State of Grace (Complete)

An Old Friend and A New Tradition

CH 41

Ian and Chris' birthday is today. Last week I sent Chris a package by mail with gift cards for dinner and a movie. Apparently he has some friends that are taking him out, and I am really excited for him. There's been a guy he's been mentioning a lot lately, Sam, Samuel, and it sounds serious. I'm not sure what Ian's doing for his birthday, but I just slide the card under his windshield before school. I got him a subscription to Print magazine, which is one of the premiere magazines of the graphic artist world. It's not too expensive, so I also got a gift card for the art supply store on campus. I really hope he's happy in his program, otherwise his gifts are a bit useless, but it's the thought that counts. Plus when I see him, he still has sketchbooks with him.

All day at school I wonder if Ian likes his gift, but it's not like I'm going to ask him. I'm hoping he's meeting lots of people and maybe someone special who can understand and appreciate him. As for me, nothing bad is happening, which is good, I guess. In fact, there are a couple of good things that are happening. In my creative writing class, we have editing partners for each assignment, and mine this time is Max from elementary school. He's gotten a lot taller and has grown into his looks. When he was young, he was always kind of heavy and looked like a grown up. Now he just looks his age and he's kind of handsome. He's also been really great at editing my story.

"So, Grace, you know how we have to go to some sort of writer's event?" It's part of our class requirements.

"Yeah?"

"Well, want to go to one on Friday with me? I mean we can see if a few others from class want to come, too."

"Sure, Max, I'd love too." And I think going out with someone I know, who can't possibly be a threat might be a great way to ease back into having a social life.

"Great! Do you want me to pick you up or should we meet there?"

"I'll meet you there, if that's okay."

"Sounds good, Grace, I'm glad you can come."

"Me too."

After school, there's a flyer sized object on my car. I don't notice it until I get in. I hate it when people do this. Sometimes during the day all the cars at school get flyers and it's a nuisance, especially since a lot of the students just toss them to the ground, littering the parking lot. But looking around, there isn't one on anyone else's window. Cautiously, I get out of the car and slip the paper from under my window, but it's not a flyer at all. It's a folded piece of sketchbook paper, and when I open it, the word 'thanks' is scrawled across it. Each letter is drawn to make it look like they've been ripped from different publications, with the tear marks rendered in precise detail and the letters are different typefaces and colours. Under each piece of torn paper, it's shaded slightly to make it look like they've been glued to the page. It's a simple drawing, but complex in it's attention to detail and it's completely beautiful. I totally love it and I spend more than a few minutes studying the detail. I can't believe that Ian would take time out of his day to drive it here and surprise me. My heart aches to see him, but I am still standing firm. He needs to have more of a life than what I can offer, and I hope this is just a friendly note. There's no name, no love, nothing that shows anything other than thanks, so I hope that's what it means, but I am still going to cherish this, and I'm glad he liked my gift.

On Friday evening, I wear a decent pair of jeans, a loose cardigan and a patterned t-shirt. I'm not really sure what I should wear, but since it's on campus, I figure I'll just dress kind of like the students. I park in the visitor's lot and make the quick trip to the student bookstore/coffee shop. Tonight a short story author is reading excerpts from their prize winning collection, and I hope it's interesting because I actually like the author's work. Max is waiting out front for me, and looks really nervous until he sees me coming.