Precious (h.s) DISCONTINUED

t h i r t y - t h r e e

it's been 3 days since my uncle passed away, and I've been completely heartbroken. My depression has kicked in again but I'm trying my hardest to stay strong, if not for myself, for my aunt.

Harry has been taking me over to her house daily so she doesn't have to be alone, and it's nice. I enjoy her company.

She's been planning the funeral and it's set for Friday, which is in two days. I know it's going to be a nice ceremony and I hope everything goes smoothly.

I'm a bit nervous to see the rest of my family, and I'm curious as if my mom will be there or not, Charlie is her brother after all.

I've been mentally preparing myself the best I can, but there's only so much I can prepare.

Today, I've been with my aunt all day while Harry's been at home tending to the house and things.

"Grace, Dear, could you help me clean up the house if you don't mind? Just in case anyone stops by?" My aunt shouts across the house.

"Yes! One second." I shout back and toss my phone onto the couch, making my way into the kitchen.

"What should I do?" I question, meeting her eyes for a moment.

"Maybe just tidy up the living room and do these dishes please?" She motions to the sink and I nod, doing as she asked.

It's a bit odd to be back in my old house if I'm honest, it feels strange to not live here anyone.

I quickly rinse off the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, starting it before I make my way into the living room.

I glance at my phone for a moment and notice a text from Harry.

Harry: Hey kitten, I miss you and I hope everything is okay going. Love you x

Me: everything is fine, I love you too. :)

I send the message and sit my phone back onto the table, picking up a blanket and folding it.

I tidy up the living room to the best of my ability and decide to check out my old room.

I wonder if they ever moved any of my things out? I left quite a lot here.

I hesitantly walk down the hall and stop in front of my old door, taking a second before I pull the door open.

The door creaks opened and I'm met with my room, basically in the same condition as I left it, just a bit cleaner than before. It seems Aunt Clare cleaned up in here after I left.

I take a seat on my old bed, memories flooding through my head as I look around the familiar space.

I lived in this room for almost 5 years. It's crazy to think this isn't my room anymore, or even my home.

"Grace? Where have you gone?" I hear my aunts voice down the hall and then after a few moments she appears at the door.

"Oh, there you are." She gives me a soft smile and I return the gesture.

"It's really clean in here." I laugh, glancing around the room.

"It is, I cleaned it after you left." She says, taking a seat behind you.

"You know we love you, and everything we did was to keep you safe." She pats my shoulder and I nod.

My aunt and uncle may have been overbearing at times, but in a way, she's right. They only wanted to protect me.

"I know." I sigh, acknowledging her.

"You know, you're always welcome to stay with me, if you need to get out of the house."

"Thank you, I think I'd like that." I give her a sheepish smile and she hugs my shoulder.

"If you want to take any of your old things with you, you're welcome to." My aunt says, standing to her feet.

"Thank you." I smile, standing up as well.

"Let's order some pizza." I speak, looking over at my aunt, "I'm sure Harry could bring some over."

"I'd like that." She flashes me a smile before disappearing down the hall.

I make my way to the living room, grabbing my phone before giving Harry a call.

"Hey kitten, everything okay?" Harry's voice echos in my ear.

"Yeah, we're fine!" I smile, even though he can't see me, "do you think you could bring over some pizza? I'm getting hungry and.." I trail off for a moment, "I think I'd like to stay the night here tonight." I breathe out.

"Do you want me to stay over as well?" He questions and I think for a moment.

"Yeah, I think that would be nice." I smile to myself, awaiting Harry's response.

"Alright, baby. I'll be over in 30 minutes." He replies before hanging up.

"Aunt Clare?" I speak loudly, hoping to grab my aunt's attention.

She doesn't respond, so I make my way through the house, searching for her.

I walk through the kitchen and the living room, with no luck in finding her yet.

After searching for about five minutes, I enter her room.

"Aunt Clare, you in here?" I speak softly as I enter the room.

I quickly spot her sat on her and my uncle's bed. I move closer and I notice her tear stained cheeks and blood shot eyes.

"Oh aunt Clare.." I breathe out, placing my hand on her shoulder.

She's holding my uncle's favorite sweater in her hands, her tears staining the grey material.

I gently sit on the bed beside her, my fingers grazing her back.

"Hey, it'll be okay." I speak softly, not wanting to cause any harm, "you've still got me." I give her a smile and she gives me a weak one back.

"We can do this." I encourage.

She nods her head, leaning into me.

"I love you Gracie. Thank you for being here with me." She gives me another weak smile, grasping my hand with her frail one.

"I love you too, Aunt Clare."