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I’m now 30 years old and my life has been a constant rollercoaster since the beginning of days on this earth. Ella Jones the woman that brought me to life on June 18th, 1983. From what I had been told she had a shitty family and shitty life and even though she tried to save me from that same road it was just too difficult for a 17-year-old to do so. When I had just turned 4 years old when the bad circumstances that she found herself in took over the ledge, she was found death with me by her side on the place where we lived.
Luckily, I was adopted by the doctor that took care of me at the hospital back in Detroit alongside with her husband, they gave me a new start with a brother and later a sister. When I was 10 I started to get curious on why me and my sibling looked different and they told us that we were adopted together and then the best they could they explain to each of us the circumstances how we came to their lives. I started feeling angry and didn’t had a lot of friends I preferred to be myself since I was little due to the traumas from my early life.
My one and only friend was Tony Adams we met when I was in 3rd grade he came as the new kid to school and I saw him getting bullied by some other kids and I didn’t like it. He and I became friends as we both like the quietness and the outdoors, we were very protective of each other all throughout until he moved when I was almost 15. Tony and I were inseparable and him moving away really upset me but I knew better. I knew his reason Mrs. Elena Lincoln, a year before to Tony moving away she had tried to seduce Tony playing on his teen hormones but Tony as always saw something eerie about her proposition so he said no and told me what happened and that I should stay away from her at all costs. For months Mrs. Lincoln kept bothering me and Tony after school, so Tony told me that he was going to tell his parents that he wanted because some lady kept bothering us.
Tony’s parents told my parents about them moving and the reason and that Tony knew this person but he didn’t want to say, so they were just moving to another district to protect their son and that they should keep an eye on me.
During that summer I started doing odd jobs around Bellevue in order to save money for my real project to have my own company, unfortunately for me Mrs. Lincoln asked my mom for my services and I couldn’t tell her no. I did called Tony so someone knew and he told me to be extra careful since I was going to be her house and she will have the upper hand.
The first day I went to her place she told me that she needed me to move some old furniture to the yard where she had some rubble and then paint the basement. As I was moving a big bookcase to continue painting I saw a secret door so I opened it and saw the weirdest room ever I got so freaked that I continue painting and finish my day when I got home I saw Elliott and told him about what I saw and what had been going on with her, Tony and me. The next day under Elliott’s advice I brought a camera to take pictures of this room to show my parents, and I did as I finished putting the second coat of paint. Then she made moved outside and brought me a drink and then she made a pass at me and kissed me and I shoved her off moving away and she tried to do this seductive voice and tell me that she could help me and show me pleasures that no other woman would ever be able to and I don’t what other shit and I stepped back until I was close to the door and turned and left her there half dressed as I ran with my backpack to my house.
As soon as I got home I called my dad and asked him to come home and then my mom came out of her room asking me why did I left Mrs. Lincoln’s and I told her to wait that I needed to talk to her and dad about everything. I did and everything started to crumble down around that woman, and I continued with my life.
Life went on and I went to Harvard to study and continue with my long standing friendship with Tony, he had gone to Washington State University and on his second year he started dating a Leila Williams an art major student she seemed nice the few times I saw her over breaks, one she had tried to hook me up with one of her friends Suzana something but I really didn’t have the time I was happy with my random hook ups at campus and back home and trying to concentrate on getting my business plan and company up and running.
Tony and Leila continue to go strong and when they finished school moved in together. Me on the other hand I was already knee deep with the growth of my baby GEH.
4 years later
My life was a complete success GEH was a billion-dollar company and I was seen as one of the brightest minds of the business, my best friend was about to get married to his long lasting girlfriend and I was to be his best man, but I also had been invited to speak at WSU for the upcoming graduation and as a part of that the WSU student paper was going to do a small article on me.
The editor of the paper Ms. Katherine Kavanaugh was supposed to do the interview but the afternoon before of the interview she became ill, so she had called my office and told them if it would be ok if we would do it over the phone and then maybe once I was in Portland we could have a follow up with a small portrait shoot for the article. I agreed I mean the girl was ill it wasn’t her fault.
The next day Andrea receives the call and is told that a Ms. Anastasia Steele was on the phone for me on behalf of Ms. Kavanaugh as she has had a turn for the worse and now had no voice and very bad cough due to her flu.
As the interview started I sensed that Ms. Steele was very nervous, her voice was sweet and sexy it made my dick twitch. She gave me a sense of calmness and I felt relaxed, so much that I told her to call me Christian and she told me that I could call her Ana. The conversation flowed from one topic to the next and some how a 20 min interview has now become a 2 hours conversation and then Anastasia stops on the next question.
Oh common’ Ana, tell me what is the next question? I urge her.
Mmm, I really don’t think is a good idea Christian is a very personal and intrusive and very Kate. She tells me and chuckle.
Ok, Ana if you say so but so you know I have nothing to hide so you can go ahead even if it’s personal. I tell her.
Ok, then. Off the record I will tell you. The question is, are you gay? She tells me and laugh out loud. Hey, don’t laugh I’m serious. She huffs out and I can literally picture her with her arms crossed or her hand on her hips.
Sorry, sorry Ana didn’t mean to laugh but it’s sort of a funny question for me to answer. I get why your roommate wants to know. And to answer no, I’m not I’m just discreet with my personal life, relationship wise not that I have had a steady girlfriend or anything like that and very monogamous with the women I’m with. Now, of I had a girlfriend someone I can bring to my mom and dad then probably I would like to show her off and be proud as peacock. Did that answer your question Ms. Steele? I sass.
I would say I got more that asked for, but then again, we have been talking non-stop for 2 hours. Don’t you have an empire to run? She sasses back and I laugh.
We talked for about 30 minutes more and we say our goodbyes.
It’s graduation day and I will finally meet Ana, I was tempted by Welsh when he sent me the automatic background check while we were talking on the phone to see her picture and information but I refrained. I did look through Katherine Kavanaugh’s social media and I found a picture of her so I could look for her at the university.
I’m at the university ready to give my speech when I see her with Ms. Kavanaugh laughing about something. Ana moves her head and our eyes locked she waves and smiles at me after Kavanaugh tells her something. I smile and nod and she mouths later and nod again.
As soon as I’m free of the chancellor and his buddies from the board, I look for Ana and then I see her she is again with Kavanaugh and an older man probably her father so in I go and approach them.
“Hello Ms. Steele”. – I say smiling as I’m in front of her.
“Hello, Mr. Grey. How are you?” – She says and I can hear a hint of sassiness
“I’m good and congratulations on your graduation. Are you ready for the big bad world?” – I tell her
“Thank you and yes but I’m not sure it is ready for me”. – She says and I laugh.
“Fair enough, I’m sure you’ll take by storm”. – I respond back.
“I apologize for my manners, Christian. Let me introduce you, this one over here is Kate, also known as Ms. Kavanaugh and this stellar guy over here is my father Raymond Steele”. – She tells me and I nod to both of them.
“Nice to meet you both. Ms. Kavanaugh I most say talking to Ana here was something that I enjoyed very much and I hope you are feeling better. Mr. Steele you have raised a splendid woman”. – I tell them.
“Thank you, Mr. Grey. I take that you and my Annie met when Kate was to interview you, right?” – Mr. Steele asks.
“Yes, Ray but I was very sick and the interview ended up been over the phone and from what I heard from Ana, she and Mr. Grey talked over two hours”. – Ms. Kavanaugh interrupts.
“Yes, indeed. We had a lovely conversation and I’m hoping we can continue to have many more. So here Ana, this my phone number that’s what I came to do I thought it was the appropriate thing as I’m hopeful we can be friends”. – I tell her and she smiles taking my card.
“Yes, for sure we can be friends Christian I did enjoy our conversation. It would be good to have a friend on my new job from the start”. – She says and I’m taken a back.
“Are coming to work for GEH?” – I ask her
“No, silly, I know nothing about mergers and acquisitions. – She laughs and continues. I will be working at Grey Publishing formerly known as SIP. I was told that your company recently acquire it and that they are actually moving to the GEH building in downtown Seattle”. – She says.
“Oh! Grey Publishing, yes they are actually moving next week. When do you start?” – I ask her.
“In two weeks, so I have enough time to move and settle in my new apartment with Kate”. – She tells me.
“That’s great, maybe I could take you around town or dinner if you like. Where are you going to be living?” – I ask.
“Near Pike Place.” – She says.
“That’s’ close to where I live, I live at Escala building a little more of half a mile from there”. – I tell her.
“Oh cool, we are close enough to walk to each other’s apartments”. – She giggles and smile back.
“Excuse me to interrupt your conversation Annie with Mr. Grey but can you tell where the bathroom is?”– Her father asks her and that’s when I realize we totally had forgotten that there were tow other people around. I look at Ms. Kavanaugh’s face and she seems lost.
Ana blushes. “Sorry dad, let me tell you”. – She goes to explain and separates from where we are for a few feet and comes back, as soon as she is back Ms. Kavanaugh pounces.
“Oh well, well Ana, you didn’t tell me you and Grey here got chummy chummy over the phone, why is that?” – Ana rolls her eyes and I chuckle at her annoyance towards Kavanaugh.
“Well, Kate. First of all, you never asked me how much did I talked to Christian, you just asked me if he had answered your questions the next day and if I had transcribed what he had said and I just told yes, he did and gave you the paper with the transcription. Second, we were going to see him tomorrow anyways for the shoot as Jose asked me to be his assistant so you would’ve figure it out. Third, when you asked me how was he during the interview I told you he was nice, polite and total gentleman and very honest and open with his responses so obviously we had gotten along otherwise he would’ve been aloof or cold or whatever. Lastly, whether if we got along or not was not your business so it was my prerogative not to tell you if I didn’t want to”. – She huffs and crosses her arms in front of her looking terribly cute and annoyed. I fain a cough as to not to laugh as how she just told her friend. Kavanaugh is gaping at Ana so I say something before she can.
“Actually, Ms. Kavanaugh. As you can see we got along very well and this is why I even attempted to approach her today on this very special day and as Ana stated what or how long we talked that day is not any of your business and I appreciate Ana’s foresight on being private on what we discuss apart from your questions. Just out of curiosity why did you wanted to know if I was gay? As it was a question not relevant to the profile article you were doing”. – I ask her.
“Oh, because I was curious because you are never seen with any woman besides the ones in your family and it would’ve breaking news if you were. Ana only wrote down that you said that you like women and that you thought that anyone deserved to be respected on how they handle their relationships and private matters. She didn’t give anything extra like If you have had relationships or not”. – She turns to Ana glaring her because she just figured it out that I indeed gave more away to her roommate and friend.
“So, Ana, did you edit the interview?” – She asks her.
“Yes, there were things not pertaining the interview that was told on confidence and the full response for that particularly embarrassing question I told him was off the record so I just kept it like that. Well, anyways now you know we became fast friends, so the point is moot”. – Ana tells her with finality.
“Mmm, ok whatever Ana. Nice to meet you Mr. Grey, I need to get going to my parents”. – In that moment Ana’s father comes back and Kavanaugh gives him a kiss and turn to me to shake my hand.
“Ms. Kavanaugh”. I nod to her and she hugs Ana and tells her that she will be going be staying at the hotel with her family and will see her tomorrow.
“Bye, Kate. See you tomorrow I will bring Jose with the equipment over at 8:45am”. – Ana says and Kavanaugh leaves.
“Ok, Ana I have stolen you away from your dad long enough. What are your plans for tonight?” – I ask as she giggles.
“It’s ok Christian, I have nothing to do as dad will be living to Montesano later in the evening. You could come over and help me out to put things away as we are moving over the weekend”. – She says.
“Sure, it’s 7pm and pizza, ok?” – I ask.
“Just perfect, see you later Christian”. – She comes and hugs me and kisses me on the cheek.
“Nice to meet you, sir. Hopefully we will have another chance to talk and get to know each other”. – I tell Mr. Steele as I shake his hand.
“Sure, son. I’m sure we will see each other. You should be proud of all your accomplishments and your speech. Nice meeting Annie’s new friend”. – He says and I leave.
It’s been two weeks since Ana moved to Seattle and I would say we have become very close and even though I think would like more with her, I also believe that for now our friendship is one of the best things that has happened to me. Tonight, she and Tony are meeting for the first time and pretty nervous because I want them to get along. I told Tony to not bring Leila yet as I just want the three of us to enjoy the evening without outsiders, so she is not coming Thank God!
“Mr. Grey, Ms. Steele is on her way up.” – Taylor tells me and I nod. The elevator pings and Ana come in.
“Hi Ana, how was your day?” – I say as I give her a kiss on her cheek.
“I’m good Christian, how are you? Is your friend on his way?” She asks me.
“I’m great thanks, he told me he was about 10 minutes away. While we wait, would you like to have a glass of wine and some snacks? – I say and walk her over to the great room.
“Yes, let’s”. – She answers
A few minutes later, the elevator pings announcing the arrival of my longtime friend Tony. He is 6’3 and with dirty blonde hair, he is somewhat built and in good shape, light brown eyes. He smiles at us and comes towards us.
“Hello, Christian, how are you my friend?” – He asks me.
“Hello to you Tony, I’m good, we were just waiting for you. This is Anastasia Steele and Ana this is Tony Adams.” – I tell him.
“Hi Tony, nice to meet you.” – Ana extends her hand to handshake.
“Nice to meet you too, Ana. Has Christi here been treating you good? Did I teach him well?” – He teases and Ana giggles.
“Christi, yeah?” - She says as she raises her eyebrow and continues to giggle.
“Yeah, yeah but let’s just forget it my name is Christian after all.” – I say annoyed and rolling my eyes.
“Christian is been treating me perfectly and I bet their parents are so proud of the man he has become. So, I’m not sure what did you teach him well.” She sasses back.
“Oh, common! Really?” – he says sounding like a little kid and Ana smirks.
We continue to have laugh here and there and then is time for dinner, Ana asks Tony more about him and me growing up and then she asks something and it throws me off.
“So, Tony, why didn’t you bring your wife? I mean it would’ve been nice to meet her too. Was is it because of Mr. Privacy here? – She says and light punches me on the arm.
“Well, yeah Christian did asked me to not bring her because he wanted to get to know us better just the three of us and also because he doesn’t particularly like her. She is a bit out there for his taste and at one point was constantly setting him up with her friends even when he asked her not to and that pissed him off until he became not one of her favorite people.” – Tony explains and I roll my eyes.
“It wasn’t that she kept setting me up, is the way that she always acted all bashful and submissive around but at the same time pushy about it, it just annoyed me to no end. I don’t need someone that curtails to me but at the same time wanted something out of me. I just don’t understand what you see in her because you are the most honest and sincere person in the world.” – I tell them.
“Yeah, yeah man I know you don’t like her but hey she is the woman I love and I know you at least make the effort to tolerate her. I also know that I want you to be the godfather to our kids when we have them because I know that if anything were to happen to would protect and take care of them.” - He smiles at me and shrugs.
“What? Are you asking me in front of Ana to ambush me somehow?” - I smirk back.
“Yes, did it work?” - Tony says.
“No, because I would’ve said yes regardless. You are my best friend.” I tell him and hug him.
“Aww your bromance is the best I have ever seen, is so real. Also, Christian that’s such nice thing to do for Tony.” – Ana says and smiles up at us.
As the night goes on we become comfortable with each other, laugh and drink. Around midnight Tony leaves and I tell Ana that if she would like she can stay over and she says that is perfect because she is just too tired to drive.
Over the last two years Ana, Tony and I became the best trio of friends that you can imagine. Ana has even made my relationship with Leila a bit lighter and enjoyable. About a year ago Tony sums us to his house and we got the amazing news that him and Leila were going to be parents and that same night they asked Ana if she would be the baby’s god mother just like he had asked me that night that I introduce them. Ana said that she was honored and that she will happily accept.
Ana still leaves with her friend Kate and we all sometimes get all together for game nights or barbeques. Kate doesn’t like me a lot but she is also dating Elliot as they met one of those times we were all together, Ana also has another friend Jose but he based in Portland so he comes every once and a while or we go to his exhibits. I would say my life has done a total 180 and a lot has to do to have two amazing friends that support me and don’t take any of my bullshit.
Leila and Tony had a beautiful baby boy about 3 months ago and Ana and I were at his christening a month ago and then throw a little christening get together at my penthouse for our amazing god child. I have been thinking that perhaps I should get myself a house around the sound area to be closer to my family but I would like for Ana to move in with me I’m just not sure how her dad will take it.
Now is Saturday and today Ana and I are babysitting Teddy for Tony and Leila, so they can go and have a little mommy and daddy time. Ana stayed her last night so we could have everything ready for the arrival for Master Teddy.
“Good Morning Ana!” – I say when I see Ana coming downstairs. I grin.
“Hello, Christian.” – She tells me and gives me a kiss on the cheek. She moves to make herself a tea as I already have my coffee. “Have you been up a long time” – She asks.
“No, about 15 min I just came here and made my coffee. I wanted to have some pancakes so I was going to look for made batter.” - I say and I blush.
“Oh no, you don’t. You want pancakes ok, let’s make some I will show you they are pretty easy and simple.” – Ana says and I walk to where she is in the kitchen.
We gathered the necessary ingredients and she sets a bowl in front of me. She gets a kick of instructing me what I have to do and when the batter is ready she tells me to pour it to the preheated pan and I do.
“Oh, wow!” – I say amazed by the fact that I had just taken out my first two ever pancakes and they look pretty good.
“See, I told you it was easy peasy. So, now while you finish making the rest of the batter I’m going to set up the table.” – She says and sashays over to the breakfast bar.
A couple of hours or so later, the ping of the elevator and the cooing of Teddy announces his arrival, alongside with his parents. Ana and I go to greet them, since this the first time that Ted is going to stay overnight she and I went a bit overboard and excited with his room which will be the room in between of ours on the second floor.
“Hey, guys” – Ana says and as she kisses Leila and Tony on the cheek.
“Hi Tony, hi Leila. How are you two?” – I say and I pat Tony in the back and give a nod and smile to Leila. I just try keep my distance.
“We are good guys, excited to have this couple of days just for us and thank you so much for taking care of the little guy.” – Says Leila beaming. As I go and take Teddy out of his car seat.
“We are excited to have Teddy all to ourselves and have lots of fun.” I say as I blow raspberries into his belly and he giggles.
We go all over the checks that the I guess all new parents need to have before leaving their child with someone else for the first time over night.
“Ok, you guys. We have everything and we have your numbers in case of anything. Go and have fun.” Ana says as she has Teddy on her arms.
“Ok, ok we get it we are being annoying. Bye Ted, I’ll leave to the capable hands of your god parents. We will see you tomorrow, little man.” – Tony says as he kisses Ted’s head.
“Sweet boy good to Christian and Ana. Mamma loves you.” – Leila tells him and kiss him.
“Bye, guys. Let us know when you arrive, so we can give you an update because I know you will need it.” – I say and they nod and wave back as the elevator doors closes down.
“I think the little guy needs a diaper change, so come with me godfather to help me up.” – Ana says and I bring Teddy’s things to his room.
It’s almost 2pm and we haven’t heard anything from Tony and Leila and I have this very bad feeling in my gut. I turn to Ana and she mouths I know. As I get up to walk to my office to try to find out what is going on my cell phone rings.
“Hello.” – I say cautiously as I didn’t recognize the phone number.
“Hello, is this Christian Grey?” The voice on the other side asks.
“Yes, this is him.” – I decide to better move over the breakfast bar and sit. “Who am I speaking to? How can I help you?” – I say a little harshly.
“My name is Officer Mike Thomas from the highway police. I’m downstairs alongside with a fellow officer from the Seattle Police Department and we would like to come up and speak with you about a situation regarding two people you might know.” – He says and I shiver.
“Of course, officer let me let you up.” – Tell him and I pick up the condo phone to tell the front desk to let them up. A couple of minutes later both officers are at the apartment.
“Are you Mr. Christian Grey?” – One of the officers ask as I approach them with Ana. As she just came from putting Teddy for a nap.
“Yes, I am and this Anastasia Steele. Can you please let us know what is the matter that you need to talk me about?” – I state.
“Very well Mr. Grey and I wish this were better circumstance to meet Ms. Steele.” – He says with a cautious smile. “As I told over the phone sir, I’m officer Mike Thomas from highway patrol and this officer Davis from Seattle police department. The reason we are here today is about Mr. Tony Adams and Mrs. Leila Adams.” He says and I paled, I look at Ana and she looks as worried as me.
“What about them? They are supposed to be on a little getaway weekend and Anastasia and I are babysitting their son and our godchild Theodore.” – I say in a rush but inside I’m sure that is not good news.
“We are here because unfortunately Mr and Mrs Adams were in a terrible car accident on the highway on the way down to Portland and the only thing we could find was your card on Mr. Adams wallet. Both Mr and Mrs. Adams were badly injured and I was the officer called to attend the accident, alongside with Seattle Police, paramedics and firefighters. When we got to the site of the crash both Mr and Mrs. Adams were still alive and kept saying please call Christian he has Teddy. They were both trapped inside the car.” He pauses.
“In which hospital are they? Ana maybe we can call my mom and dad so they come to take care of Teddy.” I say in rush but for some reason Ana takes my hand. “Officer, are they still alive?” I ask and Ana shivers and I hold her. Officer Davis takes over.
“As Officer Thomas was saying, the fire department were able to get them out but sadly by the time Mrs. Adams was out she had already no pulse so paramedics tried to bring her back without success and was declared deceased on the scene.” He says and I just know that what is coming next is going to put down on my knees. I look at the officer and nod.
“Oh no! Poor Leila, and what about Tony?” – Ana asks in a rush and the officer proceeds.
“Mr. Adams was removed still with signs of life and on the way on the hospital his vitals crashed and the paramedics lost pulse. The paramedics were able to bring him back and once they arrived at Seattle Gen he coded again and unfortunately this time neither the paramedics nor the doctors were able to revive him and he was declared deceased at the hospital.” The officer says and I hear Ana sob. “As it was said we found your card on his wallet and when the hospital tried to find next of kin you were also listed before his parents, so we decided to better come here than have the hospital tell you over the phone. In the case of Mrs. Adams, we could only find Mr. Adams as her next of kin, so we were hoping you could point us to the right direction.” The officer finishes and that’s when I feel a tear running down my cheek and Ana is shaking and sobbing next to me. I take a deep breath.
“Yes, I was his next of kin as his parents live up north in a small town. Tony has been my best friend since elementary school and I am along with Ana their son godparents. Leila and Tony met at college and have been together ever since. Leila’s parents passed away when she was 22 ironically in car accident where they lived in Connecticut and she doesn’t have any siblings or other family. I can call Tony’s parents as they older people as they had Tony later in life.” – I say but I feel like I’m about to break down and that’s when we hear baby babble coming from Teddy’s monitor and I pale as Ana looks into me and she tells me that she will go to check on him and I nod. I look back at the officers.
“So, what should I do now? Do I need to go to the hospital? Is Leila’s body there too? – I ramble out as I see Ana taking a deep breath as she goes upstairs.
“Well, Mr. Grey. Mr. Adams body is at the hospital’s corner office as he passed away there and it will be checked by the pathologist to determined the final cause of death. Mrs. Adams body was moved to the Seattle corner’s office for the same procedure. So, I would say right now there’s not much you can do until they release the bodies. I would suggest you to concentrate on getting in touch with Mr. Adams parents and focus on the little boy you have upstairs. We will need to notify that an infant was left by parentless as a consequence of the accident so family services works on how to proceed as you told us that Mr. Adams are elderly people and probably won’t be able to care for him. In the meantime, we won’t disrupt his life and will leave him under your care as his parents left him for that same purpose.” I nod and the officers get up and offer their hands to shake.
“I’m very for your loss Mr. Grey.” Officer Thomas says and I shake his hand and then the other officer’s hand.
“Thank you, officers, I need to go and check on the baby and Ana.” – I say and I turn as they get into the elevator. I walk over to the second floor and get to Teddy’s room and I see Ana cooing at him and I break down. What am I going to do without Tony?
It’s now Tuesday and I’m the on the way to the funeral home to finalize the last details on the funeral that we are having for both Leila and Tony tomorrow. Ana and I called Tony’s parents on Saturday after I composed myself and we had Teddy having his bottle. They were devasted obviously and then they asked me how Teddy was and I told him that he was good and finishing his bottle and then I told him that I would send my helicopter for them so they could come as soon as possible but they told me that it was already late that would prefer to come by car on Sunday and get to Seattle after midday, so I told them one of my security guys was going to go and pick them up as I didn’t want them to be driving and they agreed.
After that call I called my parents and told them what happened and they offer to come over and help me with any arrangements I needed to do and so they came later in the evening and thankfully help me with the funeral arrangements and the lawyer stuff after I told them what the police had told me about Teddy. My family has been coming to the apartment as much as they can to help out and Tony’s parents were staying with me and Ana. She hasn’t left since Saturday and I’m grateful, for some reason Teddy only wants me or Ana is as if he knows something happened and is clinging to us since Saturday evening.
As I get to the apartment I see my dad and Tony’s lawyer talking to a woman I have never seen and a police officer and I wonder what now?
“Hi, Christian. This is Ms. Stevens and Officer Lawson they have come to take Teddy under state care but I was telling them that you and Ana have legal rights over Teddy.” My dad says and I look over at him and there is when I remember that Leila and Tony made us legal guardians of Teddy the same day of the christening.
“Hello, yes we do dad. I think we should look over the paperwork though, let me bring it and let me call Ana down alongside Tony’s parents.” – I tell them and walk towards my office and get the papers out of my safe, how could I have forgotten about this?
“Here, dad.” Let me bring the others and check on Teddy. “Gail, do you think you could come upstairs and stay with my mom and Teddy?” – I ask her.
“Yes, Mr. Grey.” She says and follows me to the second floor.
During our meeting Mr and Mrs. Adams senior told Ms. Stevens that they had talked about Teddy and his future with Tony and Leila while she was pregnant and that they all had agreed that Ana and I would be better as his legal guardians. Tony’s lawyer also said that both Leila and Tony had that note on their will and that the legal guardianship documents were submitted to the family court the Monday after they were signed and that he requested for them to be sealed after he requested for their enforcement on Monday after their passing.
“Ok, so do we need to do anything extra? – Ana asks looking at my dad.
“No, Ana for the time being no. Mr. Moyes, is there any documentation about the verbal agreement between Tony’s parents and the Tony and Leila’s wishes on who should have the legal guardianship of Teddy?” – He asks Tony’s lawyer.
“Yes, Mr. Grey. They had all their bases covered in order to not leave Teddy unprotected in any case, those papers were also submitted to the court along with Mr and Mrs. Adams paperwork on giving up any future legal guardianship of Theodore Adams as his only blood relatives. All those documents were submitted and sealed.” – He says and we all nod.
After that Ms. Lawson told us that in a few months we will get visit from child services after we have decided how the responsibility and living arrangements for Teddy were going to be agreed by Ana and me. We said that it would be fine and sent her on her way as the officer had already left.
Today is Tony and Leila’s funeral, Ana and I decided back on Saturday to ask for a special leave for this week to be able to take care of everything but after yesterday’s legal guardianship meeting we decided to take at least a month of leave to figure everything out regarding Teddy’s care. The only sure thing is that we don’t want to know the world to know about his existence and how he came to us and we became instant single parents and this is mainly because when the time comes we don’t want Teddy to get confused when he is old enough to understand on how he came to be with us and why his grandparents couldn’t care for him and gave up their rights. She and I were grateful about the fact that Tony’s lawyer took care of the legal aspect and requested for his case to be sealed in courts and child protective services.
We decided to take Teddy today with us to the funeral even though he is not aware of what’s happened, we are certain that he needs this for closure. He woke up crying today and has been clinging to Ana more than the past few days and the only other person who can hold him is me, he doesn’t even want to be on his bassinet which is rare for him as he normally is such relax baby. When his grandmother tried to take it for me for a couple of minutes while I went to the bathroom he was screaming the apartment down and had big tears streaming down his chubby cheeks and it broke my heart, so I took him back in my arms and within a minute he was soothed. I will be giving an eulogy today and have asked Ana to be next to me with Teddy because I think he should be up there to say goodbye to his parents.
It’s now the moment of truth I guide Ana towards the atrium as she holds Teddy in her arms. He Is just looking at her like he has no care in the world and is trying to touch her face.
“Hello, everyone. On behalf of the Adams family, Theodore, myself and Anastasia would like to thank you all for coming to say good bye to my dear friend Tony and his wife Leila. I never thought I would be in here. Tony and I grew up together and even after he moved up north we remain in touch and continue to become even closer friends that we were before. He was my brother in life or as my brother Elliot would say Tony was the other side of my coin.” – I say and everyone chuckles. I continue. “Tony met Leila while he was in college and they became inseparable right away, they inspired me to become a better man and person so maybe one day I could have what they had. There love was such a fairytale that they needed to go together so their tale became epic and endless. They left behind the most precious gift life can give you and that’s this amazing little boy Teddy, they had strict steps to take on regards to their son and how and who they wanted to take care of him and we will respect their wishes and protect him.” I take a deep breath and continue. “Tony and Leila’s memory will remain on their son’s mind even though he probably won’t remember them in his accord but he will know that his parents loved him with all their hearts and were the best parents for him from the moment they realized he was coming into the world. Tony and Leila were always looking at the bright side of things, so in his honor and that of Leila’s I would like to all of you to take this lost and turn it into something beautiful I’m not saying to not mourn them but just to take a breath and instead of look down to look up and see everything that world has to offer and enjoy it. I will do that for the rest of my life because I know that’s what Tony and Leila would’ve liked. Thank you again for all of you for being here. After the service only, family and very close friends will go to rest them at the cemetery as we would want to be this just an intimate moment and would so kindly to let us grief and respect our privacy and especially Teddy’s privacy.” I say and I turn and put my arm around Ana and walk back to our front seat.
The past week and half went by in a blur. Ana decided that it would be best for her to move in with me as I already have a room set up for Teddy and that way we won’t disrupt his life anymore than it has been. He is now settled into the apartment with us but for some reason I just don’t think the apartment would suit our needs in the long run. So, Ana and I have decided to let the dust settle and today we are having a talk on all the decisions we need to make in regards of what is going to happen in our life but especially in Teddy’s. We are seating on the couch at the great room as Teddy finally asleep.
“Ok, so we have established that it would be best for Teddy to have us both living in the same place.” – I say cautiously.
“Yes, that’s decided. Now the only issue with that will be when or if either of us starts dating or to have a life outside our little household. I mean I can tell you that I won’t be ok with you bringing women around Teddy and I’m pretty sure you have that same opinion if it was me dating men.” – Ana says.
“Yeah, I don’t think that would be good for him and not just of the fact that it would also make things awkward for each other if any of the people we are with would like a saying on how we raise Teddy, as he is our priority and that add also that we want to keep him as much as a secret as we can to guard him from all the weirdos out there and especially the media. So, unless we are 1000% sure that the person we are with is trustworthy and the relationship is serious we won’t bring them around. I would like think it would be better than if that we are getting into a serious relationship that you or me knows each other partner before we even take a step forward up and try to have a cordial relationship between all of us.” – I say even though inside I’m cringing at the though of Ana with another guy.
“Agreed. Now, as much I like your penthouse I don’t think is a good place to raise a kid as they need space to move and here is glass and elegance all around, I think children need a cozier environment.” – Ana says and smile a little.
“I totally agree, I actually was nervous to bring it up. I mean as you know even before all of this happened I was looking at houses for me to move out from the penthouse as I wanted something that I could called a home. So, let me show you something as I want your thoughts about it.” - I get up and bring my laptop and open the photos of a house at the sound that it was just recently put on the market.
“This is a house listing was sent to me yesterday, is old Victorian styled house along the sound, it has 8 bedrooms, 6 and half bathrooms, a big kitchen area with an open floor plan as it was recently remodeled looking through the living and dinning area. It also has a separate family/ tv room, it has a library which I think it could work as an office for you and a study that could be my office, all of this on the main floor. On the second floor it has a good-sized master bedroom with ensuite but there’s another bedroom large enough to be a secondary master that also has their own bathroom and walk in closet. There’s other 5 bedrooms on the second floor the closest to those two main bedrooms could be Teddy’s and the other could be used as guest rooms and there’s another bedroom on the main floor that I was told is for staff but since Taylor and Gail are a couple I don’t think they would like not to have their own space as they have here, so I think that extra bedroom could become a guest room exclusively for Tony’s parents that way they wouldn’t need to be going up and down the stairs, that room also has private bathroom.” I say and look up at her and Ana looks shocked.
“Oh wow! You have really thought about it, but what about Taylor and Gail and any other staff you have? This a really big house Christian and it would require lots of maintenance, but it does looks amazing and suitable for everything we need. Do you think we could go and see it before we make a final decision on it? Also, and I know that you probably won’t like it but I would really like to give at least some money for it and yeah, yeah, I know you are billionaire but I need to do this for me, pretty please.” She says giving puppy eyes and I smile and shake my head despite myself.
“Ok, first of all there’s a solution for Gail and Taylor and for extra staff. On the property there’s also a guest house that I think is large enough to split it into two sections one side for Gail and Taylor and when Sophie comes they can have a bedroom for her or guests and the other side we could built at least three bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The only thing is that common areas will be shared but right they are also shared here so I don’t see that being an issue, now this guest house will need to be remodeled and maybe even add space to it but there’s enough room on the property for it now the other option is to make it into a two-story cottage style home and that way the upstairs could have a secondary entry. I have talked to Elliot and he thinks is feasible and it won’t take long to do it, but we aren’t moving tomorrow so we have plenty of time for that and any other remodels we would like to make to the main house. The main house also has a basement with a gym and small indoor jacuzzi, my guess is the previous owner was into exercise a lot as there’s also an outdoor pool, and some other stuff in the back of the house. Second, yes I think we will need to have other maintenance staff whether is for helping Gail with the house shores or maintaining the grounds, as far as security goes I think I would like to have at least Sawyer as a live in and they would become Taylor’s assistant of sorts or second of command, but I need to talk about that with Taylor as the property is quite large so he and Welsh will have to review the security aspects of it all. Another good thing is that is has a dock and boathouse so I could have The Grace moved there.” -I grin and she shake her head. “ Third, yes I agree into go and see it before we make a final decision so I was thinking if you were ok with it we could go tomorrow morning and if you are ok with it bring Elliot along so he can evaluate if it’s a worthy investment and finally as for your request I’m not sure how much of savings you have or what not and I don’t want to leave you high and dry.” – Ana was about to protest but I gave her a look to wait.
“As I was saying the house and property are 1.2 million dollars and since for me it seems a good investment, my compromise is that if we decide it would be the best option I buy it to make it a simple buy in and you can pitch in on the cost of renovations as I want you to have veto power on it as it would be your home too.” – I tell her.
“Oh, jeez Christian couldn’t you find something more on my pricing range?” She says and giggles. “Ok, I agree to your terms I have some savings and bet my dad would pitch in to make some customized furniture that way I won’t feel like I’m living of you. I also would like to give you some money for utilities and so on, just tell me a number and would be sort of like my rent. Would that be ok?” – She asks.
“Sure, you can have it deposited into one of my accounts directly every month just like rent.” – I tell her and she smiles and leans to give me a kiss in the cheek.
“Thank you as I know that was painful for you.” – She says and giggles again.
“Yeah, it was but it would’ve been more painful to have you on my ass about it all the time.” I sass back to her and she punches me on the arm. I feign hurt.
“So, I guess we go tomorrow and see and then decide. Now, one of the things that has me more worried is what are we going to do in regards of Teddy once we go back to work. I mean who is going to take care of him and since he is in at such young age I would like when possible for us to be on time for dinner to try to create a familiar setting for him and some sort of routine.” – Ana says and it makes sense.
“Yes, I agree. I mean he just lost both of his parents and his grandparents are only coming on occasion to visit, we can also go to them but it won’t be as regular either. I know my family is all for it to help us since are the closest to us but at home with us he should have stability. I wanted to thank you to talk to my mom about how to get him breast milk I know that’s important when he is still little, did they told you when will he need to be weaned off? Sorry that just came to mind, going back to who is going to take care off him. I already had Gail offer herself as nanny/ housekeeper and I think since Teddy already knows her it would be the best choice for the little dude but I don’t want to add more responsibilities into her, so the idea I have is that Gail will be the main housekeeper so she will oversee any additional help here or at the house for cleaning and maintenance I know she won’t let go of the cooking only relenting to you as she knows and trust you to nor destroy her kitchen and then Teddy will be her main focus job. What do you think?” – I ask Ana.
“I agree, I think she would be perfect and, in some way, you are giving her more reign over her work without having to do so much lift off work. I think we will just have to pan out with her what would be the best approach to extra house staff. I think for the penthouse it doesn’t need to be a live-in staff only to come for a few hours a day but for the house at least Gail will need one extra pair of hands at all time especially as Teddy gets older. For other maintenance staff we might need they can come on a need basis and be handled by Gail and the other person that might be working with her to supervise them. As for security and that stuff I will leave that to you as I’m clueless about all that, the only thing I ask is that if there’s any significant threat that I’m made aware as soon as possible because I’m the sort of person that the more you explain I understand and will follow instructions better, also I don’t want the security office within the same house I don’t want that around Teddy I would like for him to have more calm environment, so perhaps the in house office space could be built out between the main house and the staff cottage. I don’t know.” – She says and shrugs. “When Teddy gets older I would like for him to be able to socialize with older children but that’s something we can look into it later. As for the breast milk question goes, I was told by both his pediatrician and the nurse at the breast milk bank that we can wane him off when he is 6 months old and start giving him other foods at 5 months old so by the time he is 8 months old he won’t needed it anymore and only have him on formula and solids. So, I think that’s the way to go. Thoughts?” – She asks and I chuckle.
“Well, about the milk stuff you own that like I will own security for you. For the house stuff I agree but like you said we need to run it by Gail but my suggestion is to do it after we had settled on the place we are moving. Right now, we are ok the way we are. As for interaction with other kids like you said we have to look into it later but we also have the option of the nursery at GEH and that way we will know he is safe and near to us if he needs us.” – I say.
“Oh, yeah I totally forgot about that and it will be a great option even for now in the case that something comes up with Gail that would not let her take care of him. Also, I think that would simplify things from a security stand point.” – She says and I nod. “ We still have two more weeks with him to get him into our routine and when we go back if necessary we take him with us to the nursery now the only thing is how to keep him a secret I guess that since employees are the nursery are bound by an NDA we will just have to talk to them to respect the fact that we want for him as normal growing up experience while he is this small. Also, I think we should get him into an appointment with his pediatrician so he can put us up to date on his vaccination and health status or if there’s anything we should know, you family health history and stuff. You know since his pediatrician is your mom I think it we should be good to get a private consultation and off hours on her private practice.” She says smirking.
“Yes, that would be easy enough but yes I think we should do that before we go back. I think it would be important to put all of our legal affairs in order you know to cover our bases and be safe, especially because we have Teddy. Ana, have you thought about what my dad said about the possibility of us adopting him since that would simplify certain things legally?” I ask her.
“Yes, I have and to agree that it make certain things simple especially when he will be older. I just think that for now we are ok the way we are, we still need to get through the reading for their will in case you know, they had left any other surprises for us.” She says and I chuckle.
“I get it and it makes sense. I mean it seems that they everything taken care of.” – I tell her.
After our conversation we were both exhausted but we had one little buddy to go and take care of, so we went, clean him up and gave him his bottle and then we both went to our rooms.
It’s been a year after Ana and I started on this road together of raising Teddy as our own, and has he become our own? When he was about 9 months old we were having dinner when he turns to Ana and out of nowhere called her mama and Ana’s eyes water with the emotion and took him in her arms and started pampering him with kisses all over as he giggled and about month later he did the same with me and I couldn’t feel prouder. One of the biggest surprises that Tony and Leila gave us was that they had a legal clause stipulating that we couldn’t opt for adopting Teddy at least until two years after we started being his guardians as they wanted to be completely sure that’s the way we wanted to go and also in case we had found any significant others. If they only knew? I guess they do. I come back from my musings when I see Ana’s head pop up at my office door.
“Hi, love. How are you?” – I ask her as I get up and go around my desk.
“Hi, babe. I’m good, how about you?” – She asks me and I kiss her with intention of a chaste kiss but as ever it becomes something more. She pulls me in and hug her to me as I grab her by the ass. We pull apart panting and smiling to each other.
“What has you come up and looking for me my love?” – I ask her kissing the tip of her nose and I take care her hand on mine and we sit on the couch.
“Oh well, there’s a reason to my visit. Gail called me to tell me that Teddy is fuzzy and keeps touching his ears, so she is bringing him over with Reynolds to your mom’s, so I wanted to know if you would like to come with me as I told her I would meet with them there.” – She says calmly.
“Of course, I will come. Let me just talk to Andrea and Ros to clear my schedule.” – I say in a rush, and walk up to my desk to send a message to Andrea and Ros to come to my office. Andrea is the first to come in.
“Mr. Grey, how may I help you?” She says.
“I need you to cancel or reschedule any meetings I have on my schedule for this afternoon and move the ones for tomorrow to virtual if it’s a must or cancel or reschedule if not necessary. Please try to contain people into contacting me as will be busy at home as Teddy might need extra attention as he seems to be getting sick. I will be not be available for the rest of the day today though.” – I tell her and she nods.
“Of course, sir, and please let me know if you need me to get you anything. I hope the little guy feels better.” – She says.
“Thanks Andrea” – She turns to leave and as she is reaching the door Ros opens it and comes in.
“What’s the urgency boss? ¡Oh, hi Ana!” – Ros says.
“Hi Ros, and the urgency is Teddy” – Ana answers.
“Oh, no! What’s the matter with the little dude?” – Ros says.
“We don’t know but it seems he is fuzzy and not feeling well, so Ana and I are leaving for the day and most likely won’t be available tomorrow unless is strictly necessary and unavoidable. I need you to talk to Andrea to see in which meetings you can cover me.” – I tell her as I finish gathering my things.
“Sure, thing boss, no problem. You and Ana go and take care of Teddy. Please let me know how the little man is and if you need anything.” – She says and turns to leave and I take Ana’s hand into mine so we can go and collect her things.
“Christian, Sawyer already is downstairs with my things so we can go directly to the parking lot.” – She says and smiles at me she knows me so well and is trying to calm my anxiety.
“Ok, great.” – I tell her as Taylor is waiting for us by the elevator.
We get to my mom’s before Gail gets here, so far, the press has not catch us with Teddy which is a miracle itself since we go to all his stuff together and we have even taking him a few times with us on trips and to the nursery at work. I’m so grateful for it though. They do know about mine and Ana’s relationship as they catch us on a dinner date about for months ago. She and I had recently decided to try out between us and it was like the third time we went for an actual date.
Gail comes in about 5 minutes later with Reynolds in tow and Teddy is on his car seat moaning a bit. She looks at us with worried eyes.
“Ana, Christian.” – She says, as Ana goes to pick up Teddy from his car carrier. She has him on his arms Teddy goes off.
“Mama, mama. Me, boo boo.” – The little man says and touches his ears.
“I know sweet boy, are your ears hurting? You are hot baby boy.” - She says as she puts her cheek to his forehead and frowns. Teddy then turns and see me and as soon he does that throws up all over Ana.
“You are really sick Teddy bear. Let me go and get grandma Grace.” – I tell him as I take him from Ana’s arms so she can go to clean herself. Ana goes to the bathroom to clean her shirt and comes back 2 minutes later changed into her cardigan and with her shirt in her hand.
“Gail, feel free to go back with Reynolds as we don’t know how this is going to take. We will let you know and we are coming or in case we need anything specific for Teddy.” – Tell her. “Thank you for coming.”
“Ok, Christian. Ana let me know if anything come up.” – She says goes with Reynolds. About 10 minutes later the nurse comes in and tell us to go into the exam room.
She comes back and does all the checks with Teddy as Ana and I are right next to him, as soon as she touches Teddy’s ears he screams the place down.
“Mama, Dada, no boo boo.” He says between sobs and it breaks my heart. She gives us a sad smile and tells us to wait for my mom to come in. I pick up Teddy while we wait and a few minutes later my mom comes in.
“How is my sweet boy? Are you not feeling well sweet Teddy? Come with grandma so I can take a look at you.” – She says and takes him from my arms.
After a through examination she tells us that Teddy has an ear infection and upset stomach because of the infection and that’s why he throws up and most likely will do again if he eats something heavy. Ana and I take him home and spend the rest of the week taking care of him.
Another year has gone by and our little family has been perfect. Ana and I are stronger than ever I propose to her about a week ago on our backyard and it was intimate and perfect. The press cached us one day at the park with Teddy and the speculation began, so we let it be and now that we have completed his adoption we have decided to release a statement on both on our engagement and who Teddy is.
“Baby, I have the statement here. Should I read it to you, I want your opinion on it.” – Tell her. Ana has been acting weird lately and today wake up with an upset stomach so we stayed at home.
“Ok, lay it on me.” – She tells me.
“Due to recent events, scrutiny and speculation from the press. I, Christian Grey and my fiancé Anastasia Steele have decided to clarify and set the record straight about our child Master Theodore Adam Grey. As is public record, two years ago my childhood friend Mr. Tony Adams and his wife Leila Adams unexpectedly passed away on a car accident on their way to a small weekend getaway, they were hit by a drunk driver by name of Jack Hyde and all three lives were lost that day. At the time Tony and Leila had recently became parents to Theodore who was only three months old. Ana and I were Teddy’s godparents and were taken care of him over that fateful weekend. We were also the legal guardians of the amazing little boy who now has become our son and whom we have love and care as his parents would like us to. Since then Ana, Teddy and I have become a family and we would like for all of you to respect our privacy and especially that of Teddy’s as he is just a child and doesn’t need to be under scrutiny of the media or the public as he grows up.
We are also taking this opportunity to announce that Ana and I became engaged in a private moment in our property. As we stated before we would like to for all you to respect our privacy as we enjoy this new phase of our lives in privacy.
Respectfully,
Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.” – I finish and I turn to her.
“So, what do you think love?” I ask her and she smiles and bites her lip.
“I think is perfect it didn’t sound stuffy and it gave just enough details. I’m sure some will respect it and some other will want more information about the whole situation but ultimately it will die down when we don’t say anything more about it and we go about our lives.” – She says and I nod. Ana leans into me and kisses me soundly and then looks into my eyes.
“You know I love you, right?” – She asks me and look at her puzzled.
“I know love, what’s the matter you have been acting odd lately. Is there something wrong?” – I ask her as I hug her and she shake her head against my chest. “So, talk to me Ana.” – I urge her, she let go of me and gets up and goes to the kitchen and brings a bag.
“Nothing is wrong stop with the worried face, I’m just nervous on how you are going to take this news. I got you something yesterday, after I had my check up with Doctor Green. Please, open it and you will understand.” -She says and gives me the bag.
I proceed to open the bag and inside I find a little shirt that looks is for Teddy and in between there’s what it seems a picture frame. I open the shirt and I as I suspected there’s a picture frame and as I turn it around there’s a sonogram picture and on the bottom of the frame in grave it says Baby Grey and then I notice that the shirt says Big Brother and I look up at Ana with the biggest smile on my face. There she is my best friend, my one and only love, soon to be my wife and the mother of my children.
I stand up and take her into my arms and kiss her like my life depends on it and our moment gets interrupted by the sound of Teddy’s voice coming over the baby monitor and we laugh and go upstairs to go and check on our amazing little man.
The End.
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