Chapter Thirty-Nine
Grace
When I got back home, it was around twelve thirty at night. I got changed slowly, brushed my teeth and washed my makeup off and climbed into my soft bed. Within minutes, I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning I breathed in the fresh air and watched my curtains move in the cool breeze.
I got up and changed into my workout clothes and headed to the gym we had in our house.
I worked out until my legs and arms felt like noodles and showered back in my room.
I checked the clock and sighed. It was only one o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. It was summer time and I literally had nothing to do.
I got changed and put on my makeup, even did my hair. I made my way downstairs and an idea came into my head. I walked to Kegan and Nora's suite and knocked on the door.
Kegan opened the door within a minute and surprise flicked across his face.
"Hey, is anything wrong?" He asked worriedly.
I shook my head, "I'm just bored. Do you need any help with anything?" I asked.
He laughed, "I have the weekends off, Grace."
"Oh..." I mumbled awkwardly, "Alright, well I'll see you later then." I turned to walk back to my room but Kegan stopped me.
"I do leave the house you know," He joked.
I blushed, "I know, I'm sorry... it was kind of rude to just assume the only thing you do is work."
He laughed in response, shaking his head. "Grace, chill. I was only joking. I'm actually heading to a party tonight if you want to come? You might make some friends and it would give you something to do."
I paused in surprise, "I don't know..."
"Look, I'm not trying to pressure you or anything," He smiled at me, "I just thought it might be fun for you to get out of the house. I'm not drinking so I could drive you if you wanted."
I smiled, "All right, that sounds like fun."
"Sounds good. Do you want to grab something to eat with us before we go?" Kegan asked.
"Who's going?" I responded curiously.
Kegan blushed, "Sorry, I forgot you don't know anyone. My girlfriend Kelsey is going, along with some of my buddies from high school. They're all friendly, don't worry."
I smiled, "I didn't know you had a girlfriend. How long have you guys been dating?"
"Yeah, we've been dating for about four months now." He grinned.
"Cool, yeah dinner sounds good!" I agreed, excited at the idea of making some new friends.
"Be ready to go around four then." Kegan instructed, "I've got to shower but I'll let you know when I'm ready to go."
"Alright, is it a formal party?" I asked.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's whatever you want to wear, I suppose. A lot the guys wear dress shirts with jeans, most of the girls will probably be wearing summery dresses."
I nodded, waving over my shoulder as I ran back to my room to get ready. It was almost three and I wanted to leave a good first impression.
I chose a light blue dress that went to just above my knees and a pair of black flats. I had already curled my hair into soft loose curls so I just touched up my makeup.
I decided to go on my computer and kill time until it was time to leave. When it was four o'clock, I headed back downstairs to meet Kegan.
"Ready to go?" He asked. He was wearing a black dress shirt with dark jeans and white shoes. He looked handsome, but no one could compare to Jax.
I nodded and we got into his beat up Honda Civic. "Sorry, this isn't the flashiest car but it's reliable." He said bashfully.
I laughed, "It's an awesome car Kegan, better than anything I could have bought before I came here." He seemed to perk up at that, shrugging.
"I do what I can." He smirked as he patted the steering wheel lovingly.
"Her name is Lucy." He said randomly.
I frowned, "Whose name is Lucy?" I asked.
"My car. My car is named Lucy." He grinned at me.
I laughed in response, shaking my head.
When we arrived at Denny's, I hopped out of the car and followed Kegan into the restaurant.
I spotted a large table of loud, laughing teenagers and became nervous.
Kegan walked up to the table and bent down to kiss a pretty brunette near the end of the table.
"Hey, Kels." He smiled at her, and then he turned to me. "Guys," He gathered the table's attention, "this is Grace. She's still pretty new to town and doesn't know anyone. She's a friend of mine so show her how awesome we are."
A couple people chuckled at the last part and smiled at me, there were three girls other than Kelsey, and about five guys. Kegan sat next to Kelsey and I took a seat beside him on the end. I was across from a boy with dirty blonde hair and green eyes.
"I'm Jake." He grinned, "Nice to meet you, Grace." He winked.
I blushed, "You too."
"So you're the one my boyfriend gave the kiss of life to," A girl's voice said to my left.
I turned in surprise and embarrassment to a pretty brunette with honey coloured eyes.
"I'm Kelsey," She said.
I smiled nervously at her; she stared at me without any expression on her face.
"My name is Grace." I responded quietly.
"Oh I know who you are," She responded, earning a confused face from Kegan.
"Um... okay?" I trailed off uncertainly.
I gazed at the brunettes' fierce face worriedly, unsure of what she meant.
Her face was serious as she just continued to stare at me.
She then broke out into a smile, giggling to herself. "You should have seen your face!"
She held her stomach as she laughed, tears nearly spilling over in her hysterics.
I looked around the table and saw that the rest of them looked just as confused as me.
"Um... sorry?" I asked her, raising my eyebrows.
She stopped laughing and took in a deep calming breath.
"Sorry," She chuckled again, "You must think I'm nuts. I just thought it would be fun to mess with you a bit when you got here... make you think I didn't like you. Sorry." She finished, looking bashful.
I let out a breath of relief I didn't realize I was holding.
I laughed a little, "Don't worry about it... I was just a little confused."
She nodded, "So how are you adjusting to things in California?"
"I'm pretty much adjusted, I just find myself getting homesick a lot. It's hard to remind myself that this is my new home now." I smiled.
She looked down, "Sorry, I know that might be tough for you. I heard from Kegan what happened, not to mention it was in a ton of magazines when Michael and Luisana adopted you. You could pick up pretty much any magazine and read about your entire life story."
I sighed, nodding. I had never read any of them because I was scared of what they might say and how I might have reacted.
I shrugged, "I don't mind. I'm not hiding anything so if that's what they feel they want to write about, then so be it."
Kelsey smiled sadly. "I imagine you're pretty bored in that giant mansion all by yourself." She commented, "I know I'm not exactly Hollywood material but if you ever want someone to hang with you can always call me."
I beamed at her happily. "I think I'll definitely take you up on that."
We ordered our food and talked in-between bites of our dinner. When we finished, Kegan sighed and stretched. "Well, should we get going to Seth's party?"
A few of the guys hooted in excitement.
Kelsey leaned over to me as we walked out of the restaurant. "Seth's parties are legendary around here. This is the first one of the summer."
I nodded, feeling nervous butterflies creep their way into my chest.
I made my way over to Lucy, Kegan's beloved car and waited while he unlocked it. Kelsey was riding to Seth's with us and I took the back seat.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out excitedly. I read it and instantly a smile was on my face.
'X'- Hey princess, sorry it's taken me so long to text you back. We're just getting settled in at our first hotel. We're playing the first show of the tour late tomorrow afternoon and doing some radio interviews in between. I love you, I miss you already.
I texted him back immediately, hoping he was still by his phone and he had time to talk.
-Hey J, I miss you like crazy already as well. I'm so excited for you! You're going to have an amazing time tomorrow. I'm on my way to a party with my friend Kegan and his girlfriend. You remember him, right? He works at my house. Wish you were here with me. :(
I looked out the front windshield as I sent the text. A minute later my phone vibrated again.
'X'- I remember him, I think I met him briefly before... he was the guy who rescued you when you fell in the pool, right? He seems like a good guy. Make sure you're safe tonight, I wish I could be there with you as well... don't put your drink down if you decide to drink! I have to get some sleep though, crazy time difference. I love you, have fun and be safe.
I texted him back, happy that he trusted me.
-Haha, yes he was the one who jumped in after me. I'll be careful, don't worry. I don't think I'll be drinking anything, it's more to get to know some new people and make friends. Good luck tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you. Have a good sleep, I love you too. Sweet dreams.
I sighed to myself when I set down my phone again. I was determined to make some friends tonight.
We pulled up outside a beautiful mansion with a white picket fence around it. It was the kind of house you would see in movies. I could hear the music from the outside and Kelsey grabbed my hand and dragged me to the door. It was a relief having someone who had my back by my side.
She gave me a sidelong smirk before she twisted the door open, "get ready to be blown away, Grace!" She cheered, steering us through the double French doors. The bass of the music was so loud I could feel it in the soles of my feet.
I mouthed a startled 'wow' to Kelsey and she laughed as she and Kegan led me through the hallways. We reached the kitchen and a blonde guy with a crooked smirk on his face made his way over to Kegan. The music was slightly quieter in this part of the house, so it was possible to hear each other, but just barely.
"Seth, this is my friend Grace. Grace, this is Seth." Kegan smiled, gesturing to the blonde guy.
I smiled at him, "it's nice to meet you Seth."
He grabbed my hand and kissed my fingers, "the pleasure is all mine, trust me." He winked.
I laughed awkwardly, not knowing what to say to that.
Kegan laughed at my discomfort and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"She's spoken for; he just can't be here tonight." Kegan said to Seth.
Seth nodded, "No worries, I'll be good." He chuckled.
Kelsey returned with drinks for the three of us. She handed Kegan a can of coke, and she held up a plastic cup for me. "I can grab you a coke too, if you don't want to drink." She offered with a smile.
"What's in the cup?" I asked curiously.
"I made you a rum and coke." She answered with a shrug, "I wasn't sure what you would want."
"Maybe I'll grab a coke as well. I don't want to drink too much, but one drink sounds good to me."
She cheered, "That's my girl!" We left Kegan and Seth in the kitchen as Kelsey led me towards the living room where the music was loudest and the most people were gathered.
She started swaying her hips to the music and I joined her, jumping around with the crowd. I found myself laughing and having a great time.
When it was time to go home, we found Kegan asleep on a chair in the living room.
Kelsey giggled, "How can someone fall asleep in the middle of all this noise?"
I didn't know myself, so I just shrugged as she proceeded to wake him up.
We made our way outside to his car and he gave a long yawn.
"Well, that was a fun party." He grinned cheekily and we started the drive towards my house. I noticed a masculine figure in the bushes near the front of the house. As if he sensed I was looking, the figure disappeared. He had looked he was watching us.
I shivered, that was silly. It was a party so obviously there were a lot of people around that could be considered suspicious looking.
When I got home, I found Michael and Luisana waiting up for me.
"Hey, sweetie," She greeted with a smile. They looked tired.
"What's wrong?" I asked immediately.
Michael frowned, "Well, we have some upsetting news... remember the woman that ran the foster home you were put in before we could adopt you?"
I nodded, "Her name was Petunia, right?" I asked.
They nodded slowly, "She was found beaten nearly to death in her room. She's in serious condition and hasn't regained consciousness."
I got the shivers and I felt sad for the woman, even though she hadn't been the best person when I had met her. She certainly didn't deserve what had happened.
"That's awful," I said honestly. They nodded, rubbing my back.
"We didn't know how close you were- so we thought we should tell you in case you wanted to visit her or anything. I don't remember you being on good terms, but we thought you should know anyways." Luisana said.
"We weren't close," I answered, "but thank you for telling me. Do they have any leads?" I asked.
"They think it may have been that boy you shared a room with while you were there." Michael said quietly.
My face paled, "They think it was Tristan?" My heart was beating fast and I hated to say it, but by the amount of rage I had seen inside him in only the few days we had met, it seemed possible he was in fact behind this.
Luisana nodded, "I knew that boy was trouble..."
Michael hugged me tightly. "You're safe, don't worry Grace."
When I made my way upstairs to bed, I found that I was absolutely exhausted and fell asleep quickly.
The next morning, I decided that it was time I visit Aunt Kim and Uncle Pete. I was missing Jax more than ever and I figured they were one of the few people who would be able to relate- not to mention the fact I really missed them both.
I called Kim to make sure it was alright to drop by and I headed over as soon as I was dressed. Michael and Luisana insisted that I take the car with everything that had been happening and I didn't object.
A while later, I was standing in front of their beautiful home.
I knocked on the door and a minute later it was opened quickly by Aunt Kim.
"Grace, there's my girl!" She cried, enveloping me in a large hug.
"Aunt Kim!" I hugged her back tightly, "I missed you," I laughed, realizing it hadn't been that long since I had seen them to begin with.
"Come in, come in!" She ushered me inside the door and we walked into the living room where Uncle Pete was sitting in his wheel chair watching the soccer game.
He looked up at me in surprise and his face contorted into a grimace.
"Kim, I'm going to head to bed." He said quietly, as he wheeled himself down the hall.
It didn't take a genius that there was something wrong. I looked at Aunt Kim's tired face and she sighed.
"He's been like this since the accident." She said sadly, "he's depressed, and he won't talk to me about it at all."
I frowned, "Do you mind if I go talk to him?" I asked. There was just something weird about how whenever I came around he would leave immediately.
"I don't know if that's the best idea, but I'm running out of good ideas in the first place, so if that's what you want go ahead. But please don't take offense if he doesn't want to talk to you." She smiled sadly as she went back to the stove.
I walked down the hall and knocked on the door.
"Yes?" He answered hesitantly.
I opened the door slowly and smiled at him, "Hi Pete. How are you doing?" I asked, walking into the room. He was sitting in front of the window, just staring out.
He gave an ironic chuckle. He took a deep breath and turned to face me.
"You know, these past couple months have been the worst of my entire life," He began, looking at me sadly, "I thought you were put in my life as punishment."
I stared at him, dumbfounded and hurt by his words.
"W-what do you mean?" I asked quietly.
He clasped his hands together on his lap. "Did you ever find it ironic that we were in the hospital at the same time, Grace?" He asked me.
I shook my head, "I've never thought about it." I responded quietly.
Pete continued on, "I was a semi-truck driver Grace, and I hit a family of four travelling in a minivan when I had a heart attack. It was a head on collision." He stared at me, willing to understand.
I took a step back, realization dawning on me.
"Y-you were the semi that hit our car?" My voice quivered, "that killed my family?"
Pete looked devastated and he reached out a hand to me, but I stepped back in heartbreak and shock. I never knew what I would do if I came face to face with the person who had caused the accident, but it turns out I'd known them the entire time.
"How long have you known?" I asked, tears collecting in my eyes.
He looked down, "I've known since we were released from the hospital."
I didn't know what to say, do, or how to feel. I knew tears were running down my face and I backed away from the man I had grown to care about. It was almost like I was part of some big, cruel, cosmic joke. I had considered the man who had killed my real family a part of my new broken one.
A sob tore through my throat as I ran down the hallway. Aunt Kim looked startled and jumped up from her seat on the couch. I didn't slow down as I ran out of the house.
"Grace! What happened?" She called out of the doorway, trying to catch up to me, "are you alright?" She cried, stopping as I threw open my car door.
I was in hysterics. I backed the car down the driveway and drove around the corner and parked. I broke down and every sob shook me to my core.
Why, when things were finally looking up did something have to set me back?
I knew it wasn't Pete's fault directly- he had suffered a heart attack that caused him to lose control of his truck. I just couldn't bring myself to face the man who had still killed my family- and unintentionally ruined my life.
It had been two days since I had left my room. Luisana and Michael had tried and tried again to get me to talk to them about what had happened.
I couldn't begin to voice what was going inside my head at the moment. I couldn't accept the fact that Pete, Jax's uncle had been the one who was driving the semi-truck that collided with my family's car.
I couldn't help but feel like I had betrayed my family. I had gotten close with the person who had killed them. It was like I was in some sort of horrible, outrageous TV show where everything in my life went bad in the blink of an eye.
A fresh batch of warm, hot tears trickled down my cheeks and I heard another knock on the door. I buried my face in my pillows, knowing they would come inside anyways to check on me.
"Grace, we have someone here who wants to see you." Luisana said quietly, putting her hand on my shoulder, rubbing little circles into my back soothingly.
I didn't answer, just kept my face in my pillows. How was someone supposed to cope with something like this, to be able to just pretend like nothing had happened?
I felt my bed dip down and a warm masculine voice spoke up. "Hey, what's going on?"
It was Kegan. I shrugged my shoulders, not wanting to talk at all.
"Come on Grace, you have to talk to someone. Luisana is worried sick, Michael is looking into councillors to come and talk to you, because they have no idea what happened. Please, let someone in."
I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole.
"It's not fair to assume that you have to keep this to yourself you know, you worry everyone else in the process. If you let someone know what's going on, they may be able to help you figure this out." Kegan sighed, not knowing how to reach me.
"No one can fix this." I mumbled quietly into my pillow.
I turned my head and peeked up at him tiredly.
He looked somewhat relieved I had responded to him, but when he saw my face his expression turned to panic.
"Grace, what happened? At least tell me." He begged.
I felt my throat tightening, my eyes filled with tears and I took a trembling breath.
I sat up a little, resting my back on my headboard.
"I... know who killed my family." I said, covering my face with my hands, unable to control the grief inside me.
Kegan's whole demeanor changed, becoming deathly serious. "What do you mean, Grace?" He demanded, his protectiveness coming through in his tone.
I sniffled, trying hopelessly to control the sobs in my chest. "Pete. Uncle Pete."
Kegan looked confused for a moment before realization dawned on him.
"No..." He whispered, stunned into silence.
I nodded, sobbing harder. Kegan moved to sit beside me and put an arm around my shoulders.
"What happened?" He asked quietly.
I noticed Michael and Luisana standing by the door, holding onto each other for dear life. Their faces were as pale as sheets.
I looked down at my hands.
"Pete was driving on the highway when he suddenly had terrible chest pains. He didn't realize what was happening until he had passed out at the wheel. He was driving a large semi-truck and we were coming up in the opposite lane. We were laughing and Preston and I were bothering each other, as usual. I looked up and saw the truck heading straight for us. I screamed for my dad to watch out, but it was too late..." I recalled the horrific memory and blackness took over my eyes for a second.
I only realized I was hyperventilating when Kegan's hands shook my shoulders softly.
"Grace, you're okay. You're here." He said softly, his voice slightly hoarse.
"I heard the stories on the news, but they never said his name. I knew the driver had a heart attack, but I didn't know it was Pete." I sobbed as my memories assaulted me.
Kegan sat there until I had fallen soundly asleep. When I opened my eyes again, I didn't know where I was.
I got slowly out of bed, and as I looked down at my clothes realized I was no longer in my pajamas but in a pretty white dress.
I wasn't in my room, but in a beautiful suite. Everything was pure white, and I panicked for a moment. Where am I? I wondered to myself.
I turned the knob of the door that I assumed led out of the room. I was met by a long hallway. I followed it confusedly, wondering what on earth was going on.
The hallway opened up into a beautiful foyer- and like everything else in the house, it was all white. I looked around the room at shining white the marble floors with beautiful matching leather couches and fluffy pillows.
I continued to walk towards another set of doors and opened them slowly.
Three people sat in the room, laughing, as they played some sort of card game.
"Um, hello?" I asked nervously, staring at the back of their heads.
They stopped laughing and turned to me in surprise. Their faces were shocked for a moment before breaking into beautiful smiles.
I gasped and took a step backwards in disbelief. I pinched my arm, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Grace," My mother cried, running over to give me a hug.
"Mom?" I let out a broken sob, as I grabbed onto her, hugging her tightly.
"Why are you here?" Preston asked me worriedly. "We're supposed to be the ones coming to see you, not the other way around." I smiled at his protectiveness. He was the best older brother anyone could ask for.
He hugged me next, and we stayed like that for a moment, enjoying each other's company.
I turned to face my dad, who had tears in his eyes. "There's my baby girl. You get more beautiful every day." He smiled proudly at me, giving me a kiss on my forehead.
I hugged him tightly, feeling like any second this dream would come crashing down, leaving me even more broken than before.
"Okay baby, what's brought you here?" My mom got right down to business.
I frowned at her, confused, "where is here?" I asked.
She smiled at me, "Where do you think?" She laughed, and the sound was music to my ears.
I closed my eyes for a moment, just letting it sink in.
"You know where you are." She laughed again, holding onto my hand tightly.
"Am I in Heaven?" I asked her. She smiled again, shaking her head slightly.
"Not exactly- you're dreaming. But we're here with you in spirit right now. Sometimes, we get to do a little more than watch over you from above. A lot of people dream about their loved ones like this, but most just brush it off as a good dream afterwards."
I nodded, tears filling my eyes again for what felt like the millionth time that day.
"I miss you all so much," I whispered brokenly.
My mom's eyes softened, "we miss you just as much, baby. But you're doing beautifully. We're so proud of how strong you've become. Michael and Luisana love you like their own, and you met a wonderful boy too," Her eyes twinkled mischievously.
Preston huffed, rolling his eyes. "He's just lucky I'm not there to question his intentions with my baby sister."
I poked him in the side, laughing a little.
"He's wonderful. I wish you all could have met him." I said sadly, sniffling a little.
My dad put his arm around my shoulder and looked at me seriously, "Now what is really going on?"
I looked at the ground, ashamed that I had been so oblivious.
"Jaxon's uncle was the one who crashed into our car." I whispered.
When no one spoke, I looked up slowly. They were all looking at me with their eyebrows raised.
"We already know that, Grace." My dad said slowly.
My mom nodded and gave me a small smile.
"What happened is not his fault, you know." She said quietly.
I looked up at her startled, "But he's the reason you're gone."
My mom sighed, "Do you not think he knows that as well? If he wasn't on the road that day, things may have been different, or someone else could have been the one to hit our car instead. I can't say for sure, but one thing I do know is that everything happens for a reason."
I stared at her in disbelief. "How are you alright with this?" I asked.
My mom took my hand in hers. "Grace, we miss you every day. But we're always watching over you. Pete grieves over what happened every second of every day. He is in a deep depression- over something that was in no way his fault. Do you understand?" She asked me, searching my eyes.
I didn't say anything.
"And since I know you're beating yourself up over this, the fact that you have been there supporting him and his family, is an amazing thing. Don't ever doubt that because of what happened. We don't blame him for what happened, and neither should you. Pete needs you to forgive him." My father added.
I stared at my feet for a moment, "I don't know if I can..." I said.
Preston piped up. "Grace, if it were the other way around and I was the one back home, not you, wouldn't you want the same thing? You've found someone you love, and his family loves you just as much. They're the reason you were able to come out of your own depression- because people love you down there. Don't hold onto hate and anger- it turns good people into monsters."
I considered his words carefully. I nodded slowly.
"It just hurts," I whispered in response.
Preston pulled me towards him for a hug, "I know. But you have to be strong. Let me show you something," He said, leading me out of the room and down the hallway a little bit.
We ended up in a theatre where he sat us down and suddenly, a picture came to life on the screen.
It was Pete. He was sitting in his wheelchair facing the window in his bedroom.
"What is...?" I began, but Preston brought a finger to his lips, silencing me.
We both watch as he slowly turned his chair around and wheeled towards the corner of the room where his medications were. I started to get more nervous the longer I watched.
He picked up a bottle of pills and I read the label. Anti-depressants.
"Oh no..." I whispered, looking at my brother with wide eyes.
Preston turned my attention back to the screen and I watched in horror as Pete poured the contents of the bottle into the palm of his hand.
"If he takes all of those..." I panicked, jumping to my feet.
"Grace, watch," Preston urged.
I looked again, horrified as Pete seemed to consider overdosing on the medication.
But slowly, he tilted his palm so they fell back into the bottle.
I whirled around to face Preston again. "He's contemplating suicide?!" I half screeched.
He nodded solemnly. "He doesn't expect you to ever forgive him Grace, because he can't even forgive himself."
I felt sick to my stomach and I needed to get out of this room.
I realized now that I couldn't hate Pete for something he couldn't control. He had become a part of my life, part of my messed up family. He had been someone who was so full of life. I already knew how this was affecting Aunt Kim. She was hopeless- she didn't know what she could do to help him, and I wasn't even sure she knew herself what had really happened.
I had to forgive him- today.
We walked back to where my parents were and we all hugged each other tightly.
"We'll be with you Grace, never doubt that." My mom kissed my cheek and brushed a lock of hair from my eyes.
My dad hugged my tightly, "Until next time, baby girl." He smiled at me warmly and kissed my other cheek.
Preston smirked at me, "By the way, nice going with Harper. I didn't know that punch was coming, I guess you're feistier than we thought." He face turned serious for a moment before adding, "But always remember that everyone's facing their own battle. Love you little sis." He hugged my shoulders tightly and everything went black.
I woke up to Kegan hugging me tightly.
"What are you doing here?" I asked with a laugh.
His eyes opened slowly and he gasped, shooting out of bed and falling on the floor.
"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep here, but you were crying when you fell asleep so I thought you could use a friend." He rambled, looking horrified.
I laughed, taking him by surprise.
"You're feeling better then?" He asked hopefully.
I nodded, "It still hurts, but I know it wasn't his fault. I'm going to talk to him today."
Kegan pursed his lips, "Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asked worriedly.
I nodded, "He needs to know I don't blame him anymore."
He smiled, "Well I'm glad. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to."
I smiled, "Thanks Kegan. You're the best friend a girl could ask for."
He bowed, "I do what I can. Anyway, I have to help my mom out today, are you alright getting there yourself?"
I gave him a thumbs up in response and said goodbye as I went to take a much needed shower. I felt disgusting, and I gave Kegan props for staying around me when I was so badly groomed. He really was a great friend.
I took a long, hot shower and dried off after, throwing my hair into a high ponytail. I quickly put on a pair of jean shorts and a tank top and ran out the door, slipping my flip flops on as I grabbed the car keys.
Michael and Luisana were out on business and had left a note telling me that they loved me and would be back soon. I quickly scribbled one back and headed out the door.
When I pulled up outside of their home, I sat there for a moment to gather my confidence.
I knocked on the door and Aunt Kim answered it a moment later.
Her face broke out into a breathtaking smile before quickly turning into a crushed frown.
"Grace, Luisana and Michael called me to tell me what happened. I had no idea, I am so sorry." She whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
I wrapped my arms around hers and sighed, "I've been doing a lot of thinking since I found out. I know it's not Pete's fault." I gave her a small smile. "Can I please talk to him?" I asked.
She nodded slowly, brushing her hand over my cheek. "He's locked himself away since you ran out a couple days ago. Hasn't spoken a word to anyone..." Her voice cracked, "you got through to him once Grace when he was in a coma, and I will forever be grateful, and I know I don't have the right to ask, but please, try to reach him again."
"I will do my best," I gave her a sad smile and headed down the hall to where Pete was.
I gave a small knock before opening the door and wasn't surprised to see him sitting in front of the window as usual.
"Hi, Pete." I said quietly, when he hadn't moved at all.
He jumped, turning to look at me in surprise and bewilderment. His expression was grave.
"Grace..." He said quietly, not sure what I was doing there.
I took a deep breath and began, "I never knew what I would do if I came face to face with the truck driver that had collided with us. In fact, I never thought I would,"
I paused to look at Pete's face and the only expression on his face was devastation.
I continued, "but it turns out fate had other plans. I had always told myself that it wasn't the driver's fault- he had a heart attack. I was sure that I had forgiven him; because it wasn't in his control- then I found out that you were the driver. I felt guilty because I had grown to love you and everyone in this family, and it felt like I was turning on my family because of it."
Pete lowered his head and stared at the ground in self-loathing.
"I don't blame you for the accident. I never have, and it just took my heart a little while longer to catch up with my brain. You had a heart attack, Pete. You survived- we survived... and I think that we're here for a reason. I forgive you." I smiled, tears brimming my eyes.
Pete was still staring at the ground when his shoulders began to shake from his sobs.
"I am so sorry, Grace. I have lived every day since the crash wanting to trade places with your family. I have never hated someone as much as I hate myself." He whispered.
I walked over to him and sat beside him. I took his hand in mine and smiled.
"That's pretty silly, because I think you're a great person." I said seriously, "We're both still broken- and will probably still feel pretty crappy from time to time, but if I can live through this so can you." I gestured towards his pill bottles and gave him a disapproving look.
"Aunt Kim could never forgive herself if you chose to end your life. She loves you more than anyone else on this planet. She almost lost you once; she couldn't go through that again. I forgive you, Pete. The only person who you need forgiveness from now, is yourself."
He stared up at me in disbelief. "H-how do you know about the pills?" He stammered.
I smiled, pointing up towards the sky. "We've all got guardian angels."
He looked at me a moment and slowly, life began to fill his eyes again.
"Yes, yes we do." He agreed, his lips twitching with a smile.
I got up and went to hug him but he put his hand up, signaling me to stop.
I stared at him in confusion before I realized what he was doing.
I gasped as I watched uncle Pete fight to stand up for the first time since the accident.
Sweat beaded his forehead in the enormous effort it took to use forgotten muscles for the first time in months.
My eyes widened when he took his first step. He was a little wobbly, so I rushed to grab his cane.
There were tears in my eyes again, not from sadness, but from new hope and love.
"Now, about that hug." He chuckled, opening his arms.
I hugged him tightly, "Everything will be alright."
He nodded, "I know. Let's go help Aunt Kim get dinner ready." He patted my shoulder as he took one slow step in front of another.
I stayed close, ready to help him if he needed.
Aunt Kim is going to need to sit down for this. I grinned.
We reached the end of the hallway and Pete cleared his throat. Aunt Kim was washing dishes in the sink and they clattered against the counter when she dropped them.
She whirled around in shock to hear her husband's voice and started sobbing with joy almost instantly when she saw him standing.
"Oh my goodness," She whispered, hugging Pete fiercely.
Over his shoulder, she smiled at me with tears in her eyes. Thank you. She mouthed.
I shook my head with a smile at her, this was all Pete.
"So, what are we having for dinner?" Pete asked, gesturing towards the food ready to be prepared on the counter.
Aunt Kim smiled, "Meat loaf." She wiped a tear from her cheek.
"My favorite." Pete kissed her on the cheek and walked slowly to the counter to help prepare the food.
I stared at them as they talked happily together, and all I could think of was how much I missed Jax.
My phone beeped and I read the message. My heart sank in dread when I read it.
'X'- We need to talk.
I had locked myself in my room after reassuring Michael and Luisana that I was doing better and that I loved them.
I still hadn't replied to the ominous text message Jax had sent me... and it had been two hours.
I had no idea how to respond. I hadn't talked to him in a few days over the phone, just sent a few text messages when he wasn't super busy. I was finding it harder and harder to be without him, and instead of it getting easier it was getting worse. I wasn't getting used to the distance we had between us.
He had only been gone about two weeks... if we couldn't get through this part of the journey, I didn't have much hope with surviving a year.
I shook my head violently at the thought of anything happening to us. I wouldn't let that happen. We had been through too much together and come too far to give up now.
I opened the message for the millionth time that night and just stared at it.
"Grace, stop being such a baby." I muttered to myself. I took a deep breath and texted a quick response.
-Hey J, sorry it took me so long to reply... I got a little freaked out over your word choice. Some things have happened the past couple days and I don't think that texting is the best way to tell you. I love you.
I sent the text and felt my heartbeat increase, worried sick over what he might be thinking.
'X'- Well, you'll be able to tell me in person tomorrow.
When I read the text message, I just stared down at it dumbfounded. After it finally sunk in I jumped up from my seat on the couch in shock.
"Oh my god, Jax is coming home!" I yelled in happiness.
After I had calmed down a little bit, I noticed that he hadn't told me he loved me back. I slowly sank back down into the couch and typed another message.
-Is everything alright?
He responded a minute later and my heart froze in my chest.
'X'- No. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night.
Trying extremely hard not to freak out, I texted him back quickly.
-... Okay, goodnight Jax. I love you.
I waited for twenty minutes before giving up on a response. I couldn't believe that after all the waiting, he was finally coming home and I couldn't even be excited because of the anxiety that he had brought on with his text messages.
I prayed that it was something silly and he just didn't feel like texting me tonight.
... I wasn't that naïve that I actually believed that though.
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