Gen. 5.20-Matthew

Dad tried to convince me not to do this. With everything that had happened yesterday and this morning, he told me I’d had a panic attack and passed out. He didn’t think I could handle any more stress, but I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t even know why I had to be here, they knew it was Kia, she was found in her room, but they said it was procedure. That same word Ms. Logan stated when she showed up. Everything was procedure. They needed her next of kin to make a positive ID, so here I stood looking down at my wife. I kept hoping this was a bad dream, that at any moment I’d wake and the nightmare would be over. She was gone. She’d spent the last few hours of her life probably scared and angry, thinking she was unwanted. Her father had abandoned her and then I sent her here. Why didn’t she believe I would come back for her? Why did she do this?

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Gen. 5.15-Matthew

A chilly breeze blew causing Kia to tighten her arm around mine and I glanced down at her.

“How are you feeling?”

I wasn’t going to attend the lighting of the tree in town square, but Kia insisted on us attending with the rest of the family despite the fact she hadn’t been feeling well.

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As Life Goes: Gen. 5.4-Matthew

The next day Mom spent a lot of time out with her plants. She had broken down into tears when Dad got home after his attempted talk with Claudia’s mom. He said her mind was made up and that she wouldn’t let her daughter’s life be ruined by some ‘careless fuck-up’.  Dad tried to tell them that we would take the baby, but Claudia refused to be 'fat and ugly'. I needed focus. I needed order. Counting wasn’t even helping. I was restless the whole day. I constantly checked the sinks making sure there were no leaks. I cleaned everything.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.28

Today my baby was growing up. I couldn't believe how the time had flown by. It seemed like only yesterday I was bringing Matthew home from the hospital and today he was turning 6. A big boy, going off to school in the fall. Growing up. Jonas and I decided to throw his party at the local candy store. Kids loved to hang out there to play games and have fun. Hope and Caleb couldn't make it out this time. Caleb's niece had been attacked and they were dealing with a family crisis. I felt bad for Starr. She was a nice girl, liked to have fun. I had an ache in my heart hearing what happened to her. I knew all too well how she was feeling.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.27

I loved being a mother. I'd never known it could be possible to have love so deeply for someone so tiny, but I did. Every time I looked at Matt, my heart swelled. Jonas was just as in love with his son. We worked well together, caring for him.

Late night feedings, changing dirty diapers, baby vomit, all of it, Jonas happily took care of. Watching him with our son only made me love him more.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.25

***You are cordially invited to the wedding of Jonas Solo and Grace Gruber. 

Please be sure to visit the wedding album for more shots of the happy couple***

I was getting married today. I couldn't believe it. Mom and Hope helped with the planning. Jonas and I wanted something outside since we both had a love of nature, however taking my family into consideration we opted for an indoor venue that made it feel like we were outside. Forever Green Garden House was a beautiful venue located about thirty minutes outside of Barnacle Bay.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.24

My head was pounding when I opened my eyes. I looked around. I was at home. How did I get home? I swung my legs over the side of my bed. I stood and stretched. I felt like I was floating. I was floating! I'm floating!

"JONAS!"

Both he and Vor appeared in my doorway.

"You're up! I've been so worried, you've been out for two days."

"Yes I'm up, as in my feet won't touch the floor how do I make it stop?!"

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.20

The next day I woke up still feeling excited about last night. When I'd texted Hope, she couldn't contain herself to just typing out messages. Instead she'd called me and I spent a good hour outside on the back porch talking to her. I thought she'd bust my eardrum when I told her he kissed me since she'd squealed so loudly. When I told her how I felt afterwards, she said it was the same thing she had with Caleb when they'd kissed for the first time that her whole world changed. It was still strange to hear her talk like that, but remembering how she looked when around him, I knew she didn't lie. It was crazy how much difference a day can make.

"Good morning, honey."

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.19

He was asking permission. He wanted to kiss me. HE WANTED TO KISS ME! What do I do? What do I say? I've never been kissed. I've never wanted to be kissed. Was he going to do it anyway? 

"Grace?"

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said anything. You look terrified right now so...I'll just take you home." He got up and put his hand out towards me. When I hesitated, he took a step back giving me extra space. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to freak you out. It's just I let myself hope...never mind let me get you home. It's late."

I stood silent. He looked upset and I didn't know what to say. I focused on his wings as they fluttered in the moonlight. They were beautiful.

"Your wings shimmer. They're like a built-in nightlight."

"Yeah, I guess they are. I've never really thought of it like that."

More awkward silence. I looked over at Vor who was curled up in the sand, he was going to need a bath tomorrow.

"We should get going."

"You said you'd let yourself hope. Hope for what?" I asked.

"It's nothing and I've already stuck my foot in my mouth enough for one night."

"Please tell me."

Jonas covered his face with his hands and took a few deep breaths. "I've enjoyed being your friend, Grace. I liked your company and I liked being around you so I looked for any and all opportunities to do so. You have trust issues, I know this, and it's not my place to ask why. I've been more than happy to be your friend, but..."

I held my breath waiting on his next words. I worried he was going to tell me he was finally fed up with my crazy hang-ups. I'd freaked out on him a few times, no sane person would want to continue to be around someone flaky like me.
 
"But what?"

"But I'd hoped that one day you'd see me as more. That we could be more."

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.16

"Hope...this is...wow," Dad gushed.

"Yeah, I know, but it's great isn't it?"

Dad pulled her into a hug and Mom went over to join. They were all so happy to see her like that. Like them. She told them the story about how she came to that decision, that Caleb was willing to become human for her, but that it made more sense for her to become a vampire.

"It's just like you and Dad. He's the one and now I'll never have to leave his side."

Dad looked over at Caleb and I waited for him to get angry or pull one of his typical 'dad' moves, but he didn't. He hugged him instead.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.15

After my return the feelings I had of being watched were worse than ever. I hated going into town now but worse than that being at home also kept me on edge. I tried to go about my normal routine as much as possible, telling myself it was all in my head. I was a nobody, unimportant, I knew there was no way someone was really watching me. I tried talking to Hope, but she was busy. First the honeymoon then relocating across country to settle into married life.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.14

The wedding was beautiful. Hope looked amazing, I'd never seen her so happy. Caleb and his entire family were extremely nice and Hope seemed to fit right in. She was planning on getting a job transfer to Aurora Skies and settling down there with his family. She said it was an easy call since she didn't live near us anyway. My sister was married. I never thought I'd see the day that would happen yet she was, and overjoyed about it.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.13

Hope was still doing well in the competition, so well in fact she was one of two girls left. Barnacle Bay was a small town so it was no surprise her being on the show made the newspaper. Being only one of two, she was able to call and talk to us finally. She sounded happy and was really enjoying her time there. Dad wasn't keen on that, he still thought Caleb spent too much time shirtless. Erin disagreed. I was excited for Hope, during her 'confessional' time she talked like she really liked this guy, she even mentioned the possibility of relocating to be with him if she won. That was crazy, but then again she was like Dad. It took the right woman for him maybe it only took the right man for her. Odd that my sister may have found him on a show like that.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.12

Much to Dad's dismay, Hope was still on the show. There had been some catty moments that got Mom ticked off, especially when one of the girls slapped Hope. I'd never heard Mom get so pissed before. She started cussing, which was a shock, she never seemed to lose her temper, but she was ready to hop on the next plane to Monte Vista. It was a rare thing to hear Dad tell her to calm down, but he had too.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.11

When I got home I broke down into tears. Jonas had been texting and calling me since I left but I wouldn't respond. I freaked out and ran away because I'm scared of the dark. I'm a grown woman scared of the dark. I pulled out my phone to call Hope, but remembered I couldn't. Last time we spoke she told me she'd been picked to go on some reality TV show called The One.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.6

"So glad I caught you before you left."

That made one of us. "Is there something wrong? Did she over pay me?"

That had to be it. I mean I didn't think I'd taken in that much. Mostly grapes and some lettuce, and a few lemons. I was expecting $100 at the most, not the $450 I got.

"What? No, I'm sure she paid you the correct price. I...I was wondering if you wanted to go for coffee."

Coffee? It was four in the afternoon, why on earth would I drink coffee now? Besides I didn't even like coffee so regardless his question would get the same answer.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.2

Two years after graduation and I was still living at home. I kept Carter for Mom and Dad when they had to work or if they wanted a night out.

That little boy and I were growing close. He was sweet and fun to hang around. He'd play outside with me while I worked in my garden. Hope was having a blast at college and when she was home for visits she tried to talk me into coming.

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Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.1

***SENSITIVE ISSUES DISCUSSED***

They say there are moments in life that shape you, define who you will be as a person. Little things like learning to drive or going to prom. The latter I was roped into by Hope who needed me to round out the 'group date' since Dad wouldn't let her go on individual dates still. I loved my sister, she was my twin, how could I not, but we were so different, still are. But, back to what I was saying about moments in life. My parents getting married was one of those moments. Most teens aren't the bridesmaids for their mother, but Hope and I were and it was great. That moment showed me patience really was a virtue.

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Going Solo: Davis Gen 3.24

***Note this last chapter will be pic heavy***

Today was my wedding day. Everything had been planned. I never thought I'd have a day like this, but now that it was here, I understood why Mom and Sha were so damned excited. Cora and the girls got up early to meet Mom and Sha at the spa. Dad was coming over later with Nick so we could get ready. Until then, I spent some rare quiet time doing some uninterrupted gaming. Yes I said gaming. Living with three females left me very little time to do this.

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Going Solo: Davis Gen 3.23

The next day was the girls' birthday. Mom, Sha, and Dad all offered congratulations to Cora and I. The girls were very excited when they heard we were getting married.  Cora and I were excited, but didn't want to overshadow the girls' day. I couldn't believe so much time had passed. My little girls, my babies were no longer that. Instead they were now beautiful young women. I was ready to send them off to an all girls school, but Cora vetoed that idea.

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