Sinful Secret

A Special Suprise

Days had passed and I felt like an empty shell. I stayed quiet responding to my parents with as little words as possible. I kept up with my studie and prayers and did as instructed. I hadn't seen Damien since the night before my parents came back. I had kept my radio off and hidden. I could hear the tapping on my window as Damien threw things to get my attention, but I couldn't bring myself to talk to him. I couldn't bring myself to do anything. Edward had been trying to get my attention at church this past sunday, yet I couldn't bring myself to be in the spirits. And surprisingly, I didn't get scolded for it either. My parents had actually been very quiet back to me, which I was thankful for.

Early in the morning I was laying in my bed when I heard my mother's voice beckon me downstairs. I slowly got up not knowing why I was being called downstairs. As I slowly walked down the steps I smelled something odd. It was citrusy and outdoor- like. That smell was familiar in only one person. I turned the corner and there stood my grandmother. My eyes widened in joy for the first time in days as I ran towards her pulling her into a hug. Behind her I saw mother looking away annoyed and father with a slight smile on his face.

I hadn't seen her since my birthday last year. She was hardly allowed to visit and see me, only on special occasions. I had no idea why she was here today. Mother hated her. She always talked about how grandma lived a life of sin and never changed. But all I saw was a free-spirited old lady who did what she wanted whenever she wanted.

As I pulled away she grabbed my face, staring me in my eyes. "Oh darling. It's so good to see you", she spoke her voice sounded older than last time.

"What are you doing here"? I asked looking from her to my parents. .

"We invited her to visit", my father spoke making me knit my eyebrows in confusion. Usually it takes hours of begging on the phone before they even agree on letting her sit in the living room alone with me. "I know you've had a hard time lately, and a lot of changes are gonna happen soon, so we thought a visit from her would help", he spoke as mother still continued to be silent in the corner.

"Oh... Thank you", I responded smiling slightly at my father. I turned back to my grandma and hugged her again.

"Go put your shoes on dear, and grab a jacket. It's a bit nippy out", she told me as I looked even more confused looking towards my father once again.

"We've agreed on lunch".

"Only an hour. If you aren't back by 2:30 the police will be searching for you before you know it", mother suddenly cut in her voice angry.

I noticed my father look at her as she quieted down quickly. "She already understands that. We trust that you'll have her back within the appropriate time, right Mae", father spoke abrasively to my grandmother who nodded her head.

I held back my excited grin as I ran to grab my shoes and jacket, and I was out the door within the next minute. Grandma Mae followed me as I saw her beautiful blue car with no top sitting in the driveway. Mother was probably having an aneurysm at this moment. They must of really felt bad for leaving me in the dark room so long. I've never been able to go to lunch with her, so this was a dream come true.

----

We were sitting in a quiet cafe enjoying tea and soup, having small talk about her plants and art. Suddenly though her tone changed as she looked at me with sorrowful eyes.

"What's wrong grandma?" I asked placing my hand on hers.

She grabbed my hand back, clasping tight. "Darling, you are getting older so I'm going to be honest with you." I felt worried about what she was talking about but I sat quietly and listened. "Your 18th birthday isn't too far away. I know about your parent's faith and how things work for you all, but I don't know any real details. But I do feel like your parents let me take you out because the changes that are going to happen in your life will involve you not being able to see me", she spoke making me hold back tears.