Umbra

Chapter Nine

After a few minutes with no talking at all, just simply being around each other, Gracelynn came to here senses and decided to call Diana to notify her of the adventure she and Zeph would be taking during the summer.

"Mum?"

"Gracie, goodness me. Sweetheart is that you back at school?" Diana's voice became relieved and wispy, finally hearing from her daughter after several days.

"Yes mum. I have to te-"

"That's brilliant I have some amazing news to tell you." Gracelynn could tell she was probably prancing round her office like some excitable pet. She wasn't too sure however, whether her own news could destroy the delightful mood. But it needed to be said.

"So do I. Mum I'm staying at Zeph's family's summer house in Oxford this summer." Her eyes squashed up as she ripped the plaster and her face morphed into an awkward position. Diana could very well have gone in any direction: pleased about her independence and happiness or mad about the brash decision.

"Okay, well it's just that I managed to get you an internship here. You know after what happened. But I'll go let Ingrid know that you'll be unable to do it." It was ten times worse than any of those options; she was disappointed. Every son and daughter knew for a fact that nothing could beat disappointment, for she had no reason to be angry with Diana for not allowing her to do as she pleased, yet she couldn't celebrate with her.

"Right."

"Yeah."

"I don't know mum, you don't sound too happy. I'm confused I thought you liked him?" Gracelynn chewed at her fingernails until it stung and bled.

"I did."

"Did?" she questioned the past tense.

"I do. But how long have you known him? Huh? Gracie, I thought we were being careful this time."

"A month mum and not once has he treated me nearly as badly as Will. Do you honestly not think I'm in control now? Plus I'm only an hour from London." She tried keeping her words soft as to not appear volatile but she could feel a landslide begin to explode, frustration growing.

"Gracelynn." She muttered, searching for some form of hope.

"Mum?"

"Go then."

"Th-thank you mum." Gracelynn could feel shivers palpitate over her skin. Something was beginning.

"Okay love. I need to go soon we have a pitching meeting in twenty minutes. I'll call you during the week... Stay safe."

"I promise."

 *         *          *

The week couldn't seem to go speedily enough, but it eventually arrived. The suitcases were packed up for Zeph's mother to arrive to pick the three up.

She took in tow one of her suitcases that she had brought with her on that first day, her priorities just the same. Books took up a large portion, clothes, toiletries and money taking second place. Clusters of school pupils floated by as they headed for their parents cars, heaving bags behind them.

Gracelynn however was left alone with none as Zeph flexed his arms with hers also in hand. Ceire walked along side them, keeping slight distance as to not intrude. She looked as feline as ever: slim, wisps of charcoal hair coiling in the wind and a commanding look upon her face.

He guided her towards the lofty car, which resembled a mini bus, much more. She could see in the front seat, as she edged towards it, an ashen skinned woman with contrasting hair to Zeph and Ceire's: strands of angle dust, a slightly bronzed ivory.