Yours Truly, Austin Post - Post Malone

13

Gracie is handing out little fruit baskets when Ava gets to the back door and Austin is watching her with suspicious eyes. "What's up?"Ava asks. "Her legs are shaking," he says. Walking down to the orchard will take it out of Gracie and she will never make it back, she will be devastated if she has to go for a nap while the kids are still here. Ava is stumped with what to do but, Austin winks at her then steps forward and grabs Gracie's arm gently. "Who wants to play a game?" he asks. "We do, Mr. Gracie!" they all shout. "Alright. Get into pairs and pick up your partner like this," he says then lifts Gracie as she giggles. "No running but, the first pair to get down to the orchard gets a prize," he says.  The kids all get into pairs excitedly and lift each other then start walking down to the orchard. Austin's stepmom picks Gracie's mom up and they walk like two drunk giggling teenagers down to the orchard too.

"Sweet puppy," Gracie says kissing Austin's cheek as he starts walking. "Not that sweet, these are just kids but I will never lose a race intentionally - I don't care how cute they are," he says as he starts speed walking, overtaking a few kids as Gracie's head falls back with laughter. Ava does not have a partner but,  that's ok this is a memory she would like to savor. She has learned a lot about Austin too over the last few weeks and the one thing that stands out the most is women like Gracie are exceptional, but the men who get to love them, care for them, and cherish them - well those men are exceptional as well and carry just as much light.

Ally and her friend are the ones that win the race and Ava sees her and Austin share a knowing knowing look. Without much effort Austin probably does know the full effect his words had on Ally but, Ava can see a little part of who she will become one day will be molded by the words he said to her. "Ally and Fredy are the winners and I just so happen to have your prize he says taking out a handful of sweets from his pocket and deciding them between Ally and Fredy. "I always tell him no sweets but he hides them in his pocket every dam time, your boy is a menace, Gracie," Kimmie says with a fond smile. "You adore him, Kimmie," Gracie says hugging her. "I do," Kimmie says as she watches the kids and Austin descend on the fruit trees and pick the favorites.

"Oh, hi. I am Kimmie," Kimmie says turning to Ava. "Ava," Ava says smiling at Kimmie. "Oh, sorry, I just got caught up in the kids that I forgot to introduce you guys. Kimmie is a close friend, we used to teach together and Ava is a home care nurse, she has come to help out," Gracie says smiling at both women. Ava sea the wave of realization swept over Kimmie's face - Ava is a stark reminder for many that Gracie's time with them is limited. "Well, welcome Ava, I am sure we will become friends too," Kimmie says. "Thank you and I would like that very much. "Well, all good friendships start with picking fruit," Gracie says handing Ava a basket.  Ava follows Kimmie to an apple tree and picks a few while helping a few kids grab some too. As always Ava makes her way to the peach trees and Kimmie is not complaining.

"It's a real shame," she hears Kimmie mumble and when she looks over to where Kimmie is looking she sees Austin with a kid on his shoulders trying to reach a lemon while three kids and Gracie cheer him on. "They would have been wonderful parents, their home would be a loving one," Kimmie says. Ava watches them, her heart squeezing. The boy on his shoulders manages to get the lemon and Austin jumps around in celebration as the boy laughs so hard his face is dreamed with tears. He would make a wonderful father and she can see why Gracie wants this so much for him. Austin gets lost in the joys of young kids so easily - everyone has something that heals them and for Austin Ava thinks it's the freedom from reality children bring. She would have thought it was his music and although she thinks his music will help him Gracie knows her husband better than anyone and she knows Austin needs this option even if he does not.

Ava has not found that thing that will make her whole again, she does not know if she will ever find it but, if she can help someone else find their reason for breathing again it might just help her move forward too. "Miss, may I have some peaches too, please?" a little blond girl says tapping her leg. "Sure!  You can take mine and I will pick more," Ava says holding her basket out to her basket for the little girl. She can't help the smile that creeps up on her face, kids do have a way of making you feel content and warm.

The kids refuse to go back to the house without picking up a friend as they had before and for a moment Ava thinks they secretly know why Austin invented the game as they all ask Miss Gracie if she is feeling ok once they get back to the house. Gracie assures them that she then announces rock painting and flower crowns are the next activity. Ava helps with the flower crowns - she makes one for Carter, using dark red and bright yellow flowers. He would have teased her for being sentimental and then worn it proudly for the rest of the day, the thought makes her giggle to herself. Once done she puts it aside carefully and then helps the kids with theirs. Austin is helping with the rock painting and the kids tease him at how bad his painting skills are but, when he presents the rock painted like a ladybug to Gracie her eyes dance and she kisses his cheek.

Their picnic is great too and Austin lets the kids climb all over him like a jungle gym as he tries to hold adult conversations with his mothers and Kimmie, and then after they are all ushered inside to choose a pie each. Austin takes the pear Gracie had made for him and hands it to Ally. "This is my favorite and Miss Gracie made this one herself so you know it's really good," he says with a little wink as Ally takes it with a huge smile. "Thank you, Mr. Gracie," she says then wobbles off to the bus with her bag of fruit, pear pie, and flower crown. "Have I told you that I love you?" Gracie asks him. "Yes, but tell me again," he says pulling her closer. "I love you, Austin," she says. "I love you too, Gracie...so much," he says back and pecks her lips.