finding me while loving you

part 21

Grace's POV

I could feel the sunshine on my skin, it leaking through the blinds of my window. One of the many benefits of our home, is our parents have the biggest windows everywhere, and the natural light has always been something my siblings and I loved. Demi was rolled away from me, telling me that she truly was exhausted. She was passed out sleeping, and I didn't want to wake her up.

I looked at the back of her, rubbing my hand over her exposed skin on her back. My fingers traced along her tattoos, really soaking in every inch of her. I wanted to wake her up, kiss her, look in her beautiful eyes. I want to tell her how much I love her, because I really fucking do. Granted, we've had our fair share of stupid drama the past 4 months, but it never means anything. I don't know what I'd do if I never got to experience love like her before.

"Please don't stop." I heard her whisper, barely audible.

"You're up?" I questioned.

"I've been up for a while. I couldn't sleep." She answered. "You should know that."

I giggled. "How should I know?"

"The only time I stop cuddling you is when I can't sleep or my mind is racing. The only time I do sleep is when I'm wrapped up in you."

I felt kinda dumb considering I thought it was opposite, but I didn't say anything.

"Are you okay?" I asked, pulling her back by her hips to be closer to me.

"Mhm." She started. "I'm just really in my head. But I don't want to talk about it right now, okay?"

I agreed, continuing to caress her skin.

"What time is it?" Demi asked.

"It's only 8:30am."

She didn't answer, but rolled over and put her head in my chest. She squeezed me as hard as she could, and I knew something was bothering her. Before I knew it, I felt her body tremor.

"Baby, why are you crying?" I questioned, worried. "What's going on?"

"I just need you to hold me while I let it out. That's all."

I did what she asked, and just held her. I wanted to keep questioning, digging for me. But I realize that her life is far more complex than mine. She goes through things and deals with things I'll never have to. Her life is so much bigger than what I know and just like my mom told me a while back, I won't be able to understand anything. So I think just being there, doing what she asks in these moments will be most helpful.

"Let's take a shower?" I heard her say after a few minutes.

—

"Okay, Kai is at gymnastics till 12:30, then we have to pick him up. Carson is out of football at 2. I say we make a big lunch and have it set up for when he gets home, and you can surprise him." I told Demi, who was sitting at the island in the kitchen.

"I can't wait." Her smile beaming. "What should we make?"

"I'll just make something little. I'm sure Mama has big plans for dinner. Sandwiches and fruit?"

Demi just nodded, returning her attention back to the waffles in front of her. It was currently almost 11am, and we were in the shower for a while. I'm sure you can figure out why. It seems like Demi just needed a lot of extra attention today, which I was glad to give to her.

"I go to work in two days. I have tomorrow and the next day off, and then I work 12 hour shifts the next four days." I explained to her.

"I'll probably leave before then. I'll have to go back at some point. Is it your plan to stay here?"