Unconditional Love

Restoring Normality

‘Grace?’ Connie instinctively ran to her daughter who was clinging to the gate in an attempt to steady herself.

‘Grace, what happened?’ Connie crouched down in front of her, feeling helpless once again as the memories of her accident two weeks ago flooded back and she did her utmost to push them back into confinement.

Grace was clearly in pain but she bit her lip, trying to conceal her agony. ‘It’s nothing,’ she winced.

‘It doesn't sound like nothing,’ Connie replied worryingly.

Grace sighed, sensing her mum wouldn't let this go. ‘It was hurting, just a bit. But it’s fine, it just comes and goes.’

Connie shook her head before placing her hand around Grace’s which was clutching at her ribcage. ‘Move your hand for me, sweetheart.’
Grace tentatively dropped it as Connie assessed the area with care. She then searched her bag hurriedly for her stethoscope and placed it against her daughter’s chest repeating the action in several different positions.

Grace watched her warily.

‘Right.’ She sighed heavily but it was clear to Grace that it was one of relief. ‘It seems to just be bruising but, sweetheart, you need to rest. I’ll call your school to let them know you’re still recovering.’

Connie hugged her daughter tightly and Grace returned it lovingly. These last two weeks alone had shown Grace just how much her mother had grown and softened and she couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Connie, however, couldn't help the surge of guilt rushing through her. She knew Grace returning to school so soon was a mistake but after everything, Connie longed for the restoration of normality and had allowed it to cloud her judgment. The idea that she was once again thinking more of herself than her daughter was enough to unnerve her and in that moment everything but Grace became unimportant.

‘Come on, darling.’ Connie took Grace’s hand in hers, briefly stroking it in a comforting manner before leading her back to the house.

Opening the door, she found Jacob making his way downstairs wearing the same grin as earlier. ‘Back so soon?’ he asked, leaning in to kiss Connie before realising Grace was stood right behind her.

‘Yeah, we’re having the day off.’ Grace's face brightened and she looked towards Connie who smiled back at her daughter's glowing expression.

‘Really?’

‘Of course. Work comes second.’

Jacob cleared his throat to gain her attention.

‘Work comes third,’ she corrected, laughing to herself at his lack of subtlety.

Helping Grace out of her jacket and relieving her from the weight of her school bag, Connie glanced towards Jacob who appeared to be trying to decide his next move. Grace headed to the living room, leaving the couple stood, alone, in the hallway.

‘You staying?’ She asked.

‘Erm… I should probably go, leave you two to it. Plus Rita would have my head.’

‘Well, Jacob in case you forgot... I am the boss.’ She raised her eyebrow playfully and his laugh tickled her skin as he moved closer to whisper ‘Connie Beauchamp, you are such a bad influence,’ - her cheeks flushing a pale crimson as he placed a tender kiss against it.

‘Staying it is then.’ She decided for him as he laughed again, following her to where Grace had made herself comfortable, sitting before the large television screen.

‘Now, as much as we love a bit of retail therapy I vote a lazy day at home.’

‘I second that vote.’ Grace lifted her hand in the air and it didn't go unnoticed by Connie that she winced while doing so.

‘Well I personally would have gone for the shopping. I am dying for a new pair of shoes.’ He joked mockingly, earning a shoulder barge from Connie who both loved and hated how well he impersonated her.

Simultaneously, they fell to the couch, Jacob much less gracefully than Connie, and sat beside Grace, enjoying the simplicity of the moment, the warmth that ran through them, the happiness.