Graceful| Grace Helbig-Sequel #Wattys2017

Chapter 5

"Meet me by the willow tree at the end of school. Then I will walk you to the end of your road." I suggest.

"Ok. See you after homeroom." Maddi says, while we walk out of Maths together.

I walk to my homeroom and meet up with Penny and Beth.

"How's your day been?" Beth's queries

"Yeah good. Yours?" I say smiling over the thought of Madison.

"Yep. Got 99% on my test" Beth replies with a big cheesy grin.

"See I knew you could do it." I replied, giving her a playful nudge.

"I have invited Madison, Madison Woods, to walk home with us today. Me and her have become the greatest of friends." I explain.

"Sure. That's fine I can't wait to meet her." Penny replies.

Just at that moment the school bell went to indicate that it was the end of the school day. All three of us, grab our rucksacks of the floor and make our way to the willow tree. Just like I said Madison was waiting by the willow tree.

"You ok?" I said bringing her into a hug.

"Yeah you?" Maddi says pecking my cheek.

"Oh yeah, I thought I would tell you guys that me and Maddi are going out since about 11 today. I did tell you that I was lesbian. Didn't I?" I explain.

"Yeah and it's cool you found someone who loves you. I am happy for you." Penny replies, bringing me into an embrace.

"Yep I'm happy for you." Beth replies. "Welcome to the holy trinity."

Me and Madison hold hands as we leave school together. We all walk together. We come to the end of Maddi's street.

"see you on Monday babe." I say kissing Madison, saying goodbye.

"See you next week. FaceTime me if you have a chance." She replies taking the kiss.

I let go of her hand slowly and watch her go to her house.

"Well...she is lovely. Very pretty." Penny says walking down the rest of the street with me and Beth.

All of a sudden. I see a familiar car.

"Is that your car?" Beth asks.

"Yeah." I say confused.

My mom rolled down the window.

"Hart...come in here, I'm taking you home." She say.

"Mom go away your embarrassing me." I plead.

"JUST GETIN THE CAR HARTLEY!" Mom scream at me.

I notices that she is not joking and somethings wrong.

"What's wrong mom?" I ask concerned.

"Don't annoy your father ok? And do not ever mention Aida again. He thinks that it was my fault. Has done for quite sometime. I wouldn't cuz if you do you will get beaten up like me." Mom says lifting up my shirt and showing her the fresh bruises he left on her sides and stomach.

"I'm telling Mamrie." I say frantically grabbing my phone.

"No don't. I don't want to annoy your dad anymore. If you tell people you'll make him hurt me."She cries.

"Ok!" I answer coming out of the app and then turning off my phone.

We drive home in silence. Tears streaming down our faces. I never knew what my dad could do.

I get out of the car and then make my way to the house. I got in first and mom waits in the car. I slam my rucksack on the floor and put my coat on the coat rack.

I run up the stairs and into my room. I place my hands over my ears. I can hear mom and dad argue, they haven't done that in months. I go down stairs to stop it all. I stop half way down the stairs.

"I'm sorry. I will I promise." Mom sobs, trying to force her arm out of dad's tight grip.

Dad immediately lets go, as soon as he sees me and acts normal.

"Hey sweetheart how was your day at school?" Dad asks, taking my hand and leading me into the dining room and then sitting down to help her with my homework.

Mom gets up and walks to the restroom. And as she does, dad gives her an evil look.

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           Later that night

"Night mom. Night dad." I shout down the stairs.

"Night darling." Dad shouts.

"Night baby girl." Mom replies.

Then I slowly drift off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow is going to be a better day.