Disclaimer: The original characters and plot are the property of E.L. James. I'm just having a lil' fun. No copyright infringement intended.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

It's unfortunate the outtake was confusing. It wasn't my intention. Here's hoping this one makes more sense.

G'day

Chapter 14 | CT Phone Home

GREY

There is one more place I wanna see before leaving this island. I jump on the MRT and like a flash I'm in the Beitou District, wandering around Hell Valley, also known as Thermal or Geothermal Valley, the heart of the hot-springs area. Hell Valley is a deep, rock-strewn depression created by a volcanic burst long ago. More of a lake than a pool, the sulfurous waters bubble and spit, the steam sometimes filling the entire little valley, on cool days.

As I read the touristy signs and take pictures of the scenery, the warm mist, gentle sound of the springs on the rocky shore and the lush greenery are almost hypnotic, allowing my mind to drift.

Taylor isn't back from vacation yet, but I did get emails from Welch and Barney. Welch sent an update on the Christopher kid and intel about his mother. The ole man is still practically invisible. Barney didn't find any irregularities or breaches with my phone or computer.

If none of this is a computer problem, then Kate, or Rodriguez, must have finally gotten through to Ana? I'm sure she's seen the headlines and pictures of me. What if she thinks I'm living it up without her, especially with all the women around? I groan in pain.

Out of nowhere, a soft voice catches my attention. On my left is a tiny Asian woman with a flawless face, jet black hair pulled into a high ponytail and stunning onyx eyes, locked onto me, with obvious concern. The camera lanyard around her neck gives me reason to pause. Please don't let her be one of them or worse, a fucking journalist. "Sir, are you alright? The springs aren't beneficial to everyone."

Gazing at this woman, I'm drawn into her glittering black eyes. I can't even think, much less remember her question. She smiles slightly then apologizes again, "I didn't mean to interrupt your meditation. You seemed to have trouble breathing is why I spoke out. You still look a bit uneasy." Her worry, for a stranger no less, is refreshing.

I smile, as best I can, "You weren't disrupting me. Thank you for your kindness."

She shines a dazzling white smile on me before saying, "Yīqiè shùnlì."

Showing my appreciation, I answer, "You too." She nods and returns to her photography.

Continuing on my way, I reach Beitou Hot Spring Public Bath, or Beitou Hot Springs Museum. Its construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1913 during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. The Victorian-style, red brick and white stucco edifice originally housed the Beitou Public Baths, Taiwan's first, and East Asia's largest hot-spring public bath, said to be a copy of the bathhouses in Shizuokaken Idouyama in Japan. The Romanesque pool and columns have been restored, as has the original large, breezy tatami resting room, where bathers once took tea and relaxed.

I meander around and stumble upon the meditation area. A wooden rail, standing between two stone columns, far from view, is where I choose to continue my mental inventory. Am I gonna extend GEH into Townsville, physically? Presently, my American and Australian legal teams are working to register GEH with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which is mandatory. Next, I have to decide how I'll conduct business. Video conferencing is fine for quite a few things. However, eventually, you have to meet someone face to face.

Since I vowed to do this by myself, the new place has no staff. I have to keep house and do laundry all on my own. The biggest deal was food. As long as there's a microwave and restaurants nearby, I won't starve. I guess answering my own front door won't kill a deal. If it's the only thing of importance to some shithead, then I don't wanna do business with them anyway.

My true issue is with starting a new organization, from scratch. I'm not a kid anymore. Somethings I wouldn't mind doing over, even enhancing, but a vast majority of my company is the way I want it. The time I'd spend recreating the wheel could be better spent raking in new acquisitions. I shake my head and move on with my tour.

Higher up in the park I reach Beitou Mei Ting, or Plum Garden, a Japanese-style wooden building established in the late 1930s. This historical spot is literally not a garden full of plums. It was once the summer getaway home of the celebrated calligrapher Yu Youren.

Plum Garden flaunts a surprisingly harmonious fusion of Japanese and Western architectural styles. Located next to Beitou Stream, it is deliberately built into a two-story house to cope with the sloping terrain. Constructed as an air-raid shelter, the basement is heavily shielded with steel rods and reinforced concrete, architectural preferences of the early World War II period. The top floor is built exclusively of wood, in the Japanese style, with many door-sized windows, creating a classical and elegant atmosphere.

I peruse on the dark chocolate color, hardwood floors of the common area, with its large ottoman seating and paneled windows, in the same dark wood. Calligraphy "curtains" line the walls, with beige and gold matting. There's even an area in wallpaper which is a black and white watermark photo of Yu Youren himself, a bowl of ink at his side, working on yet another piece of art. With all the serenity and simplistic splendor in these rooms, it's difficult to believe there's an air-raid shelter in the basement.

Initially, the reason for this trip was the shipyard deal, giving Ana her much desired space. I can't explain it any better. Call it running if you like. I call it survival. After Kelly showed his ass, I used this time to forge a new plan, collect evidence of his treason and recruit auction buyers. It was a fast deal. Im looking forward to it. Gazing out one of the ceiling to floor windows, unseeing, my thoughts move to future business in Townsville. I'll get a few deals under my belt before worrying about office space and employees, in case Townsville turns out to be a destination stop, rather than a home. My family would love having a place to stay in Australia. Between them and caretakers, the place wouldn't be empty.

Across the room, is the same woman I spoke with beside the springs, still taking pictures. At our initial meeting she seemed safe, so I join her at the window, but don't say a word. She halts her task to look up at me and smile. "You seem in better spirits."

Not taking my eyes off the view, I nod. "I suppose so. This is a lovely part of the world, serene, calming, inspiring even." All of which I need at this juncture in my life. Silently, I recite my new mantra, I'll bring Ana here one day.

She silently nods her agreement, focusing back on the landscape in front of us. "Yes, you are definitely in better spirits." We turn to face one another, she, barely as high as my chest, introduces herself. My name is Chen. Allison Chen."

Gently, I take her tiny, proffered hand in mine and shake it. She has a firm grip for someone so small. "Just call me Chris. It's easier," for me.

She giggles softly and shakes her head. "You sound like my sister, Huifen. She goes to school in France. Huifen tells people 'Just call me Holli, it's easier'. She does her name a disservice, but I understand. Time to move on to my next assignment. I hope all is truly well with you, Chris." She turns and begins to walk away, then stops and comes back over to the spot in front of me. "This may sound trite, particularly to a Westerner. However, it may help you on your spiritual journey." Do I look that bad? She nods, as if reading my mind. "You are clearly deep in thought and seem a bit adrift." I'm sure I've got a horrified look on my face. Who the fuck is this chick, and how long's she been watching me?

She doesn't back down. "Don't take it the wrong way. In my profession, I have to see things others miss. Keep in mind these words of Confucius, 'The Wise never doubt. The Humane never worry.' Serious reflection on a circumstance shows wisdom. Somehow, I believe humane is an appropriate description of you as well." She smiles again, bright as a star, waves and walks away from me.

After she's gone, I repeat Allison's words, "The Wise never doubt. The Humane never worry. I definitely must keep that in mind."

You don't spend this much time on the balcony at Escala."

Back at the observatory, I'm looking over a lighted Taipei City. I have to clear my mind and focus on the ECO Blue bullshit coming up. I held one last conference call with my buyers. Everyone will be in place for Auction Day. Andrea confirmed I have all the needed documentation and signatures. A few more items appeared in the last day or two days. Kelly can't help himself, I guess. There's something to be said about people who have to have the last fucking word.

Dumbasses

Usually, but depends on their last word.

No worries, I have everything. What pisses me off the most is I truly had the best of intentions for ECO Blue Steel. Redundancies were no issue because I wasn't requiring relocation of anyone to or from the US. Any open positions would be posted on the GEH intranet, as usual. If someone wanted to take a job in Australia, or vice versa, then so be it. As it turns out, Kelly won't have to deal with me, or anything ECO related much longer.

A deep inhale and heavy exhale leads me back to thoughts of Anastasia. She knew I was coming to Taiwan, but I didn't tell her for how long. I didn't mention Australia, and I damn sure didn't tell her I bought a house in Townsville. Part of me wonders if she'll even care. No emails. No texts. No calls. I finally resorted to leaving messages when I got her voicemail. The box isn't full, yet, much to my surprise, but I know my days are numbered.

Dude, let it go. The bad guys, in this case girls, were found, and you didn't point them out. She hasta learn the rest on her own, and think for herself. Until she's free of a lot of shit in her life, you've gotta let her go her own way. Who knows what we'll find in Townsville.

This is true. The performance review was a godsend. It proved Ana was being taken advantage of by those two hags at SIP. I'm not convinced Roach wasn't involved, time'll tell. He doesn't realize his reports, to Ros, are audited as well. If he promoted Ana to full editor, it was all on her little lonesome. I'm proud of myself for staying the fuck out of the way. Proves I can do it.

Well done, my friend. Well done.

I'm gonna miss Taipei. The history, the scenery, the freedom was an endearing change for me. Being out of character, to a point, was a good thing. And, while I miss her terribly, somehow, even without Ana, my future doesn't feel so bleak. Townsville is gonna to be a massive step, but I feel up to it.

As the sun lowers toward the horizon, and the sky moves from orange to pink to purple to dark, dark blue, I feel eyes on me. Looking around the room, nothing seems out of place. People mulling about, chatting with one another, pointing at different sites through the ceiling to floor glass walls. Still, somehow, I've got the feeling I'm being watched.

You're paranoid Grey. You're regretting not having security now, ain't cha? No one's looking to off your ass, Grey. You ain't that valuable. Anyway, you still gotta let the folks know what's up. You skipped calling last week. Some of it can be blamed on jet lag, you took your happy ass outside to play. We saw the articles here. Dolla bet they saw 'em in the States.

I know, I know. It's gonna be a fun conversation. Not!

YOO-HOO! Lights! Camera! Action! How do we approach this?

Your guess is as good as mine, buddy. Why do you think I've put it off all this time? The issue at hand is how much to tell my family. Should I tell them I'm going to Townsville, or only say I'm staying overseas for a while? Not to mention, discussion about Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, will be like replaying the Chernobyl disaster. Let's get this over with. I dial the number, put my phone on speaker, lay the offensive electronic device on the desk in front of me and wait, with my forehead in my hands.

Ring… Ring…

"CHRISTIAN! How are you, son? WHERE are you, son?

Damn caller ID. Before I can speak, there's a gigantic commotion. Based on the ear-splitting sound, I know it's Mia. "Is it Christian?!"

"Yes Darling, give me a moment to…"

"… Lemme talk to him, Mom…"

"… Mia, calm down. I'll give you the phone when I'm finished."

"Pleeasee Mom…"

Let the games begin. My mother and sister tussling over anything is a hoot. I'm picturing Mia in a tug of war over a dress at Nieman's. It's a true nail-biter, and I'm on the edge of my seat betting which woman will win. I should disappear more often.

From somewhere in the background I hear his unmelodious voice swak, "Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda… " Then yell, "How's Camp Granada, bro?" Why does that fucker screw up every song he knows? I appreciate the comic relief, but his singing makes my ears bleed.

"STOP IT!" Mia shouts. I love that song, and you're murdering it." Thank you!

"Wah! Mooommyyyy! She hurt my willte feewings!" He sounds like a fucking two-year-old, and I'm dying laughing.

"Son, as much as I love you. Stop that fucking caterwauling, before I put you out." Dad gets serious when someone ruins a song he likes, even one as silly as 'Hello Mudda Hello Fadda'. "Give me that damned thing. I picture Dad swiping the phone outta Mom's hands. Then it's, Christian Trevelyn-Grey, where the fuck are you?" Uh oh, party's over.

Instinctively, I revert to my Post-Harvard Dropout days. "Hi Dad. I'm still in Taipei. I just wanted to check in and…"

"…and you'll be spending a shit-load of money on this fucking, long ass distance call. Now, I want answers, but your mother has been a nervous wreck since your Houdini move and all those fucking articles don't help." Yep, it's Post-Harvard Dropout all over again, when I took off for France and the Caribbean. "So, you're going to speak with her first, then touch base with your sister and brother, then you'll answer to me. Do you understand?"

"Yessir," I say very quietly. Damn! Fuck Harvard, I sound like I'm twelve?

The phone shuffles around a few times before I hear, "Christian, how are you?" I can hear the pain in my mother's voice.

"Mom, I'm fine. Hanging out in Taipei and working on my next acquisition. You know, being me." I'm trying to sound lighthearted, which definitely isn't me. I don't wanna upset anyone, especially not my mother.

"I'm glad you called, Son. I miss you terribly. We all do." I wanna laugh. She and Mia may miss me. As for Elliott and Dad, I know better. Elliott, he's a big brother. I'm too big and too ugly for him to worry his pretty little head over. Dad, he and I have never seen eye-to-eye, on anything. We got exponentially worse when I dropped out of Harvard. My being in the States when he's pissed keeps Mom off his back. Kinda. Now he wants to play Officer McGruff 1and take a bite outta my ass.

"When are you coming home, Son?" Magic question number one.

"I dunno Mom. I'm gonna stay overseas for a while. There are a few companies I'm looking into and playing with some other ideas." No way in Hell am I promising to visit because I probably won't. We can address we'll address the holidays at another time. If I bring those up now, my mother'll be on the first thing smoking to Taiwan. The topics of Australia and GEH expansion are dead in the water, too, right now.

"Christian, what's happened between you and Ana? Magic question number two. It's impossible for me to contact her, and she lives in the city. Finding you is like looking for a needle in a haystack, unless I look at the newspaper." Mom says with tears in her voice. I can hear Mia sniffling somewhere beside her.

"More like Where's Waldo!" Elliott yells. As stupid as he can be, I thank all that's holy for his sense of humor, especially right now.

"Nothing happened between us, Mom. I love her more now than when I asked her to marry me. I'm looking into new business ventures and Anastasia's working to build her publishing career," without my intrusion.

"I don't believe you, Christian. You have more money than was needed to raise The Brady Bunch,2 let alone a single man with no wife and no children. I want you back here, and I want you back here now!" I wish things were that easy. Go back to Seattle and all will be right with the world.

"Mom, no disrespect intended, I would if I could, but I can't, so I won't." She takes a deep breath and simply passes the phone off to Mia. I truly wish things were different. Ours is a close-knit family, which can be a good thing, until it's not. I don't wanna share my headspace or heart space with anyone, but Ana. As bad as it sounds, I need my family to back the fuck up.

Next, a small, sad voice whispers, "Where are you Christian?" Mia sounds as bad as Mom.

I'm saying this shit once more, then I'm done with this fucking call. "Mia, please put the phone on speaker." I'm trying to keep my composure. They want answers, I get it, but some things are none of their damn business. I'm a grown man and an international businessman. Yet, I have to explain why I'm doing what I'm doing and why I'm not doing what I'm not doing? Gimme a fucking break. I've only been gone a couple of weeks, and it's not the first time in my life I've been away on business. What's the big fucking deal?

After fumbling with the phone, Mia announces, "Ok. We're all listening."

I steady myself before reciting the script, "I'm currently in Taipei City, and I'm going to stay overseas a while longer because there are a few companies I'm looking into acquir…"

I didn't get to finish my sentence before she shows her ass, "What about Ana, you pretentious, self-centered, uncaring bastard! Have you even thought about her? Why didn't you take her with you? She deserves better than you! Kavanagh shouts, in all her self-righteous bitch fashion, then there's silence. Not quite. Silence. Librarians should have such sound control.

Finally, I hear the low growl from my youth. In a bare whisper, almost like a faint breeze, he says, "Get the fuck out of my house and don't ever return. Do you understand me? Elliott, if you bring her back on the premises, I'll have you both arrested for trespassing and you, of all people, know I'll do it."

We all know he'll do it. Many's the time Elliott had to punch a friend in the jaw to shut him up before Dad called the cops. Mia had to slam the front door in a few of her stupid, catty-ass bitch friends' faces. She's even shoved a couple of those snooty, debutante whores she calls friends into the pool to stop their lip service. Those were the times I was glad not to be blessed with friends.

"Mr. and Mrs. Grey, I apologize for my language and my outburst. Ana's been upset and distant for weeks, and it's your son's fault. There's a news article out about him almost every day, which I'm sure you've plastered all over your apartment. Not to mention his brazen takeover of Seattle Independent Press and headhunting expedition. BITCH! I bought SIP for Ana, and who the fuck is headhunting? It's called best practices, something Daddy's Little Girl wouldn't understand. "The stress is overwhelming her. She rarely talks to me anymore. Good for her! "She's never behaved this way towards me, before she met him. When she finally stood up for…" Here we go…

My sarcasm is cut short by the unmistakable hiss, only this time it's a different voice. It's Elliott. "Kate, we've discussed this a million times. Especially after that flabbergasting email you sent to Christian. I'm sick and fucking tired of you belittling my brother, and his business dealings have absolutely nothing to do with you. Ana's a grown woman. She can stand up for herself. You may be there when she needs a shoulder to lean on, but it most certainly doesn't give you permission to attack my brother. And if she's not talking about her life, maybe SHE wants you to stay the fuck out of her business TOO." Now step the fuck back, bitch!

"If Christian did something to you or your family, I'd understand your contempt, although your behavior, especially tonight, still wouldn't be acceptable. We all know he hasn't done anything to you or your brood. You don't like him because of whatever's going on in his relationship with your friend, which is not only ridiculous, but also doesn't fucking affect you," which we've all told this whore for the longest time.

"I asked you to stop. I told you to stop. Hell, I even demanded you stop. For whatever reason, you won't listen. No worries. I'm fucking done talking. Get your purse and your coat because I'm calling a cab to take you back to your apartment, right now. I'll have your personal items packed up and delivered to you tomorrow. Keep the key. The locks will be changed by the time you get back to the city." Oh shit, that's gotta to hurt.

"Elliott?!" Shock, more than evident in her tone. She can't possibly be surprised? He told her to mind her own damn business. She won't listen. Now take your punishment, bitch. "He has to be held account…

The infamous whisper cuts her off, "My father told you to leave, and don't for one instance think you can apologize enough for disrespecting my family, my brother included. So don't even try. GET! OUT!"WOW! YOU GO BOY! He's never used the Grey Whisper. I'm a little jealous, my vocal cords don't work that way.

My parents and Mia have been silent through this exchange. It's surprising, considering the F bombs El was dropping. I have a feeling she's been at this, in front of Grace and Carrick, before. As much as I appreciate his effort, Elliott loves her. I can't be the reason he ends up unhappy. He may not understand why, but I know I'm not worth it. "Elliott, don't. I'm a big boy. She can say whatever she likes to me. Ms Kavanaugh, you do need to make penance to our parents and sister. You're not involved in my relationship with Anastasia. Stop wasting your time disparaging me because I know Anastasia wouldn't appreciate it." I so want Elliott to get rid of the bitch. If he ever does, it has to be his choice, based on whatever parameters are set in their relationship. He can't lose the love of his life because of me.

I don't need to hear anymore. "Bye Mom, bye Mia, bye El. Take care. I love you." Dad's not around, while I'm not interested in the interrogation, did I wanna discuss my ideas about expanding GEH. It can wait until he cools down.

"Goodbye darling, I wish you'd come home. I don't understand why you left, but I won't press you anymore for answers. I love you too."

"Bye Christian. I don't care why you left, I only want you home."

"Hang tough lil bro, give the babes hell for me, will ya? OH! HEY! Nice poolside pic, but you need to work out, dude. You're gettin' flabby around your middle."

Elliott's chuckling at his perceived win, but I know how to stop him, "Above or below the towel, bro?"

His reaction is immediate, "EWWW! Touché lil bro, touché. Laters Chris." He says with a hearty laugh. Score one for me.

I laugh back at my brother, "Laters El." This is the first time I've ever enjoyed his humor. Hmm, I like this feeling.

FOOTNOTES

Yīqiè shùnlì means All the best

Shizuoka is a Japanese prefecture on central Honshu's Pacific coast, is home to 3,776m-tall Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak.

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period who is traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages. Confucius's teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society, and remain influential across China and East Asia to this day.

Hello Mudda Hello Fadda (A Letter from Camp) recorded by Allan Sherman

The Brady Bunch is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz, aired from September 26, 1969 to March 8, 1974, on ABC

Officer McGruff, the Crime Dog is an animated bloodhound created by Jack Keil through the Ad Council and later the National Crime Prevention Council to increase crime awareness and personal safety in the United States