Hello everyone thank you for your reviews and I am so glad you all liked Elliot's murals and the heartfelt words from Ana's employees.
AN
Alright we are fixing to have the Grand Opening of the Charleston plant that was bombed months ago. If y'all remember Ana and Christian were inside when the other bomb went off and they couldn't get out. This is what led to the closing and now the Grand Opening of Steele-Trevelyan Cuisine Baby Foods.
If you remember Elliot led the way to find them safely and the rescue crew he had with him worked diligently to find them. They found them and the paramedics worked on them and they got out safely.
It was touch and go with Ana before they loaded her in the ambulance. They got her stable and rushed her and Christian to the hospital. They both had to have emergency surgery. They both died on the operating tables. Ana's mom god rest her soul came to them and told them both that they were needed down below not in heaven not right now.
Ana wanted to stay with her mom because she thought Christian was dead. Her mom showed her he wasn't. She was needed on earth; there were so many great things she needed to accomplish with Christian. There were so many things they needed to do that would make the world a better place to live in. Not just for them but for their children and everyone else.
She went through the same thing with Christian he thought Ana was in heaven. Carla showed him she wasn't and told him that it wasn't his time. They died on the operating within minutes of each other and came back within minutes of each other with the help of Carla Steele. Ana's mom who passed away when Ana was born.
You all remember that all the villains are in prison and that is where they will stay. A little run down on who the criminals are. Pedophiles Grace Trevelyan Grey and Elena Lincoln thought they could hypnotize Christian with the help of Dr. Abigail Watson and keep giving him drugs in hope that he would break down and marry Elena or die from the drugs they didn't care either way. We also found that Grace knew exactly what the pedo bitch was doing to wanted his will basically they wanted his money and whatever was on that will. They are all three serving time in prison.
Carrick Grey, now we found out some astonishing news. He is Mia Grey's real father with another woman and he has a son Jonathan Roberts by another woman.
Andrea who was Christian's P.A. since he started GEH had an affair with Carrick Grey and they were caught and charged with Corporate Espionage when FBI Captain Anastasia Steele came on the scene to help Christian find out who stole his billions. Mia Grey and Jonathan Roberts, Cedric Longfellow who turned up as Carrick's brother, was under Witness Protection and changed his name and looks because he witnessed a murder. He was involved with the theft; he was the mastermind with the computers. They were all charged and were serving time for the theft.
Ros Bailey was Christian's number two and COO of GEH. She got greedy and got Jonathan Roberts who was Christian's CFO and Phillip Brockton who worked in finance to help her start a Shell Company and they stole fifty million from Christian. They were serving time in prison for the theft.
Gwen Robbins, who is Ros Bailey's partner, wanted Ros to do the theft. She helped with the setup of the Shell Company. She wanted Christian but he didn't give her the time of day so that was the reason she talked Ros into this Shell Company.
Elena Lincoln here we go again she talked her accountant Kathy Beckwith to doctor the books and told her a certain amount of money she was going to steal. In other words Elena decided she wanted more than fifty million and took three hundred million that Ms. Beckwith was not aware of at the time.
Elena talked two of Christian's top attorney's Reginald Chatsworth and David James Carrington into helping her embezzle the three hundred million. They were all caught by yours truly FBI Captain Anastasia Steele. They were all already serving time in prison.
Ms. Beckwith is the only one that got off with community service for a year because she turned evidence over to Ana and her team of FBI Agents. She had all kinds of papers on Elena that Elena forgot to take back with her.
Now Grace Trevelyan Grey, Carrick Grey, Mia Grey, Jonathan Roberts, Ros Bailey, Gwen Robbins, Andrea Parker, Cedric Longfellow, Reginald Chastworth, David James Carrington, Elena Lincoln and Phillip Brockton are serving time in prison for trying to kill FBI Captain Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey at her Charleston, South Carolina Baby Food Plant by offering one million dollars to the person or persons that got the job done.
One of the prisoners by the name of David Jones who is serving two life sentences is the cousin of Alfred Mason. He was Ana's Executive Chef until he started laying out and coming in late. He also had a cousin that was a guard at the baby food plant. Ana knew nothing about him. His name is Eddie Stewart and he was hired by another company not by Ana herself.
Now David and Alfred got to talking when David found out about the million dollar bounty on Ana and Christian's head you might as well say. He heard throughout the prison that a group of people wanted Ana and Christian dead didn't matter how. David talked to Alfred and Alfred talked to Eddie and they set it all up to bomb the baby food plant and kill Ana and Christian. They almost succeeded almost.
The criminals were told that Ana and Christian didn't make it out alive. To see their reaction. Well let's say they were happy about them dying, they hated both of them. Now they all were charged with first degree murder and would serve the rest of their lives in prison. None of them know they are not in the same prison. They are all in solitary confinement and see no one but the guards.
Ana and Christian got married and Ana had her P.A. put out an announcement telling the world that she Christian got married. The criminals didn't know anything until they all received a small tv with the video showing that they were married and alive.
Now on with the Grand Opening. I just felt like I had to do a recap leading up to the Grand Opening. I didn't put everything in here but the most important parts I did.
Chapter 25
"Welcome all this is Barbara Johnson Charleston news Station live CNS. Good morning everyone. Well this is the day we have all been waiting on. The Grand Opening of Steele-Trevelyan Cuisine Baby Foods. My goodness, look at the employees. They are all smiles and can't wait to get back to work. Well we have confirmation from Mrs. Anastasia Trevelyan that all of her employees were well compensated while they were out of work. That was very generous of Mrs. Trevelyan."
"This past weekend Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan had an Open House for all the employees and their families. They had a carnival and all kinds of games and rides. They provided food for everyone with the food trucks that were on the premises and had a huge raffle where a lot of the employees and their families won some fabulous prizes. There was money, trips, phones, TV's, home makeovers. There are so many nice prizes and way too many to name."
"Yes Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan took it upon themselves to welcome each and every employee and family member to the Open House and went around and met all the Carnival family that she asked to be here. All in all it was a huge success for everyone."
"Now let's turn our attention to the ribbon cutting for the front doors of Steele-Trevelyan Cuisine Baby Foods to open once more."
"Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan are standing at the glass door facing each other and smiling. Mr. Trevelyan's brother Elliot Trevelyan is counting down from three to one."
"Alright you two here we go. Three, two, one cut that red ribbon these lovely employees want to start working."
"They have cut the ribbon and are standing there as one by one the employees walk into the new and updated baby food plant. A lot of them took a tour this weekend and saw a lot of amazing new things that have been added not only to make it a better work environment but a safer one too."
"Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan are speaking to each employee as they walk in the door to start their first day back after so many months away. Mrs. Trevelyan has a microphone in her hand. Let's listen to what she has to say."
"Everyone if I can have your attention please. I just want to welcome each and everyone of you back. I am so happy to see all of my employees and especially the ones that got hurt during the bombing. I am so thankful that you all are doing better. I am so happy that you all decided to return to work with us. I hope you all enjoyed this weekend."
"As Ana said, we are very happy to see each and everyone of you and please do not hesitate to call on us if you need something. We are here for each and every one of you. Now with that being said I will turn it back over to my lovely wife."
"Thank you my love. Ladies and gentlemen we have four new outstanding chefs that will be joining us today. Please come forward Mrs. Ruth Sanders and Kathryn Fahey. These two lovely ladies will be our Executive Chefs. They will be overseeing every department."
"These two gentlemen to my right are Chester and Clyde Patterson. I originally offered them the Executive Chef jobs but alas they turned me down and wanted to be hands on so they are our Top Chefs. Chester will be over meats and vegetables. Clyde will be over the fruits, desserts and juices. Please let's welcome them all."
"Alright ladies and gentlemen I know you all are chomping at the bit to get inside and start your first day back. So without further ado Mrs. Adams, will you lead the way?"
"Oh my Mr. Christian thank you and I will be happy to do so. Follow me please Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Fahey. Now Chester and Clyde you are next. The rest of you fall in and let's make this plant number one again."
They all file in behind each other and walk through the doors.
"Well folks you heard it here first. Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan have four new employees and that rank very high in the food industry. Two Executive Chefs and two Top Chefs. I have no doubt as Mrs. Adams said they will be back as number one before you know it."
The news crew waits around until the employees have all gone inside to work.
"Come on Barry, let's see if we can have a moment with the happy couple."
"Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan may I have a moment of your time please?"
"Of course Barbara how are you dear? It's rather hot this morning. Would you like to go around to our picnic area and talk?"
"Yes, that would be wonderful."
They all walk around to Ana's picnic area and take a seat on the comfortable bench with the cushions of all colors.
"My Mrs. Trevelyan you went to a lot of expenses for your employees to feel right at home. I could sit out here all day. It is so nice and comfortable."
"Thank you Barbara we wanted them to be able to come and relax for their hour lunch. Yes I said an hour. These wonderful people that are my employees are what makes this company what it is. They are the ones that prepare all the food for the babies. I just give them ideas and my recipes and let them run with them. Sometimes they tweak them but they always ask me to try some before they start making the baby food. I appreciate that and I also appreciate each and everyone of my employees. As I said they are ones that make this baby food plant what it is. They are the backbone of Steele-Trevelyan Cuisine Baby Foods."
"That is awesome Mrs. Trevelyan most employers wouldn't give credit to the help but you are an exception to the rule. Let's change the subject if you don't mind Mrs. Trevelyan?"
"No, not at all. Please continue."
"As everyone knows you and Mr. Trevelyan are in the process of opening homes for abused women and children and abused men. You are opening shelters, opening soup kitchens and remodeling some apartment buildings. You have purchased closed hotels. What are you going to be doing with all them? We know about the abused adults and children but who are the others?"
"Well we are also providing housing for Veterans and in-house doctors and nurses. We will be providing psychiatrists to help the ones that are suffering from PTSD and any other illness they may have. We are hoping to educate some of them so they can get jobs and provide for themselves. We will have in-house teachers to help with job training. That will be done in all the homes, not just for the veterans. I want to help as many people as we can."
"As Ana said, we are doing this to help people that need it. Trying to get as many homeless, drug addicted and abused people in safe places to help overcome what they are dealing with in their lives. I would like to make it clear the men and women will not be housed together. We believe that will be a better solution for all involved."
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan. I will say what you two are doing is wonderful helping these people out and making their lives better. I have one more question. Will you two and any of your family be hands on at any of these establishments that y'all are opening?"
"Yes ma'am we will be but we are not going to broadcast it when we will be there. If we did we would be swarmed with not only news crews but everyone else. We are providing a safe place for people, not a news outlet for you and yes I am sure paparazzi hiding somewhere around here. Good day Mrs. Johnson, we will speak to you later."
"Mrs. Johnson before this is aired we would like to see the final results and approve the video. Will you have it ready for us before you air it tomorrow evening?"
"Yes Mr. Trevelyan we understand that you and Mrs. Trevelyan will see the final video before it is aired. Yes I will have it sent over to you later this evening for your approval."
"Thank you Barbara, we will be waiting on it."
Ana and Christian walk inside the plant.
"Let's go Barry, we have to edit this and get back to the Trevelyan's this evening for their approval. Think we can have it done by five o'clock?"
"Absolutely Barbara, no problem at all."
"Good I was hoping you would say that."
They walk to the gate and get in their van and head to the station to edit the video.
Christian and Ana walk in the plant and look around at all the hussle and bussle that is going on. Breathing in all the wonderful smells and seeing all the happy and smiling faces.
"Come on, let's go and see how Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Fahey are doing."
They walk over to the meats and vegetables section and see they are all going over the recipes for the vegetarian baby food with Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Adams.
"Ladies, how is it going?"
"Everything is going perfectly Ms. Ana. We are going over the vegetarian baby food recipes you left for us in the folder. Girl when do you have time to come up with these recipes? You have been so busy lately I am amazed you have these hun."
"Oh Mrs. Adams I work on them in my spare time and when I do a lot of the cooking at home. I have a special recipe I want to try. It's a Mexican meat and veggie recipe. Basically it's like a taco salad without all the seasonings that the restaurants use. You know we don't add salt and nothing but our own homegrown seasonings. No imitations at all."
"Yes ma'am we know. Have you been experimenting with it?"
"Lordy Ms. Ana, that sounds so good. I love Mexican food."
"Thank you Chester I think you all will like it."
"Yes I have and my security guys have tried it and said it was delicious. They liked it better without all the seasonings on it. Matter of fact Christian loved it and I had to make it for all the family and they raved about it and said it was delicious."
"That sounds like we should give it a try, Mrs. Trevelyan."
"Thank you Mrs. Sanders. I will whip up a batch as soon as we check out the other sections and see how everyone is doing. We will return shortly."
They walk off and head over to the desserts and juices section.
"How is it going on here?"
They watch as Mrs. Fahey and Mrs. Dickerson look at the recipes with Clyde from the red folders they have in their hands.
"Hello you two, we are doing wonderfully. Thank you and how are you both doing this morning?"
"We are doing absolutely fantastic Mrs. Dickerson, thank you for asking. Now how are the new recipes adding up for you all?"
"Ms. Ana, when did you have time to sit down and think of these very tasteful desserts, not to mention the combinations of juices we have here?"
"Well when we were in Paris we tried different desserts but I just couldn't figure out the spices and all that went into them. Some of them were very delicious and others were hit and miss for me."
"She is being modest . She tried a lot of the desserts not only in Paris but in Italy too. I agree with Ana some were hit and miss but she decided after we were married that she was going to experiment some more and let me tell you she did. She made an out of this world coconut cake from coconuts on our island. My lord it was mouthwatering and so moist you had to use a spoon to eat with. It wouldn't stay on your fork. I used my fingers shh."
They all laugh at him.
"An island y'all have an island in Italy? Oh yes, the coconut cake sounds delicious. Did you make pies to Ms. Ana?"
"Yes ma'am I did. Yes we have an island in Italy. It was with our land and no one knew about it until the water receded enough for us to find it. We got some coconuts and busted a hole in them and drank the milk out right there on the island and ate some of the coconut too. It was delicious."
"Mr. Christian did you try it too?"
"Yes Clyde I did but I would have rather waited until we got back on the yacht and went home. But you know my angel, she said I had to try just like she did. I have to admit it was very good but her cake and pies were the best."
"I bet you did and I am sure they were. Now you gave us our coconut recipe for the coconut, banana and strawberry dessert. If I'm not mistaken I think I saw that on the juice side as well."
"Yes you did. I also added coconut, orange and kiwi fruit as smoothies. That way these fruit juices can be frozen and given to the littles to soothe them."
"Yes ma'am I saw those and they sound very tasty. Yes that is a good idea Ms. Ana I am glad you are adding more varieties for babies and toddlers to enjoy. I truly believe that the smoothies you are wanting to implement will be a hit with the mothers."
"Thank you Mrs. Fahey I am hoping they will be because I have so many ideas for different flavors. I am not going to go overboard just a few here and there. Also different desserts will be added."
"That sounds wonderful Ms. Ana now sugar we need to get to work and make your dreams of the first day back here a reality. Not only for you both but for all of us. We need this plant smelling like it used to."
"We will get out of y'alls way and let you all do what you need to do. Thank you all."
Christian and Ana walk around the plant speaking to all the employees and asking a few questions here and there.
They walk out the door and go over to the glass and plastic departments and check on how things are going over there.
"Ms. Ana and Mr. Christian how are you both doing today? Looks like everyone is happy to be back and working. I know I am I have missed this place. Thank you for starting it back up again. You have saved a lot of lives by doing this or I should have said helped a lot of us by doing this."
"Hey there Buster we are doing good thank you for asking. How are you and do you have everything you need to get up and running this morning?"
"I am doing wonderful Ms. Ana. Yes I do. I have called Simon to bring me some pallets so we can start boxing up the baby food jars that are already coming down the assembly line. These ladies and gents are busting their behinds to get the first out of here and in the stores. I must say it smells like home again."
"Thank you Simon and I'm so glad to have you back. If you need any, don't hesitate to ask us or someone else."
"Yes ma'am and thank you."
"You're welcome and we will be going now. Have a good day."
They walk on and go into the chemical department. They haven't been in the chemical section since the bombing and Elliot moving it to a safer location.
"Ms. Ana, what in the world are you doing here? You and Mr. Christian put on these hard hats and safety glasses please."
"We were just walking through each department and checking on everyone. Thank you for these. I know we should have put them on but I wasn't planning on coming in."
"That's alright I understand but you are here and need safety equipment."
"Thank you but we are going to be going. I just wanted to check and make sure you and T.J. had everything you needed to start today."
"Yes ma'am we do. We took inventory this morning and we have all the chemicals we need. Also the pallet count is good and the cardboard boxes are overflowing. We have all sizes back now."
"Very good Simon, thank you for that update. We should be getting a shipment of glass and plastic bottles and glass jars of all sizes."
"Yes ma'am I saw that on my printout this morning. I must say we are back in business and you and Mr. Christian are on top of it all."
"Well thank you Simon but it was not only us. You helped by leaving a detailed list of what we needed and our lead team members made sure you had what you asked for."
"Thank you again Ms. Ana now little lady. I am not trying to rush you two off but I need to get to work and if there isn't anything else you need I will be taking my leave and checking on that shipment. I hear the eighteen wheeler backing into the dock."
"No Simon, we will be leaving and not interfering in your work."
"We will be keeping these for the time being, Simon. We are going to check on Quality Control."
"Not a problem Mr. Christian and you both have a nice day. Oh I just want to thank you both for a wonderful weekend we had. My wife and kids said to tell you they had a ball."
"I am so glad to hear that. Thank you."
They walk off and head toward Quality Control.
They walk up the stairs and find Quality Control down on the right.
"Knock knock…Terrie are you busy hun?"
"Oh my goodness girl you are a sight for these old eyes. How in the blue blazes are you? Mr. Christian how are you doing these days, young man? It is so good to see you both. I must say we had a wonderful time at the Open House and the grandkids haven't stopped talking about the humongous water slides."
She says laughing.
"My sweet friend, I am doing good, thank you and you are not old. How are you doing dear? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming back to work. I don't know what I would do without you here overseeing all of this. I know you have Peter and Shelby to help but you are the backbone of this office."
"Oh Ms. Ana we all do our part and make sure all the bottles are up to snuff. Nothing gets out of here with my final sign of approval."
"Yes ma'am I know and I thank you for your diligence to make sure that they are right."
"Mr. Christian I am so sorry we just plumb forgot about you sugar. Now how are you doing? I am going to ask again."
"Oh Ms. Terrie I am doing fabulous thank you my dear. Today has been an eye opener for me. I have been here when the plant was open but never got to see how it was in full swing. I must I am impressed with everything."
"Well there is a lot to see sir and we pride ourselves on doing the best we can to make this company a success. We will be back on top before we can say number one."
"That is wonderful and I love the attitude and spunk you have going forward. You are a valuable person to this company and we are very proud to have you on our team."
"Well my goodness thank you sir so very much. Now it is time for me to get to work. I see some work coming in the door."
"We will leave you to it Terrie. Have a good day and if you need anything feel free to ask for it."
"Bye Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan and thank you both so much."
She smiles at them as they walk out the door.
"She just pushed us right out the door Boo. Now that's what I call dedication to her job. Not even her bosses can stand in the way of quality."
She says laughing.
"Ms. Ana you got that right sweetheart."
Terrie comes over and hugs Ana.
"Now get out of here it's lunch time and I am sure you both are hungry. I know I am and I will be going down to the lovely picnic area and eat my lunch that you have so kindly had catered for all of us."
"Oh wow it is lunch time. We will see you later Terrie. Take care my friend."
They walk off and head back to the front where they will eat their lunch.
"Oh my this is so good. I love Caesar chicken salad but this is out of this world. My goodness I wonder what seasonings they used."
"Ana it is very delicious and I will have to stop at their cafe and get this again."
"I know what you mean Joan, we have to stop by there sometime soon when I am not in the mood to cook."
"Angel, who are you trying to kid? You are never not in the mood to cook. I have to drag you away from the house screaming and hollering to get you to go out to eat."
They are all laughing now and Ana snorts.
"Oh that is so cute angel."
"Christian shush."
He laughs again and Ana joins in this time.
"Well that was a wonderful lunch but we must be going now. We have to talk to Elliot about plans for the buildings. I want him to finish the homes for the abused women, children and men. We will see you all later."
"Alright take care and we will talk later."
"Joan, how is it going? Is this what you thought it would be when I asked you to accept this job?"
"Ana I knew what I was getting into when I accepted your offer to work for you. Not only here but as you travel and help you and Paula. I love it and I love traveling. It also gives me a chance to catch up not only with you and granmomma but with Paula too."
"I am glad I caught you before you accepted that other job."
"Yes my friend I am too but you know with what you were offering it would have been hard to turn you down."
"I was making an offer as to what I thought you were qualified for."
"Yes Ana and you made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I want to thank you for thinking of me."
"You are more than welcome. I just don't want to put too much on you or Paula as we have a lot coming up in the very near future."
"I will say as Paula says bring it on Ana we are ready for it and you know we have hired two new assistants. Marcus Fielding and Harris Butler. Have either of you met them?"
"No we haven't. I know they were hired because I did the background checks myself. They seem like very nice gentlemen. Both married with two kids each. They both had decent jobs here in Charleston but from what I read on their resumes they both wanted better pay and benefits. Not to mention more hometime with their families."
"Yes, they have been working for us for two weeks now and doing an excellent job. They both know what they are doing. I think we need to move Marcus to the P.R. department. He seems to be more equipped to handle what happens before anything becomes public. That is mine and Paula's opinions."
"He isn't working out for y'all?"
"Yes he is but we need him in the P.R. department with Doris I know she is your P.A, but she has been helping them out. Ellen is over the P.R. department I know this but she is lacking. Doris says she doesn't keep up like she should. Marcus knew more about Open House than she did. She said he would be an asset there for them."
"Well then we need to talk to him and see what he thinks. I know Doris has been doing a lot for us but she is my P.A. not P.R. I will have to get her out of there. Thank you Joan, we will send him a message to meet him in the morning."
"If he accepts we will have to hire another person for his job."
"Yes and we will look at the resumes we are getting and see who qualifies for the position."
"Alright see you two later. I'm going back to work before Paula and Harris come looking for me."
"Later my friend."
They walk out to their car and Christian opens her door for her and fastens her seat belt. Gives her a soft kiss on her plump lips and smiles as she closes her eyes.
She opens her eyes and he is still smiling at her. She smiles back at him and pulls him in for another kiss.
He walks around to his side and opens his door and gets in and buckles up. They wait on Jason and Dav to give the signal to start moving.
"Alright my love let's go and see Elliot."
"Yes ma'am he should be at the women's shelter right now."
"Ok sounds good."
She leans her head back on the head rest and closes her eyes.
He pulls up in front of the shelter and they see Elliot's truck.
He parks the car and waits for Jason to open their doors.
They wait for Dav to check everything out and give them the ok.
"Alright everything is clear and Elliot is waiting downstairs for y'all."
"Thank you Dav we won't be too long."
"Not a problem Ana you know that."
They walk on in and see Elliot looking at some blueprints. He sees them and waves them over to him.
"Hey sis and bro whatcha doin down here when you could be out on the beach relaxing?"
"We are wanting to see what you have gotten done so far. We also want you to come to the women's house for abused women and children. I got word that there are some women that need a place to stay with their little ones as soon as possible. Do you think the house is ready for two women and three small children?"
"Yes I just need to make sure the power is on for them and you will have to have someone make a run to the grocery store. We haven't had time to fill the fridges on any of the floors yet. We have with the help of the ladies added bedding and toiletries for the bathrooms. There are towels and bath cloths. They are all well stocked. Everything they need is here for them. Gran and granmomma took it upon themselves to buy toys for kids of different age groups."
"That is good Elliot and we will have Nancy and Becky do a grocery run for them. I expect the families will be there by late this evening. They are talking to the Department Of Family and Children's Services right now."
"Alright not a problem I will leave this with Will and head on over there with y'all. I'll be ready to go in about ten minutes."
"Ok we will wait on you . I want to look around a little bit while you are making arrangements with Will."
"Ok just be careful the bedrooms and bathrooms aren't finished. There is wood, nails and metal laying around on the floor and standing up beside the walls."
"Alright, we won't go too far."
"El just yell when you are done."
They walk further into the shelter and see all the work El and his team have gotten done.
"Wow Boo this is looking good and from the size of this place we can accommodate a lot of women and children. This will work out good and you know the food bank will be right down the street. They can walk down there and get food and bring it back here to eat. They will have a guard with them. I don't want them to be scared to leave this place until they are ready."
"Yes they can and yes you are right this place will help a lot of people that are in desperate need of something right now."
"Alright I hear Elliot he is calling us not yelling."
As they walk closer to the front of the building they hear him yelling now.
"Elliot where did you learn to yell bro? That was more like whisper yelling."
"Oh be quiet bro you all tell me I talk too loud. I am practicing for when my nieces and nephews come along. I have to be very very quiet around them."
"Umm what nieces and nephews Elliot? Do you know something that we don't?"
Christian looks him dead in the eye…laughing
"Oh hell bro I was talking about you and the little lady here. You know when you have babies. You know that right?"
"Yes Elliot, we know he is just messing with you. When the time comes for us to start a family we will tell you so you can practice being quiet before you come into our house."
"Thank you Ana I would appreciate that."
"You are welcome now, come on, let's get a move on. Chop chop you two."
"You heard the little lady bro let's go before she leaves us here."
"I think she just might but I have the keys."
"Do I have to drag you two out of here?"
"No angel, we are right behind you."
She gives them both her FBI glare.
"Oops Christian we better toe the line."
'Yes El we better."
"Y'all two think you are funny but you're not."
"Oh come on love we were just messing with you."
"Sorry Ana, we are with you."
"It's alright y'all let's just get over the house and check everything out. I am tired and getting a headache."
"Are you alright angel?"
"Yes Boo, just tired and a small headache is all really I will be alright. I just need a cup of coffee and two ibuprofens. That will fix my headache right up."
"Are you sure you feel up to going over to the house and meeting the women and kids?"
"Yes love I am sure. They won't be there until later but we can check the place out and make sure it is child safe. I know El's crew has got a lot done but I want to check it out myself."
"Alright love."
Jason opens their door and they get in."
"Jason, we need to go over to the other house. You know guys we have to come up with a name for the homes."
"I know I have been thinking but nothing really that I think will sound good."
"Jason, any ideas?"
"No Ana, not right now. I will talk to Gail, maybe we can come up with something."
"Thank you."
"Let us just think about it, love."
"Yeah I guess we can, we have time. We won't officially open for a month or so."
"We'll see you at the house Jason."
"Yes Christian we will check everything out first for you."
"Yes we know."
They all leave in their cars and El in his truck.
They arrive at the house and wait on the guys to make sure everything is secure and safe for them. Dav lets Jason know all is clear. He opens Christian's door and Christian walks around and opens Ana's door holding his hand out for her to take. She takes his hand and steps out of the SUV.
Jason walks in front of them and opens the door. They all walk and look around.
"My goodness El and his crew have done some awesome work here. Look Christian they have painted the walls and hung some nice pictures. A new couch and chairs, two end tables and a coffee table. Now I didn't ask for the largest TV in the world. Whose idea was this monstrosity? Take this out and bring me a sixty-five inch in here please."
"Umm that was my idea Ana."
Elliot says walking up behind her.
"Explain please?"
"Well I just thought it would be better and everyone could see it. I guess I wasn't thinking now that I see it covers the whole wall and then some. I'll have it removed and put the sixty-five inch in here."
"Thank you El. I am pretty sure anyone from any seating area can see the sixty-five inch just fine. They don't need the ninety-eight inch. We are not trying to show our wealth, we are trying to help the less fortunate ones.
"Yes ma'am now come with me and let me show you the bedrooms and ensuites. I didn't think you would want them sharing bathrooms. So I put an ensuite in for them. Hope they meet with your approval."
"Thank you Elliot and you are right I don't. Let me see what you have done."
They walk down the hall to the bedrooms on the first floor. She opens the first door and looks in and sees two twin beds, an end table and a lamp. The floor has a light shade of blue carpet throughout the room. The walls are painted a cream color and the borders around the top and bottom are a light brown.
"Very nice Elliot, the room is nice and comfortable and has plenty of room. I like it and I am sure the ladies and children will too."
"Thank you Ana now the bathroom is through that door in front of you. You walk through the closet to the bathroom."
Ana opens the door and is surprised to see such a big closet. She walks on into the bathroom and it is the same colors as the bedroom. There are towels and hand cloths, soap, and toiletries on the sink for their use.
"Thank you Elliot this is what I had envisioned when I told you about my plans. Thank you for doing this. I take it the rest of the rooms are like this also?"
"Yes ma'am, well we have a few that are bigger in case there are more than one child with the mother. Now the only difference is the color schemes. Would you like to see them? There are five more bedrooms down here and six more up on the second floor."
"No Elliot, I trust your judgment very much. You haven't steered me wrong."
"Well except with the huge TV right sis?"
"Yes but that's alright you are allowed a mistake. We all are you know. We are not perfect."
"Yes, I know little lady. Now come check out the kitchen. It is to your specifications."
They walk back up the hall to the living room and turn right and go into the kitchen.
She sees a breakfast bar with four bar stools sitting on top of it is a vase of multi-colored flowers. There are two small scented candles burning.
She walks around the bar and sees an island with a double sink and counters on both sides. There are electrical outlets on each side of the sink to plug in small appliances.
To the right is a large table with bench seats. To your left is a long granite counter and in the middle are the appliances then the counter continues on to the other side. There are two windows you can look out of as you cook and see the backyard.
The walls are painted a bright yellow with another of Elliot's murals. He has spoons, knives, forks and all kinds of pots and pans. There are little smileys all over the wall that look like suns. It's bright and colorful with different types of foods like cherries, apples, oranges, grapes, lemons, bananas and so on. He makes all the fruit look like they are happily dancing on the wall.
There is a large picture window that you can look out of while you are eating at the table and see the fenced in backyard with lounge chairs, and a playground for the kids.
"Elliot, I am extremely impressed with this kitchen and everything you have done. I think I want my kitchen to have a mural and some of the bedrooms."
"Thank you Ana and when you get ready to build I will have some drawings for you to look over."
"That sounds good Elliot."
"Hello where are you all at?"
"We are in the kitchen. Elliot is coming to get y'all."
"Well hello Ms. Ana how are you today dear? Mr. Christian you are looking very nice and how are you young man?"
"Nancy I am doing thank you and how are you?"
"I am well Ms. Ana."
"Becky how are you hun?"
"Doing well Ms. Ana and you?"
"I am doing good, thank you."
"Ladies I am doing good and I am glad you both are too."
"Well we got a lot of groceries. We weren't sure what you wanted for the women and kids. So we got a variety of foods and condiments. We got some spices, salt and pepper too. We also got cookies and ice cream for the kids."
"Ladies y'all did very well thank you so much. Just leave them on the table and we will put them up. You both can take the rest of the day off. We have it from here and thank you both again. I know this isn't your job but I do appreciate it and it was short notice."
"Thank you ma'am and we are here to help in whatever capacity we are needed."
"Thank you Becky, now you both go and enjoy your evening and tomorrow. We will not be needing either of you. We are staying home."
"Alright see you later."
They leave and the guys put all the food and things away for Ana.
"Angel, are you feeling any better?"
"Yes my headache is going away love thank you for checking on me."
"Always my darlin."
"Excuse me Ana and Christian but the ladies and children are here."
"Wow I guess they got out of the meetings with the Department Of Family and Children's Services earlier than they thought. Good thing everything is done for them."
They look up and see two young ladies to very pretty young ladies. They both have bruises on their faces and arms. One has her left arm in a sling. They are carrying a small bag each and the three children are clinging to them like their little lives depend on it. The women are staring at them and don't know what to say.
"Welcome ladies and kids my name is Ana Trevelyan and this is my husband Christian and my brother-in-law Elliot Trevelyan. May I have your names please?"
"Oh I am terribly sorry my name is Rachel McDonalds and this is my daughter Kimberly or Kim as we call her. This one here hiding from you is my son Nathan. Say hello to the Mrs. Trevelyan kids and let's thank her for her hospitality for letting us live here for a while."
"Thank you Ms. Ana." The kids say together.
"You are very welcome and I hope you will be happy here. We have toys and games for you all to play with. There is a huge fenced in backyard with a playground."
"Mrs. Trevelyan, my name is Alyssa Thornton and this little one here is my daughter Jennifer or as I call her JenJen. Thank you for opening this home for us. You do not know how much we all appreciate it and how much others will to when they have no other choice. From what I saw it is a lovely home and we will take very good care of it."
"Thank you Alyssa and Rachel, we have groceries for you all. There are snacks and other goodies you can give the kids. I will leave that to you both to decide. I just don't want to spoil their supper by telling them."
"Thank you ma'am, yes they tend to want snacks first."
They all laugh.
"The fridge is stocked with plenty of food and beverages. Ladies, have you read the rules?"
"Yes ma'am we have and we understand them. Neither of us drink or do any kinds of drugs and there will be none in the house."
"Thank you very much for saying that. I appreciate it very much. Now if you will follow us we will show you to your bedrooms."
They all leave the kitchen and walk to the bedrooms. The first one has two twin beds.
"Will this one work for you and Jennier, Alyssa? Jennifer there are toys over there in that toy box for you to play with."
"Oh yes ma'am anything is fine. This is way better than the floor at the bus station last night."
They all hear Ana gasp loudly.
"Oh my poor dear girl are you both alright? Good lord there was nowhere else for you to go hun?"
"We are alright no one bothered us. That late at night no one was in the bus station but the person behind the counter and he watched out for us. No ma'am not that time of night there wasn't and it seemed like the safest place even though it's not during the busy times."
"My goodness well I am glad you have a place to stay now as long as you need it and that goes for you and your kids too Rachel."
"Thank you ma'am."
"Ok ladies enough with the ma'am please call me Ana."
"Thank you Ana, we appreciate you very much."
"Now come with me Rachel and little ones let me show you to your bedroom.
"I have a bigger bedroom for you all. We wanted you to stay together so Elliot has enlarged a few bedrooms for more than one child. Alyssa and Rachel each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom. You all don't have to worry, everything you need is in there for your use."
"Oh my goodness I feel like I am at a five star hotel except I don't have to pay. Oh my lord Ana you are a Godsend to all of us."
Ana walks over and hugs Alyssa and rubs her back.
"Now, now hun don't cry. I just want to help and make your lives a little better and safer. Speaking of safety, we have twenty-four hour security here for your protection."
"Thank you, thank you so much, All of you for what you are doing for us and anyone else that needs a place to stay."
"Come on Ms. Rachel let me show you and little ones your bedroom. Ana will be along in a few minutes."
Rachel and the kids follow Elliot out of Alyssa's room and down to hers.
"Here you go, this is your room."
Rachel opens the door and walks in and sees a full size bed and two twin beds.
"Oh my goodness this is lovely. Look kids there are toys to play with. I see a baby doll and a toy train. Go play y'all."
The kids run over and grab up the toys and start playing with them. They see Ana and Christian walk in and drop the toys.
"Oh no, no, no they are yours to play with that is what they are here for. Go play with them please."
"Thank you Ms. Ana."
They both say and hug her legs and run off to play again.
"They are so sweet. Is everything to your liking Rachel? Do you need anything else? Right through that door is your closet and ensuite."
"Oh mercy everything is so nice. We couldn't ask for anything else. Thank you so much and as Alyssa said this is five star accommodations."
"Thank you now if you will come back out for a moment so I can tell you all something?"
"Ladies, we are fixin to leave and go home. But before we leave we want to make sure you have everything you need. As I said earlier there is food in the fridge and freezer. The cabinets have everything you need and they are labeled with what is in them. The pantry is loaded with canned goods and whatever else you need. There is a spice rack. Anyway you should be very comfortable here as long as you need it."
"Thank you so much now you go on home Ana you look like you have a migraine starting. I know I have them too."
"I have a headache, not sure it will be a migraine but yes we're going home. You all have a good night and if you need anything you can tell security and by the phone are some numbers and names you can call."
"Ms. Ana, we just want to thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you all are doing for us."
"You are all welcome now, enjoy your time with your kids and eat some supper."
They walk out of the house and Ana has tears in her eyes.
"Ana love are you alright?"
"Yes Boo I am fine and I have never felt better. Those ladies are wonderful women and how could someone hurt them like that. Did you see the bruising on their wrist?"
"I don't know angel how anyone could do it and yes I saw the marks."
"I just hope the kids don't have any bruising on them. I need to talk to their case worker in the morning. Mrs. Ralston said to call her if I had any questions. Oh yes I have questions. Quite a few hundred of them."
"Now angel calm down, we don't know what happened to them and why they have the marks love."
"Christian Trevelyan you mean you are going to stand there and tell me you don't know how the marks got there really Christian?"
"Well I can imagine how they got there but not why ok. We need to run a background check on them so we are able to find out what is going on in their lives. It seems strange both of them having marks and bruising in the same places. Do they know each other?"
"Not that I am aware that they don't and they didn't act like they did or if they did they didn't act like they were hiding it from us."
"I will get that information from Mrs. Ralston in the morning. She will have their husbands or boyfriends names in her file if the women gave it to her. I hope they did."
"You can run your Deep Sea Dive and check them out better."
"Yes I can and I will start it tonight and have Dav keep an eye on for me. If anything comes up strange he will let us know."
"Alright and Jason , I want you to drive us home. Are Aaron and Mike at their stations?"
"Yes sir."
"Let's go home. I am ready for supper and a relaxing evening with my lovely wife."
"Yes sir I agree with you as I want to see my lady too."
That's all for now. Chapter 26 will be up next week and be on the lookout for "From The Smoky Mountains To Cambridge And Back" Chapter 16 Destination Wedding
Thank you all for your reviews. You all are awesome.