The Forgotten Past

Chapter 11

Grace

I feel a hand brushing through my hair and I hear a quiet whisper of words. Though I can't figure out whose they are, the only person that comes to my mind is Blake. I keep my eyes closed and think back to what has happened.
I expected Blake to hate me for everything. That he would never want to speak to me again.
But it didn't happen. His eyes were full of pain but he kept himself strong. I thought he would leave after what I've told him but he didn't. He's so strong. He didn't want to show any emotion but in his eyes I could tell that it hurt him.
He held me while I was crying. I can't remember crying so much since my mother died. I couldn't keep it together anymore. And he couldn't either. He let himself cry. I could feel his body shaking and his heart pounding fast against his chest.
My mother, my father and Blake. It all hurts so much to think about.
We were there until- I don't even know how long we've been standing there nor how we even got here. But I do know that waking up on his lap is one of the best things on the world.
His hand is softly brushing through my hair and I think that he already knows that I'm awake but I don't want this to end. I don't want to go back to the real world where I have to face all the trouble and problems. But I also know that I can't lie here forever and try to escape all the problems.
I turn my body sideways so that I'm lying on by back and look up at Blake. His beautiful brown eyes are now looking down at me while his hand is still brushing through my hair. I shouldn't be doing this.
Wait, how did we end up at my house anyway? And when did I manage to fall asleep?
"What time is it?'' I ask him while looking directly into his eyes. "It's five in the morning. You fell asleep on the deck while...I was holding you, I really don't know how you did that. So I had to carry you home,'' he says to me in a quiet voice.
"Wait, you were here the whole night? ''
"Yes. I couldn't bring myself to go home and leave you here alone. Your father wasn't here and I didn't want to leave you here all alone, '' he replies. I sit up and lean against the couch with my side.
God I feel so guilty about everything. I have hurt him so much, but I couldn't keep it from him. He had the right to know the truth.
"Blake...I'm so sorry- ''
"No don't be, you have done nothing wrong'' he says to me with an apologetic smile on his lips. Maybe he is right, but why do I still feel so horrible? If I could make something better I would.
"Wasn't Eddie with you at the lake- '' I don't finish my sentence because I suddenly see Eddie running toward us on the couch. God, he's such a sweet dog. Blake smirks and says, "He was here the whole night, he slept on the couch over there, '' he says while pointing to the other end of the couch.
"But I will have to drop him off at home, he hasn't eaten yet. ''
In that moment I realize that I don't want them to leave. I like their presence. It's so much better than- than anything.
Wait, Ava will be coming home soon. How will I explain everything to her?
She deserves to know the truth Ava, says my mind.
No. I can't. Just not yet. I will, but not now. Just don't think about it.
I stand up and walk over to the kitchen island. "Would you like something to eat for- '' I start saying to Blake but then something catches my eyes at the top of the counter. I look closer and see that it's a note.
It's note from my father.
My heart immediately forgets its normal speed and starts beating overtime.

Gracie
If you have found this please know that I couldn't live with what I have done anymore.
I turned myself in.
You have no idea how sorry I am. Words can't express it.
I love you no matter what. Please know that
-Dad

I stare blankly at the piece of paper in my hands. Everything around shuts down and the only thing I see is my father, in prison.
No, please no.
I suddenly feel Blake's hands fall upon my shoulders. His grip is strong but not painful. Just right to make me realize where I am. I burst awake and turn around to look at him. Blake is looking down at me with concern. "Grace what is it? What is that?'' he says while still gripping my shoulders tightly.
"It- it's a note. From my father, he- he says here that he turned himself in Blake,'' I say with a quiet voice because it's all I can manage. I stare back at him and all kinds of different thoughts fill my head.
My father turned himself in that's good, that's- shit, that's not good at all. What the hell am I thinking?! He needs to be here for Ava and- for me. I need him- I can't leave Ava without him.
Tears burn in my eyes and I try to fight them back but I don't succeed. The tears roll down my cheeks and I suddenly feel Blake's strong arms pull me into his muscular chest.
My body is shaking and my mind spinning.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
I look up at Blake and his brown eyes stare back at me.
"I won't leave you Grace, I'll be here with you. '' A tear drops down onto my cheek and his warm hand wipes it way. "It will be okay, we will figure this out,'' he says while looking straight into my eyes. His eyes seem endless, so rich and deep. God, they are beautiful.
Shit, why am I saying that. I shouldn't be saying that right now, what's wrong with me.
We stare at each other and I can't seem to get enough of it. I don't know how to look away anymore.
Blake is still holding me tightly in his arms, looking at me when we hear the doorbell and then the spell is broken. Whatever there was between us it immediately disappears, but I know for sure that he had felt it too.