Holding On & Letting Go

6. One Step Forward

It had been five weeks, five long terrible weeks since that afternoon with Christian. She felt horrible about what had happened and had over heard later that Christian had not been himself since, he had been moping around like a teenager. She called Elliot asking how he was doing but she knew he would lie to make it sound that he wasn't as bad as he was, he even managed to talk her into seeing him again, she agreed, it was the least she could do.

"Ana you know I'm not choosing sides in this but Christian has barely said two words to anyone since that day you took Teddy and left" Elliot explained as he drove he to see Christian, she felt bad all over again, worse if even. "You know he has been hoping everyday you would come through that door" he smiled slightly at Ana who glanced back to check Teddy, she couldn't believe how big he was getting. Christian had seen him a few times since then but he wanted to see Ana too.

"Elliot I was angry at him but I never meant to hurt him, I know he's sorry I just was too stubborn to see it and now he probably wont want to talk to me" she sighed rubbing her hand against her head "I don't suppose Carrick or Grace was a bit impressed either?"

"Ana they understand your reasons but they were hoping you would take him back, she wants to have a dinner for the family both sides for his birthday in next week. You should come" he smiled at her. "I can even do a make up card and paint Teddy's hands and do printing for him and put it in a frame, we can say it's from him?" Elliot explained the twinkle evident in his eyes

"That sounds great Elliot, I'm sure Christian would love it. Just make sure you stick a helicopter on it and some clouds. Christian loves his Charlie Tango" Elliot grinned at her "He sure has a thing for helicopters doesn't he?" he joked to which she beamed at him nodding "He does, he tried explaining all of the things about flying and about Charlie Tango, I listened but I hadn't a clue what he was saying. He might as well of been speaking another language" Elliot burst into laughter at that and Ana found herself in better spirits. Elliot just had the aura around him, he could make the most saddest person smile without even trying, he just had it in him.

"Mrs Jones is delighted you're coming" Elliot told her after he calmed down from the laughter "Don't tell her I told you but she's making cake for when you get there. I got a taster yesterday and It's delicious, that womansure can cook" I laughed at him "Elliot they are meant to be surprises for a reason, so you can actually be surprised" he grinned like a child

"Ana just don't tell her though" she couldn't help but laughed as his expression changed

"What if I do?" she laughed at him

"You will regret it missy" he joked with her

"Oh yeah? What you gonna do? Not offer me any more lifts?" the playfulness was just what she needed and Elliot was the person for it

"Don't tempt me" he grinned

"Yeah, yeah. Keep talking" their eyes met for a moment and they burst into a fit of giggles "God I haven't had this much fun in ages" she wiped the happy tears from her eyes.

"It's nice to see you smile again, ah look we're here" The house had been the same since she left all those months ago, nothing has changed. "It's still the same, oh the play area is new though" she looked over to the mini playground that was built in the meadow. Elliot smiled "That was my idea, I know Teddy is only 6 weeks old but he will be up walking before we know it" he shrugged

"Thanks Elliot, it's so cute. Is that a baby swing?" her eyes lit up

"Of course it is, only the best for my nephew"

"Elliot you really are something" she hugged him before getting out of the car. Kate had seen them coming up the drive so she met them at the front door. Elliot had Teddy and the bag while Kate and Ana dove into each other's arms "I haven't seen you in ages" she joked with Ana