Sunnyvale H.S

16

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Avery sat at the table, a wine glass in her hand. She was clinking the sides with her long red nails. She hadn't had a sip all night, the bottle of red wine remaining almost full on the table.

"What time is Dr Hiddleston and Nat coming?" Grace asked as Avery turned to look at her.

"They are late. When they arrive, then it is my concern."

Avery turned away and pursed her lips,facing the television.

Harry rolled his eyes at Grace and she smiled knowingly.

"Why don't you just call them and see where they are?"

"Oh yes. Great idea Grace. That might just add to the rate of car crashes in the area."

"Just call them."

"Lets just hope that Nat's beautiful car crashes and everybody in it just so happens to-"

"It's not hard to just call them."
Grace's fists balled at her side as Avery sniggered, a twisted look on her face.

"I refuse to waste my time on them if they choose to make an appearance then so be it."

"Or for once in your life you could stop being such an uptight bitch and call them."

Avery sat her glass down at the table and turned to look at Grace. Her face had turned an impressive shade of pink and her lips were sealed. Grace knew she was restraining herself from shouting because Harry was there.

"How dare you speak to your mother like that. Go to your room right now."

Grace laughed and stood up from her place, Harry's hand slipping from her knee.

"I'm almost 18. I am not going to my room."

"You will do as you are told. I will not be disrespected by my own daughter."

Grace didn't flinch. She remained calm as Avery's temper raised.

"Do as I say,"she ordered.

"I didn't even want to be here tonight. You forced me as an excuse to make yourself look good."

Avery stood too, her heels making a loud clicking noise on the floor as she circled the table, and walked towards Grace. She gripped ahold of her arm and pulled her closer, so only she could hear what she was saying.

"You will not make an embarrassment of me in-front of guests. Do you understand?"

Grace shook her arm free of her grasp. She scowled at her mother before walking away and heading outside to the back garden.

"I am so sorry Harold. I do apologize for my daughters appalling behaviour."

Avery smiled at Harry, her scarlett lips making her look similar to the joker.

"It's not a problem Avery. I will go and check if she is okay."

"That would be great thank-you. I will call Nat."

She walked away from were they stood and went into the living room.

Harry walked out to the back garden, finding Grace alone on the stone path. She sat in the moonlight, her red dress trailing onto the floor. Harry sat on the gravel beside her.

"I know this girl," he started and Grace shot him a look of confusion.

"She's really cool. I'm pretty sure I like her."

Grace nodded, looking at the grass in front of them.

"She's smart, she's witty. She likes to tease me a lot, and that would be annoying if it were anybody else, right? But this girl just has it."