Chapter Three – Screw Ups
Christian
I had time to rethink Elliot's outrageous suggestion from the dinner party last night. It was not a bad idea when I found out that Mother was enthralled by Anastasia's presence, she appears to have taken a liking to her personality. Also, Ms Steele has her eye on some property for a future venture, and I need to appease my mother with a companion that's to her liking. She did like Savannah, but she didn't sing so many praises regarding her beauty and charm.
I spot Elliot heading to the entrance when I call out to him.
"Are you going to see Kate?" I inquire.
"Yes, why?"
"I thought about what you said regarding Anastasia Steele," I pause, making sure that no one is around to hear what about to say, "and I'm considering it".
"You are?" he mocks with a smirk, "Do tell".
"What if I offer to purchase the property she wants to start her business, and in turn, she pretends to be my girlfriend? You can tell Mother that we've hit it off, a few months down the road, we marry with no strings attached, and no interfering in each other's lives".
"Last time you offered to buy Ana out with money, she was upset, what makes you think she'll go for this? You don't learn, do you?" he says in a soft unapproving tone.
"Let's see what she has to say," I say challenging what he knows about her, "I doubt she's going to prove me wrong".
"Okay, well I was about to visit Kate, you should come with me and prove me wrong" he states walking to the coat closet.
I smirk inwardly, not backing down from his words.
He gives me a disapproving side-eye as he tugs the lapels of his leather jacket.
Ana
Kate throws her lean body against the backrest of the couch and rubs her finger across her lips. She remains bemused and silent from my account of what happened yesterday between Christian Grey and me.
I exhale noticeably, "I know it's odd and I don't want you to pick sides. . ."
"Pick sides?" she interrupts, "I'm not, picking sides. Yes, Christian is Elliot's brother, but I can't stand back knowing that he spoke to you like that. We must get this sorted out".
"I'm not looking for any more trouble-"
"Shush, I said this is going to get sorted out, even if I have to corner him. We're supposed to go visit Grace later today, Elliot and Christian would look in on her every day, I'll catch him there . . . I think it's something I'll squeeze into my time; I want to get to know her better. She's so sweet, isn't she?"
I bite my lip readying myself to ask what I wanted to do since last night, "How bad is it?"
She tries not to frown, "It's bad . . . Elliot says she has four months".
Suddenly I'm under the scrutiny of Kate's depressing microscopic gaze. Sadly, years ago, I watched my mother battle a horrendous bout of breast cancer and saw her wither away in under a year. In the beginning, she kept it from me, trying her best to keep up appearances then eventually I figured out that something was wrong. But at that time, it was too late; too late to take back those awful fights, too late to make something good out of myself to make her proud. My mother was my rock, and I didn't even know it at the time.
"Ana," Kate rests her hand on my shoulder, bringing me out of my reminiscent thoughts.
"No, it's okay, I'm good," I fake.
Unexpectedly, a heavy knock on the door rattles the quietness around us.
"That must be Elliot," she utters, "I'll go get the door."
"And I'll go check the oven" I bounce off the couch, running towards the kitchen.
Christian
My senses awaken when the door swings open; the aroma of something sinfully delightful is making my mouth water.
"Hey," Kate giggles and crashes into my brother's arms. I casually turn away and look at some arid part of the corridor.
"What's going on in there, smells delicious?" he inquires.
"It's Ana, she's baking pies."
"Oh good, it seems that we've arrived just in time and look, I've brought Christian over so we can all talk" he stresses, feigning a smile my way.
Ah yes, I can remember it like it was only yesterday because it was. I glance to the spot where Anastasia Steele threatened me and vowed that if I came back to her door there would be consequences. Wearily, I stand to shadow the open front door while the lovebirds walk into the apartment. Things might be all well and fine for Elliot, but it's me she hates. In contrast to the faded and cracked paint in the hallways, the interior of their home is not what I expected. The apartment is spotless, and well-kept with stylish modest furniture and a variety of colourful frames hanging on the walls personified by both women.
"Christian," I hear Kate's voice, "You can come in, and have a seat."
"Oh no, I'm comfortable standing h-. . . ."
Anastasia bends the corner grinning from ear to ear and wearing brightly coloured, starfish-patterned oven mitts. Her face changes, and she stops short when she notices me standing by the door. An uncomfortable tinge of easiness leaps between us; I mentally prepare myself to hear her scream aloud in annoyance. She slowly draws the gloves away from her hands and makes her way towards me. Standing a few feet away, she straightens her posture and then offers her hand to me. My mind stutters as I try to process what's going on. I look at her in bewilderment knowing fully well, what I should do, but her sudden gesture blindsides me.
"Hello, I'm Anastasia," she greets, still holding out her hand, "It's okay, you can come in. Kate and I have a rule; we always make our guests feel welcome in our home".
"Christian," I say, almost in a whisper and eventually receiving her small, tender hand.
"Please sit," she instructs lightly then goes around the couch, "Would you like something to drink, we have soda, tangerine juice, water, coffee."
"Water is fine thank you, bottled if you have any?"
"I remember," she assures, "Elliot, what would you like?"
"I'd like to get a sample of that pie if that's possible. I know it just came out of the oven".
"Oh no, I made two earlier I'll cut those" she begins to walk back to the kitchen, "The ones that just came out are for Grace".
"Thank you, Ana, you're too kind," he says approvingly, staring at my face.
Her behaviour so far is derailing my thinking, maybe Elliot is right.
"I think Christian will have a piece of that pie too," he shouts, staring half-lid at me.
I don't object and simply go along with it, after all, she did welcome me into her home. Moments later, she comes back with a perfectly sectioned pie, a bottle of water and a drinking glass. She makes another dash to retrieve small plates, forks, and a pie spatula.
I accept it politely under the watchful eye of my brother. Elliot and Kate sit conjoined together, frankly, I don't know where one begins and the other one ends. Anastasia and I remain mum as we suffer in silence over the couple's irritating display of food porn, feeding each other, groping, kissing and moaning. I'm the only one who hasn't touched my morsel of the pie. Anastasia's eyes are cast downward on what she's eating, I watch her slowly cut and draw it between her lips. Every time the fork leaves her mouth, her tongue instinctively moves along her lower lip. During it all, I realize that I'm observing the woman, so I focus on my own plate. Kate leans towards the coffee table and scoops another piece out of the dish for my brother. Well, he seems to be enjoying it.
I reluctantly begin to fork a piece from the triangle and slowly taste. There are no words to describe the sensation that's flooding my tongue, another pleasant surprise from an unpleasant woman. My body begins to go into a state of relaxation when I hear the room go silent, I look up, Anastasia is eyeing me, and Elliot and Kate are wearing matching smiles. Wordless I place the bare plate on the coffee table and finish off my water.
Anastasia glances at me for a brief moment and I know she's wondering if I enjoyed that slice of pie . . . . The answer is yes, but am I going to tell her that, no.
"That was wonderful," Elliot explodes, shoving the empty plate on the table, "You have a great gift, Ana."
"Thanks, Elliot" she flushes.
"Now that we have had that delightful moment, Christian has a proposition for you Ana".
I'm annoyed by his pre-empted announcement, "Thank you, Elliot. Anastasia, can we speak in private".
Her face contorted in confusion. "Okay, we can go to the kitchen if you'd like".
"Yes, of course," I agree and follow her to the next room.
She turns and leans against the counter, emotionless but attentive to what I'm about to say.
"I understand that my mother has taken a liking to you. I don't know what you did or said, but you've made a very fine impression. With that being said, Elliot and Kate have announced their intentions, so it's only natural that that mother will be looking to me to have someone and follow in my brother's footsteps."
Understanding washes over her face, and she narrows her eyes.
"Honestly, I have no intentions to marry, or have children, I can easily leave that up to my brother. My life right now doesn't permit me to seek out relations or to find the ideal partner. I have a proposal, I need a partner, only to put my mother at ease, whether it's a girlfriend or a wife, and in return, I'll give you anything you want".
Muted, she crosses her arms over her chest.
"What do you say?"
She casts her eyes to the floor, and she shifts uncomfortably. "Okay"
That was it, one word, I'm satisfied with her response and curious. Why did she agree so readily?
"Anything else?" she asks softly.
"No" I grin approvingly.
She pushes herself from the counter and walks past me to the living room, leaving me alone to go over the short-lived conversation.
"Ana, is everything okay?" I hear Kate ask.
I walk back to the room, surprised by her calm demeanor.
"Yes, everything is okay" Ana assures.
I stand in the doorway when Kate and Elliot turn to me. She would find out eventually from either my brother or her best friend, it's best I let her know now.
"I just asked Anastasia to be my girlfriend, or if need be, my wife".
Kate turns her head to her friend, confusion and curiosity in her eyes. Anastasia concurs simply nodding, her teeth nipping her fingers as if she's giving the idea a second thought. Kate looks at Elliot, and he shrugs. She gets to her feet, annoyed.
"You can't be serious," she looks at the three of us incredulously, "Elliot, you're not saying about this?"
"What can I say, baby? Christian told me about the idea before we came here. If Ana agrees with it, what can I say? They're both consenting adults" he concludes.
She huffs and marches up to me. "Ana told me how you behaved with her yesterday, if she agreed to this with you, then I respect her decision, but if you ever behave rudely with her again, you'll have me to deal with".
I'm about to respond to her threat when Elliot responds, "The same goes for me as well, Christian".
Anastasia is looking at her hands, she appears distant and I'm wondering if she's about to reconsider.
"You know I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for you, Elliot," I say bitterly.
"Excuse me?"
"Yes, Elliot, lying to Mother is not going make things easier for any of us, she doesn't deserve this. She deserves to be happy".
"And clearly you're not making her happy, Christian" he taunts.
"Oh, and you are? Is that why you asked Kate to marry you? To put on a show before Mother leaves, to be the good son. You just met this woman six months ago and already you're going to make the same mistake for the second time. Instead of thinking about Mother hurting, you should be thinking about yourself . . . heartache is a bitch, Elliot; don't forget you almost lost your daughter because of it".
Ana
It happened so fast like a blur in time; Elliot launches himself at Christian, collaring him by the neck. Kate comes to my side flustered, wide-eyed and worried, and on the other hand, I'm very composed and secretly wishing that Elliot hit him for his inappropriate remark.
"I pity you, Christian. Your heart is frozen, and your soul is gone . . . I love Kate, despite what you may think about my decision or my attempt you may say to live a full and content life," he seethes, "you of all people, don't get to question that" he releases him, shoving hard making him take a few steps back.
Elliot walks into the kitchen and Kate follows him, the levels of their voices are low but comforting. The energy between Christian and me is empty, I remain frozen with my arms crossed over my chest. He's uneasy and would run his fingers through his hair instead of looking at me. It's only when Kate and Elliot re-enter the room I see his face.
"Forgive me, Elliot . . . I was out of line" he apologizes.
Elliot says nothing but he acknowledges him with a simple yet meaningful nod, Kate and Elliot return to their previous places on the sofa. Even though he's expressed regret, I can't remove the glare in my eyes and scowl on my face. How can one man be so wretched? How can one person be so bitter to everyone around him? He can't even revel in his own brother's happiness. I shake my head and tighten my jaw as he lifts his head and glances at me.
"Ana," Elliot catches my attention, "last chance, are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I'll do it, I'll do this for Grace. . .",
"For my mother, you speak of her as if you know her?" Christian cuts in.
"No, I don't know her, but I know what she's going through . . ."
"Look stick to me, Anastasia, my mother doesn't need your pity." He warns, "I'm doing this for her, not you".
"Of course, you would think something like that, but your mother doesn't need pity. She's strong, stronger than you are" I challenge, "Your conceited mind is contaminated with resentment, so you will never spot the good in something that's pure and true."
"You have no idea what you're talking about," he says in a low, stoic tone.
"I think I do," I hold his gaze. "I'm sure about this, Elliot, and don't worry about me, I could handle him."
"If this is a game for you . . ."
"Oh no," I object, "This isn't a game, and as I said before, your mother is a great person . . ."
"She reminds you of her," Kate's voice cuts into my sentence; she comes close to my face. "You don't have to do this, Ana".
"I know . . . but why not?" I shrug, "If it would make her happy, I'm all for it".
"Okay," she whispers.
"So," I exhale, "Seeing that your brother is a huge jerk, I think it would be best if I were to suggest a few but strict guidelines".
"Agreed," Elliot concurs.
"Agreed," Christian seconds.
"What about my car?" I say, by the way, keeping my eyes on Elliot.
"I'll personally ensure that everything is fast-tracked with the insurance company," he swears.
Christian cocks his eyebrow, and snickers. We ignore him. He walks to the door as if he's about to grab his jacket. Satisfied with my decision I walk into the kitchen to grab the pies I made for Grace.
"I hope she enjoys it," I say when I return.
"She will," Elliot guarantees while pulling on his jacket.
"Elliot, Mother is on a strict diet, she's not allowed to eat that," Christian points out in a calm tone.
"I know, but she made a request to Ana last night and I'm going to deliver them. What she does with them is strictly up to her and I'm not going to have an argument with you over pie, Christian. Let's go"
"See you later, Ana," Kate pulls me into her arms.
Christian is looking at me with his eyebrows pinched together, his expression is one of discomfort, something is wrong. His hand reaches his throat, and he begins to cough then makes scratching noises in his throat; his fingers clutch his neck in distress. Quickly becoming aware Elliot hands, the pies to Kate and rushes over to him.
"Christian, what's wrong?" he stresses.
He's incapable of speaking but he's able to alert his brother through motions.
"Oh no," Elliot sighs, "His allegories, do you have anything?"
"Of course," I rushed to the medicine cabinet and retrieved the bottle of pills and a glass of water.
Swiftly, Elliot instructs him to take two and drink the whole glass, my heart is pounding by what I'm seeing before me. Yes, Christian is a jerk, but I didn't mean to hurt him. It's a while before he's calm again, Elliot excuses himself and takes me aside to the kitchen.
"Don't worry; he's going to be fine".
I nod, trusting Elliot's knowledge of his brother.
"By chance, did you put cinnamon in your pies?" he asks uncomfortably.
"Um, yes I did. . . He's allergic to cinnamon?"
"He's allergic to cinnamon," he repeats, "He should be alright in a few minutes then we'll leave. It's best you stay here; Christian's mind is always at work. He's probably thinking you tried to kill him".
Elliot
"She tried to kill me" he explodes, walking through the living room. "This is a fine start, Elliot, I can't believe this".
"She didn't know, Christian" I defend.
"What's that you say?" we hear Mother's voice overhead and I look up. Christian shoots me a deadly glare before heading up the stairs to greet her and bring her down.
"Kate, you look beautiful, where's Ana," she inquires looking around.
"She's at home she has a couple of orders today, but she says hi and she sent these for you" Kate reveals, taking them from my hands.
"Splendid, she baked me pies. Let's go to the kitchen so I can have a slice," she beams, "Who tried to kill you, Christian?"
"Ana," I say with a sneer, "she bakes with cinnamon".
"Oh," she grins.
"Anyway, Christian seems to be interested in her".
He shoots me a disapproving look and begins to walk away from us.
"Is that so" her eyes light up.
"Yes, so I think we'll be seeing more of her around here," I say at his retreating back.
. . . .
In an hour or so, Christian and I get an opportunity to slip away from Kate and Mother when they strike up an inappropriate but lively feminine conversation. Intuitively and mutely, we head upstairs to my old room for a bit of privacy. Christian has been itching to get something off his chest during the past hour.
"Do you know what you're doing, Christian?", plopping myself on the bare mattress.
"No," he says admittedly. "This whole thing is a bit unnerving; I don't want Mother to be disappointed."
"Christian, if it were me I would do the same thing. . . ."
"Easy for you to say, you've got a legit relationship and a daughter even Mia has a revolving door of in and out boyfriends. I have a travesty with a woman I only met yesterday that I can't stand".
"For a person who can't stand her, you're taking this whole thing easy, and not to mention, this thing is your idea."
"What do you mean I'm taking it likely?" He smirks slightly.
"I'm your brother; I think I know you better than anyone else. Just promise me one thing"
"What's that?"
"I know you're going to take pleasure in making her life somewhat difficult because didn't get your way over that insignificant accident. You'll be petty when you want to, but I'm saying to you, man to man, don't hurt her. Ana may be headstrong and courageous but she's a dynamic person".
"How would you know; you just met her yourself".
"Trust me, I know what I'm talking about" I reply earnestly.
He wears a blank face, emotionless and uninterested in my declaration. I think Mother's right, there's something about Ana that may be good for him. Something I hope he'll soon realize for himself.