perfection of hope | ✔️

IV

'there's something about a woman
with a loud mind that sits in silence,
smiling knowing she can crush you
with the truth.
~r.g. moon'
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it was about 1:30 pm, saturday afternoon when i woke up. wiping the sleep out of my eyes, i roll out of bed. literally, like I ended up face first into the floor. thank god my carpet is soft. Standing up and untangling myself from my blankets, i walk downstairs to get food.

"well look what the cat dragged in," my mother comments.

my mother is beautiful. she has icy blue eyes and blonde hair cut into a bob. i look over and see Cole sitting at the kitchen counter in a fit of giggles before a confused expression wipes over his face.

"wait we don't have a cat," he mumbles. i laugh lightly, walking over to the cupboard and fridge grabbing fruit loops and milk. while pouring a bowl mum starts talking.

"your fathers boss and family will be over for dinner so you two will be on your best behaviour, got it," she tells us sternly. me and Cole mumble a yes mama under our breaths and continue eating. the rest of the day or afternoon goes by and soon it's 5 which leaves me an hour to get ready for dinner. i head up to my bathroom and hop in the shower. after i'm our i raid my wardrobe before i find a nice skater pink dress with hearts. i put it on and quickly clean my mess. applying a small amount of makeup and putting on some heels i'm ready to go. checking myself out in the mirror i silently approve just as mama calls out for us to come down stairs. exiting my room i look down to see Cole in a small dress suit and shoes. i bend down to look at him.

"well hello there handsome man, i don't think we've met before. i'm Gracie," i put out my hand to shake. he lets out a small giggle before grabbing my hand and pulling himself into my chest. letting out a laugh i pick him up and he wraps his legs around my waist. we walk down the stairs and mama's voice yells out once we are at the bottom.

"ahh here they are!" she says a bit too dramatic. that's when i see him. of course. why didn't i expect this. of course Ace's father is papas boss. i introduce myself to Mr and Mrs Kole before heading over to say hello to Ace. this is when i get a good look at him. he's wearing a black suit over a grey dress shirt and hell does he look amazing. he gave me a smile and i politely returned it.

"you look good Gracie," he comments.

"thank you, you don't look to bad yourself," i reply. he opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by mama yelling for us to come to the dinning room. i put Cole down as he runs off at the mention of food. we take our seats, Ace sitting across from me and i dig in straight away. what can i say i love food. about half way through the dinner i feel something hit my shin. i look up from my plate to see Ace smirking at me. i squint my eyes at him, lifting my leg up to kick him back.

"so Ace, son, what do you plan to be when your older?" papa asks. Ace sits up straight, looking at papa. he opens his mouth to answer but is interrupted.

"a disappointment," his father mutters loud enough for us all to hear. what the fuck.

"john not here," Mrs Kole pleads.

"i can say what i want, it's true isn't it? the boy is nothing!" he yells. i can see the anger burning up in Ace's eyes, before he stands and storms out of the room. we all awkwardly sit there. i stand and excuse myself from the table. noticing the back door is open i walk out closing it behind me. i see Ace's black figure sitting in the edge of the patio with his legs hanging off. i walk over, sitting down softly next to him and turning my head to look at him. he has his eyes closed and his breathing is heaving. i look down to see his hands shaking in his lap. getting a leap of courage i move my hand and grab his shaking one. i hear his breathing slow down as he laces out fingers together. i feel my heart beat start racing.

"im sorry," he mumbles. i whip my head towards him to look at him to see his eyes already on me.

"what? why?" i ask confused as why he's apologising.

"for ruining the dinner," he says looking away. i frown.

"it's not your fault trust me. and i know we've only known each other for like 2 days but i'm here if you need someone to talk to, alright?" i tell him. he turns back to me and smiles.

"thank you. same for you hermosá," i smile at him, turning my head and resting it on his shoulder, closing my eyes. i could get used to this. maybe the bad boy isn't so bad after all.

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Monday came around quite fast much to my dread. after sitting outside for about 10 minutes Ace's mum came out and got him. he said goodbye and kissed me on the temple. i found myself blushing at the thought. i don't like him though. i think.

pulling into the school car park, i park into the building. grabbing a note book, pen and earphones out of my locker i start walking to class and i get there just as the bell rings. i head to the science bench at the back. i have Sebastian in this class but he's doing a no show so i'm a bit lonely. Ace says he's annoying but i doubt it. i obviously don't pay attention because before i know it the bell is ringing. rushing out of class i run to much locker shoving everything away and grabbing my purse.

once i'm at the cafeteria i grab some food and sit down at the table, Amelia and Jaymes already sitting there. shoving food on my mouth and talking at the same time time goes by. once i'm done i chuck my rubbish, aiming for the bin and get it in. just as Jaymes is about to congratulate me three extra people sit down with us. i turn my head to see Ace grinning at me.

"hello?" i ask more than say. why are they sitting here.

"hola hermosá," he says, putting his arm over my shoulder. i look over to Amelia who is freaking out that 2 smoking hot guys are sitting either side of her.

"hi i'm Sebastian,"
"and i'm Ethan," the two boys say to her.

"h-hi," she stutters. i look back to Ace.

"what are you guys doing here?" i wonder. he smiles brightly.

"what? am i not allowed to see my favourite girl?" huh? what? did i just- no. he didn't just say that. a blush creeps up my neck and onto my cheeks. he tightens his arm around me until my temple is against his neck. i have a feeling we are going to be good friends with these bad boys.

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