Fifty Shades After

Chapter 16

Christian POV

As I read her words tears fill my eyes yet again today. How could I not know she felt this way? I should have picked up on her depression but I missed it. But the fact that she wants to try again gives me hope. I would wait for her until I am old and gray. I go to my office to reply to this beautiful woman.

Dearest Ana,

As always you are able to open up to me in writing as opposed to speaking with me, but I understand. I am sorry that you feel like you are in such a dark place. I know I haven't spoken these words to you and I know right now you may not believe them but I will write them and you can look at them whenever you start to doubt yourself or me. I love you, you are a smart beautiful talented young woman who is not too damaged for this man who also is damaged. I understand some of what you are going through so when you feel ready to confide in me know I will always be here for you. Also I am looking forward to our 'Quando' my love. I will wait for as long as I you need, I will wait until I am old gray and senile for you. You are my life my heart my more, and I can't live with out it. I am glad you are enjoying your gift there are many songs there that say things for me and there are songs that I just find amazing and I wanted to share it with you. Until I can see or talk you you again, I will dream of you as you asked. But I ask one thing in return......Dream of me, my love.

Laters Baby,

Christian Grey xx

I take the letter into my room and spritz it with my cologne so she has something with my sent as well as one of my t-shirts. Just knowing she has this makes my heart lighter, like a part of me is with her. I go back into the kitchen with a small brown bag for Taylor. "Taylor, if you could give this to Ana, I would greatly appreciate it". He nods in the positive and chuckles "I believe I will be coming back and forth for a little while" I chuckle "Probably, feels kinda like what high school is or so I am told" Taylor chuckles and nods. "Well I better go, I have a stop to make before I go back to Ms Steele" he starts to leave and I call to him "Where are you going"? "Very important mission sir...Operation:Ice Cream" I chuckle and he leaves. I feel so much lighter in my soul aside from the fact Ana wants to hurt herself. "Wait Taylor" I call out before he enters the elevator. I walk back into my office and find some stationary Mia left here, why I do not know and ask Taylor to take it to Ana hoping to encourage her writing more to me.

Ana POV

I am relaxing in Christians room when Grace comes by and announces dinner. "OK be right down" I hear her walk away. I go to the mirror to check my appearance. Don't look to bad, the bruising is a greenish yellow purple color, meaning its healing but its ugly but I really don't want to put on full make up. I hope I look OK. I go down to dinner and see Grace and Carrick at the table. Carrick rises and pulls out my chair. Such a gentleman. "Thank you Mr Grey, also for letting me stay here. I greatly appreciate it" "Call me Carrick dear and your most welcome here anytime. We see you as family and family helps each other". I blush and look away grateful for this extended family. We converse over dinner about everyday things when the maid announces that Elliott is here for dinner. I look over at Grace and Carrick, they look as shocked as I feel. I begin to get up and leave when Elliott bursts into the dining room. "Hey everyone, dinner can begin I have arrived" he jokes and doesn't notice me yet. Grace gets up and hugs Elliott as a distraction for me to leave. I quietly enter the kitchen to the stairs and go into my room. Close call. I lay down on the bed and somehow manage to fall asleep.

Grace POV

We are enjoying a nice dinner, easy conversation and just enjoying each others company when the maid announces Elliott being here for dinner. We all look at each other in shock. Since when does Elliott just show up for dinner. Before Ana can exit the dining room Elliott barges in "Hey everyone, dinner can begin I have arrived" he is laughing at his own joke. I go to him and hug him as a way for Ana to leave the room. We are not trying to cause any issues within the family because Christian is unaware of her presence here. She leaves quietly and the maid removes her settings. "Elliott what a surprise. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company"? "I was in the area and I remembered the last time I was here my mother was telling me I do not visit enough so I thought I would surprise you and I did it seems. So tell me where did little Ana go"? as he looks around the room. "I do not know what you are talking about Elliott" "Mom I saw her as I walked in and you were distracting me so she could hide. Why is she here? Did Christian hurt her? Do I need to talk to him? Does he know she is here"? I look at Carrick and he is smiling behind his napkin. I look at his say with my eyes He is your son. "OK Elliott, one question at a time...no Christian did not hurt her, she is here to heal I am a doctor I can watch over her better. No you can not talk to him about this because he is unaware of her being here and the reason why you will not know and you ARE NOT to inform Christian of her whereabouts or I will have Taylor talk to you" I inform him in my mamma bear voice. He looks a little frightened. "Jeez mom I would never do anything to hurt Ana, I am just surprised Mr Control freak is allowing her away from him" "Elliott you know part of why Christian needs control...its not his fault. Plus he also know this is best for Ana. He knows she is away trying to heal. Taylor is here, so he knows she is safe" "Son, please do not inform your brother...he does not think straight when it comes to his girlfriend. We are respecting Ana's wishes" Carrick states. "OK, just when he finds out and the shit hits the fan I am finding a place to hide and I knew nothing....understand nothing". "You know you make Christian out to be the big bad wolf or something. He just loves people in a way that is different than most. Gretchen will you get Elliott a service for dinner" Elliott takes Ana's seat and begin eating dinner. I only hope he doesn't slip and let Christian know Ana is here. He loves to goad his brother.