Consequences

Chapter 3

The next day, Zoe had the day off planned, originally to go and see some friends but instead, she found herself stood in the guest room doorway watching Grace sleep; it had been a long, hard night for all of them as Grace had gone to bed in tears and woke three times from nightmares. Each time, Zoe had been by her side, comforting her until the young girl had gone back to sleep; she couldnt help but wonder how Connie was dealing with Grace's absence after seeing how heartbroken she was the day before. Noticing Grace was stirring, she sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her hair back as the young girl opened her eyes and looked at her; Zoe smiled until she saw the hurt in her eyes and motioned for her to sit up and let her fall into her arms.

"It's gonna be okay Grace"

"Does mom hate me?" She whispered.

"She could never hate you; i know she said a lot of hurtful things the last few days but she truly didnt mean any of it. There's things going on at work which if she doesnt sort it, she could be in a lot of trouble; she didnt mean to shout at you like she did. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, that's all"

"What kind of trouble?"

"The kind that could mean she could lose her job" she answered, honestly.

"Because of me causing trouble?"

"No, it has nothing to do with you been in the department, i promise "

"Is she mad about me throwing her tablet on the floor?"

"She was upset and concerned more than mad; she was trying to save a persons life and that's why she asked you to wait, not because she was been mean"

"I didnt mean it"

"She knows that; maybe when you speak to her tonight, you can tell her that?" She suggested.

"Can i have breakfast now?"

"How about pancakes?"

Grace nodded before taking Zoe's hand and following her out of the room.