Forbidden Literature

21| Cursed

-D E D I C A T I O N-
I should have done this a long time ago but I am dedicating this chapter to the sweetest person I know, PipSqueeks88! She has been my greatest supporter since day one and provided me with so much insight I don't know how I could do it without you!

Now on to the story!

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It was difficult trying to figure out where to begin. There are so many things I want to tell her, but not so many things that I'm proud of. I would never admit it aloud, but I believe that Granny has a big spot for me in her heart just like I do. In that spot she made me out to be the best granddaughter that could do no wrong, and yet this whole week proves otherwise. How do I explain to her that not only am I a failure, but I slept around with my professor?

The words to explain say didn't come tumbling out immediately but she never rushed me. Instead we swayed back and forth, her warm hand resting on my knee soothingly.

I looked down at it and laced her fingers with my own. Her wrinkles and age spots opposite to my young, smooth hand. One day my hands will look like hers. I wonder what kind of person I will be then?

My mind began to travel right when a familiar fat tabby cat came waddling up to where we sat meowing and rubbing his head against Granny's ankles expectantly. She perked up.

"Oh, Watson! I forgot to let you back in sweet boy," she scooped up the cat placing him between us. Watson purred as Granny scratched under his chin affectionately. No matter where Granny went, Watson was never far behind. No wonder it seemed a bit odd when she was alone inside.

My fingertips ran through his soft gray fur feeling his soft texture. "Such a pretty cat."

Granny smiled down at the fat tabby. "He is," then she directed her eyes at me, "but don't let him be a distraction. Tell me what happened."

The time had run out to avoid all conversation. I knew at some point we had to come to this regardless of how I feel. I took in a deep breath.

"I met a guy."

"Oh?" she raised an eyebrow scratching behind Watson's ear. "And why do you not sound happy about this?"

Flashes of Ms. Harrington leaving Jasper's room crossed my mind. The image made me wince but I held it together a bit longer. "It's a long story."

"Wonderful! I love stories," she wrapped the shawl closer to her body getting comfortable in her seat, all her attention zeroed in on me. It was clear she was not going to let the subject pass by. She wanted answers.

Granny's sudden movement annoyed Watson causing him to cross over my lap to plop down.

"This one doesn't have a happy ending," I warned stroking his fur.

Granny's small shoulders gave a shrug. "I am a fan of tragedies. Although I don't like them to revolve around my granddaughter." A small smile crept on my face at her words. When I didn't answer quickly enough she gave my hand a squeeze. "You can tell me, Allison. I'm the last person to judge you."

There was never a time when I didn't want to tell my grandmother something. I have always known that she would take my side even if I robbed a bank. Still, it was not easy to admit what happened out loud. It was as if once I spoke about it, it really became true.

I looked at our hands interlocked for a moment, hers wrinkled and ridden with age spots contrasted to my smooth youthful ones, before beginning. "I met him on the bus going to the convention. He was--is, handsome. And he's smart, like very smart, Granny. He even reads more than I do."