Second chances

Chapter fifteen. Big relief

How is it that the heart begins to beat faster than it's normal rate at the mere mention of a lady's name?
It's so funny because the name in question is not diabolical, or scary. It is rather charming and pleasing, except my heart doesn't believe so.

I sat staring into space not knowing exactly how to react to what my daughter had told me.
"If she was one of those women, why did she come to my house? Does she want to taunt me, or is empathy. Well who knows how difficult things will be for dear Victoria"
My fingers started rubbing each other and heart rate won't reduce.

"Mom! Did you hear me? Aunt Grace is in the living room waiting for you? "
My feet managed to move and got me standing, then I sauntered out of the room,with Christy behind me.

"Mom are you okay?, you look stressed , should I get you something "
If only she knew that it was Grace that was stressing me.

I sent Christy to get her father while I continued climbing down the stairs.

My feet brought me into the living room and halted when I saw her.
She was staring intently at the family photo of Charles, Christy and I.

My eyes couldn't help but scan her back, lovely shape, her gown must have been created just to suit only her frame. Because it felt like she wore it better than models even.

Her hair flowed down to her neck (Expensive Brazilian hair),only one thing was left for me to see, her face.

I stood there not knowing if I should cough or call out to her. I counted up to 8, started counting down from 8, while I was at four her face turned to meet mine.

I wanted to say something badly, but the only thing that came out was "Oh! "
There was no telling if it was my brain recovering from shock, or my mouth losing words to say, but "Oh "was not good enough.

She gave me a smile, covered the distance between us and gave me a hug.

"It's really good to see you well again, Mrs Victoria. I have been praying for a quick recovery, because you know the whole thing took a toll on Charles. He was always anxious, ashamed and sad. "

She just called my husband by his first name, well Charles did mention that they grew close while I was in coma. But now I'm here, this familiarity has to be cut short.

"My husband went through so much, but thank God that I am back, it just means we are not leaving each other anytime soon "

She unwrapped her hands around my body and gave me a half smile.
"You know Victoria, most people who go through what you went through, come out worse. Some not even alive, I must admit luck is very much on your side"

This lady right here was getting on my nerves, to think Charles almost had something with her makes me even more annoyed

With gritted teeth and so less of an effort to hide my dislike for her I asked her what she would like to have.

"I'd have water, just the way Charles likes his"

My eyes almost burned her skin with that last statement.

Charles arrived with Christy , who went back to her room almost immediately.

To be Honest I had forgotten how Charles liked his water, was there even anything as that?. Anyways I got water from the refrigerator, I went for slightly chilled one, then decided otherwise. The lady needs something to freeze her stupid mouth.

I brought the water with a glass, while my eyes were focused on Charles who was very much uncomfortable. He wasn't expecting this Grace to be at our house.

She poured the water into a glass, and took a gulp. The water must have given her teeth chills, because she kept it almost immediately.

"I was in the neighborhood and decided to drop by, I wanted to see how Vicky is faring Charles. I was quite delighted that you had given me your home address few months ago, if not I wouldn't have stopped by"

Charles turned his face and focused his eyes on me. I knew what he was thinking, he had messed up again.

"Well thank you for your hospitality Victoria, I do hope such evil doesn't befall this family again"

She stood up and went to the door, Charles followed her and I wasn't even interested in why he did.

I went up to Christy's room and she asked if grace had gone.
"I never liked that lady mom, Dad and I used to go out with her, whenever he felt he needed company. But I don't know I feel she's not a good person"

"me too baby, well I'm happy I'm back, so that the house won't be chasing you and your father away. "

She smiled and brought her book, the one I had made corrections on

"I think your essay is very nice , just effect those corrections. My baby is slowing become Chinua Achebe"

She laughed at that while I left her room. She doesn't like Grace, that makes two of us.

Charles returned wearing a big scowl on his face.
I had to get myself out of work clothes, I felt trapped in them.

"I didn't know she was coming here Vicky, I told her never to come back. I promise you I didn't even remember I had told her our home address "

I wiggled out of the skirt and started with my undergarments, I needed a bath.

"Okay"

"Vicky I promise nothing is going on between us, she's just too difficult to push away"

"That's okay, I'd rather not talk about this now"

I stepped into the shower with so many thoughts running in my mind.
Which Grace should I be more worried about? "

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A/N: whew!!! Grace! Grace! Grace!