Second Installment of "But to love is to hurt." Follow Grace through life as a young girl into a high school graduate. See as the family handles an earth shattering event that leaves them all changed.
There was a knock on the door "It's open!" Grace yelled from her spot on the kitchen island. Her mothers turned to glare at her and she shrugged saying "It's just Dean."
Dean walked in dropping his bag on the couch walking over sitting beside Grace grabbing a piece of bacon off of her plate. Grace slapped his hand saying "Ass!"
JJ and Emily quickly snapped their heads around "Language!"
Grace rolled her eyes. JJ placed a breakfast plate in front of Dean. Grace quickly swiped a piece of bacon smiling triumphantly as she took a bite. Dean turned to her and asked, "Hey big Georgetown Yale chick have you decided where you are going?"
JJ and Emily both put their heads in their hands "Yes do tell!"
"Which one?"
"Mine?"
"Or mine"
Come on baby you don't want to be a bulldog."
"Because a Hoya is so much better? What the hell is a Hoya anyway?"
"Something that can kick a bulldog's ass."
"Oh really-"
"MOM! MAMA! I will tell you first thing when I know. What about you Dean have you decided?"
"I'm going to Harvard to do political science."
"For pre-law right?" JJ asked
"Yes ma'am."
Emily asked, "You two crazy kids ready for your last first day of High school?"
"Hard to believe!" Dean said
"Imagine how we feel," JJ said
Grace and Dean scarfed down the rest of their breakfast. Grace ran around the counter to kiss her mother's goodbye as she and Dean ran out the door and into Grace's car."
JJ leaned into her wife's arms "She's grown."
"Not quite. But closer than yesterday."
A yesterday we won't ever get back."
So What's the Plan?
Grace walked into the living room a large box in hand. Her parents looked at her skeptically. She put it down in front of them.
"What's this bird?" Emily asked
"I have figure out where I'm going."
Emily and JJ perked up "'Where?!"
"Open the box!"
The two quickly dived in. Emily squealed with delight when she pulled out a shirt that said Yale Mama. JJ quickly perched the Yale Mom hat on top of her head. Grace asked, "What do you think?"
JJ and Emily stood up quickly going towards Grace nearly tackling her over. JJ and Emily kissed her head "We are so proud!"
"You aren't mad Mom?"
"No baby! Why would you ever think that?"
"I didn't go to your school."
"Oh, baby. That doesn't matter! All I care about is that you are happy wherever you are going."
Senior Night
Emily and JJ stood by the field as they wanted to escort Grace onto the 50-yard line. Grace came and interlocked her arms in both of her mothers. As they walked out onto the field the announcer said "I a lot can be said about Grace Jareau-Prentiss. Reining captain for the past three years, valedictorian, friend, sister and so much more. When we asked faculty and student about her one thing came to mind. Fighter. Grace was a victim of a horrible attack but even still continued to be a teammate, classmate, and student that could be counted on. Grace is joined by her Mothers Emily and Jennifer as well as her brother Declan. Grace plans on attending Yale University this fall to obtain a Criminal Justice Degree...
Prom
Grace's last prom was something of fairytales. Dream group a beautiful gown. They rented a party bus, ate at a divine restaurant. She was crowned prom queen. Grace danced until her feet bleed before finally crashing onto her bed at 4 am.
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Last Game
JJ and Emily along with the rest of the gang sat in the cold high school bleachers for what would be Grace's last game. JJ and Emily leaned on each other as the announcer yelled "Taking her last call onto the field. Last but not least for Sidwell Friends School please welcome your fearless leader Grace Jareau-Prentiss!" Graces' cheering section roared almost as loud as the student section. As the game came to a close there were 20 seconds left on the clock. Grace had the ball and was running towards the goal. JJ and Emily watched in amazement as Grace's team and the opposing team fell back letting Grace score the last goal of her high school career. Even from up in the stands Emily ad JJ knew their daughter enough to know she was crying. As the ball hit the back of the goal the game clock screamed to life. The team rushed the field followed by the entire student body. JJ and Emily smiled tears in their eyes as Dean hoisted Grace up onto his shoulders. Grace put his hands on top of his head to brace herself. JJ and Emily made their way down to the field. JJ high-fived Grace "You did great baby!"
"Thanks, Mom!"
Elizabeth said, "How about you grab at least three friends and we all go grab some pizza?!"
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"Dean you free tonight?"
"For you? Always!"
Grace hopped off of Dean. JJ wrapped her arm around Grace. She pulled Grace close whispering in her ear "One last time?"
Grace nodded. JJ turned and squatted slightly as Grace quickly hopped on her Mom's back as JJ carried her off the field one last time.
Last Day Grace and Dean parked the car standing slowly looking at the school like it was foreign. Hannah and Luke walked over to them. "You ready?"
"As we'll ever be."
The group made their way into the building breathing in the familiar noises and colors and smells. They walked slowly down the halls soaking everything up. Finals were over and learning was done so the day was spent taking everything they could in. Dean said, "I'm gonna miss this place."
