Chapter Two #3
Anastasia—this is for you.
I know what you want to hear.
The music on here says it for me.
Christian
I have a Christian Grey mix tape in the guise of a high-end iPad. I shake my head in disapproval because of the expense, but deep down I love it. Jack has one at the office, so I know how they work.
I switch it on and gasp as the wallpaper image appears: a small model glider. Oh my. It’s the Blanik L-23 I gave him, mounted on a glass stand and sitting on what I think is Christian’s desk at his office.
He built it! He really did build it. I remember now he mentioned it in the note with the flowers. I’m reeling, and I know in that instant that he’s put a great deal of thought into this gift.
I slide the arrow at the bottom of the screen to unlock it and gasp again. The background photograph is of Christian and me at my graduation in the tent. It’s the one that appeared in the Seattle Times. Christian looks so handsome and I can’t help my face-splitting grin—Yes, and he’s mine!
With a swipe of my finger, the icons shift, and several new ones appear on the next screen. A Kindle app, iBooks, Words—whatever that is.
The British Library? I touch the icon and a menu appears: HISTORICAL COLLECTION.
Scrolling down, I select NOVELS OF THE 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY.
Another menu. I tap on a title: The American BY HENRY JAMES.
A new window opens, offering me a scanned copy of the book to read.
Holy crap—it’s an early edition, published in 1879, and it’s on my iPad!
He’s bought me the British Library at a touch of a button.
I exit quickly, knowing that I could be lost in this app for an eternity.
I notice a “good food” app that makes me roll my eyes and smile at the same time, a news app, a weather app, but his note mentioned music.
I go back to the main screen, hit the iPod icon, and a playlist appears.
I scroll through the songs, and the list makes me smile.
Thomas Tallis—I’m not going to forget that in a hurry.
I heard it twice, after all, while he flogged and fucked me.
“Witchcraft.” My grin gets wider—dancing around the great room.
The Bach Marcello piece—oh no, that’s way too sad for my mood right now.
Hmm. Jeff Buckley—yeah, I’ve heard of him.
Snow Patrol—my favorite band—and a song called “Principles of Lust” by Enigma.
How Christian. Another called “Possession”…
oh yes, very Fifty Shades. And a few more I have never heard.
Selecting a song that catches my eye, I press play. It’s called “Try” by Nelly Furtado. She starts to sing, and her voice is a silken scarf wrapping around me, enveloping me. I lie down on my bed.
Does this mean Christian’s going to try?
Try this new relationship? I drink in the lyrics, staring at the ceiling, trying to understand his turnaround.
He missed me. I missed him. He must have some feelings for me.
He must. This iPad, these songs, these apps—he cares.
He really cares. My heart swells with hope.
The song ends and tears spring to my eyes. I quickly scroll to another—“The Scientist” by Coldplay—one of Kate’s favorite bands. I know the track, but I’ve never really listened to the lyrics before. I close my eyes and let the words wash over and through me.
My tears start to flow. I can’t stem them. If this isn’t an apology, what is it? Oh, Christian.
Or is this an invitation? Will he answer my questions? Am I reading too much into this? I am probably reading too much into this.
I dash my tears away. I have to email him to thank him. I leap off my bed to fetch the mean machine.
Coldplay continues as I sit cross-legged on my bed. The Mac powers up and I log in.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: IPAD
Date: June 9 2011 23:56
To: Christian Grey
You’ve made me cry again.
I love the iPad.
I love the songs.
I love the British Library App.
I love you.
Thank you.
Good night.
Ana xx
From: Christian Grey
Subject: iPad
Date: June 10 2011 00:03
To: Anastasia Steele
I’m glad you like it. I bought one for myself.
Now, if I were there, I would kiss away your tears.
But I’m not—so go to sleep.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
His response makes me smile—still so bossy, still so Christian. Will that change, too? And I realize in that moment that I hope not. I like him like this—commanding—as long as I can stand up to him without fear of punishment.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Mr. Grumpy
Date: June 10 2011 00:07
To: Christian Grey
You sound your usual bossy and possibly tense, possibly grumpy self, Mr. Grey.
I know something that could ease that. But then, you’re not here—you wouldn’t let me stay, and you expect me to beg…
Dream on, Sir.
Ana xx
PS: I also note that you included the Stalker’s Anthem, “Every Breath You Take.” I do enjoy your sense of humor, but does Dr. Flynn know?
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Zen-Like Calm
Date: June 10 2011 00:10
To: Anastasia Steele
My Dearest Miss Steele
Spanking occurs in vanilla relationships, too, you know. Usually consensually and in a sexual context…but I am more than happy to make an exception.
You’ll be relieved to know that Dr. Flynn also enjoys my sense of humor.
Now, please go to sleep, as you won’t get much tomorrow.
Incidentally—you will beg, trust me. And I look forward to it.
Christian Grey
Tense CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Good Night, Sweet Dreams
Date: June 10 2011 00:12
To: Christian Grey
Well, since you ask so nicely, and I like your delicious threat, I shall curl up with the iPad that you have so kindly given me and fall asleep browsing in the British Library, listening to the music that says it for you.
A xxx
From: Christian Grey
Subject: One more request
Date: June 10 2011 00:15
To: Anastasia Steele
Dream of me.
x
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.