Saving Grace

Chapter 9

Colt dropped me off and as soon as I walked in the door, I went to bed. Clothes, hair, makeup, everything besides my shoes.
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I was finally back home in Tennessee. Tanner was there. It was like this move to LA never happened. Emma, Tanner, and I were eating at our favorite restaurant. Everything was totally perfect.

But then he walked in. Colt Hanson.

Why? How was he here?

Then behind him, I saw her. Stella Kings.

This was turning into a nightmare.

"Emma? Tanner?"

They weren't there. In Tanner's place I saw Colt, and instead of seeing my best friend, I saw Jessica. Then they were gone too.

I could still see Stella though. In her hands was this little glass ball. She dropped it from her hands. As it shattered to pieces, I could feel myself falling apart.

I was the glass ball.

And I was breaking to pieces.
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I woke up with a jolt. What was that about?

I began to start my usual routine, taking a moment to remove this makeup and get into yoga pants and a t-shirt. This was more for me.

My mom was gone to teach her art class and Layla and Will were still sleeping. And of course Dad was working back at his studio.

I made myself a bowl of cereal, turned on the TV, and began to relax for possible the first time since we moved. I decided to call Emma. She was just waking up. I forgot they were two hours behind us.

Then I got a call from Colt.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Colt."

"Hi Colt. What's up?"

"Nothing really. I was just wondering if you'd like to go down to the boardwalk."

"Uh yeah. Sounds good. I didn't have anything to do today anyways."

"Great. I can meet you there or pick you up. Whichever you'd prefer."

"How about I just meet you there?"

"Okay. Fine with me. 1:00?"

"It's a date." I hope that part didn't throw him off.

"Great! See you in an hour."

"Mm-hmm. Bye Colt."

"Bye Grace."

We both kind of stayed on the line for a bit, not wanting to hang up. I was the one to do that.

I am not going to fall in love.

"Layla! Wake up! I need to get ready for a-" I'm really doing this, "A date!"

At the word date, Layla was running around like a maniac.

"Where is this date? Who's it with?"

"Okay, first of all, calm down Lee-Lee. Second of all, it's not really a date. We aren't going out or anything. And it's to the boardwalk with Colt Hanson. I'm going to need a ride."

"Oh that works out. Me and some girls I met were planning on going down to the boardwalk. Be ready in 30 minutes and if you need help just call."

"Okay."

"I want to go to the boardwalk!" Will yelled in a whiny voice.

"You can go by yourself!" Layla screamed at him.

I went through all the outfits we bought during the first shopping trip. I really knew nothing about what to wear. It was cool and sunny out, so I wasn't definitely not wearing jeans. We're going to the boardwalk so mini skirts are out.

Hmmm, this sundress is pretty.

It was a several-shaded blue water color like dress. I had some white sandal wedges and a white denim jacket to compliment it. Not bad for a fashion beginner.

I pulled my hair into a ponytail, put on mascara, concealer, and lip gloss. Once again, not bad.

"Ready Layla!" It was 12:00. We needed to leave soon if we were going to make it.

"Wow sis, you did a pretty good job with yourself. Are you sure you're ready for a date?"

"Thanks. And yep. We're just friends though. Not really a date."

"Haha, okay. I know a crush when I see one. Let's just go."

It was a fifteen minute ride from my house to the boardwalk. I was stressing the closer we got.

What if I make a fool of myself?
It's not a real date.

What if he thinks of it as a date?
Just say it's not.

So many questions and I didn't have the best answers. But there wasn't anymore time to worry because here I was standing on the boardwalk, waiting for Colt Hanson to show up.

What if he stood me up?
Shut up Brain! Stop worrying!

"Hello, Grace Tacker."

Uh-oh. That's not Colt's voice. That is a voice that could only belong to...

"Stella Kings. What are you doing here?"

"I have as much right to be at this boardwalk as you do. Heard you and Colt Hanson were meeting for a date. By the way, good luck with that. You may not have heard, but me and Colt kinda have a thing going on."

"Well, no. I wouldn't exactly call-"

"Hey Grace! Ready?"

"Oh hey Colt!" I wish Stella could've just butted out for once. "Are you two on a... Date?"

"Umm..." He looked at me as if asking if that's okay. I gave a nod just so that hopefully I could get under Stella kings 'perfect' skin. "Yeah. We're on a date."

Yasssss!!!!!

"So, I'll see you at school Stella. Bye!"

She scowled, but suppressed it with a smile. "Bye Colt, Grace."

That moment would forever remain in my mind. Maybe Stella isn't such a bad thing... Maybe this move would be worth it.