That night the Taylor's stayed over for dinner. We ate something Mrs. Taylor had prepared and brought over of course. My mom couldn't cook for her life. Grayson and Ethan sat on either side of me at the table, and Mrs.Taylor across. I was happier than I had been in months. We all talked and laughed, being careful to avoid the topic of my father.
It was actually pretty hard. My parents and Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had grown up together in Coby. All four of them best friends since the eighth grade.
Usually, family dinners with the Taylor's consisted of the boys and I begging to hear stories of their childhood in Coby. But then again, a lot had changed since the last time our families had gotten together. I glanced over at the head of the table. Empty. The seats on the end were always reserved for the dad's.
When the boys and I we were kids, we sat in them before they came into the room. We would giggle as one of us would dash out of the chair and under the table, only to pop up at our own seat. The dad's would play along, asking if anyone had sat in their chairs. The boys and I would shake our heads innocently, as if we had no idea what they were talking about. The dad's would laugh, click beers, and then retreat to their seats at opposite ends of the table.
Today, no one made a move towards my dad's end. I swallowed nervously and started to fidget. I didn't like to think about what happened. Grayson noticed me growing more nervous by the second and he did his best to distract me.
"So, Ellie," he asked, "how was Minnesota?"
"Cold." I blurted out.
The table erupted into laughter. Why? I had no idea. Minnesota was cold. Really cold. Now, I had a newfound appreciation of the weather never dipping below fifty in Coby after living in that nasty weather. My skin had turned pale after two weeks of living in the midwest. I had barely ever left the beach when I lived in Coby, making me never lose my tan. I guess it only made sense that my natural skin color was that light. My deep tan never looked like it belonged with my pale blonde hair.
By the time I dug myself back out of my thoughts, dinner was over. I offered to wash the dishes and Grayson said he would help. He looked concerned. We both cleared a strack of plates and glasses and walked through the doorway into the kitchen. The room stayed silent as I searched all the cabinets for dish soap and sponges while Gray turned the water on. When I found them, I squeezed the remaining soap into the sink.
Grayson laughed. "I think that's enough bubbles, Ellie." I gave him a look as I made a show out of putting the rest of the soap in. I had been thinking it was barley enough. We worked in perfect harmony for a while. I washed and Grayson dryed. The constant chatter from the next room kept the silence from being awkward.
When I finished up washing, I had bubbles and water up to my elbows. Grayson smirked as he opened a drawer and tossed me a towel.
"Like I said, you had more than enough bubbles." I shrugged in response, not really in the mood to banter with him. I pushed myself up onto the counter-top and watched as Gray put the dishes away. I didn't feel bad about not helping him either. I probably won't know where each one belonged. Grayson however, opened each cabinet without hesitation.
I couldn't help but look at the strip of exposed skin between his t-shirt and his sweatpants when he placed dishes on higher shelf. He totally had abs. He seemed to know I was watching and took his time putting the rest of them away. When he was done, he sat up on the counter-top with me. Our legs were less than an inch apart. I could feel the heat radiating off them. I stared down at the floor.
"You know, Ellie--" he started but his voice got caught.
"What?"
"We can't pretend that...That nothing happened."
"Why not?" I asked,"Why can't we try to get back to normal?" I saw his jaw clench and I could tell he wanted to protest. He didn't.
"If that's what you want..." he trailed off.
"That's what I want."
He slipped off the counter and stood in front of me. We were finally eye level. Grayson's chocolate brown eyes bored into mine. The room next door suddenly seemed silent. He looked down at his feet. "Ellie, if you ever need someone to go to or talk to, know that you can always--"
"Come to you," I finished for him sullenly. His eyes snapped back to mine and I saw relief flood his features. He began to say something else but Mrs. Taylor interrupted him from the doorway,
"Grayson, time to go. It's late and tomorrow's a big, big day!" She quirked an eyebrow when she saw our position,"I'm sure you will see Ellie at school." Then she gave me a big wink. Grayson and I both blushed. He took a step back and cleared his throat.
"Yeah, so, see you tomorrow, Ellie?" he asked and then bolted out of there, not even waiting for me to respond. Mrs. Taylor entered the room and sat on the counter facing opposite me.
She grinned. "I have really missed seeing you, Ellie. You left me alone with the boys!"
I forced out a fake laugh,"I've missed you too, Mrs. Taylor. And I'm so sorry about that..."
"Oh darling, it's not a problem. You're here now. And haven't I told you a million times to call me Marissa?" she chuckled,"Or have you already forgotten?"
She only meant it as a joke but it was true. I felt terrible. What else have I forgotten? I thought guiltily. She must've not sensed the change in my mood because she continued to plunge on.
"Sweetie, if ever need to talk about, you know, with you can always--"
Like mother like son I thought.
"Come to you." I said.
Her face brightened, "Exactly!" She opened her mouth to say more but someone appeared at the doorway again. Ethan.
"Mom," he grumbled, "I thought we were leaving five minutes ago." He sent a 'what-can-ya-do' look my way and I offered a small smile in return.
"Yes, yes, I know," she said as she motioned him out with a flick of her wrist. Then she turned back to me. "I am so glad we got to talk Ellie because I didn't know if--"
Mrs. Taylor, wait excuse me, Marissa, was one of those people that if you didn't cut them off they would never stop talking.
"Me too, Marissa," I said, "But we can continue this conversation later. Don't you have to go?"
"Oh! Thanks for reminding me, honey! I almost forgot," she replied. She slid off the counter and came over to hug me. "Bye Ellie!" I waved as she walked out of the kitchen. I heard her heels click down the hallway and good-bye's being exchanged at the front door. Then the door shut and I breathed a sign of relief. I felt bad about sending Marissa away but I didn't want her pity. And especially not Grayson's.
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We all hate Marissa now haha. Your votes and comments are appreciated! I love hearing from you guys
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** REWRITING ** Tidal Wave
Teen Fiction** REWRITING ** All Ellie Parker wanted was a fresh start. Well, as fresh as she could get considering the whole town of Coby Bay knew her father committed suicide six years ago. And that she was the only one to witness it. Too bad she doesn't reme...
