Fifty Shades After

Epilogue

Seven years later...

"So, how are you with the touching, Ted?"
- "Very good. I think I improved. I mean, I flinch sometimes. But that's it. Last week, Phoebe used me as her personal piggy back ride when she arrived from France. I'm very glad she's back in the states."
- "Good. And the dreams?"
- "Less gory."
- "For example?"
- "Well, there's no more guts."
- "Do you want to elaborate on that?" I exhale. "Last night, I had the dream. Same as always. I'm tied up, I get gutted. But this time I didn't. I was just sitting in the dark. But I was completely naked. And that's what I was more concerned about."
- Well, to dream of darkness means that you're afraid of failure. Darkness is synonymous with the subconscious, sometimes fear and death, not to mention fear of what's unknown. As for dreaming you're in the nude, it usually signifies an exposed secret, or fear of exposure."
- "That's... coherent."
- "It varies on the individual, Ted. Now, last thing. I'm sure you've heard the news,"
- "About Elena Lincoln's death?"
- "Yes. Rumor has it she was killed by the guards. How do you feel about that?"
- "Well, Uncle, any Grey would spit in her grave and wish she were in Hell. But, not me."
- "Oh? And why not?"
- "See, I get that I went through a traumatic experience of which it took me time to recover, but in complete honesty, I forgive her. And I hope that wherever she is now, she repents."
- "That's... very interesting, Ted. But why?"

I place my foot over my knee and lean back on the couch. "It's because of her that I learned to appreciate life. I give thanks for waking up every day and count my blessings every night. My life should've ended there. But it didn't. I'm sitting here with you. In the now. And eventhough I could be home," Uncle Ethan laughs. "I'm still grateful for this moment."

"I see. You are very optimistic, Ted. Very cheery, and not to mention the life of the party." I chuckle. "Thanks, Uncle Ethan."
- 'I owe you the world for helping my James with his therapy too."
- "Music class helped him, Uncle. Not me." He beams. "Who knew my son was so incredibly talented?"
- "Sings like an angel!" I add and we both stand. "So, what's my diagnosis, Doc?"
- "Very funny, Ted. I'll schedule a session in two weeks. Yes?"
- "Perfect." We shake hands and hug.

"Will you be going to Jame's graduation Today?" He asks me as I get my belongings. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I got so much to juggle today, but I'll manage." We bid our goodbyes and I'm out the door.

I toss my messenger bag on my shoulder and pull my keys. I press the button on the little remote control and my Porsche boops. My prized possession. A graduation gift from Mom and Dad.

I hop in and she roars as I ignite her. I toss my Ray Bans Aviators on and pull into traffic. M83 plays quietly through my sound system and I lip synch to Midnight City. Traffic is light today, which is great. As I reach the red light, the speaker rings. "Reporting for duty, sir!" I exclaim in a deeper voice. "Ted, I need the signatures for The New York publishers and the printed contracts." Dad says in his business voice. "Your desk. Left bottom drawer." I roll my eyes. It's quiet. "Oh. And the,"
- "My office. Desk drawer. Ask my secretary." It's quiet again. "Okay." He sounds embarrassed. "C'mon Dad, get with the program!" I chuckle. "You're too fast for me. I'm old." He grumbles. "Let's see, I was going to tell you something else..." he mumbles. "Call mom?" I help him out. "Yes! Call your mother. She needed you for something."
- "Got it. See you at the recital."
- "Of course." I hang up. "Call Mom." I say to the voice command. The stereo rings for Mom. "Hi, baby." She answers. She sounds busy. "Hey. Dad said to call you."
- "Yes, honey. I need you to pick up the articles from your Aunt Kate's office and bring them to yours for me to get later."
- "My GEH office or GIP office?"
- "GIP office, baby."
- "Got it. Love you."
- "Love you too, baby."

I hang up and exhale. Working with both Mom and Dad can be a bit overwhelming. The partnership between Grey Independent Publishing and Grey Enterprises Holdings needs a manager. What better person than me?