Consequences

Chapter 1

After searching the department with no luck, Zoe found Grace hiding in the Porter's cupboard with her husband, Max, standing outside.

"Max, is Grace in there?" She asked as she stood in front of him.

"Yeah, she wont come out"

"She wants to live with me, with us" she explained.

"But what about...?"

"Long story" she answered before knocking on the door. "Grace, it's Zoe, can i come in?"

"No, you dont want me and neither does mom" the young girl cried.

"We do, let me in and we can talk"

She heard Grace sniffling before the lock was turned; she entered the cupboard and knelt in front of Grace, taking her hands.

"Why dont you want to live with your mom anymore?"

"She doesnt want me; she's always palming me off to other people and saying we can do things but then we cant. Today was our day; she said she'd taken the day off and we could do anything i wanted but before we'd even made pancakes, she got called in"

"Grace, your mom tried desperately to get away; she gave patients to other doctors and told Louise to hold all calls. She wanted to go out with you today..."

"But she didnt; i was stuck here again..."

"She's still your mom though and if she doesnt agree, you cant live with me; i'd get into a lot of trouble"

"Is it what you want?" Connie's voice was heard from the doorway before she crouched next to Zoe. "Do you truly want to stay with Zoe for a while?"

Grace hesitated then nodded; Connie held back the tears as she took her hand.

"Okay, if Zoe agrees, then you can but remember Grace, i will always love you and i'll never stop; i know i've made some mistakes but i'll still be here for you" she cried, not caring the Zoe and Max could see her.

"Can i Zoe?"

"Okay but you have to promise your mom and i something first?"

"What?"

"You'll ring her every night and tell her about your day, even if it's only for five minutes and...you both make plans to see each other once a week and do something"

"Mom's always busy though"

"That's the deal Grace, take it or leave it, up to you"

Grace sighed and nodded; Connie stood up and hugged her daughter tight. Maybe, with Zoe's help, her relationship with her daughter could survive.

"I love you baby" Connie cried.

"Love you too mom"