Mr. Dolan

7

Later that week, back at school.....

   Well, now I gotta deal with people again. What should I wear on my day back from vacation, I mean suspension?

   I dug through my closet and finally pulled out a white Pink Floyd 1973 U.S tour T-shirt, distressed skinny jeans, and white converse. Simple.

   I brushed through my tangled hair and left it natural. I applied regular makeup and grabbed my necessities for school like my phone, headphones, and charger and shoved them in my backpack and grabbed my keys.

   My sister and I got in my car and were on our way to school.

   When I parked my car I caught a glimpse of Grayson getting out of his car. He noticed me and smiled at me.

   I smiled back and walked into the school. I got a few stares and some whispers but who cares, right?

   "Hey Gracey! You're back!" I turned to see Casen. "That was rough, what you did to Sophie." He stopped me. "What do you want Casen? Me to punch you as well?" I raised an eyebrow. "No. Why do you always assume I want something?" He asked. "Why do you always talk to me when you can clearly tell I don't want to communicate with you?" I shoved past him and grabbed a few books from my locker.  I slowly walked to first period and the tardy bell rang right as I walked in.

   "Alright class, take a seat please." Grayson said walking up to the white board. I sat down and hung my backpack on the back of my chair. I looked around not really paying attention to what Mr. Dolan was saying. I noticed the chair next to me, where Sophie usually sits, was empty. I scanned the room to find her in the back on the other side of the room copying what ever was on the board into her notebook. Haha she got moved. In my defense, if she knew how to mind her own business and not butt into mine then we wouldn't be in the situation.

   "Gracey?" Grayson's voice, snapping me from my thoughts.  "Yes? Sorry Mr. Dolan I guess I zoned out." He raised an eyebrow. "Pull out your notebook and copy the notes." I looked on the board.

    We we're discussing To Kill A Mockingbird. I scribbled the notes into my pastel pink notebook.

   Finally, first period ended. The rest of the day dragged by. All day I could hear the hushed whispers and could feel the stares. I'm now the girl who got suspended for punching her best friend.

   I quickly grabbed the things I would need and went to meet my sister at my car. We both got in and drove home in silence. Once we got home I noticed a car in the driveway. Mom? No she has Cadillac. I got out, locked my car, and walked inside.

   I opened the front door to see my mom and dad on the couch. Dad?!

   "Gracey, you're home." My mom said standing up. "Yeah. Um why are you here? I thought you had like another week left?" I said backing up a bit. "Well, they let me go home early. Anyway, some one came to visit." My father stood up and walked to me.

   I backed up until my back hit the door. "C'mon Grace, it's me." He said reaching out to hug me. "Why are you here?" I said coldly. I turned to my sister who was staring at him in shock. "Go upstairs please." I said to her in a hushed tone. She nodded and went to her room. "You guys are my family. Is that really a question?" He said.

   "No seriously, why are you here? You don't give a shit about us." My mom gave me a stern look. "Language. He's your dad, show him some respect." I rolled my eyes. "Why? He left out of no where. I was 10, and Jess was only 5. Do you know how it felt for my own father to leave without even saying why?" Tears filled my eyes.

   "I understand. You have the right to be mad." I scoffed. I grabbed my keys and backpack and walked out.

   I walked to my car but was stopped by someone grabbing my arm. "Where are you going?" My dad said pulling me back. "Out." I yanked my arm back. "To where exactly?" He said louder.  "A place." I got in my car and drove to Grayson's. 

   I took a deep breath before getting out.  How do I explain to him that I basically ran away? 'Oh my dad came back after 9 years and I yelled at him and left. ' I got out and hesitated before ringing the door bell. A few seconds later Grayson came to the door shirtless. "Gracey?" He asked leaning against the doorway. "Hi." Was all I could say without crying. I swallowed the lump in my throat.  He opened the door wider and motioned for me to come in.

   "Is everything ok?" He asked. We sat on the couch and he pulled me closer. "It's not really a big deal, but my dad came to my house after 9 years.  He left when I was 10. Like he left for no reason. No note,  no text,  no phone call."  I felt a tear drop down my cheek. Great, I'm crying in front of Grayson. "How long ago?" He asked sitting up. "What do you mean?" I wiped my face.

   "How long ago did he get to your house?" "Oh. He was there when Jess and I got home." He nodded. "Sorry, I just didn't know who to go to." Grayson pulled me into a hug. "You can always come to me." He rubbed my back. "Thank you."

   I stayed with Grayson for a few hours and had my phone turned off.

   "Um Gracey." "Yeah?" He handed me his phone.

Sophie(1st period):
Mr. Dolan, I know its quite late but have you by any chance seen or heard from Gracey?

Me:
No Sophie, why would you ask?

Sophie (1st period):
Her mom called me and said she's missing.

Me:
sorry to hear. I'm sorry but no I have not.

   "Missing?" I said. "Yeah. I don't mind at all if you stay but you should at least call and let them know you're okay." Grayson put his feet on the coffee table and an arm around me.

   I switched my phone on and it blew up with notifications. Missed calls and texts from everyone. I texted my mom.

Me:
Hey mom, sorry to scare everyone.  I'm fine. I will not be home until he leaves.

Mom:
You scared the shit out of  me and your sister.  I filed a missing police report. Don't ever run away like that again.

Me:
I'll be home when he's gone.

   I set my phone down. After a few more hours Gray and I were slowly falling asleep when my phone started ringing. "Hello?" "Gracey, he is your father. You have to make up with him at some point." I walked into the hall. "Why? So he can leave again?" "Just give him a chance." "No, not this time."

   I walked back in Grayson insisted on me staying but I politely declined his offer. I gave him a kiss goodnight and walked to my car. I found the nearest motel and got a room. I walked in and it looked like something you'd see in a horror movie.  I settled in and texted Grayson my location. 

Me:
(Location)

Gray💖:
Whats this for??

Me:
Just in case I die tonight😊

Gray💖:
Oh lord. Goodnight!!😙😙

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Heyyy!!! Ok so I know it's not the best but it's something. Ok bye!!! -B