The Secrets That Bring Us Together

Chapter 36

Since Joey found out about Nate and I things have been good. Weird but good. Joey trys to compare notes on Nate as if they had been in a relationship themselves, not just friends. When he started asking me how much it annoyed me that Nate's accent is really strong when he talks in his sleep I actually had to ask if they had ever been anything more than friends. 

I'm standing outside of a big beautiful white church, pushing the loose tendrils of hair the wind keeps whipping in my face away, trying to call Grace for the twentieth time today. It's Cody's christening day and she's the only one who isn't here, which isn't like Grace. 

"Anything?" My mom asks walking down the concrete steps to me. I shake my head and she rolls her eyes. 

"Just leave her. She's probably just went back to sleep or lost track of time" she tells me ushering me back into the church. I try to ignore the unsettling feeling at the pit of my stomach, the feeling that tells me Grace would never just 'go back to sleep' or be running late.

I step back into the church and Cole immediately catches my eye in silent question, I shake my head no and I don't miss the worried look on his face. 

I walk over to the alter and take my place beside Joey, Brooke and Nate. Nate looks handsome as ever in his suit and tie, and even my brothers have scrubbed up nicely. Brooke looks beautiful as ever and in her arms sits my 6 month old nephew in his little tuxedo looking handsome as ever. 

The priest talks about what it means to be Cody's godparents and I couldn't feel prouder that they trusted the honor to Nate and I. Cody cries slightly when the priest splashes water on his head but other than that he is as well behaved as ever. 

After the ceremony we all go back to Joey and Brookes place to have a small family party. When we get there I still feel the nagging pull to check on Grace. We all settle in and have some food and a few drinks before I decide to go and check on her. 

I make my way through the house to the backyard where I find the guys hanging out. I make my way over to Nate.

"Hello gorgeous" He greets me with a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey, I'm just going to head to my Mom's quickly. I still haven't heard from Grace I just want to make sure she's okay." I tell him. 

He frowns, "That is unlike her. Do you want me to come with you?" 

"No. You stay here and have fun. I'm sure she's okay I just want to check on her." I tell him and he gives me a small smile and a lingering kiss on the lips. He pulls me close and whispers in my ear, "By the way, you look so fucking sexy in that dress." He gives me a cheeky grin and I can't help return it. 

"Where you going?" Joey asks as I turn back around, away from Nate.

"To see what is holding Grace up"

"I'll go" Cole offers.

"I've got my car" Parker chimes in.

"It's fine, you guys stay. I won't be long."

The fifteen minute drive to my parents house feels like an eternity and by the time I make it there my whole body is tight with anxiety. Nothing about today has felt right, I've had a un easy feeling since the church and until I see Grace is okay I don't think it will settle.

I try the door handle and it opens straight away, so she must be home still. As soon as I step through the thresh hold the feeling intensifies. My whole body in a ball of anxiety. The house is eerily quite as I make my way up the staircase, all I can hear is my deep breaths and my own heartbeat.

I step into Grace's bedroom and my whole body is paralyzed. I don't scream, I don't cry, I don't do anything other than stare for the briefest of moments before pulling my cellphone from my purse. With shaky hands I dial 911. 

"Hello 911" The operator responds.

"He..Hello." I begin and take a deep breath, "I need an ambulance please. I think..I think my sister's dead."  And once those words leave my mouth that is when the heaviness of them hits me. My whole body trembles as I rush over to Grace's lifeless body.