Saving Grace

Chapter 14

I knew I couldn't go back to Colt's, not yet at least. I had my phone so I texted Colt to come pick me up as soon as Tanner left. It was kind of cold so I was hoping he would be coming soon.

I wasn't very far, probably just a mile off. I was sitting on the side of the road on a rock waiting, crying.

What have I done?

Why did this, of all people, have to happen to me?

How did my almost perfect life get so screwed up within a couple of minutes?

It felt like I didn't deserve to feel this way, but in truth, I did. I did this to myself. My misery, my sadness, my pain.

A car stopped in front of me. Colt was finally here.

Before I realize it, I was in the passenger seat of his car and we sped back to his house.

We were back at his house. Me laying in Colt's arms, sobbing quietly.

"What's wrong, Grace?"

I couldn't tell him. Instead I sat there, feeling helpless. It was all too much.

"Gracie, please. Tell me what's wrong."

A single tear rolled down my cheek and Colt wiped it away.

Me laying in his arms felt so naturally right, even though we'd only known each other about a week. I felt safe. Like nothing could hurt me ever again. I felt like I could take on the terrors of the world all on my own. I felt whole, once again. At that moment I realized that I had a new saving grace. And that was Colt Hanson.

"Grace, please."

"He's mad. He's upset and it's all my fault. I could've stopped all of this by just staying in Tennessee."

"None of this is your fault Grace! How could you even say that?! That Tanner dude is just a jerk. He's not worth your tears and time."

"But he is, Colt. He cares about me like a sister. He was my best friend, my shoulder to cry on. He-"

"Was, Gracie. Was. But he was stupid enough to ever let you go."

"He never let me go Colt. I let go of him and broke him apart. I'm the reason of my pain and his. And I'm the only one who can undo it."

I started crying again.

This is all my fault. This is all my fault. This is all my fault.

It was late, and I was tired. Colt told me I could stay the night, but I just wanted to go home. He drove me back home. It was 1:00 AM.

Layla was still up and so was Will. My parents were sound asleep. I took off my makeup and got into my pajamas. Then the tears started flowing. I couldn't stop them, so I let them go. I let everything out.

"Grace! What did that jerk do to you?!?!"

"It's not Colt, I promise. I'm fine."

"Uh sis. You are everything but fine. What's wrong?"

I explained it all. How Colt had flown Emma and Tanner from Tennessee all for me. How Tanner thought we were still dating. How I broke his heart. How I came crumpling down on my own behalf.

"Oh I swear when I see Tanner Price again-"

"It wasn't his fault! I did this to myself. No need to be upset."

"No need to be upset? Speak for yourself, you're crying a river."

I didn't say anything else. I just needed some rest. I went to lie down on my bed and drifted off to sleep.