Saving Grace

Chapter Two

Billie's POV:

***

It's been a couple of hours since my parents have left. I found myself sitting on the porch taking in my surroundings and thinking how my life turned into this.

I love my career, I love singing and when I'm in the zone I do enjoy writing too. I used to, at least.

Now it seems forced if I have to do any of that. I want to love life again, I want to feel something other than darkness or like everyone is judging me just for being me.

"Dinner will be ready soon, you can walk around if you wish" my Aunt says pulling me from my thoughts.

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Thanks" I stumble out all at once.

A walk actually sounds nice, rather than staring at everything.

I push myself up and look around wondering which way to go first. Deciding to just let my feet guide me, I start walking and taking in the sights. Everything is so green and lush, it's like the darkness of the world and unkind people's words haven't touched this part yet. The sky seems a little more blue, the sun shines a little brighter and the air is definitely fresher.

Whilst walking along the freshly cut grass, a start to hear gentle singing, like the sound of an angel. Curiosity gets the better of me and as I start to follow the sound.

Rounding a corner on the other side of the country home, I notice a rather large unfinished barn. The roof seems established, however majority of the sides are either nonexistent or old tattered planks of wood. There are however, slats of timber neatly in a pile at the front of where the door ought to be, which is when I notice the figure and mystery angel voice.

A young woman, slim figured but filled out in all the right places. I get lost in her movements as she continues to sing and move other planks of wood into this neat pile. Her hair is light brown, with a tinge of what looks like blonde streaks from the sun, and is pulled up in a high messy bun. Her slightly tanned skin glistening with a light sweat. She is, quite literally an angel.

She lifts her head as she notices my presence. Shit. Busted. I have only now realised I had stopped walking and most likely staring, like the utter fool I am.

A slight smile takes over her features, and if I wasn't already swooning, god knows I am now.

The woman removes one of her AirPods and I think I felt the oxygen leave my body as she starts walking closer to me.

"Oh hey there" she greets, continuing to walk closer to me.

Shit Billie. Act cool. Is the only thing I can think in this moment.

"Hi" I reply, rather bluntly. I don't know where that came from.

"Hey, I'm grace, nice to meet ya" her hand now outstretched in front of me.

I look at it like a foreign object. Why is my brain doing this to me.

My eyes scan back up to her face, finally being able to see her properly. Stunning hazel eyes with flecks of gold, the kindness-radiating type that you could get lost in, plump lips, cute nose, the sun hitting her perfectly. I could get used to seeing her face daily, wow.

Is she real? By this point I am starting to think I've fallen asleep.

"Hmm" she hums pulling back her hand. I feel a pang of guilt for being so damn slow. Just as I am about to open my mouth to speak, the chance is ripped away.

"Babiesss" Grace says, turning away from me as the two younger children come running up to her. She bends down to their level giving hugs, just like I did.

Oh fuck, now there goes my damn ovaries. She has literally destroyed me five minutes in.

"Dinner" my aunt yells from the front porch.

Thank goodness, I need to get out of here. I feel like I've never walked so fast in my life. My breathing becomes unsteady as I march up the front stairs.

"Billie.. you okay?" the older lady questions as I shoot past her through the front door, trying to find a bathroom.

Haven't got a house tour yet, fuck. I can feel myself starting to spiral as my breathing gets heavier. I walk the halls, opening the first couple of doors till I find the powder room. Closing the door softly, I walk over to the basin and grip it until my fingers are turning a shade of white. I look up at myself and stare into the mirror, I'm faced with the empty shell of a person looking back at me.

My eyes, dark from no sleep, even tears don't brim them much these days. The usual glow in my skin dulled, so much pain, so much hurt. But only from myself.

I sigh turning around to take a seat on the floor. The cool tiles being welcomed by my warm skin.

I cannot have another crisis right now, not in the middle of everything already. By crisis I mean, girls. Period.

I've always known I have a fascination for women, I mean, they're beautiful and the way they love, is unlike anything in this world. Have I allowed myself to go further than some harmless flirting though? No. And now I've come here, to get my life back together, and been blown away by a metaphorical hurricane. Ugh.

Light knocks on the door pull myself out of these thoughts.

"Bil.." Aunt Meredith whispers.

"One second" I reply, faking an 'okay' tone. I know she didn't buy it though, when I heard a sigh leave her lips.

nonetheless, I hear footsteps leave in the opposite direction.

Breathe in, breathe out. You can do this, just go along like nothing happened. I do need to apologise to her though, she probably thinks there is something way more wrong with me then I'm sure what she has been told by my aunt. Sigh.

I may not even see her around every day, she's more than likely busy constantly and who knows if she even works here like Luke does. Does my aunt do anything herself? Sheesh.

I get off the floor, reluctantly, after my self pep talk. Sometimes those are the best. Alright, time to face the music. Once dinner is over, I'll just excuse myself to bed. Oh, after I apologise to Grace.

***

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