I wanna hang out at home."

Ana's mouth tilted in amusement.

"This Ana has got to go," she said, pecking his lips. " I promise I won't be long, OK? We'll do something fun when I get back."

Later

"You're just in time," Ray welcomed her. "Marie was about to start."

Great, Ana thought with a roll of her eyes. "What time is she leaving, Dad? I need to talk to you."

Ray shook his head. "Sh-sh, this won't take long. Come," he said, leading the way to the living room.

"Anastasia," Marie greeted her, "So glad you can join us."

"We're starting with visual exercise," Ray said enthusiastically, patting the cushion beside him on the couch.

Ana sat on the couch beside Ray. Sitting across from them Marie brought her hands to her heart in a praying position.

"Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine what it would be like to come home after a long, tiring day at work to your very own paradise. You have reduced your possessions and kept only those things that spark joy in your heart. There is one special spot for the items that you really love. Can you imagine it? Can you picture how it would dramatically increase your enjoyment when you spend time at home?"

Ana peeked one eye open. The other two seemed absorbed in a Zen-like meditation. She cleared her throat loudly. She had too much to do to sit here doing nothing.

"Let's open our eyes now," Marie said, followed by a few words in Japanese.

When Ana opened her eyes again, she caught Ray and the petite Japanese woman smiling at each other. Ana's heart sank to the bottom of the ocean. Who would have thought she would end up shipping her daddy with Grace this much?

"My clients frequently tell me that when they put their house in order, they develop greater self-awareness and the priorities in their life. They come through the process with more clarity about their life choices by rediscovering the things they'd chosen to keep and forgotten about."

"Absolutely," Ray agreed, his gaze shifting to Ana. "You know what I discovered going through the back of my closet?"

"Wait, don't tell me yet.. let me guess," Ana replied with sudden excitement, "The winning lottery ticket dating back to the year I was born?"

Ray pursed his lips and raised his brows, "that's a good guess...but no."

"All the mugs I ever given you for Father's Day?"

"Nope. Are you giving up yet, Annie?"

"What?" Ana said in mock surprise. "Since when have you known me to be a quitter?"

"This could take a while," Ray said to Marie. "You have any plans for the next three days?"

"Oh, I know...Your flat earth t-shirt?!"

Ray's easy smile quickly faded from his lips.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't be embarrassed, daddy. Everyone has the right to support the causes they believe in. It's a fine shirt, and it's comfy. That's all that matters."

Ray opened his mouth as if to reply. He changed his mind in his next breath.

"I found a heavy chest I hadn't bothered to open in over 16 years...a burden that dutifully traveled with me from place to place."

Ana nodded, "yeah, the black chest where you stored odds and ends?"

Ray nodded. "I found your grandmother's pictures. Many were of her friends and people I never knew. Going through them was like viewing an exhibition at a museum. The pictures meant nothing to me personally. So...I asked myself, why keep them?"

"Because they meant something to HER."

"Oh, Annie. We never truly wanted your grandma's furniture and all her things; we kept them out of respect and obligation...because we couldn't bear parting with them."

Ana shifted in her chair uncomfortably. This conversation was hitting too close to home.

"And we've kept Carla's things for the same reasons. Maybe it's about time we give them back."

"Are you saying I should contact Carla? Ana huffed. "She never even asked for any of it back. They were her discards."

"My method is not about SHOULDS. No one can make that decision for you, Ana," Marie said. "If you want to keep her things in your closet, no one can tell you not to," she continued tactfully. "All we can do is suggest you part with the things that DO NOT bring you joy."

Ana thought about it. First, she hated the WE in Marie's last statement, indicating she and Ray were on the same team.

Then, she also hated to admit Carla's things DID NOT bring her joy or even good memories. If anything, they increased her bitterness and desire to get back at her mother for abandoning her.

More than anything, she wanted to see Carla feel shame for being the horrible mother she was.

"I think that discarding grandma's old pictures is a bad idea. They weren't hurting anybody," Ana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her next words were directed at Marie.

"Your method doesn't leave any room for nostalgia. Are we supposed to bury the past, good and bad memories alike?"

"You don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. My method is a simple- attachment-free way to live. It's a lifestyle."

"Good, because I've had enough for one day. Anyway, Dad, I really came here because I need your advice. It's about Kate; she needs my support right now."

Ray and Marie exchanged a knowing look.

"Okay, I understand. I won't keep your father from you much longer," Marie said in her cute Japanese accent. "I will leave you," she smiled at Ray. "See you on Thursday?"

After walking Marie to the door, Ray went to sit next to his daughter.

"I think, by now, Marie has grown accustomed to your rudeness," he chastised.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Ray cocked his head, waiting for her reply. She stared at the wall instead.

Something is clearly bothering you, though...something that has nothing to do with tidying."

Ana sighed. "It's Kate, she's going through so much, and I don't know what to say."

"Yes, Kate," Ray sighed heavily, "what about Elliot... What's the latest?"

"Christian texted me. He spoke with the detective a few minutes ago. Apparently, Elliot left the country with another woman."

"Whoa. He took off and left just like that?"

"That's not all. He also embezzled money from the GEH."

Ray's eyes widened like saucers, "Jesus!"

"Oh, Daddy," she exhaled hopelessly, "I suck at comforting people. Once, Kate asked me a question that threw me for a loop. I felt like I was being forced to wear a tight sweater I couldn't wait to take off. So I ran away when she needed me the most," she sighed. "I don't want to repeat the same mistake again."

"What did she ask you?"

Ana sighed, "I don't think it matters. I didn't want to put myself in her shoes and feel those heavy emotions."

"Hmm. It sounds like you didn't want to look beneath the surface of things."

Ana shrugged.

"You know what's ironic, Dad?"

"Huh?" Ray cocked his head, prompting her to continue.

"I used to complain about Kate being a shitty friend. And now... guess who the shitty friend is?"

"Hey, don't badmouth my favorite daughter."

Ana rolled her eyes goodnaturedly.

"I'm your only daughter, Dad."

"The more the reason. C'mon, Annie, you don't give yourself enough credit. Admitting the problem is half the battle."

"And the other half?"

"You want an easy answer, don't you?" he grinned, "be there for Kate. Be there no matter what happens.

"Sounds easier said than done. What do I do?" Ana bit her lip, "What do I say?"

"Annie, nothing you say will take her pain away. Follow her lead. If she wants to talk, listen. If she wants to cry her heart out, sit with her in silence."

"So basically, you're saying I should focus less on myself and put the other person's needs first."

"It's parenting 101. It's a crash course every parent is automatically enrolled upon holding their bundle of joy for the very first time."

Thinking about the baby brought a wistful smile to her lips.

"I can hardly wait for him or her to be born. Although, sometimes I worry about making a horrible mistake and..."

Ana trailed off in midsentence.

"Unfortunately, it's a hands-on crash course. You learn on the go, and it's immensely satisfying. Best of all, it's the journey of a lifetime."

Smiling, Ray took his daughter's hands in his." I'm so glad you're enrolled in this course, sweetheart. I really am."

"I'm crashing the course, Daddy. I mean, Christian and I didn't plan it out. Sure we wanted children, but the timing..."

"It will work out together for good...it always does. As for me, I'm looking forward to being the youngest grandpa that ever lived," he chuckled.

"I'm so happy you're taking better care of yourself, Daddy."

"I give Marie and her tidying method all the credit...you really need to give her another chance."

….

"I'm going to fucking kill him and that bitch he ran off with!" Kate cried.

"Kate," Ana started in a soothing voice.

They were in Kate's messy bedroom. In a fit of rage, she had turned everything upside down.

"Don't!" she spat, "Don't you try to tell me Elliot deserves a pass...you know better than anyone his reputation as a womanizer. You have first-hand experience."

Ana stepped back, stung.

Once upon a time, she and Kate had been rivals for Elliot's attention. The disruption in their friendship was brief. Ana's attraction to Elliot had lasted a week. Elliot Grey, however, became a lifelong obsession for Kate.

They made a pact to never bring up the night of the prom. The night when Ana and Elliot had shared a kiss and almost ended up in bed together.

"That's not a fair comparison. Elliot and I weren't even in a relationship. We never went past first base."

"It's my fault," Kate replied as though she hadn't heard a word Ana said. "I knew he was a manwhore, I just...Oh, God, I thought I could change him."

Ana's mind flashed back to her elopement party when she and Elliot had shared a dance. Are you sure you're over me, Ana? He'd whispered wickedly in her ear, giving her goosebumps.

Kate grabbed a Squishmallow off her bed. She lowered herself against the nearest wall and buried her face, holding the stuffed animal tight against her chest. Her heart-wrenching sobs grew louder with each passing second.

Ana had the urge to run and make up an excuse. A sudden bout of morning sickness, anything.

However, she tried to stay focused on breathing and pushing through the discomfort.

She needs a hug.

Yes. I can do that.

Before she knew it, her body moved, and kneeling beside Kate, she wrapped her arms around her. By then, Kate had cried more than enough tears to fill buckets.

"Kate, I'm so sorry..." Ana said, "I...I don't know what else to say..."

"That's okay. Just stay here with me."

They continued to embrace, the squishmallow falling down beside them, forgotten. Ana rocked Kate back and forth until her cries subsided.

...

Ray POV

Ray stretched out his feet on his favorite armchair recliner. In all, it had been a good day. Annie had been here, and even though she was not quite ready to jump into tidying yet, it seemed to him she was starting to come around a bit.

Best of all, his little girl had come to him for advice. Now that she was married, this was something that rarely happened.

It was the circle of life, he supposed. Not that he had anything to complain about. It was the natural order of things.

Tis' was the season for him to enjoy his good health and comfortable childless life.

He should be thanking his lucky stars that he felt better than he had in years, both physically and emotionally. He was eating healthier now that he'd decluttered his kitchen. As a result, his waist size had gone down a size or two.

Sitting in his living room, he realized how much he enjoyed the wall art in this particular room. In times past, the clutter around him was so overwhelming he would turn on the TV to avoid looking too closely at his surroundings.

Before Marie entered his life with her revolutionary method, his days were filled mindlessly, going through the motions. Tidying up seemed like such an overwhelming task with no end in sight.

Back then, he'd had no idea the payoffs of decluttering were worth it one hundred percent. Marie was right. The benefits of putting his house in order extended beyond enjoyment; choosing what truly mattered enabled him to set clear priorities and make better decisions.

Marie had been a godsend. Her lessons were worth her weight in gold.

Shifting in his seat, he breathed, extending the footrest as far as it would go. In the process, he felt around for the remote control, which liked to play hide and seek between the cushions.

Instead of the remote, his right hand stumbled upon an old cassette... a mixed tape. His first thought was how useless it was since he no longer owned a tape player.

His gaze lingered on the song titles written in neat cursive on the cassette cover. Although he couldn't recognize the handwriting, he liked the songs well enough. They were a compilation from the 80's and 90's.

The song he liked best was titled Something. The Beatles reminded him of his childhood home. Five seconds later, using his phone, he had the song uploaded on YouTube.

Something in the way she moves

Attracts me like no other lover

Something in the way she woos me

I don't want to leave her now

You know I believe and how

Somewhere in her smile, she knows

That I don't need no other lover

Something in her style that shows me

I don't want to leave her now

You know I believe and how

You're asking me, will my love grow?

I don't know, I don't know

You stick around, now it may show

I don't know, I don't know

Halfway through the song, he received a text from HER.

Grace.

The one who had decided NOT to stick around ( like the song said.)

And now, he simply didn't know; their relationship had been too short for love to grow.

He played the song again, searching for meaning and enlightenment.

Something.

Yes. Dammit, there was something about that woman... something that beckoned him like no other lover.

Still, the last thing he wanted was to get his feelings hurt the second time around.

Half an hour passed before his phone beeped with another text from Grace.

PLEASE, I REALLY NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU IN PERSON.

Why should he bother answering her? I bet she's calling to fill me in her latest drama with Carrick.

He shook his head. What a mistake it had been to get involved with her. At the time, he thought the divorce was a done deal. Unfortunately, he'd counted his chickens before they hatched.

And he had no intention of becoming the third wheel in Grace's marriage... thank you very much.

The trick was to get her out of his head once and for all. He should start dating again.

As if on cue, his phone vibrated. This time, it wasn't Grace. It was Marie asking about scheduling their next appointment.

This is your chance... don't blow it, Ray!

Sure, he typed back.

Next Saturday?

Yes.

I have the afternoon time slot available.

That would be perfect.

Great! See you Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

How about we meet afterward for tea? He typed, there's a new boba cafe a block from my place.

A/N:

That's all folks ( just kidding.) This story is coming to an end in two chapters or less. If there's anything you want me to expand or focus on, SPEAK NOW or forever hold your peace. Otherwise, who knows? I might wrap it all up in one chapter. Because I'm THAT lazy.

ps. This site is malfunctioning, I think. I'm not getting ANY email notifications on my email. However, I can read reviews directly on this site. If you did receive an email notifying you of this update, please let me know. This means that the site may be sending notifications to some users but not others!