Home is where the heart is....*story of heartship*

The sharp sound of high heels pierce the granite floor as Janey Edge leads me down the hallway. The court case had gone down well, but as usual, it left me feeling depleted. But this time, it felt as though it was almost over. Like just a few more times of this and it will finally be over. I hope I can last that long.

Janey, my social worker, opens the courthouse doors, seats me in her Lexus and drives safely fast.

"That went well. It's nearly over, Grace. Just a few more of this"

I nod. Tears are finding their way to my cheeks, because as much as I pretend that this is all okay, it sure does not feel like it on the inside.

Jolting me from my rambling thoughts, she puts on the radio. She stops at the corner, and takes a sharp right. And a few minutes later, it's over, just like that. I'm home.

Okay, I don't have a home. But it's pretty close.

As soon as I step out of the car, I hear sounds of numerous children playing, boys play-fighting, and girls gossiping.

"Gracie dear, how did it go?" asks Delilah, the caretaker of this place. Sort of like a mom, but not quite.

Since these things always leave me too distraught to speak, Janey fills her in, and gently pats me on the back.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Grace. We must go to the lawyer so he can have your full, final testimony." she says in a soft tone, then turns around and jumps into her car. Delilah ushers me inside and offers me a drink in the big, eating room. It feels more like a camp cafeteria but it will do, for now.

"I hope you are writing in that diary I gave you" she says.

"Yes, I have" I lie

"Have you made any New Years resolutions?" she asks

"Some" I say. But I am not willing to share. She then walks me back to the room I share with five annoying girls. Patricia, Cloe, Belle, Lara and Tina. Belle is my favorite, but I don't really care for any of them. So I sit at the desk we all have to share, and pull out the diary Delilah gave me once she left. And surprisingly, I write quite a bit.

Sunday, January 1, 2006.

I suppose life begin's when you are born. But for me, it only really began when my parents were taken into custody and I was shoved into a children’s home. Because before that, I was dead.

Okay, that sounds a little melodramatic. But the caretaker at this orphanage told me to write how I feel. So I'm trying.

She also told me to be absolutely gut-level honest with my diary. Because if I am not, I will only be lying to myself. Or trying to create a reality which is not true. So I suppose I should write a little about my past. Or maybe the whole truth. Because honestly, as much as I pretend to be okay and cool with all that happened. I'm not. I'm dying inside.

I spent my whole life locked up.

There. I said it. That's me. My parents who illegally adopted me locked me up in a basement with a TV and a bed and a little cheap doll house. It sound's far-fetched and movie-type, but it's real. I'm a living, breathing testimony to it. It also sounds disgustingly absurd, but to me it was OK, because it was the only life I knew. It's not like I was in jail [although it felt like it in the last few years] but it was a sordid life. I didn't have friends. Just mom and dad. Kendra and William Spacey. My mother gave me basic home schooling and my dad worked for money. They still insist to this day they only did it because they loved me and didn't want me to have to be taken away. But I don't buy it.

How did it all end? The summer after I turned fifteen. (I think it was August), I was tired of this dull existence. So I asked my mom if I could come up to the house, just once. I begged her every day for weeks and weeks. She knew my father would never forgive her, but she also knew if she didn't quench my longing, I could get rebellious. I asked her again nearing the end of November. My dad was at work and so she gingerly agreed. "Just for a few minutes" I remember her saying, pretty clearly. And she unbolted the door and hoisted me up the trapdoor. I remember how the brightness of light was blinding, the awe and wonder in which I took in every light bulb, every appliance, every window. But she unleashed something in me. This undeniable longing for freedom. I remember using the bathroom, my eyes still closed from the bright sunlight streaming in through the window. I needed this freedom. I wasn't thinking clearly. My mom was off in the kitchen, selfishly making herself a latte off MY welfare money from the state. So I did it. I ran through the front door. Through the beautiful garden. I stopped straight at the wrought iron hard-fencing. My parents didn't leave the house much, that I knew. They did online shopping, ordered online books, and just bought DVD's online, of course. My dad worked alone, for himself in an office downtown. It's a sick way of life, but they would do anything to keep me a secret. Because since the adoption was illegal [till a few years ago I still had living parents] they couldn't let anyone know I was, well there and alive.

The barbed wire was high. I wouldn't be able to climb over it. But I would try anything. I got a secure grip on the fence, climbed up and cut my legs seriously over the barbed wire; but nevertheless, I got over. I still remember the sound of mom's broken latte glass and her shrill scream as she noticed me. All I wanted to do was run. I was quite a sight with my long, old fashioned nightie, blood dripping from my forehead and ankles. I ran for so long. Soon my mom was chasing behind me in her old, beat up Honda. And not long after that a police vehicle came after my mom. I stopped, causing my mom to suddenly slam on brakes [I don’t think she wanted to kill me] and hence, the police car stopped too. I ran to the arms of the young police officer in his early twenties. My mother climbed out of her car, and honestly, she looked like a murderer. I remember the police officer, who later introduced himself to me as David, grabbed me by the shoulders, and I knew I would be safe.

That was the last time I saw my mom in normal clothes. After that, she wore only bright orange prison clothes.

To cut a long story short, that was one month ago. Since then my parents are being accused of kidnapping, illegal adoption, and child abuse. The court case has not been yet, and till we find out whether or not my parents lose custody of me [Which is almost definite, according to my social worker] I will live in this children's place of safety. And honestly, I am happy.

Almost.

With that, I close my diary and go sit outside in the sunshine. Most people here have little groups of friends. I'm sort of an outsider. People here think I'm a freak. It's because I'm quiet and reserved and don't really have any people skills to speak off. But I really am trying to learn.

As I am thinking this, this girl come's up and sits on the brick wall next to me.

"I'm Evana" she says in a sweet voice.

"I'm Grace" I say. And then we sit in silence for a while.

"Well," she says "I better go. Me and my sister have to go for an interview with a prospective adoptive family.

"Bye" I say

"See ya later" she says. And walk's away.

~*~

Monday morning came too soon. Before I know it Janey is back, and I am seated in her now familiar leather car seat, resting my head in the headrest.

"Just tell him the truth, Grace" she says as I get up and open the door of 'Mr. P. Higgins.'

"Come on in, Miss Grace Spacey" he says in a hard voice I've come to recognize in lawyers in my recent stint of court life.

So I tell him what I know, and he just nods occasionally as if this is all rehearsed. Then, before I know it is is over, and I'm leaving.

His face softens "I hope it all works out for you, Grace" he says.

I just nod. I don't need sympathy.

Janey is there to greet me when I come out of the room.

"How did that go, Grace?" she asks.

"Well that went well. NOT. The lawyer sounded more like he thought I was some kid who hated her small town life and wanted to make some type of hype by making some lame story of a 'kidnapping' to gain some type of stardom. And would, obviously, gain loads of support and free gifts."

"Is it like that?" she says.

"I swear it’s not like that. Everything I said. It's true. He just doesn't trust a kid. Not that I am trusted by many people. I'm just a loser kid from a small town who doesn't know much about life. I'm learning." I answered.

She drops me off. I say the usual thanks and get going. I don't like hanging around with her too much. I get back to my room and drop off my bag. Then I chase up Evana and hang around her for a few minutes [okay, maybe a little more]. But since I did not have ANY clue on what to say, I sort of just stood there.

"What is your problem?" she asked, clearly irritated now.

"Uh, nothing." I said. "I'm Grace"

"Yeah. So?" she said in a know-it-all attitude. "You told me that already"

"I did?" I asked, sincerely confused. I did not remember.

Her face softened. She proberly thinks I'm a total nutcase and feels sorry for me.

"I'm Evana" she laughed "But then again, I told you that already, didn't I?"

"Yeah" I smiled. Pretending I enjoyed the joke.

"So...what you in for?" she asked.

I decide its best not to lie. It's going to get me nowhere. So I tell her the most part. Leaving out some of the sad details.

"Wow" she says when I'm finally done. "That's pretty sad. I'm here because my mom's an alcoholic and my dad can't keep a stable job. My little sister is here too. She's eleven, her name is Bee. Just Bee. Not short for anything."

"Hold old are you?" I found myself asking.

"I'm sixteen. And you?"

"I'm fifteen. I turn sixteen in March"

"Cool," she says "My mom's birthday is one September 11. Sad, hey?" she says.

"Why is that a sad date." she says,

"Why would you say that?" I ask. And she tell's me about the planes and stuff. And I feel sorry for those poor people. But my life is pretty soaked up right now with well, me. And I know that that sounds selfish. But seriously, how much can a girl handle?

So me and Evana hang together for the rest of the day hanging together. We sat next to each other at supper (And I got to meet her sister Bee, who is ten but adorable, by the way) and then I basically spent the whole of Tuesday and Wednesday together too. Then on Thursday, I got the news

"Grace" I heard Janey call.

"Yeah" I said. She was supposed to come see me today. It wasn't unusual.

"Your parents were denied custody of you. It's settled. I mean, of course there is a whole bunch of court cases still, but you are now going to be shipped to a foster home till they are sentenced, then after that, you will be legally adoptable."

Her words stung. I knew it would happen soon, but not THIS soon.

"Oh" I manage to say.

"It's all been arranged. The family was picked this morning. I picked them MYSELF" she said. "So you are just going to LOVE them" she added. As if her opinion made all the difference.

Thursday January 5 2006.

Well, today the court ruled that my parents lose custody of me. So I'm now legally adoptable. Or will be. In a few weeks or months. I cannot breathe. Or think. This is my fault. I will most likely never see my parents again. Unless it’s behind those cold, prison bars. I cannot write. I'm sorry. I'll write another time.

With that, I snapped shut my diary and decided to go out and play some more in the sunshine, once again. I have to go sign the papers tomorrow. It's going to fast. I am going to go live with them on Monday. Oh, gosh.

What is happening?

~*~

With the papers being signed yesterday, I'm enjoying my last two days here. I have spent a large amount of time playing dolls with Bee or just swinging with Evana, chatting about celebrities and fashion and well, boys.

"The families name is the Godfreys" I told Evana. Or Eve. Even Evie she allows me to call her.

"Wow. I can't believe it happened so quickly. You will write, won’t you?" she asked.

"Of course." I say. Just then Delilah comes with a camera and shoots to photographs; one of me and Evana swinging, our faces laughing as if we shared some unique secret. Then the second one was of me, Evana, Delilah and Bee. All of us with sheepish grins on our faces. I suppose Delilah will have something to remember me by. Then we went inside and helped the cook, Miss Bently bake tonight’s macaroni. We had a fun time, and even talked her into baking homemade custard to top our jello with. You know, for an orphanage, this place is really not that bad. I am really going to miss this place. The smells, the feels, even the dingy view from the window by my bedside.

I which I could say I have made more friends here, but sadly, I have not. But at least I have Evana, she has spoilt me so much. Especially on Sunday night when she organized a special "Going away party" for me. It really was sweet. Miss Bently and Evana cooked me a great chocolate cake, and then afterwards Evana produced a little present for me. It was a double photo frame with the photos from yesterday. It was really sweet. To know that people cared. Genuinely.

And now for tomorrow

The drive to the Godfrey's was one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced. This gnawing anxiety of fear in waiting. Janey made idle chatter, and I nervously just nodded and added the odd comment. We drove to a bright neighborhood, but not snobby bright, just family-like with swings in the front yard and children playing in sandpits.

It feels like home.

Just as I am coming to terms with the neighborhood, the car halts, and I am forced to start breathing again.

"Come on" said Janey "Don't be shy. You're going to love them"

"Janey" I said, suddenly panicking. "I can't do this. It isn't a good idea. I just...can't do this"

"Hey" she says sweetly, and comes and puts an arm around me "It's okay. It's going to be great, I promise." And somehow, I find myself believing her. Like it's going to be okay. We stop and look at the house for a second. The light brown wall paint, the white shutters and abundant amount of overflowing flowers. And then I find myself walking with her to the front door, and then she give's it a rapt knock.

Almost immediately, a woman opens the door with a big smile.

"Come in" she says.

And so we do.

"Welcome to our home. I'm Jules Godfrey and this is my husband James" And on cue, the All-American dad steps into the hallway and greets them.

"How are you?" he asks me, as if I am a GENUINE person. As if he is on my level. And I appreciate that. So much.

"I'm...okay" I manage weakly.

"That's great. May I ask your name?"

"It's Grace. Grace Spacey"

"That’s a beautiful name" Jules says. And James agrees.

"I'll call up the children. Their really looking foreword to meeting you" James said.

"Children!" James hollers. And the sound of feet trudging is like music to my ears. It reminds me of the orphanage.

Suddenly three children crowd the room.

"This is Nick, Sam and Seth" James says. "There sixteen, thirteen and ten"

"Hey" I say meekly.

"Hey" Nick replies

"Hello" Sam says cheerfully.

Little Seth runs and wraps his pudgy arms around my waist

"Are you my new friend?" he asks in a childlike manner.

And that made me want to cry. This feels like home.

"Sam, take Grace up to your two's room, will you? Nick, first go help Grace get her bags from the car, then you and Seth, you two can go back to your own rooms. The adults want to talk for a bit now"

I trail behind Nick to the familiar Lexus, and unlock the boot. He grabs the bag and lingers there for a minute

"So...how old are you?" he asks

"I'm fifteen. I'll be sixteen in March" I reply.

"Cool. So you are a sophomore. I'm a junior. You fit right in with the age gaps then." He says.

Just then, a boy walks past the street with a big Chocolate Lab on a leash

"Hey, Justin!" Nick calls. Then he turns back to me. "This is my all-time best friend. He's really nice."

"Yeah" calls back a voice belonging to a fellow sixteen year old.

"Come over here, I want to introduce you to somebody"

Just then, a tall guy walks across the road and opens the gate. He has a long mass of white blond curls, and a charmingly handsome face.

"I wanted to introduce to you my new foster sister, Grace"

"Hey, I'm Justin"

"Nice to meet you" I say in a reasonably controlled voice.

"Yeah. Likewise." he says. Then the chocolate Lab jumps up onto me, as if trying to give me a hug

"Jayze girl, down!" He scolds in a joky voice. "Look, she likes you a lot. She wants to be your friend"

And somehow, my mind is bursting with the attention of all these people. People who care. They are all so nice. And I, embarrassingly enough, start to cry.

"Oh" Justin realizes "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say anything"

I weakly smile, but the tears are still flowing. And to my surprise, he pats me on the back and gently says

"Will you be her friend?"

I nod.

"And what about mine?" he asks, with a boyish smile

This time I nod AND smile.

~*~

Slowly I trudge up the stairs, Nick in tow with my small suitcase and few personal belongings. He shows me the bathrooms and study and Seth's room and even his.

"It's a little untidy" He apologizes.

"It's okay" I smile.

"You'll be sharing a room with Sam. Hope you don't mind"

"I've been sharing a room with five girls for a month now, believe me, I don't mind." I assure him.

He leads me to a large double room with much more space than at the home, with two large bay windows looking over the backyard. The room has ornate wooden floors, polished brightly, smooth and sleek. The walls are a vague pearlescent white-ish cream. Two single beds on each side of the wall are ordained with sheer burgundy duvet covers with cute beading at the bottom and on the top pillowcase. Dark wood headboards with rich engravings lie at the top of each bed, with a little trail of fairy lights atop each board. Dark purple and deep wine red lamps sit on the side of each bed, along with little brass jewelry boxes.

A beautiful old fashioned dresser was full on one side, empty on the other. A large mirror was on top, reflecting Nick and me. A large, dark wood desk was home to a few school textbooks and stationary.

"Space has been cleared for you" Nick said.

"Thank you" I said. "I really appreciate your help"

"Its okay" He replies "You can unpack if you want"

"I will. Thanks" I say. He gives a nod and leaves the door open. I go and sit in the cute back chair which is a deep cream, mock suede. I open the dresser and unpack my sparse suitcase, which is only home to a few basic clothes and some things Janey bought me with welfare money.

With that, I pull open my diary and sit at the desk.

"Monday, January 8, 2006.

Wow. This place is beautiful. Not because it is ultra-fancy, because its not, but because the couches are worn, the books used, and the kitchen has a faint smell of baked cookies. It smells like a home. Not just a residence. Does that make sense?

This bedroom I'm sharing with the girl Sam is beautiful. Real Aladdin style, you know? Deep purples, burnt oranges, wine, burgundy reds and a bit of cream. It's not your typical girl room but I way prefer the style.

The children are pretty cool, too. Nick is tall and dark. Sam is normal height with straight long blond hair. Seth has brown hair like his older brother. And me, of course has blond hair. So it's two blond girls and two brown boys. I hope people don't think I'm worming my way into this family. I'd hate to intrude."

"Hey" says a voice, breaking me from my concentration. I snap my diary shut. I recognize it as Sam's.

"You have a beautiful room" I say. "Thanks so much for sharing it with me"

"It’s okay" she says "It will be cool, you know. Like having a sister sort of. Another girl to help me fight of two brothers"

I laugh. She's such a sweet girl.

"Thanks." I say. "I..I..I've never had brothers and sisters. It's going to be really new to me."

"You'll learn fast." she assures me. "Hey, do you like reading?"

"Yeah. I love to read"

"Well, you must go to the study. I've got a huge collection of great books. Feel free to help yourself"

"Thanks" I say. And I genuinely mean it.

"Do you watch TV?" Sam asks "Because Gilmore Girls is coming on soon and...Mom says I can only watch if you want to.

How do I tell her that I have never watched TV before? Well, its best to be honest.

"I...I..I have never watched TV before" I confess.

She stares at me as if I am an alien from Mars. "You're kidding?" she manages to say.

"Nope" I say, and let out a deep breath.

"Now you HAVE to watch Gilmore Girls with me" she says. "Come on, please?"

"Okay, okay" I say. And follow her downstairs to the television room that holds a decent size TV and comfy sofas.

We watch in general silence for about an hour, then the credits roll, and I have to admit that it was pretty good. And so I tell her so.

"Yeah" she agrees "It's one of my favorite programs. Nick's is 'Prison Break' or 'Lost' but there a bit violent for my liking"

"Har-har" says Nick, who has apparently entered the room. "Just you wait, Grace. I'll show Prison Break and you'll get addicted"

"No, Nick! She likes Gilmore Girls" insists Sam.

"Why don't we let Grace decide for herself which program she likes?" asks Jules.

"Sounds like an idea." agrees James. "Listen, now that Janey is gone, I'm heading out to work for a couple hours. I'll be back around five, before dinner. You kids be good, okay?" he says with a grin. Then he hugs his wife and exits the room. Jules smiles and follows after him.

The rooms grows silent, and it unnerves me.

"Prison Break it is?" asks Nick. Sam gives in with a sly grin. Nick opens a cabinet and gets out a box set. He pulls out a thin DVD and opens it. "We'll start on Episode One of Season One, just so you understand. I never get tired of this stuff anyways" he says.

I glance at my watch. Its only 12:47pm. Time is going soooo slow here. Maybe Prison Break will pass the time. Soon Nick is seated comfortably on the couch besides me, and the opening credits play. The novelty of moving pictures has not yet worn off.

Before I know it, I'm really getting into the saga of Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows. The love of these brothers intrigues me, and as Nick said, I'll feel like an addict already.

As soon as it finishes, Nick presses a button and I am assuming we are going to watch the next episode. Just as I suspected the theme tune begins to play.

"Children!" calls Jules.

"Yeah" Sam and Nick call. I say silent. This almost feels like I'm visiting a friend’s house.

"Its lunch time" she calls.

We all three walk to the kitchen. I really like how they treat me like a child. Like I'm nothing special, equal to the other three. I would hate to be a spectacle.

We get to the kitchen, where mini pizzas are laid on pretty blue plates, and cans of Cola are stacked neatly beside each other. Four. One for me too.

"Dig in!" Jules says. "I thought we would celebrate your second last day of holidays. School on Wednesday. You didn't forget, did you?"

"Nope" Nick said. "With exams looming, I can hardly"

"Of course" Jules agreed "Grace, tomorrow Janey asked if we go enroll you at their school. Is that okay?"

"Sure. That's great. Thanks. And thanks for the lunch too." I say.

"Its a pleasure. Please, feel at home." she says in a sweet voice.

I smile and nod. I don't know how to reply to that. Instead I just take two mini pizza's (since that seems to be what everybody is taking) and a Cola. Then we all go sit outside on the patio and enjoy some afternoon sun.

"After we go enroll Grace tomorrow, maybe we can go to the beach? What do you guys think? Sam, invite Jill, Seth is bringing Ben and Nick, invite Justin and his sister Mayra. She's Grace's age, right?"

"Yeah, Mom she is. I'm sure Justin will love to come. And his sister. She is Grace's age."

After that we go watch Prison Break again and then I go to the study and read. After THAT Nick showed me how to set up an email address, and so I emailed the orphanage. I keep going back and checking for replies, I'm just so anxious to get Delilah to reply. I even asked her to get Evanna to reply.

Around six, Jules called us down for dinner. She cooked a great pasta dish and then we had ice-cream for pudding. Afterwards we all helped clean up and pack the dishwasher. Then Nick asked if maybe I wanted to check my email, but I only had some spam.

So even though it’s only just after 8:30pm, I climb into bed and just think. Around 9:15pm I hear Sam come to bed.

"Goodnight" she says

"Goodnight" I echo back

"I'm so glad I have a new sister" she says. Poor thing. I wonder if she knows this is temporary.

I'm too tired to contemplate this whole thing, so I just nod off and wake to the sweet sound of birds and sunshine poring on my face.

"Morning" Jules says. I hadn't noticed her there. "I just came up to see if there was any dirty washing. Do you have any?"

"I hardly have any clothes of my own!" I say.

"Do you have a costume?" she asks.

"Nope" I admit "But I DO know how to swim. Some kids taught me at the home."

"Well that’s great" she says. "Do you want to go shopping after we enroll you?"

"Sure" I say. I am a bit nervous to spend time alone with her though.

~*~

Around 11am we arrive at the gates of Octavian High School, and it totally unnerves me. At least no one here will know much about me or anything. But sadly, Jules explains it all Mrs. Greenly, the principal. But it actually helps because she really understands and tells me that they have space for me in the sophomore grade. I am so grateful that we don't have to go hunting at other schools

"You start tomorrow. Luckily we have you in the right grade for your age" Mrs. Greenly says "All the best of luck to you. We will have a student assigned to show you around. Do you know anybody around here?"

"We are introducing her to Mayra Phillips today. She an extended friend of the family" Jules informs her.

"Very good. I look foreword to seeing you in our halls tomorrow" she says.

~*~

"What about this one?" Jules ask. "It will show off your slim figure nicely. She is holding up a pretty blue-and-white polka dot bikini with little bows on either side of the bikini bottom. I am so tired of trying on costumes. So I give in and go back to the changing room. It actually looks really good on me, if I say so myself.

So we get the bikini and a pretty tank top with some beach shorts. Something great to wear to the beach in just two hours.

"Thank you so much" I say. I know Welfare pays out some money to foster families, but her graciousness astounds me.

"No problem" she smiles. "You'll love Mayra. She's so nice"

I nod.

If only I was as sure as her.

~*~

"Grace?" says Jules, interrupting my thoughts. It was the first time I had been to the beach in my entire life, and I was mesmerized. "Did you hear me? This is Mayra, Justin's sister. You've met Justin, right?"

"Yeah" I say, snapping back to reality. "I have. Hi, I'm Grace" I say, once I turned to the pretty brunette standing next to Justin.

"Hi." she says. "I'm Mayra. But you can call me May."

I smile, hoping to make friends. She can't replace Evana but she CAN be my friend still.

"So, are you coming to Octavian High School?" she asks.

"Yes, I am. We just came from there now. I got accepted and stuff. I don't know if I'm looking foreword to it." I tell

"Why?" she asks. With what seems like genuine concern.

"Well...its the first time I have ever been at a real school" I confess.

"Wow. That’s pretty.." she paused as if to find the write word. "cool. Were you home schooled?"

"Yes" I say. At least it is the truth.

"You girls coming swimming?" Nick asks as him and Justin head towards the blue sea. We both nod and take off our shorts and shirts. The sand is rather hot, so we sprint to the shoreline and cool off.

"I'm so glad your here" says May "Normally it would be just me with the guys. It gets pretty boring"

"Yeah, I can understand" I said. Although I couldn't

I stopped around knee deep. May had taken off deep, almost to the surfer’s line-up, near Nick

"Come on" Justin called. He had stopped back and waited for me.

"I don't know. It looks pretty deep" I say.

"Is this the first time you have been in the ocean?" He asks.

"Yes" I say.

"Come with me. I'll take you out. Believe me, its safer out there because no waves break on you" He says.

I can understand his reasoning. So I follow.

"Ok, when a wave comes, dive under it, almost to the sandbank and hold your breath, okay?"

"Okay" I say, taking in his instructions.

All of a sudden he yells 'Dive!' and so I do. Although I'm too late and get caught in the tumble of the wave. When I finally come up I'm spluttering and coughing.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"Yeah" I cough out.

"Do you want to keep going out?"

"Yes" I say. I want to keep going. Reach new milestones.

"Ok" He shouts over the tumble off a wave. Then all over a sudden another big wave comes and to my surprise, he grabs my wrist and pulls me under. I come up straight away and smile. "Thanks" I say, this time not coughing.

"Your welcome. Next time, I'll teach you how to surf"

"You surf?" I ask

"Yeah. Since I was eleven"

I nod and then a few more waves and we are out with Nick and May. We splash about for an hour or so. Talking about going back to school and they advise me on which teachers to look out for. Honestly, I won't complain about living here for the next three months. I will be happy. Content even.

~*~

"She is a lovely girl" Mrs. Phillips, Justin and May's mom says. She tagged along on the beach outing, and was glad.

"Yes" agrees Jules "We are happy we took her on. She is already providing Nick, Sam and even Seth a new friend. She needs to know a stable home, even if only for a couple months."

"What you and your family are doing, it’s so admirable, Jules"

"I know. My heart bleeds for this girl. Janey explained some of her life. It's awful. She doesn't even know her biological parents."

"I'll pray for her...and your family. It looks like Justin, Nick, May and Grace all seem to go together quite well."

Jules agreed, they all got along so well.

"Must I drive the children to school tomorrow? It's just Grace and Nick, right? Sam and Seth go to another school."

"Yes. I would appreciate that." Jules said. And she really did the next morning when her mom called and asked for her to come over at 8am. She made the children breakfast and gave Grace the envelope she must take to the textbook shop. She hugged them all and waved as they jumped into Andy's, Mrs. Phillips' car. May and Grace sat in the backseat.

"Why does it feel like I'm sending TWO of my children in that car today?" she muttered.

~*~

"It's definitely not like it is in the movies" I confide in May at lunch. I had gone through not only my first three classes as a sophomore, but also a few classes as a regular student. Our homeroom teacher, Miss Riley is young and artsy, and she luckily only made me introduce myself to the class then take a seat, which May had kept for me beside her.

"Yeah." she agrees "They portray American High Schools as hyper-active children with raging hormones"

I laugh at this. Just then I catch Justin's eye, and he waves and sits with Nick and a few other guys I would naturally not recognize.

I'm sitting with May and her two other friends, Donna and Brie. I naturally didn't tell them much about me, basically just a lie about staying with the Godfrey's for a few months while my single mother was on a cooking course for three months.

They believed me.

Am I good at lying?

May breaks me from my thoughts as she talks about Justin. Suddenly I'm all ears.

"He's got so much talent, but the thing is he just doesn't want to enter competitions. I wish he would become a professional surfer, but he wants to do MORE with life." May complains

Donna gives her opinion, stating Justin was clever and really had a way with kids. I didn't know what to think about that, until I got to ask him about it later that week when we bumped into each other in the afternoon. I was walking Tubby, the Godfrey's Alsatian-cross-something (Jules said it would be my duty for my three months) and Justin always walk Jayze. We sat on the sidewalk and he asked me about school and stuff.

"Yeah. I agree. Sophomore year is tough. I'm glad I'm finally a junior." he says.

"What do you want to do once you finish school?" I ask. Maybe a little boldly.

"Well. I really would love to surf. But that’s not really a job. Lately I read a book on a guy who runs a skate school for children. I thought maybe I could do that, but you know, surfing."

I start to laugh.

"What's so funny?" he asks, clearly confused.

"Well, today May and Donna were discussing you and stuff. They were saying about you and surfing and how you love kids. Like how spot on it is." I say.

He begins to see the humor, and starts to laugh too.

"Hey, what you doing tonight?" he asks. "I remember May said I should invite you over."

"I don't know" I say

"It is Friday night; you know" he says.

"Ok" I give in "But I must check with Jules first" I say. So I run home, and Jules encourages it. She says Nick is at band practice and Sam and Seth are both at friends, so she and James could have a night alone.

"I got a DVD" May says once I arrive there.

"Cool. What did you get?" I ask

"'Sweet Home Alabama'" she says. "I know it’s old. But it’s really good. Have you seen it?"

"Nope" I say. "I've got a LOT of catching up to do" I joke.

So we make caramel popcorn and help ourselves to Coke. The movie really is sweet.

"Hey" May says as if she just made a revelation "You look a bit like Reese Witherspoon"

"What!?" I say "She's gorgeous"

"And you aren't?" May shouts

about ten minutes before it ends, Justin comes in and plops himself down on the couch. Just then May gets a phone call from Brie who is having a meltdown, so she rushes out of the room. I really like their Southern accents. Like when the guy says "Praise the Lord the south has risen again" and everyone cheers. I smile at this, and notice that Justin is watching me. I'm wearing the shirt Jules bought me along with some jeans she got me yesterday "Something basic to wear" she had said. I'm wearing nothing special.

I'm interrupted from my thoughts when the thunderclouds not only in the movie but also in reality boom. I jump all of a sudden and give a shriek.

"Woa" Justin says "You're ruining my favorite part"

Justin then Reese Witherspoon says in her southern accent

"Why do you want to marry me anyways?" in a sweet voice.

Then the hot Josh Lucas says in his equally Southern accent "So I can kiss you whenever I want" and then they kiss right there and then in the poring rain.

"You're a romantic" I tease Justin. He just grins.

"You want to see something?" he asks.

"Yeah, sure. Lemme just go say goodbye to May" I say. So I turn to the kitchen and wave. She gives me a side-hug and a big smile. Then I go back out to the lounge and follow Justin. He leads me down the passage and then opens the door.

A basement.

I stop dead in my tracks.

Justin tugs on my wrist. I pull back. I can't do it.

"What's wrong?" Justin asks. But all I can do is stare at the impending doom of the darkness of the basement. I turn around and run all the way down the passage to the front door and close it. It's poring with rain.

I run down the street a few houses, it is only about eight houses till I reach the now familiar home. But before I get there, I hear Justin panting behind me.

"Wait up" He calls. But I don't.

But since he's a surfer he's pretty fit. So after a few seconds he pulls my arm and halts me to a stop.

"What did I do?" he pants. Maybe not so fit.

I collapse on the sidewalk, and lie down. He follows me.

"Look, Grace. I don't know anything about your past. But whatever I did, I'm sorry"

"It wasn't you" I say. And give him a brief history of my 'basemental' past. He doesn't say anything but I can see something in him looks dark. And angry.

"I'm so so sorry" He says

"It's okay. I try not to think about it. I never ever talk about it." I say. I sit up and then stand up in one swift motion. Justin follows. I didn't realize it until now, but I am actually crying. Why, in front of this really, really hot guy do I bawl my eyes out. In the poring rain, no less. Lying on a sidewalk too.

Justin pulls me into a hug and holds me there. I carry on crying. Tears for my biological mother and father, and my other parents and this great family I can never have. But most of all, that familiar ache of that long loneliness. After a minute or so Justin pulls away and walks me to my door.

"I truly am sorry, Grace. You don't understand how much. I wish I could fix it all."

I look away. I truly don't know what to say. I don't want pity. So I tell him so, but in a kind way.

"Grace. I don't know what to say. But God is up to something really big in your life."

I frown.

"Just you wait" he finishes, then turns around and waves.

My frown stays put. But I return the wave and reach for the knob

I frown as I open the door and walk upstairs to 'my' room. Jules find's me on the landing and laughs.

"You look so...wet" she grins,

"Thanks," I say "And you look so...dry" I joke. But she understands why and says goodnight.

I get dressed into my warm winter pajamas, which Sam helped me pick out when we went after school today. Then I pull out my diary, but for a few minutes I just sit there and relish the silence. No, I don't actually relish it. It reminds me of my past. And that’s scare more than excites me. Quietness is far too familiar too me. Then I get writing.

"9-ish PM, Friday January 12th 2006

I mean, I KNOW God was the reason the Godfreys have fostered me. They have told me so a plenty amount of times "God told us to, that it what the right thing to do" Jules had said. And its not like I'm voting for God in the scheme of things, but since He gave me the Godfreys, I suppose I do owe Him something. What I'm not sure, but something all the same.

I do not know if I like Justin. I'm deciding. On some ways he freaks me out because he is just so perfect. And intimidating."

I'm too confused to think about Justin. So I decide to go check my email. Janey has replied with basic news on the court case, and saying how I'm going to have to visit my parents sometime next week. Thankfully I recognize an email from the Home to, so I open that as well. It's from Evana:

"Grace,

Girl, I heard you got whisked off to the kindest, sweetest family in the world. Man, you are lucky. But guess what? I'm getting adopted! It's great right? AND, they are taking Bee and me together. The couple is the Mortensens and the wife could not have children. It's going to take a few months though. It's not as A-B-C as foster care. So how are you? Lv alwayZ, evie"

I reply with basics, saying how nice the family is and how much they mean to me. As soon as I hit the 'send' button I see an orange bar flashing at the bottom. It's instant messenger. And it appears Nick went to band practice without logging out.

I click on the bar to stop its Las Vegas wannabee move and quickly notice the person who sent the message is none other than Justin.

JusTiN: R u there?

NicKick: yeah

JusTiN: Aren’t u supposed 2 b at band?

NicKick: Ya nick is

JusTin: Aunt Jules? Uncle James?

NicKick: nope

JusTin: who then?

NicKick: grace

JusTin: Grace...

NicKick: yeah?

JusTin: do u still c ur real parents?

NicKick: only at courtcases. i gotta c em nxt wk tho

JusTin: o...y?

NicKick: dunno. social worker didnt tell me. justin? u no wat u said bout God 2nite nd stuff?

JusTin: yeah? wat bout it?

NicKick: like. if i ...how do i put this? er,

JusTin: lemme guess, u no it aint by chance u at the godfreys, and u feel u owe him sumin?

NicKick: yeah. exactly. how'd u no?

JusTin: I don't know. But really, God likes givin us blessings. Just say thank u.

So we talk for a while more and then I log out and fall into my bed. And I sleep soundly till 8'o clock when James and Jules decide we are going to the beach. And then on Sunday we go to church with Justin's family and I forget to say thank you. But it still plagues on the back of my mind. Then Monday I go back to school and get lost in trying to keep up with all this crazy school work.

~*~

"Grace?" Janey says into the speaker when I answer the phone on Wednesday.

"Yeah?" I ask

"How are you?" she questions. I give her a rundown on the family here. Then she cuts to the chase and says straight out

"Tomorrow you have to come down to the courthouse. Your parents want to see you"

"But-" I say

"No buts," she cuts in "You are going and that is final.

"Can Jules come with me?" I ask. Even though I am not sure if I even want her there

"Yes" Janey says

"Thanks," I say, although it is clear I am not truly thankful.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I gotta go" I add, and put down the phone.

"Janey?" says Jules, who just walked into the kitchen just as the conversation ended

"Yes. I've got to go see my parents tomorrow. I really don't wanna go." Tears are forming in my eyes and starting to run down my cheeks "Will you go with me?" I add

"Of course, sweetie. I would love to come with you. Did she say what time?"

"After school"

"Sure" she says.

~*~

The drive to the courthouse [okay, prison] was pure torture. I had barely spoken five words to anybody since Janey called me. It was obvious that this type of thing unsettled me. Justin had emailed me saying "Jesus would be my pillar of strength" but I decided to brush it off. But by time we got to the courthouse I was crying silently again, so when Jules offered to pray for me I graciously accepted. And even said "amen" when she was done.

When I got out the car, my legs were at shaky as they had seemed before. Maybe God really was here after all.

I opened the large glass doors, and Jules followed slowly behind me. She looked a little spooked at the sounds coming from behind closed doors. Whereas I was used to them by now.

I noticed and recognised some of the guards and gave them littlest waves.

"Lil Gracey!" one guard even exclaimed. I met the security guard who was standing next to Janey. She grabbed my hand and nearly yanked me towards that awfully ugly room. Jules came too. She had stopped at the guards. But I grabbed her wrist and motioned that I needed her to be there with me.

And all of a sudden, there was my parents.

"Grace" My dad says as if he was talking to a business associate.

"Mom. Dad" I say.

My mom returns the greeting with a snarl. "We aren't your parents anymore Gracey. And it's to your own doing. And we're thankful. We're happy here. No brat to look after"

Surely, these are not my parents??? Because as much as I am trying to be Miss Cool I am slowly slipping to the earth below.

"You can call us William and Kendra" my dad finishes.

"Yeah"

"Why did you want me to come here?" I squawked.

"Justa tell ya it aint over," my mom jumps in "You can go live your little suburban life with these yuppie foster parents. But it ain't over. As soon as your father and I are done, we'll come back for you. Then we'll see who gets their dreams to come true."

I glance at Jules. She looks as though she wants to strangle my mom, I mean Kendra.

I just want to cry. My mom see's my tears. But she has this evil gleam in her eyes. I should not have done what I did to them. I should not have exposed them.

"Come on," Janey urges "Let's leave now, Grace"

"No!!!" I scream. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I'm so sorry. I love you. Please!" I yell.

My mom merely folds her arm across her chest and turns her cheek to the side. As though it was killing her to do this.

But she was killing me.

I saw my ex-father's jaw stiffen. But all he said in a calm voice was "Just go, Grace. It's over. We are no longer your parents. You are nothing to us"

It was like a slap in the face.

~*~

It was worse than a slap in the face.

It was like a punch in the stomach. These are the people that I THOUGHT I loved. But obviously the feeling is not mutual. Or at least was.

I reel back, and the voices around me start to become fuzzy. I can feel Jules' hand on my back. Yet still through the fuzz I see my mothers irritating smirk. And so I turn hot on my heel and exit the room. I hear Janey call "Wait Grace!" but I do not. I just carry on going; until I walk pass the guards, who now instead of smiles wore little etchings of confusion knit on their brows. Yet they knew I was not a convict, so they just let me out of this metal prison and watch as I open the large wooden courthouse doors and breathe in the stale air.

I had been so naive. I thought this was going to be some 'kiss and make up' thing. I am so stupid.

I really don't want to return to speak with Janey or even Jules. Not even Justin. So I just start walking and walking. Taking in the bits of town that look familiar and standing in awe at the beautiful church's and old-fashioned buildings. I stop at a particularly beautiful church and step in. It's one of those old fashioned affairs with stained glass windows and polished wooden pews. I sit down gingerly on the front pew and curl up in a ball. Nobody would even think to find me here. Only there do I start to cry. These tears aren't my usual tears of pity. They are hot anger. Only holy people belong in churches, so I get up and leave this place. I walk around for ages, trying to find my way back to where I started. But everything is starting to look foreign, and the cool afternoon wind is blowing itself on my arms.

I end up going to the home. I know it may seem strange but I find it comforting. Delilah welcomes me, and I can tell that she has been notified about my running away. I beg her not to tell the Godfreys about me being there, and after much deliberation she says "As you wish". Then I skip off to find Evana.

"Grace!" I hear her scream.

"Evie!" I call back. We have a long hug and then a little cry. "I missed you" I say when we finally calm down and seat ourselves on our favourite hang-out place, the swings.

"Oh I missed you!" I say and pull her into a long hug. She really truly is my special friend,

"What's up?" she asks. And I tell her my dramatic life of life. Naturally she scolds me and tell's me that life is not all hanky-panky for her at the moment either, and that this one family are adopting Bee, but not her.

"Oh, Evie I am so sorry!" I say, momentarily forgetting my own troubles. But then the supper bell rings and we go eat stodgy food and lumpy custard for pudding. Since when did I become a snob?

Afterwards we go and watch a DVD in the communal lounge. I'm so tired I'm sleeping with my eyes open. Finally it finishes and me and Evana go up to her room. We are sharing a bed unfortunately, but it is okay. We swap secrets till late in the night. And when I wake up at about 11am, everybody is at school. So I head on down to the kitchen to get some breakfast and chat happily to Miss Bently. Then I cuddle up in the library with a fat novel and read. Only then do I get this crazy idea, and so I get up at head back to Evana's room. I write her a short note, then I grab my bag and leave. Back to the open space of the world. I stop at a park and curl up, biting back the chill that is seeping through my jeans. Then I remember why I left and get up and wander. After a long while I end up finding my way back to the courthouse. But luckily by now there are no cars in the parking lot, and no guards outside patrolling the area. I stop for a while, gathering my bearings and thinking about life. Ten I notice somebody I don't know leaving the courthouse. I get up and ask her if she know's where the police station is. She's really friendly and even offers me a lift, and since I have no other options, I hop into her modest Toyota and ride the fifteen minutes to the county police.

"Thank you" I tell her.

"It's a pleasure, sweetheart" she says and pulls out into the road. I stare up at the large building and walk inside. Inside I sit on the couch and then get up when the receptionist beckons me

"I'm looking for David" I say in my most smart voice.

"You are in luck. He nearly left ten minutes ago, but then he got a phone call. He should be out in a minute. Take a seat so long"

"Thank you" I say, and return to my spot on the couch. On cue the handsome guy in his late-twenties comes out and smiles.

"Grace!" He calls out to my surprise. I had not expected my rescuer to remember my name. Although I never forgot his.

"David!" I call out. He hugs me and says "Hey, how are you?"

"Not that great" I reply.

"Tell me in the car, I'm late already" he says. So I follow him like a puppy on a leash and we climb into his average sedan. Then he invites me to have supper with him and his wife, and I accept, since I have nowhere to go anyways. And I tell him about how this past month of my life has been. And we chat like old friends, even though we hardly know each other.

~*~

"What's keeping him so long?" Justin asked Marissa as he helped her chop up some potatoes

"I don't know, maybe he has a crisis at work" Marissa replied. Her brother-in-law was growing up fast, and she admired the strong, steady way about him. He was still surfing, which had given him a strong athletic figure. Even though he was only her husband's half brother, she knew they shared a bond nobody could break.

"I gotta be home by around ten-thirtish, cos I gotta finish some homework."

"No problem." Marissa says as she takes the mushrooms out of the pan. "Is something bothering you?" she asks Justin. He is not his usual outgoing, laughing self. Today he is more quiet and subdued.

"No" he says. Although something clearly is.

Just as she and Justin finish up the door unlocks and she hears David's booming voice say "Hey my darling wife" and then "I bought somebody to have dinner with us"

And then on cue David walks in with a petite, pretty blond in tow.

Justin, who is holding the salad in a dish looks up and immediately drops the grass salad bowl on the kitchen floor. It shatters into a million little pieces.

"Grace" he spouts the same time as when David says "This is Grace"

Marissa recognised the name. For weeks David had spoken about the young girl who had a tormented past. But the puzzling part was Justin.

"I'm sorry" Justin says and drops to his knees and begins to clean up the glass

~*~

If I was in the mood to laugh, I would have. But somehow the sight of Justin cleaning glass in this modest flat was not very humorous. It was devastating.

"No, no" says the pretty brunette who I am guessing is David's wife. "I'll get it" and Justin obliged. He gets to his feet and rushes over to me.

"Grace!" he says and pulls me into a big hug. Strangely my resistance crumbles just like that chocolate advert on T.V. I hold onto Justin.

David and his wife watch the reunion with strange glances on their faces. Most likely as lost as me.

"Don't ever, ever do that to me again, okay?" he says.

"I'm sorry" I say with tears running down my cheeks.

"Nobody knew where you were. We were all so worried. It’s been like the longest 30 or so hours for all of us"

This only makes me cry harder. "Am I missing something?" asks David. I laugh. Justin stays somber.

"We were missing Grace. She ran away. But now she is found." he says. "Finally" he adds.

It figures.

The two men I love most in this world are related.

Go figure.

I excuse myself for the bathroom about the same time as David says he is going for a quick shower. Thank goodness there are two bathrooms.

I'm sick of coincidences. They make life so uncertain. So unexpected.

~*~

"I'm confused” Marissa said to Justin as soon as the two of them were alone again.

"Why?" Justin asked.

"How do you know Grace?"

So Justin told her how he had come to know Grace over the past month she had been staying at the Godfrey's.

"Whoa" It's funny how we all know each other but yeah, didn't really know it" Marissa joked.

"Yeah" Justin agreed. "But we have gotta get her home. The Godfrey's are like soooo worried about her"

"I can imagine," Marissa agrees "They are her legal guardians, if anything were to happen to her, they would be at fault"

"Yeah, I think she should be getting home"

"Of course, had I known she had run away, I would have phoned or something"

"Don't worry about it. I'll take her home...if you want?"

"Yeah. That would proberly be good, are you sure?"

"Yeah"

"Oh, and Justin?" she called and he walked down the hall.

"Yeah?" he called

"She's gorgeous"

~*~

"Grace!" scream's Sam as me and Justin pulled into the driveway. It had been an uncomfortable ride, with Justin grilling me with questions at every side.

"Sam!" I say as I open the door and get out. She pulls her arms around me and holds me tight.

"Oh, Grace, we were so worried!" said Jules as they came out of the kitchen. Justin stood on the sidewalk, with his feet shuffling from side to side in a strange manner.

I bit my lip. Here comes the news- they were sending me home. But instead Jules hugged me and started crying.

Weird.

They pull me inside and sit me down at the kitchen table. I am soon bombarded with floods of questions.

"How could you do this to us?" Jules demanded.

Here it was.

"You had us in a right worry. Grace, why?" questioned James.

As if this was a play, Justin, Sam and Nick got up and left the room. I gave Nick a look that says "Thanks a lot"

Jules and James begin with more questions, and I just start to cry.

"I'm sorry" I mumble.

Jules gets down on her knees and places her hands on my shoulders "Don't you see, Gracey?"

"See what?" I say in the midst of my tears.

"We're mad because we care about you, because you made us worried sick. If something happened to you, we would never forgive ourselves, you are like a child to us"

Okay. Not the lecture I was expecting. I can take harsh words. But these soothing words are just too much.

"Grace," James begins "Whatever your parents said to you that was mean and unfair, we will do everything in our power to keep them away from you"

"Really" I look up through my tear-drenched

"Really" James confirms.

"Come on," Jules orders "You're here now, lets go into the lounge and hang around with the others"

So I follow them into the lounge where all three of those 'kids' stand up as soon as I enter the room.

"I've gotta go" Justin says. Then turning to Jules and James he says "Thanks so much, have a great evening"

"No," James insists "Thank YOU. You are really a good guy, Justin"

He nods, then turns to me.

"Good night, Grace"

"Hey, my purse is in your car. I'll come get it." So I follow him out the door and out into the driveway. There he clicks the button and the doors unlock. I open the passenger seat and climb in, out of reflex. But then Justin climbs in and turns to me

"I'm really glad you home"

"I am too....I guess. Although I don't really have a home"

"Maybe so...but you have the Godfreys, they really do care for you, and you have May, and Janey and that Evana girl. And...you have me"

"And I'm glad for it" I say.

"Me too" He says, flashing me a big grin. For a long moment we just sit there looking at each other. Trying to decide what happens next.

Then Justin leans forward and reaches for my handbag, and gives it to me.

"You know, Grace" He says as I turn to get out the car.

"Yeah?"

"I can't wait for what is to come"

Once again me and Justin part with me frowning at his philosophical words slipping through. Even so, after the whole evening is done, and at 12:30am we all finally climb into bed, I can't help but think of all these crazy coincidences.

Is God here?

But then I start thinking about how in two months time, I'll be back at the home, applying for a new home and that scares me.

Life is so...uncertain.

~*~

"Three months went really quickly" I said to Justin a few days before my birthday.

It was late March, and in a less than a week’s time I have two major events coming up: 1) My 16th birthday 2) I'm moving back to the home. Not home. THE Home.

"Yeah" he agreed. "It feels like I've known you forever" Me and him were driving in his car, on the way to pick up May from guitar lessons and then we were going to meet Nick up at the mall to go watch a movie. It was my last weekend here. It is my birthday on Tuesday and I move home on Thursday. One great week it will be.

"I know. But after Thursday, it's all going to change"

"Maybe so" he agreed.

~*~

After the movie, I went home with Nick as of course, it made more sense. It had been great to spend more time with May. She was my best friend, second to Evie, of course. Me and May had so much in common, and we had never fought, besides the time I went bonkers and ran away for a day or two. The Saturday after I cam home, May came over and was really mad. But it was only because 'she was worried sick'

"Grace" Jules says to me as I get inside the house. "I was wondering..."

"Yeah?" I ask. I am pretty tired and don't feel like a strenuous conversation.

"Do you want to do anything for your birthday?"

"Not really" I admit. I feel like moping, if anything.

"Okay," she smiles and gives me a hug "Goodnight"

"Goodnight" I return the hug. These people to me are like oxygen- can't live without them.

We spend Saturday together as a 'family' at the Boardwalk, and I don't even complain on Sunday when we go to church. Afterwards we go out for lunch with the Phillips' and even David and Marissa join us. Justin bought a camera with and snapped some photographs.

On Monday I had a bunch of legal things to go through and then me and May went to the beach. It's like it's this terrifying silent countdown.

I wake up at about eight o'clock on my birthday. Its spring break, so luckily I can enjoy the last few days of my sanity here. I pad downstairs and notice Jules cooking in the kitchen

"Morning" I say to her brightly

"Morning, birthday girl!" she says and comes and gives me a hug.

"Mmm, what you cooking?" I smile up at her

"Waffles. For you"

"For me?" I scrunch up my nose

"Yes, Grace. For you, special birthday girl!"

"Wow thanks!"

So around nine or so, we all gather around the outside table which Sam set nicely, and we eat the delicious waffles. Then Seth gives me a present, which is a pretty necklace and earring set. Then Sam pulls out a big box of fancy chocolates which are prettily wrapped. Suddenly Nick whips a present out from under his lap, and surprise, it’s the Prison Break season one Box set. I sit back in my chair, basking in the magic of this day. Then Jules and James hand me a card, which holds the most beautiful message inside I have ever read. Inside is a check for $1000 dollars

"I can't accept this" I insist

"Sure you can" says Jules

"Look, Grace. It's a down payment on a car. It's our gift for your future"

So I sit back and smile to myself. Then we go to my favorite place in the world: the beach and finally the day ends after we have watched several episodes of Prison Break and gone out for supper. Justin called me and asked if he could see me around five tomorrow to say goodbye.

And then it hit me.

I'm leaving

Forever...

~*~

"Where are you taking me?" I ask Justin for the fifth time since I got here. It was my last night here, and Justin promised to have me back by 7:30pm, so that I could go out for supper with the Godfreys afterwards. We were walking on some grassy velt along a path.

"My secret place" He says. He has a small backpack on this back. It's about 5 or so, and I know in about half an hour the sun with set.

Finally I notice a small bridge hanging over a long river that stretches out beyond the horizon. Justin treks up the path, so he is on the bridge. I follow him silently, deciding not to question or ruin anything beautiful.

Justin sits slowly on the edge of the bridge, so that his feet dangle off over the river. I sit down next to him, watching the pure, straight skyline.

Justin puts his arm around me.

“Grace?” He frowns

“Yeah?” I say

“This isn’t the end, you know”

A silent tear slips down my cheek. I nod.

He holds my chin and tilts it towards him, and slowly we kiss.

“Somewhere, someway, someday, I’ll find you, wherever you are, and we…we’ll meet up…forever. Because…you mean more to me than I can say”

I look up at the rosy sky, the beauty of it does not end, and somehow, staring into the great forever, I know that it will be okay. Like somehow, I can take Justin’s word.

And then, as if Justin was adding his own private thoughts, he says

“And we can get married”

Of course, I can see he has a cheeky, joking look on his face. So I play back with him and say, in my best Reese Witherspoon voice

“Why do you want to marry me anyways?”

Then, in an equally Southern voice, he replies “So I can kiss you whenever I want”

THE END