Together

Chapter 5~Grace

I was thinking for a while. What would it be like if my birth parents raised me?

Different. Definitely different. A different kind of love, a different kind of compassion. A permanent home. Yes, a home.

But I need to move out on my own, away from my problems; but I couldn't leave Ollie. I could drag him out with me? No, he wouldn't like that.

I couldn't decide as I sat in my bed late Sunday night, ready to meet with the social worker tomorrow.

Listen to your heart. If it means leaving all this behind, go ahead. If you want to decide your own life, then do it. Just know that I'll miss you. I remember Ollie saying to me.

I closed my eyes, numb and heart broken. This morning with Ollie was magical. Could I really leave that behind to run from my troubles?

"No, I couldn't," I said a loud. I frowned before reopening my eyes; staring at the pale tan ceiling. I let out a shaky breath and finally let sleep drag me under.

---

It turned morning in a heartbeat. Before I knew it, I was hopping out of bed and putting on my glasses and slippers. I flung my outfit onto my bed; a cute silver tank top and black skirt, along with a jean jacket. Of course, my converse, too. I ran up the stairs, surprisingly happy. My mom sat at the kitchen table and my dad stood at the stove cooking.

"Morning," I smiled, pushing my glasses up my nose.

"Morning, sunshine," my dad walked over with a spatula. He gently grabbed the back of my head and kissed my temple.

"Hello, sweetie," Mom said, looking up from her coffee.

I sauntered over to the counter and grabbed a plate, throwing pancakes and bacon onto it. I sat down and inhaled the food. My mom and dad stared at me the whole time, not eating nor cooking. Dad almost set the house on fire, which was pretty funny.

I placed my plate in the sink and headed for my room. My parents didn't say a word. I grew more and more nervous as I was getting dressed. Putting my necklace on I got from my mom before she died, a silver key on a gold chain, made me feel like a little kid again.

I turned my watch nervously around my wrist as I stared at myself in the mirror. My hair was up in a messy bun and my blue eyes looked more like the ocean then before. Staring at myself made me nervous. I shot a glance at my watch.

"Time to go," I made a shaky smile. I grabbed my bag and went to the kitchen. Now I took my time on the stairs.

I was shaking and I tried hard not to show it but it was obvious. I trotted the rest of the way up the stairs. The door opened with a whine, welcoming me openly. My parents stood by the front door, conversing silently.

"Ready," I said softly. They could hear the shake in my voice.