Grey.

4.

CHAPTER 4 ... August

My eyes softly open, being graced by the sunlight shining through my windows. An angelic and restful feeling appeases my mind, as if nothing catastrophic happened last night. At peace, I breathe in slowly and welcome the whirring of the cogs in my brain. Although foggy – I think – could I really go back to school after that embarrassment? – I haven't even filled out my schedule and I have no motivation to do so. Perhaps, now would be a good time ... to contact harry -

No.

I can't.

Not after last night.

My mind flashes to the look of concern and confusion on Harry's face. A disappointing pang in my stomach aids in waking me up for good. While remaining disappointed in myself, I rise from my bed tentatively. To my surprise, I see my dear grandfather silently brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen.

"Hi, papa." I say warmly. He reacts with a soft smile.

"Hi Q." he responds happily.

I gaze at his weathered face, wrinkled by all the years he spent raising my wild father. My grandpa is a good man - and giving at that. Although he tried to act strict with how I moved into his old photography studio, I could tell from the very start that he'd love to have me closer to him. He was – and still remains to be lonely, as his loving partner Archie died about a decade after they adopted my dad. Now that he's alone in his home, he appreciates the idea of having someone else on his property to keep him company.

"Did you let yourself in, old man?" I say jokingly

"I'm not dead yet Q – Plus, I ran out of coffee and you have impeccable taste." He says teasing, while making a kissing motion with his fingers. I laugh and shake my head in response, happy to see that he's feeling quite spry this morning.

He pours me a mug and we exchange simple conversations at the table.

"Your father told me you decided to go back to school," He changes the tide of the conversation.

"Yeah. It's quite the last-minute registration, but the school is doing rolling admissions this semester and I thought I might as well take my chance. Although, the only problem now is I have a limited number of classes to choose from and my deadline to register is tomorrow."

"Well shit, do you need help deciding?" He asks.

I pause for a moment.

"I, I think I could figure it out. Thank you though." I respond. My grandpa looks at me proudly.

"I am happy you're doing this. These days it seems rare for you to actually do something for yourself." He relays, dejected.

"Well lets just hope my mom doesn't reign hellfire upon me for thinking for myself, this time." I joke, while also remaining completely serious. He laughs and takes a sip of his coffee.

"You're 21 and that woman still won't release her hold on you." He says with frustration.

"Well, she is my boss. Plus, I'm in a rough situation with my schooling so it's not like there's many other good paying jobs like this."

"I understand, all I ask is that you don't waste the time you have living a life that isn't yours. You're no puppet Quin and you've got a bright head between those ears; you deserve much better." I smile at his response.

"Thank you. It means a lot that I have your support." My grandpa pats my leg and stares out the window.

"Alright, well I will let you go Q, thanks for lending me a nice cup of coffee." He exclaims.