Gracie Mae

chapter 4: the hustle

Chapter 4, The Hustle

          Gracie didn't want to break any more hearts, she was tired of being a boy magnet and repellent. She hated that she wasn't able to stick with relationships and was frustrated with herself. She didn't want to be perfect little Gracie anymore, she wanted to be with whoever She wanted when She wanted. She wanted an open relationship but knew that both Ethan and Alex would disagree. She knew they both wanted to be the only men in her life. So Gracie decided to make the executive decision that she wasn't going to leave any Mormon boys behind. She was going to be with both of them.

          When Alex returned with a glass of water for Gracie things became awkward. They sat in silence for about 3 minutes just sipping on some water. After what felt like an eternity to Gracie,  Alex stopped the silence and took initiative.

           "Gracie I've never stopped liking you, even after the breakup I only went out with my fellow Mormons, never again with a beautiful Christian girl like you," he confessed." I know things have been hard for you but I can't hide my feelings any longer, Grace May O'Brian would you consider continuing our little thingy thing where we left off?"

              Gracie had been waiting for him to say something because there was no way she was going to ask him out, that's embarrassing. But Gracie hastily responded.  "YES, YES,  A THOUSAND TIMES YES!!!!!" she exclaimed.

          Gracie sat there holding hands with Alex because she is a virgin till marriage and won't be partaking in a make out session. They sat there until Gracie's mom pulled up.  When she sat down in the car her mom took off speeding and going past stop signs making sure to get back before Gracie's bed time.

          The next day Gracie snapped back Ethan a half picture of face hoping he would see the clear signs of her liking him back. He did not. However this didn't stop them from snapping each other everyday and maintaining a streak. After a week Ethan snapped Gracie asking if they could date for real. Gracie then replied back 'yeah.'

        Gracie was now with two men and was beginning to feel the struggle. Ethan and Alex wanted to hang out with her constantly. Alex would message Gracie to eat chick-fil-a and chill and the next second Ethan would message asking if she wanted to recite some Mormon bible verses. It was tiring for Gracie. Sometimes she would forget about dates with Alex to go on dates with Ethan and sometimes forgot about events she promised to go to with Ethan to watch Alex's soccer games. Gracie had never before experienced the life of a player and what it was like to not be perfect little Grace May. She somewhat enjoyed being able to do what she wanted but hated that everything she did needed to be kept a secret. None of her friends knew she was back together with Alex, or dating Ethan. All they knew was that Gracie had been suspiciously secretive which they weren't used to. Everyone thought it was weird since she always spilt her guts on everything that happened in her life. If anything were to happen she would immediately tell everyone on A days at the lunch table. Their conversations would consist of her brilliant plan to have an ascendance party where she would force everyone to dress up as different versions of Jesus. Gracie also commonly talked about her crocheting and the different bruises she discovered all over her body. She had no shame in telling her friends everything, even personal things that I won't mention. This is why it was weird when she finally sat dead silent for the first time ever during lunch.

       As Caitlin, Noel, and Abby approached the lunch table all three of them froze in place. Their dear friend Gracie was sitting there silently eating her lunch. It was the quietest their table had ever been. When the three sat down Gracie seemed to be messaging a boy. Someone they didn't know. "Gracie... who is that?" Abby asked. "o-oh sorry it's no one." Gracie said, blush evident on her face. "Girl you're such a bad liar!" Molly shouted. "Who is it??" Gracie caved and told them about her reconciliation with Ethan. They listened with their mouths open as she told them her insane harem idea and the fact that perfect little Gracie Mae was dating two people at once. After Gracie was done, they came up with an even better plan.