Perfectly Wrong | Grayson Dolan

2

Brooklyn

The school opens up around 5 in the morning for the volleyball team to have morning practice.

I was stealthy enough to sneak in and out of the locker room that morning without being caught because I needed a shower and to dry my hair.

Once I was back in my car, I drove to the local bakery for breakfast. I worked almost every day this summer, so I could save up enough money to buy my own apartment. I still haven't met what I'll need to have my own place, but at least it gives me a little money to live off of for now.

I sat at that bakery for a little while, watching out the window to see the cars going by. I wondered what was going on in these people's lives. They all seem to be happy and living their lives as if their only worries are what color nails to ask for at the salon tomorrow, or which of their favorite college teams are winning.

After I left the bakery, it was time to head to school. I usually tried to get there about fifteen minutes before the bell, so I could organize my things for the day and mentally prepare myself to be in school for seven hours.

At least I'm a senior this year. The classes have been relatively easy in the few weeks we've been at school so far.

I was startled when I shut my locker door, because I didn't realize that Grayson Dolan was waiting behind it.

Shoot. This is probably about the whole sleeping in my car situation, which I don't want to talk about.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I need to talk to you," Grayson said.

"About?" I asked.

Grayson made sure that nobody was watching before he stepped closer. "What's the real reason you were sleeping in your car last night?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Brooklyn, I'm trying to help you."

"Thanks, but I don't need help," I said, starting to walk away.

"Wait," Grayson said, catching up to me and standing in my way. "I don't know what it is, but something keeps telling me you were sleeping in your car for a reason. Do you need a somewhere to go? A safe place to stay?"

My heart dropped. How was I supposed to make up a lie? I didn't want help, but something told me that Grayson wasn't going to give up.

"I-uh. I don't know. I'm fine staying in my car for now. Just don't tell anyone, okay?"

"You deserve a safe place to go, Brooklyn," he said as his eyes filled with concern. "My sister's old room is available if you want to stay there. You don't have to, but the offer's there if you want it. You can stay for free as long as you need to. I just hate the thought of a young girl like you living on the streets. Please just consider it?"

"Are you sure?" I asked. "That's a huge offer."

"Everyone deserves a safe place to go. I can help you as long as you'll let me. Come over for dinner tonight, and then you can decide if you want to stay. Deal?"

I looked at the floor for a minute, trying to decide if I should have dinner at Grayson's house. He seems genuine, and he's a great guy from what I've heard. Maybe his house actually will be a good place for me to go."

"Deal," I said.

"Need an address?"

"Yes, please."

"742 Preston Lane. Dinner is at seven, but you can show up whenever you want. Ethan and I don't have practice today, so we'll be home after school. Well, at least I'll be home. Ethan is probably going to go hang out with his girlfriend or something."

"I'll be there," I said. "Thank you, Grayson," I added, starting to walk away.

"Brooklyn?" he asked.

I turned back around. "Yeah?"

"Don't worry. I'm not going to tell anyone. It's not my business to tell."

I gave him a soft smile. That's a huge favor to me.

"Thank you."

-

My heart was beating fast as I rang the doorbell of Grayson's house, a fresh box of cookies in my right hand.

I figured it would be polite if I brought something for the Dolans as a thank you for inviting me to dinner, and of course welcoming me to stay in their home.

Any place is better than my dad's house.

Grayson opened the front door, welcoming me into the home.

"Hey, Brooklyn. Come on in," he said.

"Thank you," I said, walking through the door. The house smelled amazing, and everything seemed to have its own perfect place.

The candles in the kitchen made the whole house smell cozy, and the decor made you feel safe and warm.

"You can take your shoes off here," Grayson said, showing me to the coat closet. I put my shoes away before he brought me to the kitchen, where his mother was finishing up with making dinner.

"Mom, this is Brooklyn," Grayson said.

"Hi, sweetie. I'm Lisa," she said, giving me a warm smile. "Welcome to our house."

"Thank you, Lisa," I said. "Oh, I brought you some cookies," I said, holding out the box for Lisa to take.

"Oh, how sweet," she said. "You didn't have to do that."

"They're from my favorite bakery," I said, giving Lisa a smile. "I wanted to bring them as a thank you for having me over for dinner."

"Oh, it's not a problem, honey. You're welcome here any time. Grayson, why don't you show her around? Feel free to make yourself at home, Brooklyn."

"Thank you, Lisa," I said.

"Come on, Brooklyn. I'll show you Cameron's old room," Grayson said.

I followed him to the hallway, and then we went upstairs. As we went up, I couldn't help but notice how much this house felt like a home. It was so easy to tell how comfortable and safe Grayson's family felt here. It was clean, and warm, and a welcoming environment to be in.

Grayson opened the first door on the left, showing me his sister's old room.

It was completely furnished with a desk and a chair, a dresser, a bed, and a nightstand with an old lamp on top. There was also a closet, and an attached bathroom.

"This is all yours if you wanna stay here. We have some extra body wash and some shampoo and conditioner in the closet in there. There's also freshly cleaned towels under the sink. I know we have a fresh set of sheets and blankets downstairs that you can use for the bed, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Okay?"

"Grayson, you really didn't have to do this," I said. "This is all so generous of you."

"Brooklyn, I did have to. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I had the knowledge of a girl my age living alone in her car. Especially in this town at night. It's not safe. You deserve somewhere to go."

"Does your mom know that you offered me to stay?"

"It was her idea," he said before walking into the hallway. "I'll leave you alone to decide if you wanna stay. If you need anything, or have any questions, I'm here to assist you. Just let me know when you decide."

"I will. Thanks again."

"It's not a problem. We had the space anyway, and figured the more the merrier."

"I'll be down for dinner," I told him. He nodded before disappearing down the stairs.

I shut the door and sat on the bed, deciding that I felt safer in these last twenty minutes than I have felt since before my mother died.