Saving Grace

Chapter 22

My final exams were a breeze. Easiest final exam I've probably ever taken. The school threw a party so I went to that. Then over the summer I spent about a week at Hollywood with Colt, his family, and my family.
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I didn't think I could stay another year at LAHS. I didn't think I could stand another moment of denying the heartbreak that I knew would more than likely come. I asked me parents if I could go back to Tennessee.

"Why would you want to go back? I thought you loved it here?" they asked me.

"I just miss our old home I guess. Look if it makes it easier, Emma said her parents would gladly take me in and I called the school and they said they would love having me back."

"And you're sure you want to do this? All alone?"

"Wait you're actually letting me?"

"You're a mature young lady and we know you're staying with someone who's safe. Just promise you'll call often?"

"Okay. I promise."
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I packed that summer. I hung out with Colt a lot more, but I never told him. It's what was best, I thought. I should've been spending less time with anybody and everybody. I was due to leave in a week. Most of my stuff was already sent over time. All I had left was small suitcase of clothes and some essentials.

My family would miss me. Colt would miss me. Was this really the right choice? Was I making a mistake? Too late now. It was anyways though. As happy as Colt made me it wouldn't end well in the long run on my part.
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The day before I left Colt took me to dinner. I couldn't do this. Not now. Not ever. I loved him way beyond compare.

I was delaying this conversation until the last minute. I waited until the dinner. Then I waited until ride home. Then I was waiting just a second before getting out.

"Colt, would you like to go for a walk?"

We drove down to the beach by the boardwalk. It was a beautiful night for such dreadful moment.

"Why'd you want to walk?"

"Because I have something important to tell you."

"Tell me then."

"I don't know how! This is a hard topic to cover."

"Don't tell me you have cancer. Please don't tell me you have cancer."

I smiled. "No I'm cancer free. Do you remember prom?"

"Of course. The best night of my life I believe."

"Our conversation in the limo. That too?"

"I've tried to forget it but yes. Where is this going?"

"I-I'm... leaving. Tomorrow morning. Today's my last day in LA."

"Gracie, why didn't you tell me sooner? When did you plan this?"

"Since the beginning of summer. I didn't want to hurt you, like you are now."

"The only way you could hurt me is if you leave me, which you are."

"Colt, this is just as hard for me as it is for you! I don't think you realize how much I love you and that's why I need to let go. I have a lifetime ahead of me. If I were to get hurt now that's a long time. The things I love most are what hurt me in the long run! This causes me to need to fade into darkness, so I won't hurt myself."

I couldn't think any longer. I walked away, tears streaking my face with more following. Not another word was said.

I turned around for a split second, which was a mistake. He was on his knees, head in hands, the water barely touching him. It was the saddest sight I've ever seen.
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I was with my family at the airport at 7:00 AM. I had a carry on with my essentials and my suitcase already on the luggage cart. Time to say goodbye. Although my flight was at 9:00 I wanted to be away as long as possible.

"Bye Mom. Bye Dad. Bye Layla. Bye Will."

They were crying too. It was terrible. I was putting on a brave face.

I grabbed something to eat then went to wait in front of my gate. I just cried on the inside and checked my Instagram and Twitter.

"GRACE WAIT!"

No. Not again. Wake up Grace!

"GRACIE!"

I looked up and I knew it wasn't a dream. I checked my phone. 8:30. I had a moment.

"Colt? Colt Hanson?"

"Grace! It's me!" He ran and pulled me into a hug. I didn't care that I was trying to stay away from him. I didn't care that I needed to board a plane soon. I just wanted to be with him, in his arms, where I belonged: With my saving grace.