The Game

Sixty-four

"Would you like me to read it?" I ask.

Grace has been staring at the letter for a few seconds, I'm not really sure on what she can and can't read so maybe it's easier for me to read it for her.

"Yes please. I'm not very good at reading yet" she looks down embarrassed.

"That's OK, we all take time to be great" I take the letter off her and clear my throat.

To my dearest Grace,

I always knew there would be a time I would have to tell you, I didn't want to for a long time infact I never wanted to but you have the right to know. I want to tell you about your daddy. Yes I know Ive said you've never had one but the truth is you do, I am so sorry for lying to you because I tell you off for lying and that's bad so please Grace know I am sorry. I met your daddy one night and he did a horrible thing and took me away from my family, I was alone for a long time. In that time your daddy was a nasty man and hurt me and my friend. Because he was naughty the police took him away and not long ago he was allowed out of prison. I knew that when he came out he would come looking for us and that upset and scared me. I wanted to protect you and keep you safe so Auntie Kate said she will look after you for a while. Your daddy took me again and is hurting me like before I knew you wouldn't be safe with Auntie Kate for long so I asked my good friend Darren to come and get you and keep you safe. This is alot to take in and understand so Darren will answer any questions you have. Don't be scared and know I will see you again. In the meantime I want you to be a good girl for Darren and listen to him all the time. He is there to keep you safe from Daddy. Remember I love you so much and I'm sorry for keeping daddy a secret from you but it's come to the time where you need to know the truth. I will see you soon and I'll give you a big hug and lots of kisses.

I love you with everything I have.
Love Mummy.

I stay silent for a few moments and then I give the letter to Grace. She takes it in her small hand and looks over the writing.

"Would you like to talk about anything Grace?" I sit on the bed so I'm in front of her.

"My daddy is a nasty man?" she whispers.

"He is, yes"

"Why?"

"Grace some people are nasty, there is no reason sometimes. Sometimes it's to do with their past and when they were little and sometimes it's their personality" I pass her a glass of water.

"Why does he hurt mummy? Is she hurt now?" She takes the glass and drinks it slowly.

"Your mummy is such a strong and brave lady. I'm sure she's doing OK" I hesitate.

"What's going to happen to mummy? Will I see her again?" her eyes start to water.

"I can't answer that Grace because I don't know where mummy is but what I promise is we will work together to help mummy. I need you to be brave, strong and grown up. Can you do that?"

"Brave like mummy?" she looks up at me.

"Brave like mummy. Are you ready to help me?" I wipe the little tear falling from her eye.

With a slow nod, "I want my mummy back" she says.

"Me too sweetheart so let's get to work" I smile and we instantly start to plan.
---

Lauren's POV

I sit on my bed as Liam sits on the chair not taking his eyes off me. It's been just me and him for four days while Louis and Harry went to LA.

Have they got Grace? Is Darren alive? Did he get my letter, is he there? Has he got Grace. I have so many questions running through my head it's driving me slowly insane.