Moving On [H.S]

Chapter 29

"Gracie?"

He breathes out as she stands there. She is different than he remembers. Her skin is paler, she is skinner, and looks sicker.

"Hi Harry...can I come in?"

She asks and he just stands there, not knowing what to do.

"We need to talk."

She says as he tries to snap out of his shocked state. Maya heard him echo her name and her stomach sank. She slowly stands up off the couch and sees how frozen Harry is.

"Now's...now's not a good time-"

"Please Harry. It's about Isabella."

Harry feels his legs go numb and he almost falls over, but he keeps his composure. He glances back at Maya who gives him a nod. Harry steps to the side and Gracie's eyes land on Maya. They say nothing to each other as Harry closes the door.

"Let's talk in the hallway."

He says, not wanting to argue with her in front of Maya and Gracie just nods.

"I'll be back in a minute."

Harry says to Maya who gives him an understanding nod. She notices how distressed he looks, how panicked his expression is and she gives him a small smile, which eases some of his anxiety. He walks back and sees Gracie looking at the picture frame hung on the wall, of Harry holding Isabella on the lake beach.

"What did you want to talk about?"

She turns and her eyes meet his. They are red and bloodshot, her shaky hands and sickly state are a dead giveaway that she is still using. And heavily.

"About..Isabella."

She says and he nods, his heart twisting when she says his daughter's name.

"I made a mistake leaving."

She says and Harry almost scoffs.

"I came back...to see her...a-and you."

She says looking up at him and he furrows his brows.

"I shouldn't have run. Or I should have at least left you a note. I was scared."

"You didn't think I was scared too?"

He asks and she sighs.

"I know..I know."

She says and he glances around, not being able to hold eye contact with her for more than a few moments.

"I was terrified Gracie."

He says and she nods.

"You were....you just suddenly became so responsible and I didn't know how to keep up."

"I tried to help you."

He says and she shakes her head.

"I never wanted to be a mother."

"Yeah and I never wanted to be a father, but I changed for Isabella because she needed me. She needed you too."

He says and her scared expression turns into a glare.

"Don't act like you're a saint! You were a shit show back then too!"

She says and he keeps himself calm.

"Yeah I will acknowledge that I was fucked up, but you remember what I did after you told me. I flushed it all down the toilet. I got off my ass and got a job. I became responsible."

"Well I didn't want to do any of that!"

She says and he pauses.

"I-..."