Chapter 8
Grace’s POV
Nathan and I talked for a few more minutes after I fully explained to him what my plan was for next week. He said he’d help me if I needed it, but I felt like everything was in order. Except one thing: I still had to tell Mum.
It was 10 am on a Wednesday. After showering and dressing, I went downstairs expecting to see Mum on the couch again, though she wasn’t. Instead the smell of eggs wafted throughout the room and I peered into the kitchen. Since when did Mum start cooking again?
“Grace, is that you?” She called out, not turning around from the stove, and it reminded me of a scene from one of my favorite movies, "Coraline." I instinctively nodded but remembered that she hadn’t turned around.
“Yeah, Mum, it’s me,” I said, going closer to her and taking a seat on one of the bar stools. “Since when did you start cooking again?” I asked in the nicest, un-patronizing tone I could muster up.
She sighed. “I know this is different. But I woke up this morning realizing the chaos I’ve created. I’ve ruined our relationship, Gracie. I want to make it up to you. Trust me on this.” Mum said, looking at me straight in the eye.
Shit. I’ve practically put her in a rehab center! She’s going to hate me….
“Gracie?” Mum looked at me curiously. I must’ve spaced out.
“Huh? Oh, yes, okay, Mum.” I had to do it. Now. “Mum, how would you like to go on a vacation with me?” No backing out now, Grace….
Her eyes lit up. “Ohhh, where?” She sang.
“Scotland.”
***
I helped Mum pack for our trip to Scotland, and it was only Wednesday. She was that excited. When I broke the news to her she was basically jumping for joy. I haven’t seen her this happy in years, and now I was going to ruin it all for her.
At first I was skeptical of her statement of being sober so I did a one-through the house when she went out to see a friend, after we packed, to check for bottles of alcohol that she may be hiding. I found none, to my surprise. That just made me guiltier and the guilt was practically eating me up.
By the time I had finished going all over the house I was in tears. Stupid guilt. You did a good thing, Grace! I told myself internally. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see Nath, so I called him to see if it was okay with him.
“Hey, Gracie, you never came for your lesson…” Nathan trailed off, “Are you avoiding me?” He teased.
“Nathan,” I shed more tears.
“Oh God, what’s happened?” He asked and I could hear the genuine worry in his voice.
“Do you mind meeting me?” I asked him, still crying.
“Sure, where?”
“I’ll just meet you where you are.”
“Alright. See you soon.” He said and I hung up. I cleaned up a bit, not wanting to look like a wreck.
I wrote a quick note for Mum and taped it onto the door from the inside and walked to the music store where Nathan was waiting. To be honest, I completely forgot that I had signed up for those piano lessons. By the time I got there it was around 4 in the afternoon.
Ms. James saw me and ran over to give me a hug. She’s too cute. “Nathan is in the back.” She smiled and I smiled back before walking to the piano room.
Nathan’s eyes lit up when he saw me, making my stomach flip…in a good way. “Hey,” he cooed and he pulled me down next to him on the piano bench. “Now, what happened?”
“Guilt. That’s what.” I said bluntly. He smiled softly.
“Care to elaborate on that?” He smirked and I nudged his shoulder jokingly.
“This morning, my Mum was different. It was as if she had become her old self again—before the alcohol issues. She said she was going to make up for ruining our relationship. She looked so happy, Nath, and she looked like she was going to burst because of it when I told her about Scotland. I’m going to ruin her, Nathan; she’s going to hate me--“ I rambled and Nathan cut me off shushing me.
“Don’t feel guilty, Gracie. You know this is right. If she hates you, well, she’ll hate you,” he said, but abruptly stopped when I scowled at him. He was taken aback for a second but continued, “Listen, that came out wrong, but it’s better that she recovers, don’t you think?” I sighed solemnly.
“I know….I just,” I sighed, frustrated, “I don’t know!” I threw my hands in the air. I was a mental mess. Maybe it was me who needed help.
Nathan pulled me in a hug and I instantly relaxed. I was feeling things around Nathan that I couldn’t explain. I mean, I haven’t known him for long. Is it possible that I’m starting to fall for him?
“Thanks, Nath,” I told him when we pulled apart.
“No problem,” he replied but he sounded dazed and he looked distracted as he looked into my eyes. He was leaning in and I felt myself leaning in as well. Then he pressed his lips against mine.
A/N: Awww, I couldn't help myself! I was definitely inspired by watching too many chick flicks this afternoon ;) xx PS, vote!!!
Edited December 27, 2013
