Gracie

Chapter 2 - Glimpse into the past

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of Sarah-Marie or as expressly permitted by law or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Enquiries outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Copyright department Sarah-Marie Productions. First published, London 2013.

Sarah-Marie Productions is a registered trade mark

___________________________

Liam's POV:

I knew it would be a long journey from London to Wolverhampton, but it was a journey that had to be done because I had no experience in parenting. I didn't have children or younger siblings to practice. So I knew I needed my parents' help. To be honest they couldn't wait to give it; they were excited to meet Gracie. However, Gracie didn't take to it well; she cried for the duration of journey. I tried reassuring her, but it didn't help, it was almost like my voice reminded her I was in the car still.

I didn't understand it Gracie had spent numerous of hours with me and never once did she act up like she was then.

Gracie's POV:

Spending a day with someone is different to moving in with them. I wasn't even in the confines of my own city. When the car engine fell silent I lifted my head up. Through the windscreen I could see a house surrounded by trees and a flower garden. It was clear who ever lived there took pride in their gardens. I was still under the spell of such beauty when Liam's soft voice pulled me out of my reverie.

"This is my family home Gracie, we will stay here for this week so you and I can get to know each other, you will love my family, they are so silly and funny"

Feeling weary I hid my head back into my hands.

"There is nothing to fear here Gracie, nothing at all" Liam cooed again. His voice encouraged me to lift up my head.

I glanced back out the window and saw four people standing at the door. There were three beautiful women with warm smiles waving in our direction. Behind them stood a gentleman; he waved directly to me. I had mixed feelings, I wanted to get out of the car and explore the garden, but the other part of me didn't want to see more people. Honestly, I felt safer in the back of the car. Frozen and curled in a pathetic ball on the back seat I pleaded for Liam to leave me alone but my words were ignored. He climbed out of the car and walked around it, straight to my door. Although I watched as he pulled the door open, I still flinched. He again cooed:

"It's okay, you are completely safe with me and you have no reason to be scared ... Why don't you undo your seat belt sweetheart and we can go inside and get some food in us"

I was too scared to move. My body simply wouldn't comply with what my mind wanted to do. I didn't want to disobey an order but my body had frozen on me. I was so scared, I started to panic. My breathing became erratic.

"Gracie... just breathe ... It is okay ... Gracie sweetie, calm down!" Liam uttered as he shuffled into the car beside me.

"It's okay sweetheart."

The car fell silent; I glanced to Liam,

"It's hurting to breath." I panted.

"Take a deep breath in ... And let it go." He instructed me.

Gasping for air I did as he said. To my surprise it worked. My breathing returned to normal.

"Hey Gracie, Look! There're waiting for us." He said pointing to the group of people waving like mad.