Filling in the Cracks

Chapter 35: Nothing's Forever

I looked around for possible answers.

Old man.

Middle-age man.

Another old man.

Middle-age man with a wife.

Well, I don't see anyone that rings a bell. Besides Kayden. What was he doing here anyways? He looked sort of drunk too. Jeez, Kayden. It's a baby shower and you're drunk? Typical.

Why did I run away from him. Could I just not accept the fact that we are over with. I need to focus on school. Graduation is only two weeks away. I sent out applications to three colleges. NYU, Columbia, and Princeton. No not Harvard, Yale, or Brown. Not like my parents. College is where I should start fresh, and find out who I really am. Away from all of this.

"Earth to Dawn?" Grace waved her hands in front of me breaking me out of my reverie.

"Hmm." I subconsciously said looking around. "Oh, sorry. Wait. Where is everyone?"

Grace slightly chuckled and explained, "You were zoned out during the end. You tend to do that much don't you?"

I sheepishly smiled and tucked a brown lock behind my ear, "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Grace led me to the refreshments, aka cocktails.

I looked around for Chelsea and Kayden and once again, no sign of them anywhere.

"Dawn, honey!" I heard a familiar voice chirp from behind me.

I turned to reveal my mother in a blue dress, elegant as always. Mom decided to stay a few days more to catch up with her friends, and to be honest. I was loving it. We were finally bonding like a mother and daughter to. But sadly, she's only here for two more days. But she promised to be back for graduation with her and dad.

"Hi, Mom." I smiled handing her an apple cider. My mom wasn't too fond on drinking in open events, it's not like she had a problem. It's just whatever dad has experience from his past he tends to keep it away from her. I hope I can find love like my parents one day.

Fun, romantic, and everlasting.

"Honey, you look darling." I smiled at the compliment.

"You too, mom." I said honestly. For my moms age, she was beautiful. Only if the years will treat me that well.

"From whatever I remember last, you and Chelsea weren't on best terms?" My mom asked in a hush tone. I don't question her asking since me and Chelsea were like cat and mice. Ice cream and pickles. We just didn't get along.

"Grace," I motioned for Grace to come. "Invited me." I smiled. "Grace, my mom. Mom, Grace." I introduced the two.

"Thank you for coming Mrs. Andrews." Grace formally greeted my mom.

"No need for formalities Grace, it's Jillian." My mother smiled at Grace. I already knew she liked her more than Chelsea. Heck she probably likes anyone more than Chelsea. Even though she doesn't say it, I know.

"Well then, Jillian. Mind if I steal your daughter for a bit?" Grace asked my mom.

"Not at all, you two enjoy." My mom shooed us off as Grace took me upstairs into the same room I was in before. The baby's room.

"What are we doing here? Let's just go back to the party." I asked, I wanted nothing to do with this room. It felt unpleasant for an odd reason.

"I just didn't want to deal with Chelsea's wrath." I chuckled at Graces response as she simply shrugged.