Chapter 19

Christian's Point of View

"So, what brings you here, Christian?" Flynn asks. It's been awhile since I've been in this room. I didn't feel that I needed to talk to Flynn maybe because I feel happier? Or lighter? Maybe less dark than I was?

"I don't know Flynn, I feel like I need to be here since I haven't gone to you in a while" I honestly replied. Ever since I asked Anastasia for coffee during that ball I felt.

"Perhaps you'd like to share something with someone that's why you went here" he said. Maybe he's right. I have this growing feeling in my chest that I just can't explain and maybe talking to Flynn about it will be a good idea.

"I don't know Flynn. I have this growing sensation in my chest that I can't explain. A feeling I haven't felt before. I had brunch with Anastasia 2 days ago and I just feel…happy…I don't feel as dark and as heavy. Sure, there are still nightmares at night but they're not as vivid anymore. To be honest, the need to get a submissive and hurt them has gone away. I don't know what's happening. The need just suddenly left my body, I have only gone out with Anastasia once, but I can't stop thinking about her smile and her eyes. I don't think I can ever stand making those eyes look sad and make the smile on her face go away because of me. I just can't bring myself to hurt her." I rambled, and Flynn was looking at me intently, hiding the shock on his face.

"Well, you've made more progress in the last 2 weeks with her than being with me for so many years" Flynn joked. "But what I'm going to say to you Christian is to hold on to that feeling. What you feel is love. And I know Carrick and Grace have given you all the love they can possibly give you, but you loving someone is different. You loving Anastasia will make you want to be a better person for her. It is a feeling you've never truly felt, and I am glad that she was able to make you feel that way. And this is a way for you to possibly leave all the pain and anger in your heart and just start becoming a better brother, better son, better colleague, and as of the moment a better friend to Anastasia. It has been a really long road for you Christian to finally get yourself at this point where the need to inflict pain or have someone sub for you has left your body. I truly am proud that I was here to be of service to you and be the person whom you've chosen to tell these feelings the first time. My advice to you regarding your relationship with Anastasia is to take it slow. She seems to be the type to like romance, you know, hearts and flowers. So, I suggest you do that" he ends.

"Wow, you had a lot to say Flynn and it was a relief to get it off my chest. You're right, I should take it slow and win her over without pressuring her. We did say we can be friends. Alright, Flynn. Thank you" I said as I stood up and reached for the door.

"Oh Christian, just be wary of Elena when she notices you not getting a sub anymore" Flynn added. Shit. He's right. Elena is going to notice. I don't want her to know about Anastasia. But cutting ties with her would be suspicious to my family. Fuck.

"I'll keep that in mind" I replied and then left his office.

Anastasia's Point of View

I decided to visit Victoria for a therapy session just to vent and clear my mind. I haven't gone in a while and my thoughts are genuinely clouding my decisions. And by thoughts, I mean Christian Grey. That man is really giving me run for my own money.

"Anastasia, it's been awhile" Victoria said

"I know, I know I've been a bad patient. I've just been so busy. You know how it is, model by day, lady boss at night" I said while shrugging

"It's alright, I understand. It's good you took the time out of your busy schedule to come here" She praised. This woman is just so understanding. "What brings you here, Ana?" she continued

"Well….I seem to be having a crush on this guy well no maybe falling for him but I don't know what to do because clearly I'm not over my issues yet and he also has some major issues that I won't go into detail but if we do push for this to happen I'm scared that our past will fuck it up for the both of us…." I said that so fast and in one breath. I can't deny that I have feelings for Christian, stronger and realer than what I felt for Shawn. Shawn was a happy crush, an adventure buddy but Christian. Christian whose eyes I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life looking at.

"I think it's wonderful you're having some romantic feelings towards another man and taking your past into consideration is also very unexpected since you never brought it up before which means that you really want to spend a long time of your life with this guy" she said. I shuddered at her "long time" phrase. Yikes! Forever is a long time.

"Your past is horrible, and it's understandable to not be over it after so many years. And I can't tell you that if you do push through with this man that it's going to be easy. Two people with different issues can cope differently and will react differently to whatever life gives at them. It will be difficult because people who experienced trauma at a young age will tend to be reserved and takes a while to open up to someone. So my suggestion is for you to take it slow. One step at a time, take it day by day. Maybe tell him one thing about you every day, doesn't have to be a major thing, it could be just your favourite song or colour. As for the two of you, it is EXTREMELY important that you communicate. If something is bothering you tell him, if you want some space and have a few days to yourself you have to tell him. You can't be acting like you're the only one who hurts in this relationship. You have to be considerate of the other person's feelings as well." She said. She is right, SHE IS SO RIGHT! This is a new thing for me, and also for Christian so we really have to take it slow. Literally baby steps.

"You're right, Victoria. What you said makes sense. I do have a habit of sprinting off whenever I feel like it."

"Ana, your issues run deep and if his does too then maybe you two would heal each other. Maybe you two just met to heal each other"

"Hmm.. not sure about that but I'll take that into consideration. I have to go now." I said while standing up. "Heal each other" what the fuck does that mean, I can't even heal myself, what more another person with solid mom issues"

Christian's Point of View

As I went outside of Flynn's office I thought of my next date with Anastasia and how I will ask her out again. Sending her an e-mail is too emotionally detached and I want to do something more personal and out of the box…hmm…box…I got it.

"Taylor let's go to this French patisserie near Escala" as I enter the car

"Yes, sir"

We got to the French patisserie and I was greeted by an old French lady who seems to be the owner of the shop. I looked at the desserts displayed in chilled display and saw a beautiful salted caramel crepe cake with some chocolate ganache on top. I think she seems like the type of woman who likes salty and sweet thing.

"Bonjour! I would like to get the salted caramel crepe cake and is it possible to have a message written on top of the cake? I asked the lady.

"Monsieur, we don't do that here. It will ruin the look of the cake" the old lady said with a thick French accent.

"I understand but is there any way we can make this possible? I'll pay extra. I want to ask a woman I like out on a date and she really likes crepe cake. Please" I said with my sad face.

"Oh alright, you remind me of my husband when we first started. What would like for me to write?" She asks, giving me a pen and a paper. I thought of a really bad pun and gave it to her.

"Thank you so much!" I said

"Love is wonderful" She said taking the cake and left.

She then came back with the cake showing me my message written in a beautiful script. I paid her and gave her extra for the trouble, which she declined but I insisted. She did write the message beautifully. I took my cake and left the store.

"Taylor, let's go to Anastasia's office and have this delivered to Anastasia."

"Yes, sir"

We got to Steele Corp and Taylor went out of the car bringing the cake with him. After 5 minutes he came back.

"Let's go home, Taylor." I said. I hope she likes the cake.

Anastasia's Point of View

After my session with Victoria, I went to Steele Corp. I wish I hadn't though as today i L! Ugh but all in day's work. As I was about to throw my chair to my glass window, I heard a knock.

"Come in!" I shouted, I am in such a bad mood. Hannah entered the door holding a big box of something.

"What is that?" I asked as Hannah placed the beautiful box on my table"

"I don't know, someone just delivered it and said to bring it to you" She said, and I raised my eyebrow to her statement.

"Don't worry though, security said it's safe." She answered my question before I asked.

"Alright. Thank you, Hannah" I said, and she left.

I stared at the box, it was in a baby pink box with a lilac ribbon on top. No indication on who may it have come from and no note. I unraveled the ribbon and opened the box.

"Oh my. How adorable!" I exclaimed. It looked like a crepe cake with some chocolate ganache on top. And there was a message that wrote "You add some sweetness to my salty life. Date soon?" It doesn't say who it was from, but I know who gave it. That man is just too cute!

I hurriedly got a plate, knife, and a fork and cut myself a slice. Such perfect timing. I took a bite of the cake and it was SO good. Salted caramel crepe, MY FAVOURITE! HOW DID HE KNOW!

I finished the slice that I got for myself in one minute. THIS IS ALL MINE! It really improved my mood. I went to my laptop and immediately typed a reply

To: Christian Grey

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: A Sweet Yes

Dear Christian,

This has got to be one of the sweetest things someone did for me! Literally and figuratively. Your cake couldn't have come at a better time. I agree to a date soon! You are too cute!

See you soon.

With love,

Ana.

Yikes! I'm sorry for updating so irregularly. Life and school really just got in the way. I will honestly try harder and give you regular updates but just don't be disappointed if I don't. Huhu I'm very sorry! Leave me a review to inspire me to write and update more. A review made me write and update this story so please do leave reviews and suggestions as to how we can make this story better. This story is co-written by YOU!