Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.8

***So we have a slight change of events in this chapter. It was asked to know Jonas' thoughts/feelings on the situation so after thinking it over, I decided to give a little insight into his frame of mind. Not a lot, just the background stuff that is running around in my head when I write his character. Hope this little tidbit gives you guys a good idea of how I see my version of Jonas.***

Jonas

When she called for her dog, at first I thought she meant to use him as defense but I quickly waved away that idea. I could hardly contain my excitement; she actually agreed to stay and talk. I'd seen her around town every so often, but she was never alone. She was with her mom or a cute little boy, or both. I wondered if the boy was hers, they looked alike other than the fact he was a vampire whereas she appeared to be human. She'd even come into the store a few times, but since she was usually with her mom, I was too nervous to approach her. Nervous...like I was a teenager or something.

When I saw her heading to the store that day I'd wondered if I'd finally work up the nerve to talk to her and when she'd nearly fallen it was like the stars had aligned to force our interaction. I was not, however, prepared for her reaction, she was scared of me. Like really scared of me. I'd always thought myself to be a friendly guy but she apparently didn't agree. When her mom showed up, their conversation told me whatever she was afraid of wasn't me directly. That was a relief. Learning she was my meeting that morning was the best news. I had a chance, a reason to talk to her, finally. I even learned her name.

Grace, it was as beautiful as she was. After I lost my wife, I didn't think I'd ever be interested in another woman and I wasn't until her. Grace was quiet, but when she spoke, her soft voice was like music to my ears. I was so grateful that it was now the last thing I heard before going to sleep. Grace had a beautiful aura, warmth and kindness radiated from her always. Even when she was scared.

She projected a healthy distrust and fear of not just me but men and I wondered if it had to do with a past relationship. The father to her possible child? The thought of some man hurting her angered me like never before. Grace was sweet and beautiful and should be cherished always. Something I would gladly do if given the chance. If not, I'm honored just to be allowed within her world as a friend.

Grace

We took a seat on one of the benches. There were people, lots of people. That was both a good and bad thing. This was a bad idea. Vor started whimpering as if he sensed my unease. I shushed him, rubbing behind his ears and he settled at my feet.

"It's a beautiful day," Jonas commented.

"I...I should go."

I couldn't do it. Too many people. He was too close to me, even sitting at the other end of the bench. My heart pounded within my chest, I needed to get home. I stood and he did the same.

"Wait. Please."

He pulled out his phone and I felt mine buzz a few seconds later.

Don't go.

"You sent me a text? I'm standing right in front of you."

He didn't respond. Instead he typed away on his phone. This was crazy. What was wrong with him? Who sent text to a person they were looking at?

  
But you were leaving. I don't want you to be nervous so 

maybe you can sit on one bench and I can sit on another 

and we can talk in a manner you're more comfortable with.

"Why are you doing this? And don't text me. Just...answer."

"Because I want to get to know you. I thought...well I hoped we could be...friends."

There was that word. The only one that didn't think I should be 'friends' with Jonas was Dad, but that was mostly because Jonas was a male, so Mom said his opinion didn't count. I however tended to agree with him, the last male that I was even remotely friendly with proved that men, male friends couldn't be trusted. Then I thought about Hope's words the last time we'd talked, she told me that not every guy would be like 'him' and I should be open to the possibility of at least talking to people outside of the family.

"Friends? Why?"

"Why not? Is it such a hard concept that I'd want to be your friend?"

"I don't know...maybe. I...I've never really had any. Other than Vor and my family of course."

A strange look crossed his face. I wasn't sure if he was shocked or confused by my statement. Either way it was kinda comical and it make me smile.

"You should do that more often."

"Do what?"

"Smile. You have a beautiful one that should be shared more often."

I felt my face heat up. I don't know why his comment embarrassed me. I turned and started walking away, towards one of the benches at the end of the park.

"Thank you for staying."

"How old are you? Oh wait, is that rude to ask. I know it's supposedly a big no-no to ask a woman her age according to my mom and grandmother, but does the same apply to men?"

Jonas started laughing. I guess I did sorta just blurt that out, but it was something I wanted to know.

"Well...guess it depends on the person and the reason they are being asked. Can I ask why you want to know?"

"Well I thought you'd be old when Mom said I was meeting you the first time, but you weren't, aren't, or don't look it. But then, as you know, my parents are vamps so their aging has effectively stopped so I wasn't sure if the same was true for fairies. You're the first one I've talked to. My parents are actually in their mid-forties, but don't look it."

He looked thoughtful for a moment as if processing my statement. "Would it bother you if I was older than I looked?"

"I don't know...no...guess not. I mean my dad is old, but he doesn't act it. Guess it's not really important, I was just wondering."

"What's the saying? You're only as old as you feel? To answer your question, yes it is the same. Just like vampires, when we hit a certain age our aging slows down, a lot. I don't look a day over 25, but I am older than that."

"How much older?"

"Well, let's just say that the fact your father kept calling me boy is pretty funny since based on what you said I'm older than him."

"That's...kinda weird."

"Does it bother you?"

"Well...no actually. You don't look it and you don't act it so it's easy to think you're actually my age. Let's just hope Dad never asks because he already doesn't like you so I'm pretty sure knowing your age wouldn't help."

"Ouch. Any hope he'll change his mind?"

"Not sure. It's nothing personal, if he had it his way me and both of my sisters would be locked away in a convent until we were 60. He has that whole my babies should never date mentality which should apply more to Hope than me. She is more like him than he cares to admit. He, however, doesn't apply the same rules to my brother although Mom gets on to Carter about respecting women. Let's just say my folks are odd."

"Brother...he's your brother."

Jonas started laughing to himself. It was strange, but I was learning he had some odd quirks. Once I started talking to him, I didn't feel as nervous as I was before. It was a odd feeling. We spent the next few hours talking about lots of things and nothing. He told me about all the places he'd traveled and we talked about gardening and why he opened the store. He was kinda funny at times and I actually found myself enjoying his company.

He asked if I ever considered having my parents turn me so I'd live forever like them. It honestly wasn't something I'd ever thought about. Hope was more likely to go that route if anyone, I don't think she could handle the idea of growing old. Me on the other hand, it was a fact of life, a moment that was not meant to be cheated by everyone. It was strange to think that one day I'd be older than my parents, at least in the looks department, but I did not wish to live forever. They had each other, who wanted to live forever alone? When I asked if fairies could turn people into other fairies he got a little quiet before answering with a simple no.

Vor came over and started nudging my leg. Jonas reached over and scratched him behind the ear. Vor dropped to his back asking for a belly rub that Jonas happily gave.

"He's a great dog. And I'm glad he no longer seems to dislike me."
 

"Yeah, he's my best friend, the best gift my Dad ever gave me. And he's probably hungry so I need to go."
"Thank you for talking to me. Hopefully we can do it again sometime."

He smiled at me, giving me that same friendly smile, only this time I didn't feel nervous or afraid of it. Jonas walked me to my truck and Vor and I headed to my parents house for weekly dinner.