Author's note: Well everyone, this is a very long chapter but I kinda liked
it. I hope you enjoy it too.
P.S: Thank you for the reviews
* * * * * *
Jessie went to the attic that night feeling horrible; one because of Lily and the Baby; two because of Eli and Grace. She didn't know what had really happened between them but by the sadness she saw on their faces, she figured they must had fought or something. And if it was a fight, it must had been a pretty bad one because a few minutes later she had left his garage, Jessie heard a car taking off... ... ... Eli's car.
Jessie couldn't get much sleep that night. Her mind kept wondering and wondering over the whole Grace and Eli situation. It was true that she wasn't cool about it and that she even tried to hook up Grace with that Taylor person. But now with the possibility of their break up, she wasn't feeling good at all. Actually she was feeling a little ashamed for not wanting them to be together. It was pretty obvious for her that Eli really cared about Grace because Jessie never saw Eli so sad before, not even when their mother almost died. It was new to Jessie to see him crying. But still she stuck to her previous judgment about her brother's and step-sister's relationship. She reasoned to herself that they were better off without each other.
*
*
*
Next day, the entire family was being extremely careful with Lily. Zoe and Grace didn't even had one single fight. In fact, Zoe helped Grace to run all the household errands... You know, cooking, cleaning and whatever a normal teenage hated to do in a house. Jessie and Eli were supposed to go to Karen's at the first hour in the morning but Rick had to drive Jessie instead. No one and nothing on this Earth was able to wake Eli up that morning. Rick even got a little concerned about his son but he was kinda used to Eli's irresponsibility so he just let him be.
~ ~ ~
The weekend was pretty calm after Lily scared the hell out of everybody on Friday. It was Monday again and Lily was feeling as good as new, even her nausea gave her a little break. As for Eli and Grace, well... he was at his mom's and would only return to the house on Tuesday, so it was easier for Grace to pretend everything was alright or she just made herself believe it was...
* * *
*Three weeks for summer vacation !*, it was all the students could talk about and of course, the prom. Grace avoided any kind of conversation with anyone in school. Every time Cynthia, Linda or AJ tried to talk to her, she came up with some excuse to leave. But it was lunch time now and Linda and Cynthia somehow managed to sort of kidnap Grace so she had no choice but deal with them...
"What's wrong with you today, Grace?", Cynthia asked, folding her arms.
"Wrong? Nothing's wrong.", Grace lied attempting to escape from the other thousand questions her friends were about to pour.
"You don't fool us, Grace. Something's obviously wrong.", Linda remarked.
"It's nothing. Really.", Grace said again.
"It's gotta be something. You're acting all weird on us.", Linda spoke again as her eyes studied Grace's face, searching for something that would indicate what was going on with her friend.
"What do you mean?", Grace lowered her eyes, playing dumb.
"You were so happy last week. You were even whistling and talking to birds.", Cynthia snapped.
"And now you're so sad that you pretty much look like a zombie."
Grace snorted a bitter laugh at Cynthia's joking sentence, "Um... Something happened to my mother and I-"
"Is she okay? Something happened to the Baby?", Linda cut her in concern.
"She is okay. They're both fine.", Grace replied and lightly felt blessed for the friends she had. "I guess, I'm just worried about them. That's all."
"Well, in that case... we, as good friends, we're here to make that worry, sadness or whatever you're feeling go away.", Cynthia stood up and so did Linda.
"How?", Grace observed them in awe.
"Come with us.", Linda grabbed Grace's hand, making her to stand. Linda and Cynthia began to walk but Grace remained still on her spot with frowns on her face. The two girls stepped back, grabbed Grace's arms then dragging her out, Linda stated, "Aren't you hungry?"
~ ~ ~
Jessie and Katie were having lunch at the school cafeteria when Grace and her friends walked in the place. The expression on Jessie's face was not one of the most pleasant ones and it got worse when she saw Taylor talking to Grace.
"Jessie?", Katie called with a serious tone.
"What?", Jessie looked up at her.
"Aren't you going to tell me what's going on with you?", Katie quizzed, "This mystery you're making here is killing me."
Jessie cast a look over Grace and Taylor then sighed heavily, "Alright. It's complicated ... ... but I'll try to explain.", Jessie put down her spoon and began her confusing explanation, "There is this ... ... thing that was going on ... and this ... ... thing was supposed to be a secret but I accidentally found out about it. And this ... thing was wrong or at least - No, not wrong but not entirely right either. Maybe that's why it bothered me so much when ... ... you know, when I found out. But now this thing is no longer happening or at least I think it's not. The point is... ... I guess I should be glad because this thing is over ... ... The thing is ... ... I wasn't cool with ... this thing when it was going on but I'm not cool now that it's over. You know what I'm saying?", Jessie finished.
Katie had this confused and amazed look on her face, it was too many *thing* for her to grasp, so she just mumbled, "No."
"I said it was complicated.", Jessie remarked and Katie only nodded then they both suddenly began to laugh at it.
* * *
It was four p.m, Grace was back at home, she was exhausted. She felt like she was carrying an huge heavy over her shoulders, her head ached and all she wanted to do was stay locked in her room. It was only for nine days or so that she had Eli but she felt like she always had him. Being without him was too painful for her but she was always the good girl, she always did the right thing and break up with Eli was the right thing to do; it was the best for the family ... ... How she wished that day at the lake never happened. Tears streamed down her cheeks when she remembered it. That day was when they let show their true feeling for each other. Grace choked at her breath when she remembered the way she used to feel when she didn't have him; it wasn't easy at all to sit back and watch him from afar but it was ten thousand times harder now that she knew how it felt like to kiss him, to hold him ... ... The memories were slowly torturing her that she felt strength leaving her body. It was right then when her door received a knock. Grace sat back on her bed, wiped out the tears, took a deep breath and said, "Come in.", Grace watched her door slowly being opened and the person who was behind it surprise her, "Jessie!! Weren't you supposed to be at your mom's?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing here?", Grace quizzed while Jessie stood on her doorway.
"Um... ... um... Katie's shirt. I left it here and she needs it, so...", Jessie lied. She hadn't borrowed any shirt from Katie, the real reason she was there was because she was curious; she wanted to know what Grace and Taylor had talked earlier at school.
Jessie didn't say a word during a few seconds, she just advanced some footsteps into the room while Grace observed her in awe, "What is it, Jess?". Grace realized her step-sister had something to say.
Jessie awkwardly smiled then stumbled aloud, "I heard this rumor that Taylor was going to ask you to the prom."
"Oh?!!!", Grace exclaimed and for an instant wondered why out of the sudden Jessie cared if a guy asked her out, "That's true. Well, actually, he did ask me. That's what we were talking about at lunch."
"What did you say?", Jessie raised an eye brow, trying to sound very casual about the whole thing.
"I said yes."
"You did?!!", Jessie snapped in surprise.
"I did.", Grace made a funny face, not understanding where Jessie was trying to get, "What? Do you think I did wrong in accept it? I thought you wanted us to-"
"No. You did the right thing. It's great that you two are going to the prom. It's just great.", Jessie pretended excitement but had the feeling she wasn't being a very much good actress. She could honestly say that Grace didn't fall for that, "Well, I better get going. I still have to drop at Katie's, ... You know."
"I can give you a ride if you want to.", Grace politely offered.
"No, you don't have to. It's okay but thanks.", Jessie began to walk backwards, "Well, bye."
"Bye.", Grace replied and Jessie left.
* * *
Jessie still wasn't sure if the things between Eli and Grace were definetly over but now that she knew about Taylor, she didn't know what to think anymore, specially because she still got this weird vibe coming from them. But her doubts were slowly melting away, thanks to the news she heard from Zoe on the next day. At the minute Jessie walked in the house, Zoe happily informed her that Grace had gone out on a date with Taylor the night before and that they were going out again that night. Eli still wasn't aware of the situation. Jessie thought it would be better if he didn't know about it and since he was barely home, Zoe couldn't find time to tell him.
~ ~ ~
Thursday night, the usual ritual of eating chinese food. Lily went back to her routine of eating exotic foods so her meal was kinda different from the rest of the family...
"Oh, Gracie!!!! I almost forgot!", Lily startled up and everybody looked at her with puzzled faces, "The summer camp!"
"What about it?", Grace vaguely quizzed not very much interested.
"I wanna know if you're... I don't know... if you're interested in going.", Lily trailed.
Grace's brow furrowed and she gave her mother an amazed look then she spelled, "Mom, the last time I went to that stupid camp was like... like four years ago... ... I don't know why you still bother."
"You used to love that place.", Lily exclaimed behind a full mouth.
"I used to hate that place, mom.", Grace disputed and Jessie lightly laughed at her comment.
"You don't have to give an answer right now. You've got until Monday to think about it.", Lily insisted.
"There's nothing to think about.", Grace slightly groaned in annoyance.
"Hey? Anybody knows where Eli is?", Rick questioned out of nowhere. The females of the house looked at each other confusingly then nodded a * I don't know.*
"Anyway, Gracie?!! ... Just give it some thought, okay?", Lily couldn't drop the summer camp subject.
"Mom?", Grace raised her voice a little in warning then added, "Why don't you send Zoe to that camp?"
"I can't. I have plans.", Zoe seriously stated. Grace, Jessie, Rick and Lily looked at the young girl with surprised fanny faces then she finished, "Me and Anika have the whole summer planed... Sorry."
Grace barely laughed, "Why do you want me so far away from home, hugh?", she insinuated jokingly.
"I just think it might be fun. That's all.", Lily shrugged and right after she spoke Eli walked in the kitchen.
"Eli!", Rick exclaimed and Grace felt her stomach quivering. Grace's eyes and Eli's locked for a split moment.
"Anything to eat?", Eli kidded then went on, "Chinese food again?"
"Um... um... I - I have - I've got something to do in my room, so...", Grace stood up and began to leave.
"Gracie?!!", Lily made her turn around and come back, "Are you sure you don't wanna go?", Grace snorted annoyingly and began to walk out again, "If you change your mind!!!?"
"I won't!!", she screamed from the stairs.
While Lily argued with Grace, Eli went through the fridge and found some left overs, he grabbed them and excused himself, "This will do. Good night."
"Eli?!", Rick called and he stepped back. "Coop called."
"So?", Eli frowned.
"When were you planing in telling me about your trip to Miami?", Rick asked with a serious tone in his voice.
"Never.", Eli calmly answered, "Never because I'm not going."
"Are you going to space sunny days, the beach, bare naked beach girls, wild parties??!!!", Rick teased, "Did aliens take over my son? Because I don't recognize him anymore."
Eli faked a laugh as well as everybody then explained, "I just got back from the cabin. I got work to do, dad. I can't let Jake and Judy take care of my work . And besides, they deserved vacation too."
"Oh, don't worry about Judy and Jake. I'll talk to them if you want to.", Lily jumped in the conversation, "And the last thing Judy wants now is vacation. In fact, she's looking for a reason to stay here, in Chicago... working."
"Judy doesn't want to go to Australia to visit Sam?", Rick figured. Lily gasped not saying a word in reply. Eli took advantage of the moment to leave the place unnoticed. Rick and lily disputed about Sam and Judy for a whole minute then they remember what the conversation was really about, "Where's Eli?", Rick asked the girls and they told him he had just left.
Lily stopped and stared at Zoe and Jessie for a while then wondered aloud, "What are we gonna do about you two?"
Zoe and Jessie quickly figured that Lily was about to find some activity or trip for them to do in the summer so they abruptly popped up from their chairs, jokingly began to nod no then ran out of there. Rick and Lily exchanged glances then burst out laughing.
* * *
The day after at school, Grace and Taylor were talking after their last period...
"I can't wait to see your dress.", Taylor smirked, placing his arm over Grace's shoulder.
"Grace awkwardly smiled and slipping out of his grasp she informed, "I haven't bought the dress yet."
"What? I mean, why? The prom is tomorrow night.", Taylor raised an eye brow in confusion.
"You see. It's just that ... ... I wasn't planing in going, anyway. But when you asked me... I didn't know what to say so I accept it... I thought I changed my mind about it but I still don't wanna go.", Grace explained. Taylor just kept staring at her with a disappointed look on his face, "But if it is so important to you, I'll buy the dress today so we can go."
"No... It is not that important to me and I don't want you to do something you don't want.", Taylor got out, "Why didn't you tell? You thought I wouldn't understand or something?"
Grace shrugged her shoulders and asked, "So, it is okay if we don't go?"
"Okay, okay... No, it's not.", he stated slightly smiling, "But I can't force you to do anything.
Grace smiled, "Thank you."
Taylor remained in silence for a minute. He had this strange look on his face, like a great idea was springing in that sick mind of his, "I've been wanting to ask you something since this whole thing between us started but I wasn't sure if I should. But now that you owe me... ... I guess it's in my right."
"What is it?", Grace laughed a little unsure.
"My sister... I told you about her. Well, she had this major crush on a guys who she works with.", Taylor began, "She tried everything but the guy keeps turning her down so she asked me to help her."
"How?", she frowned not understanding what his sister love problems had to do with her.
"She want us to go out... the four of us ... You, me, her and hr guy... So what do you say?"
"A double date?", she puzzled , not very thrilled about that. But how could she say no to Taylor again? "Okay!!! When is this double date going to happen?"
"Well, since we have nothing planed for tomorrow night, I though we could-"
"Perfect!", Grace interrupted him, pretending excitement
* * *
After Taylor had talked to Grace he went home and called his sister at her work. The girl went nuts with the news. She had a hard time trying to convince the object of her idolatry to go out with her, her brother and her brother's girlfriend but the girl got what she wanted and the double date on Saturday night was up...
~ ~ ~
The clock ticked 6 p,m when Grace went down. Lily and Rick weren't aware of the prom, that's why they didn't throw on her a thousand question, asking why she wasn't going. But Grace looked very nice that night and they wondered why she was all dressed up for...
"Going somewhere?", Lily quizzed.
"Got a date with Taylor.", Grace vaguely answered.
"Taylor ... ... again?", Lily smirked, insinuating that there was more than friendship between Grace and Taylor.
"Mom, we're just friends.", Grace read her mother's mind.
"I'm not saying anything. I just-", Lily was about to make one of her remarks at the exact instant they all heard a horn.
"That's Taylor!", Grace stated.
"He's not even going to ring the bell?", Lily made a funny face then Grace warned.
"Mom, we're late. Bye!!", Grace opened the door and left.
~ ~ ~
Taylor informed Grace that they were going to a park and that they were supposed to meet his sister and her date there...
So there they were, Grace and Taylor standing on the park entrance waiting for the other couple to show up...
"You're sure they're coming?", Grace asked tired of waiting.
"My sister would never miss the chance to spend a second with that guy... She's crazy about him. She's 21 but she's been acting like a 12 year old since she met him.", Grace wasn't very much interested in what Taylor was talking about his sister. She began to look around and turned so her back was to Taylor. She took a few footsteps away from him when he startled up exclaiming, "Grace! They're here!", Grace closed her lids for an instant then turned to see the sister and her date. Something wasn't right... ... The picture going on there wasn't right. Grace froze at the moment she turned to face them and so did the sister's date, "Grace, I want you to meet my sister, Eva.", Grace swallowed down her astonishment and horror then shook Eva's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Grace.", Eva stated, "This is Eli."
"Hi.", Taylor got out smiling while Eli and Grace were in complete shock. Taylor and Eva couldn't help but notice that there was something going on.
"Hi, Grace.", Eli greeted her with a hearty voice.
"Hello, Eli.", Grace replied as weakly as him.
"Do you know each other?", Taylor asked the obvious.
"He's, he's -", Grace began to stammer no knowing what to answer. What would she say? *This is Eli, my former secret lover and who happens to be my step-brother. *
"She's my step-sister.", Eli sadly announced.
"You gotta be kidding?", Eva excitingly laughed, "You're Zoe's sister?"
"Yes, I am.", Grace tried to disguise the feeling of complete embarrassment and sadness that was crossing her entire body.
"How come I never saw at the bookstore? Oh??!!! By the way, I'm the new *coffe-girl*.", Eva continued her euphoric explanation. Grace only smiled shyly. She couldn't tell them that she was avoiding to visit her dad and aunt because she didn't want to accidentally bump on Eli.
"Well, since we're all in family here... ... Shall we?!", Taylor made them remember what was the reason they were there for .... have fun. But Grace and Eli knew that it wasn't going to be fun in any way at all... .... It was a torture, a torture that both knew eventually they would have to go through but they didn't expect it to happen that soon ... ...
~ ~ ~
Grace and Eli were hanging on bravely. There were the perfect performers. They incredibly played their parts in that farce while their heart were being ripped out every time they had to watch each other being hugged or caressed by Eva or Taylor, who, just for the record, were having a bless there.
Three hours of pure and mean torture. Eli and Grace thought they couldn't hold on anymore, specially when they had to get in that machine and take pictures together; first the couples then the brother and sister and of course the step-brother and step-sister. But they were glad now it was about to end...
"So?", Taylor smiled as they stepped out of the park, "I had fun!"
"Me too!", Eva replied and the other tow just gave them weary smiles.
"I just had an idea.", Taylor stopped walking making the other stop too, "My car is over. Why don't Eva and I come back home together and you two go home together?"
"Yeah! Of course! You're going to the same house, we're going to the same house. It would save us time.", Eva supported her brother's idea.
Grace opened her mouth to explain that her and Eli were not going to the same house because Eli was spending the night at his mother's but Eli didn't even let her begin, "It's okay by me.", he agreed.
"Great!", Eva nodded, "Call me tomorrow?", she smirked and Eli nodded.
"I'll cal you tomorrow.", Taylor didn't wait for Grace to ask him to, "Now, you better get going because it's going to start raining any minute."
"It's going to. It is raining!", Eva stated as water began falling from the sky. They all said goodbye and Eli and Eli headed to Eli's car.
The rain was pouring down very hard. Eli and Grace were soaking wet and they still hadn't gotten to the car...
"Where the hell is the car?", Grace cried as they ran.
"Just another block.", he answered. Eli had stopped the car like four blocks away from the park because Eva wanted them to talk. She told him it would be nice if they walked while they talked, that's why they got there almost twenty minutes late.
The was in sight, at least. They ran to it and Eli grabbed his keys and unlocked it but neither of them could find strength to get in. They just stood there in the pouring rain, staring at each other. Their breathing were shortened, probably because they were running and obviously because they couldn't hold what they were feeling inside... ... Their gazes were deeply locked, nothing in the world would be able to make them break the eye contact at that moment. Eli began to walk slowly, circling the car as Grace watched him in an awe, he headed on her direction and only stopped when were face to face, a few inches away. His hands came up to her face, gently brushing her hair away. Grace closed her eyes and felt her skin burn as he touched her. She knew she couldn't resist anymore. Grace unsurely lifted her eyes and Eli could see her true feelings when he saw himself reflection on them. Biting his bottom lips he leaned in and their lips met in a deep, delight-painful kiss. Grace's arms wrapped around his shoulder allowing him closer ... ... she held him tightly as his hands caressed her back ... their lips were drinking of one another's taste and at that moment everything around them just slowed down...
~ ~ ~
Eli pulled over the car on Lily's driveway, Grace had her eyes fixed on her feet and he was blankly staring ahead ... ... They remained in silence ... no word was uttered during the way back home, they didn't even risk to cast a glance at each other. Grace took a deep breath and jumped out of the car while Eli remained still.
Grace invaded her house like she was a mad girl. Lily and Rick were in the living room watching TV. They got all confused when they saw her rushing upstairs and he confusion grew when she stepped back down and made an announcement.
"Grace? What happened to you, sweetie?", Lily inquired because her daughter wall wet.
Grace didn't answer her mother's question but she did say something, "I'm going to the camp.", after that she blazed upstairs again.
"What was that?", Rick frowned, not getting the picture.
"She's going to the camp.", Lily repeated.
"I heard that."
* * *
On Monday at school Grace did her best in escaping from talking to Taylor. She felt like she wasn't thinking very clearly, in fact, she wasn't thinking at all. She just kept seeing on her mind the picture of her and Eli kissing in the rain. It felt so good to touch him again but they hadn't spoken to each other ever since the kiss ... They both had a feeling inside that told them that it was wrong. And Grace also knew that what she was doing to Taylor wasn't good either. She couldn't fool the poor guy like that... .... give him hope. That's why she vowed to talk to him after school and put an end in whatever was going on between them once and for all... ...
"Taylor!", Grace called out as Taylor closed his locker.
"Hey!", he smiled widely. "Why do I get the feeling you were running away from me?"
"We need to talk.", she squeezed her eyes.
"Why? What's wrong?", Taylor suspiciously asked noticing the seriousness in her voice.
"Can we go somewhere?", she sighed and he nodded.
Grace and Taylor went to the school gym , knowing that no on would disturb them there. "So, what's up?"
Grace didn't know where she should begin. She had no idea how he truly felt for her. And what if he was falling in love with her? She didn't feel the same but she didn't want to hurt him. "I'm so sorry."
"You're sorry?", he got confused with her words. "What do you mean?"
"Us... ... we can't be *friends* anymore."
"Wait a minute? Are you breaking up with me?", he raised his voice.
"I'm not breaking up with you because we were never together.", she stated.
Taylor snorted a laugh then disputed, " I know things between us were not official but we were dating."
"No, we were not. We were just hanging out. That's all.", she stood up and her arms flew in the air.
"That's why you didn't want to go to the prom with me.", Taylor realized the obvious. "There's another guys, right?"
"No! There is no other guys, Taylor.", Grace lied. "It's just that ... there is so much going on in life right now. I'm going out of town for the summer and-"
"So?", he snapped disappointedly.
"And-", she sighed then sympathetically lied again. "There are thousand of girls who would die to be with you. I don't want you to feel committed to me. I want you to enjoy your summer ... In my life ... now, it is not a good time for dating."
"I should've known better.", Taylor snorted, standing up too. "You were never like the other girls and I guess that so called weirdness of yours was what called my attention in the first place."
"Was that some kind of a complement?"
"Yes, it was.", he smiled lightly. "At least this whole mess between us was wroth to help my sister, Eva... She's very excited about Eli.", he informed and Grace looked up at him with widen eyes.
"Really?", she chuckled at the words. "So... I guess, I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow.", he replied then Grace walked out of there.
~ ~ ~
Lily was cooking dinner when Eli got home. Rick and Jessie were in the kitchen helping her. Actually, they were only there to make sure she wasn't going to cook some exotic food again...
"Hey everyone!", Eli greeted.
"Hi, Eli!", Lily beamed at him and so did Jessie.
"E!", his father got out.
"Um... Lily?", Eli caught her and everybody else's attention.
"What?"
"I was wondering if that offer was still up?", Eli vaguely trailed.
"What offer?", she frowned.
Sticking his hands in his pockets, Eli continued, "You said you could talk to Judy and Jake about-"
"You're going to Miami?", Rick interrupted, figuring what it was about.
"Yeah, I am."
"I thought you... well, um...", Rick mumbled out a few words.
"I thought about it and realized it would be nice to go. You know. But if you don't want me to-", Eli sort of explained.
"You're an adult, Eli. I can't forbid you to do anything.", Rick reasoned.
"Thanks, dad ... ... ... ... ... Lily?"
"Oh?!! Don't worry about it. I'll talk to them. They won't mind at all. I mean, we're all family. Right?!!", Lily happily remarked then went back to the food she was cooking and Rick left the room for a minute.
"Why are you going to Miami?", Jessie asked lowly as in sharing a secret.
"Because I wan-", Eli opened his mouth and begun to speak but Lily cut him.
"When are you leaving?", she asked.
"Um... if everything is set up on time, we're gonna leave in... ... um ... eighteen days.", Eli informed.
"What a coincidence!!!!", Lily exclaimed, "Grace's leaving to her summer camp in eighteen days too."
Eli's face went pale when he heard that, "Grace's going to a summer camp?"
"Yes. She used to go to this camp but four years ago she decided not to go back there."
"So, why is she going, anyway?", Jessie inquired, feeling Grace was leaving home because the same as Eli.
"I have absolutely no idea.", Lily got out smiling. Eli lowered his eyes and he began to hear his mind screaming, saying that she was leaving because he crossed the line when he kissed her two days before. Feeling sad and hopeless, Eli excused himself and went to his garage.
* * *
Eighteen days seemed too long when Eli mentioned it but it wasn't. Specially when you have to plan a trip. Things in the Manning/Sammler house had been a complete craziness during those days. First the girls were at home, second lily had to help Grace with her packing... The girls was packing everything, clothes, food... furry toys, third Eli was doing hi own packing so he could help much in the house. Jessie only watched them from afar, she was the only one in the house who knew why Eli and Grace were letting everybody crazy. But as the days went by Jessie also realized that what her brother and step-sister felt for each other was something incredibly strong and that the reason why they were doing all of that was because they were trying to do what was the best for the family. Jessie was never a fan of Eli and Grace love story but now she kinda wished things were different for them, she even wished she could help but there was not much to do about the situation.
It was Friday again and it was the day Grace and Eli were going away. All the family went nuts that morning. Karen had stopped by to say goodbye to her son and so did Jake, Tiffany and the Maddie. Judy offered to stay with Zoe after they had driven Grace to the bus station... ...
Eli was checking his bags, making sure he wasn't leaving anything behind, .... anything besides his heart when he heard a knock on his door, "Come in."
Jessie slowly opened it up, "Hey."
"Hey."
"Everything is ready?", she tried to build up a conversation.
"Looks like.", Eli said back, stretching his arms.
"What time are you guys leaving?"
"Oh, around four, so I guess I still have plenty of time.", Eli checked his watch and it ticked twelve-fifteen.
"Are you coming with us to take Grace to the bus station?", Jessie finally got to mention her name.
Eli felt chills going up and down his body every time he heard the name Grace being uttered, "No, I'm not."
"So, you better hurry if you want to say good 'cause... we're leaving now."
"We... talked earlier, so...", Eli lied, awkwardly sticking his hands in his back pockets.
Jessie knew he was lying. He didn't want to see Grace leave, she could tell it, "I'm sorry, Eli.", Jessie got out and he frowned, "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and-"
"Eva and I had nothing in common. ", Eli interrupted Jessie, adding. He didn't know his sister was aware of what had happened between him and Grace, "Eva is nice, beautiful ... but... we tried, but it wasn't meant to be."
"Right... ... ... .... Eva.", Jessie nodded and let him believe she was talking about Eva too, "Well, have a wonderful summer.", she hugged him goodbye.
"You too.", they let go off each other then she left.
~ ~ ~
"I should get going.", Grace snorted when it was left ten minutes for her bus to leave.
"Come here, sweetie!", Lily reached out her arms and they hugged.
"Bye, Grace.", Zoe smiled and Grace hugged her too.
"Enjoy the camp, Grace.", Rick fatherly placed his arms around her shoulders.
When it was Jessie's turn to say goodbye, she came up with an excuse that left her alone with Grace for a few minutes, "Um... Grace, let me help you with those.", Jessie grabbed one her bags and they headed on the bus' direction.
As soon as they got there, Jessie and Grace put the bags down and while they bus driver put all the other bags in the bus the two girls had a short talk...
"Thanks, Jessie.", Grace stated.
"You're welcome.", Jessie began, "Eli told me you guys talked this morning. That's why he didn't come. Right?"
"Right.", Grace agreed then with suspicious in her eyes she listened to what Jessie went on saying.
"I feel so sorry for Eli, you know.", Jessie insinuated. "He looked so sad. He's only leaving at four, you know. I didn't want to leave him alone. I wish I could have stayed with him but I have to meet Katie .... "
"Sad?", Grace frowned, choking.
"Didn't you notice when you talked to him?", Jessie teased, knowing Grace was lying as well as Eli.
"Yeah, sort of."
"I guess, it's because him and Eva are not together anymore.", Jessie went on and Grace's eyes widen in surprise. Grace had no idea things between Eva and Eli hadn't worked out. Her face turned pale as she thought of Eli. Jessie just watched her reaction in silence.
All of the other kids began to get in the bus, which made Grace wake up and finally say goodbye to Jessie,. "It is time. I... I gotta go.", Jessie widely smiled then hugged Grace, who walked to the bus door right after the hug. Grace stopped near it and looked her mother's way then Jessie's.
"Have fun!", Jessie cried as Grace stepped in...
A few seconds later he bus drove off. Jessie reunited with her family. All four o them had their day all booked, Lily and Rick were Baby shopping, Jessie was going out with Katie and Zoe was spending the afternoon with Judy.
~ ~ ~
Grace was in the bus, her eyes were fixed on the road outside but she couldn't see anything. Her mind was racing, she couldn't stop thinking of what Jessie had told her...
*Making my way downtow Walking fast, faces past And I'm homebound...*
*I feel so sorry for Eli.* ... ... ... *He looked so sad.* ... ... *Eva and him are not together.*, Grace covered her ears with her hands, wishing that would make her stop listening to Jessie's words. But her hard trying was useless. Those words kept echoing in her brain over and over again...
*Staring blankly ahead Just making a way Making a way through the crowd...*
Grace now not only heard Jessie's words but also saw pictures of her and Eli together... Their first kiss at the lake ... all the words he whispered in her ears ... his gentle touches ... they kissing in the rain. Something didn't felt right for her ... ... her desperation grew as the bus kept moving...
*And I need you And I miss you And now I wonder...*
*He's only leaving at four, you know*, she heard again on her mind. "No. No. No.", Grace desperately murmured to herself then she slowly stood up. The kids in the bus looked her oddly, not understanding why she was p. Grace moved to the hall then lowly stated, "Stop this bus.", *What?!*, it was all she heard them saying. They were confused with her attitude, "Stop this bus!! Now!", she screamed as she approached the driver.
"I can't do that, Miss.", the driver denied her request, thinking it was some kind of a joke, "Could you please seat down?"
"NO! You gotta stop this bus right now!", Grace was becoming furious to the man.
"I am not stopping the bus.", he disputed.
"If you don't stop the bus I'll jump through the window. STOP THE DAMN BUS NOW!!", Grace ordered the went to one of the windows and began to punch it like a lunatic girl. Everybody there was terrified by her reaction. The bus driver didn't know what to do to contain her so he did what she ordered him to... he stopped the bus and let her out...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you ... ... tonight...*
Grace's feet touched the ground and the bus took off leaving her in the middle of the road. She looked around, there was no bus stop in sight so she started to run. She ran back home because she couldn't let Eli leave town without knowing that he was the reason why she still breathed...
~ ~ ~
Eli was in his garage with only the memories to keep him company. He missed her more than anything in the world... he missed her soft skin... her full lips... her warm embrace... the sweet scent of her perfume... Eli sighed not knowing what to do with his feelings, he laid back down on his bed right at the instant his room was invaded by someone...
*It's always times like these When I think of you And I wondr if you ever think of me...*
"Time to go, Princess!"
"God! Damn you!!!", Eli popped up in surprised, "Are you crazy? You scared the hell out of me, Coop."
"It's two in the afternoon, dude! It's not time for taking a nape.", Coop kidded.
"You said we were leaving at four.", Eli disputed seriously.
"Who cares if we leave at two, at four or at ten. We're going to Miami!!!", Coop jokingly screamed and Eli gave him a not very enthusiastic smile. "The guys waiting. Where's your stuff?"
"They're here. Can you gimme a hand?", Eli mumble as they began to carry his bags out...
*'Cause everything's so so wrong And I don't belong Living in your precious memories...*
Grace was running as fast as her feet could go. She finally got to a bus stop, she waited there for a few minutes then got in the first bus that appeared... She took a seat and prayed to God to let her get home and find Eli still there. She looked at her watch and still left almost two hours from him to leave...
~ ~ ~
"Jess, no! I'm not going.", Katie disputed in annoyance.
"Please!!!", Jessie pouted.
"Can't you live without this damn Cd for one day?"
"Please!!", Jessie insisted, giving her sweetest smile, "It won't take too long,"
Katie looked at Jessie and couldn't resist her smile, "Okay, get in the car."
"Great!", Jessie beamed and they left...
*'Cause I need you And I miss you And now I wonder...*
Grace was at downtown, only a few blocks away from home. She was smiling feeling lighter because she would manage to find Eli home and talk to him. She was dreaming already, she saw herself in his arms, she even could feel him touching her skin. She had her eyes closed to make the sensations feel real. She was so lost in her dreams that only after some minutes she realized the bus was still stopped on the same spot it was when she closed her eyes. He smile faded right away. Grace looked outside and saw all the other cars were also motionless ... ... She was stuck on a traffic jam ... ...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you ... ... tonight...*
"No!", Grace cried lowly. She couldn't believe that was happening to her. She stood up na went to talk to the driver, "Sir?"
"Yes, Miss."
"I need to get out of the bus ... ... .... NOW!", she tried to keep her cool.
"What?"
"I need to get out of the bus.", she repeated.
"This is not a bus stop. I can't le-"
"I know but.. ... See, I feel sick ... I guess I 'm gonna vomit. Do you want me to do that right here? Because that's what going to happen if you don't let me out.", Grace lied then started to pretend she was about to throw up. The driver disgusted by the scene, opened the door. Grace rushed out and the driver and the other passengers saw she was faking... Grace ran through the stopped cars in a mad way that amazed everybody who looked her way...
*And I... I don't wanna let you know I... I drown in your memory I... I don't wanna let this go I... I don't...*
Eli was standing on the lawn as Wink and Ted finished putting his bags in the truck. His eyes were lost in the distance. He was standing there like he was waiting for something, Coop was right by his side; he noticed the sadness in his friends eyes so he got out, "She's not coming."
Eli's face puzzled when Coop said that, "Who? You mean, Eva? We're not-"
"No, not Eva.", Coop seriously made him stop talking, "Grace."
Eli began to mive his mouth but no sound came out of it. He couldn't understand how copp knew about Grace, "Grace?? Why? Why would I be waiting for Grace? She's must be a thousand miles away from here by now."
"I know, Eli.", Coop calmly uttered. Eli blinked a few times and Coop quickly explained, "The night you two broke up... ... you appeared at one in the morning at my house ... ... drunk as a pig... ... ... You told me everything."
"But I woke up in my room. I-", Eli stammered confusedly.
"Well, after a lot of crying and puking, crying and more puking ... ... you passed out and to spare you fom the embarrassment of the the morning after, I brought you home.", Coop went on, "I didn't mention anything about it because I didn't want to upst you."
"Thanks, Coop.",Eli hummed weakly then he burried his face in his hands.
"This trip is gonna do good to you. You'll see.", Coop remarked then said again, "She ain't coming."...
*Making my way downtown Walking fast, faces past And I'm homebound...*
Grace was still running through the city, *Crazy girl!!! You wanna get yourself killed?!*, some driver screamed whens he crossed a street without caring if the cars were passing or not. Grace was determinated, she needed tot alk to him but her legs were failing in keep o running so she had to slow down a little bit...
*Staring blankly ahead Just making a way Making a way through the crowd
And I still need you And I still miss you And now I wonder...*
Grace opened a smiled at the minute she caught sight of her house and even with her legs hurtinh like hell, she went back running... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Grace ran as fast as she could and went straight to his garage, "ELI!", she cried slamming his door opened but he wasn't there. Fea crossed her heart but then she rushed into the house believing he could be there watching TV while he waited for his friends to come but... ... ... the living room was empty. "The attic.", she remembered and rushed up the stairs but getting in the attic... ... there was no one in there...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass us by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you...*
Grace was devastated, he heart splited in a thousand pieces, she didn't know what else to do... ... She went downstairs then headed to his garage again... She stepped in, took a good look around the place... ... Everuthing had his smell, she went through the things he had left behind... a few Cds, magazines... Her eyes were now floating in a rivr of tears and she keep walking around his room... ... She got there too late... he was gone...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by...*
Katie pulled over on Lily's driveway, "You sould have told me we were going to see Tara before coming here.", Jessie sort of complained.
"It was on the way here.", Katie exclaimed.
"I left the Cd in Eli's room."
"How are you supposed to gt in there? Your brother is out of town.", Katien put her hands on her waits as she stood next her car.
"Eli's leaving at four but even if he wasn't... we would be able to get int."
"How?"
"This was supposed to be a family secret but... Eli never lock his room... and so does Lily..."...
*'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you...*
"I don't believe Lily doesn't lock the kitchen's door.", Katie said in amaziment as she and Jessie approached the garage.
Jessie turned and saw the door was slightly opened. She pushed it, calling her brother, "Eli!"
Their faces went pale at the picture they found in there, "Oh my God!", Katie got out as she and Jessie stared at Grace laying on Eli's bed, entwinded to one his coats, holding a picture of him... ... her face tear- stained. Grae only lifted her eyes in shame and pain to see who was disturbing her moment of dispair then she lcosed them again, letting another river falls down her cheeks...
*If I could just hold you ... ... ... tonight...*
P.S: Thank you for the reviews
* * * * * *
Jessie went to the attic that night feeling horrible; one because of Lily and the Baby; two because of Eli and Grace. She didn't know what had really happened between them but by the sadness she saw on their faces, she figured they must had fought or something. And if it was a fight, it must had been a pretty bad one because a few minutes later she had left his garage, Jessie heard a car taking off... ... ... Eli's car.
Jessie couldn't get much sleep that night. Her mind kept wondering and wondering over the whole Grace and Eli situation. It was true that she wasn't cool about it and that she even tried to hook up Grace with that Taylor person. But now with the possibility of their break up, she wasn't feeling good at all. Actually she was feeling a little ashamed for not wanting them to be together. It was pretty obvious for her that Eli really cared about Grace because Jessie never saw Eli so sad before, not even when their mother almost died. It was new to Jessie to see him crying. But still she stuck to her previous judgment about her brother's and step-sister's relationship. She reasoned to herself that they were better off without each other.
*
*
*
Next day, the entire family was being extremely careful with Lily. Zoe and Grace didn't even had one single fight. In fact, Zoe helped Grace to run all the household errands... You know, cooking, cleaning and whatever a normal teenage hated to do in a house. Jessie and Eli were supposed to go to Karen's at the first hour in the morning but Rick had to drive Jessie instead. No one and nothing on this Earth was able to wake Eli up that morning. Rick even got a little concerned about his son but he was kinda used to Eli's irresponsibility so he just let him be.
~ ~ ~
The weekend was pretty calm after Lily scared the hell out of everybody on Friday. It was Monday again and Lily was feeling as good as new, even her nausea gave her a little break. As for Eli and Grace, well... he was at his mom's and would only return to the house on Tuesday, so it was easier for Grace to pretend everything was alright or she just made herself believe it was...
* * *
*Three weeks for summer vacation !*, it was all the students could talk about and of course, the prom. Grace avoided any kind of conversation with anyone in school. Every time Cynthia, Linda or AJ tried to talk to her, she came up with some excuse to leave. But it was lunch time now and Linda and Cynthia somehow managed to sort of kidnap Grace so she had no choice but deal with them...
"What's wrong with you today, Grace?", Cynthia asked, folding her arms.
"Wrong? Nothing's wrong.", Grace lied attempting to escape from the other thousand questions her friends were about to pour.
"You don't fool us, Grace. Something's obviously wrong.", Linda remarked.
"It's nothing. Really.", Grace said again.
"It's gotta be something. You're acting all weird on us.", Linda spoke again as her eyes studied Grace's face, searching for something that would indicate what was going on with her friend.
"What do you mean?", Grace lowered her eyes, playing dumb.
"You were so happy last week. You were even whistling and talking to birds.", Cynthia snapped.
"And now you're so sad that you pretty much look like a zombie."
Grace snorted a bitter laugh at Cynthia's joking sentence, "Um... Something happened to my mother and I-"
"Is she okay? Something happened to the Baby?", Linda cut her in concern.
"She is okay. They're both fine.", Grace replied and lightly felt blessed for the friends she had. "I guess, I'm just worried about them. That's all."
"Well, in that case... we, as good friends, we're here to make that worry, sadness or whatever you're feeling go away.", Cynthia stood up and so did Linda.
"How?", Grace observed them in awe.
"Come with us.", Linda grabbed Grace's hand, making her to stand. Linda and Cynthia began to walk but Grace remained still on her spot with frowns on her face. The two girls stepped back, grabbed Grace's arms then dragging her out, Linda stated, "Aren't you hungry?"
~ ~ ~
Jessie and Katie were having lunch at the school cafeteria when Grace and her friends walked in the place. The expression on Jessie's face was not one of the most pleasant ones and it got worse when she saw Taylor talking to Grace.
"Jessie?", Katie called with a serious tone.
"What?", Jessie looked up at her.
"Aren't you going to tell me what's going on with you?", Katie quizzed, "This mystery you're making here is killing me."
Jessie cast a look over Grace and Taylor then sighed heavily, "Alright. It's complicated ... ... but I'll try to explain.", Jessie put down her spoon and began her confusing explanation, "There is this ... ... thing that was going on ... and this ... ... thing was supposed to be a secret but I accidentally found out about it. And this ... thing was wrong or at least - No, not wrong but not entirely right either. Maybe that's why it bothered me so much when ... ... you know, when I found out. But now this thing is no longer happening or at least I think it's not. The point is... ... I guess I should be glad because this thing is over ... ... The thing is ... ... I wasn't cool with ... this thing when it was going on but I'm not cool now that it's over. You know what I'm saying?", Jessie finished.
Katie had this confused and amazed look on her face, it was too many *thing* for her to grasp, so she just mumbled, "No."
"I said it was complicated.", Jessie remarked and Katie only nodded then they both suddenly began to laugh at it.
* * *
It was four p.m, Grace was back at home, she was exhausted. She felt like she was carrying an huge heavy over her shoulders, her head ached and all she wanted to do was stay locked in her room. It was only for nine days or so that she had Eli but she felt like she always had him. Being without him was too painful for her but she was always the good girl, she always did the right thing and break up with Eli was the right thing to do; it was the best for the family ... ... How she wished that day at the lake never happened. Tears streamed down her cheeks when she remembered it. That day was when they let show their true feeling for each other. Grace choked at her breath when she remembered the way she used to feel when she didn't have him; it wasn't easy at all to sit back and watch him from afar but it was ten thousand times harder now that she knew how it felt like to kiss him, to hold him ... ... The memories were slowly torturing her that she felt strength leaving her body. It was right then when her door received a knock. Grace sat back on her bed, wiped out the tears, took a deep breath and said, "Come in.", Grace watched her door slowly being opened and the person who was behind it surprise her, "Jessie!! Weren't you supposed to be at your mom's?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing here?", Grace quizzed while Jessie stood on her doorway.
"Um... ... um... Katie's shirt. I left it here and she needs it, so...", Jessie lied. She hadn't borrowed any shirt from Katie, the real reason she was there was because she was curious; she wanted to know what Grace and Taylor had talked earlier at school.
Jessie didn't say a word during a few seconds, she just advanced some footsteps into the room while Grace observed her in awe, "What is it, Jess?". Grace realized her step-sister had something to say.
Jessie awkwardly smiled then stumbled aloud, "I heard this rumor that Taylor was going to ask you to the prom."
"Oh?!!!", Grace exclaimed and for an instant wondered why out of the sudden Jessie cared if a guy asked her out, "That's true. Well, actually, he did ask me. That's what we were talking about at lunch."
"What did you say?", Jessie raised an eye brow, trying to sound very casual about the whole thing.
"I said yes."
"You did?!!", Jessie snapped in surprise.
"I did.", Grace made a funny face, not understanding where Jessie was trying to get, "What? Do you think I did wrong in accept it? I thought you wanted us to-"
"No. You did the right thing. It's great that you two are going to the prom. It's just great.", Jessie pretended excitement but had the feeling she wasn't being a very much good actress. She could honestly say that Grace didn't fall for that, "Well, I better get going. I still have to drop at Katie's, ... You know."
"I can give you a ride if you want to.", Grace politely offered.
"No, you don't have to. It's okay but thanks.", Jessie began to walk backwards, "Well, bye."
"Bye.", Grace replied and Jessie left.
* * *
Jessie still wasn't sure if the things between Eli and Grace were definetly over but now that she knew about Taylor, she didn't know what to think anymore, specially because she still got this weird vibe coming from them. But her doubts were slowly melting away, thanks to the news she heard from Zoe on the next day. At the minute Jessie walked in the house, Zoe happily informed her that Grace had gone out on a date with Taylor the night before and that they were going out again that night. Eli still wasn't aware of the situation. Jessie thought it would be better if he didn't know about it and since he was barely home, Zoe couldn't find time to tell him.
~ ~ ~
Thursday night, the usual ritual of eating chinese food. Lily went back to her routine of eating exotic foods so her meal was kinda different from the rest of the family...
"Oh, Gracie!!!! I almost forgot!", Lily startled up and everybody looked at her with puzzled faces, "The summer camp!"
"What about it?", Grace vaguely quizzed not very much interested.
"I wanna know if you're... I don't know... if you're interested in going.", Lily trailed.
Grace's brow furrowed and she gave her mother an amazed look then she spelled, "Mom, the last time I went to that stupid camp was like... like four years ago... ... I don't know why you still bother."
"You used to love that place.", Lily exclaimed behind a full mouth.
"I used to hate that place, mom.", Grace disputed and Jessie lightly laughed at her comment.
"You don't have to give an answer right now. You've got until Monday to think about it.", Lily insisted.
"There's nothing to think about.", Grace slightly groaned in annoyance.
"Hey? Anybody knows where Eli is?", Rick questioned out of nowhere. The females of the house looked at each other confusingly then nodded a * I don't know.*
"Anyway, Gracie?!! ... Just give it some thought, okay?", Lily couldn't drop the summer camp subject.
"Mom?", Grace raised her voice a little in warning then added, "Why don't you send Zoe to that camp?"
"I can't. I have plans.", Zoe seriously stated. Grace, Jessie, Rick and Lily looked at the young girl with surprised fanny faces then she finished, "Me and Anika have the whole summer planed... Sorry."
Grace barely laughed, "Why do you want me so far away from home, hugh?", she insinuated jokingly.
"I just think it might be fun. That's all.", Lily shrugged and right after she spoke Eli walked in the kitchen.
"Eli!", Rick exclaimed and Grace felt her stomach quivering. Grace's eyes and Eli's locked for a split moment.
"Anything to eat?", Eli kidded then went on, "Chinese food again?"
"Um... um... I - I have - I've got something to do in my room, so...", Grace stood up and began to leave.
"Gracie?!!", Lily made her turn around and come back, "Are you sure you don't wanna go?", Grace snorted annoyingly and began to walk out again, "If you change your mind!!!?"
"I won't!!", she screamed from the stairs.
While Lily argued with Grace, Eli went through the fridge and found some left overs, he grabbed them and excused himself, "This will do. Good night."
"Eli?!", Rick called and he stepped back. "Coop called."
"So?", Eli frowned.
"When were you planing in telling me about your trip to Miami?", Rick asked with a serious tone in his voice.
"Never.", Eli calmly answered, "Never because I'm not going."
"Are you going to space sunny days, the beach, bare naked beach girls, wild parties??!!!", Rick teased, "Did aliens take over my son? Because I don't recognize him anymore."
Eli faked a laugh as well as everybody then explained, "I just got back from the cabin. I got work to do, dad. I can't let Jake and Judy take care of my work . And besides, they deserved vacation too."
"Oh, don't worry about Judy and Jake. I'll talk to them if you want to.", Lily jumped in the conversation, "And the last thing Judy wants now is vacation. In fact, she's looking for a reason to stay here, in Chicago... working."
"Judy doesn't want to go to Australia to visit Sam?", Rick figured. Lily gasped not saying a word in reply. Eli took advantage of the moment to leave the place unnoticed. Rick and lily disputed about Sam and Judy for a whole minute then they remember what the conversation was really about, "Where's Eli?", Rick asked the girls and they told him he had just left.
Lily stopped and stared at Zoe and Jessie for a while then wondered aloud, "What are we gonna do about you two?"
Zoe and Jessie quickly figured that Lily was about to find some activity or trip for them to do in the summer so they abruptly popped up from their chairs, jokingly began to nod no then ran out of there. Rick and Lily exchanged glances then burst out laughing.
* * *
The day after at school, Grace and Taylor were talking after their last period...
"I can't wait to see your dress.", Taylor smirked, placing his arm over Grace's shoulder.
"Grace awkwardly smiled and slipping out of his grasp she informed, "I haven't bought the dress yet."
"What? I mean, why? The prom is tomorrow night.", Taylor raised an eye brow in confusion.
"You see. It's just that ... ... I wasn't planing in going, anyway. But when you asked me... I didn't know what to say so I accept it... I thought I changed my mind about it but I still don't wanna go.", Grace explained. Taylor just kept staring at her with a disappointed look on his face, "But if it is so important to you, I'll buy the dress today so we can go."
"No... It is not that important to me and I don't want you to do something you don't want.", Taylor got out, "Why didn't you tell? You thought I wouldn't understand or something?"
Grace shrugged her shoulders and asked, "So, it is okay if we don't go?"
"Okay, okay... No, it's not.", he stated slightly smiling, "But I can't force you to do anything.
Grace smiled, "Thank you."
Taylor remained in silence for a minute. He had this strange look on his face, like a great idea was springing in that sick mind of his, "I've been wanting to ask you something since this whole thing between us started but I wasn't sure if I should. But now that you owe me... ... I guess it's in my right."
"What is it?", Grace laughed a little unsure.
"My sister... I told you about her. Well, she had this major crush on a guys who she works with.", Taylor began, "She tried everything but the guy keeps turning her down so she asked me to help her."
"How?", she frowned not understanding what his sister love problems had to do with her.
"She want us to go out... the four of us ... You, me, her and hr guy... So what do you say?"
"A double date?", she puzzled , not very thrilled about that. But how could she say no to Taylor again? "Okay!!! When is this double date going to happen?"
"Well, since we have nothing planed for tomorrow night, I though we could-"
"Perfect!", Grace interrupted him, pretending excitement
* * *
After Taylor had talked to Grace he went home and called his sister at her work. The girl went nuts with the news. She had a hard time trying to convince the object of her idolatry to go out with her, her brother and her brother's girlfriend but the girl got what she wanted and the double date on Saturday night was up...
~ ~ ~
The clock ticked 6 p,m when Grace went down. Lily and Rick weren't aware of the prom, that's why they didn't throw on her a thousand question, asking why she wasn't going. But Grace looked very nice that night and they wondered why she was all dressed up for...
"Going somewhere?", Lily quizzed.
"Got a date with Taylor.", Grace vaguely answered.
"Taylor ... ... again?", Lily smirked, insinuating that there was more than friendship between Grace and Taylor.
"Mom, we're just friends.", Grace read her mother's mind.
"I'm not saying anything. I just-", Lily was about to make one of her remarks at the exact instant they all heard a horn.
"That's Taylor!", Grace stated.
"He's not even going to ring the bell?", Lily made a funny face then Grace warned.
"Mom, we're late. Bye!!", Grace opened the door and left.
~ ~ ~
Taylor informed Grace that they were going to a park and that they were supposed to meet his sister and her date there...
So there they were, Grace and Taylor standing on the park entrance waiting for the other couple to show up...
"You're sure they're coming?", Grace asked tired of waiting.
"My sister would never miss the chance to spend a second with that guy... She's crazy about him. She's 21 but she's been acting like a 12 year old since she met him.", Grace wasn't very much interested in what Taylor was talking about his sister. She began to look around and turned so her back was to Taylor. She took a few footsteps away from him when he startled up exclaiming, "Grace! They're here!", Grace closed her lids for an instant then turned to see the sister and her date. Something wasn't right... ... The picture going on there wasn't right. Grace froze at the moment she turned to face them and so did the sister's date, "Grace, I want you to meet my sister, Eva.", Grace swallowed down her astonishment and horror then shook Eva's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Grace.", Eva stated, "This is Eli."
"Hi.", Taylor got out smiling while Eli and Grace were in complete shock. Taylor and Eva couldn't help but notice that there was something going on.
"Hi, Grace.", Eli greeted her with a hearty voice.
"Hello, Eli.", Grace replied as weakly as him.
"Do you know each other?", Taylor asked the obvious.
"He's, he's -", Grace began to stammer no knowing what to answer. What would she say? *This is Eli, my former secret lover and who happens to be my step-brother. *
"She's my step-sister.", Eli sadly announced.
"You gotta be kidding?", Eva excitingly laughed, "You're Zoe's sister?"
"Yes, I am.", Grace tried to disguise the feeling of complete embarrassment and sadness that was crossing her entire body.
"How come I never saw at the bookstore? Oh??!!! By the way, I'm the new *coffe-girl*.", Eva continued her euphoric explanation. Grace only smiled shyly. She couldn't tell them that she was avoiding to visit her dad and aunt because she didn't want to accidentally bump on Eli.
"Well, since we're all in family here... ... Shall we?!", Taylor made them remember what was the reason they were there for .... have fun. But Grace and Eli knew that it wasn't going to be fun in any way at all... .... It was a torture, a torture that both knew eventually they would have to go through but they didn't expect it to happen that soon ... ...
~ ~ ~
Grace and Eli were hanging on bravely. There were the perfect performers. They incredibly played their parts in that farce while their heart were being ripped out every time they had to watch each other being hugged or caressed by Eva or Taylor, who, just for the record, were having a bless there.
Three hours of pure and mean torture. Eli and Grace thought they couldn't hold on anymore, specially when they had to get in that machine and take pictures together; first the couples then the brother and sister and of course the step-brother and step-sister. But they were glad now it was about to end...
"So?", Taylor smiled as they stepped out of the park, "I had fun!"
"Me too!", Eva replied and the other tow just gave them weary smiles.
"I just had an idea.", Taylor stopped walking making the other stop too, "My car is over. Why don't Eva and I come back home together and you two go home together?"
"Yeah! Of course! You're going to the same house, we're going to the same house. It would save us time.", Eva supported her brother's idea.
Grace opened her mouth to explain that her and Eli were not going to the same house because Eli was spending the night at his mother's but Eli didn't even let her begin, "It's okay by me.", he agreed.
"Great!", Eva nodded, "Call me tomorrow?", she smirked and Eli nodded.
"I'll cal you tomorrow.", Taylor didn't wait for Grace to ask him to, "Now, you better get going because it's going to start raining any minute."
"It's going to. It is raining!", Eva stated as water began falling from the sky. They all said goodbye and Eli and Eli headed to Eli's car.
The rain was pouring down very hard. Eli and Grace were soaking wet and they still hadn't gotten to the car...
"Where the hell is the car?", Grace cried as they ran.
"Just another block.", he answered. Eli had stopped the car like four blocks away from the park because Eva wanted them to talk. She told him it would be nice if they walked while they talked, that's why they got there almost twenty minutes late.
The was in sight, at least. They ran to it and Eli grabbed his keys and unlocked it but neither of them could find strength to get in. They just stood there in the pouring rain, staring at each other. Their breathing were shortened, probably because they were running and obviously because they couldn't hold what they were feeling inside... ... Their gazes were deeply locked, nothing in the world would be able to make them break the eye contact at that moment. Eli began to walk slowly, circling the car as Grace watched him in an awe, he headed on her direction and only stopped when were face to face, a few inches away. His hands came up to her face, gently brushing her hair away. Grace closed her eyes and felt her skin burn as he touched her. She knew she couldn't resist anymore. Grace unsurely lifted her eyes and Eli could see her true feelings when he saw himself reflection on them. Biting his bottom lips he leaned in and their lips met in a deep, delight-painful kiss. Grace's arms wrapped around his shoulder allowing him closer ... ... she held him tightly as his hands caressed her back ... their lips were drinking of one another's taste and at that moment everything around them just slowed down...
~ ~ ~
Eli pulled over the car on Lily's driveway, Grace had her eyes fixed on her feet and he was blankly staring ahead ... ... They remained in silence ... no word was uttered during the way back home, they didn't even risk to cast a glance at each other. Grace took a deep breath and jumped out of the car while Eli remained still.
Grace invaded her house like she was a mad girl. Lily and Rick were in the living room watching TV. They got all confused when they saw her rushing upstairs and he confusion grew when she stepped back down and made an announcement.
"Grace? What happened to you, sweetie?", Lily inquired because her daughter wall wet.
Grace didn't answer her mother's question but she did say something, "I'm going to the camp.", after that she blazed upstairs again.
"What was that?", Rick frowned, not getting the picture.
"She's going to the camp.", Lily repeated.
"I heard that."
* * *
On Monday at school Grace did her best in escaping from talking to Taylor. She felt like she wasn't thinking very clearly, in fact, she wasn't thinking at all. She just kept seeing on her mind the picture of her and Eli kissing in the rain. It felt so good to touch him again but they hadn't spoken to each other ever since the kiss ... They both had a feeling inside that told them that it was wrong. And Grace also knew that what she was doing to Taylor wasn't good either. She couldn't fool the poor guy like that... .... give him hope. That's why she vowed to talk to him after school and put an end in whatever was going on between them once and for all... ...
"Taylor!", Grace called out as Taylor closed his locker.
"Hey!", he smiled widely. "Why do I get the feeling you were running away from me?"
"We need to talk.", she squeezed her eyes.
"Why? What's wrong?", Taylor suspiciously asked noticing the seriousness in her voice.
"Can we go somewhere?", she sighed and he nodded.
Grace and Taylor went to the school gym , knowing that no on would disturb them there. "So, what's up?"
Grace didn't know where she should begin. She had no idea how he truly felt for her. And what if he was falling in love with her? She didn't feel the same but she didn't want to hurt him. "I'm so sorry."
"You're sorry?", he got confused with her words. "What do you mean?"
"Us... ... we can't be *friends* anymore."
"Wait a minute? Are you breaking up with me?", he raised his voice.
"I'm not breaking up with you because we were never together.", she stated.
Taylor snorted a laugh then disputed, " I know things between us were not official but we were dating."
"No, we were not. We were just hanging out. That's all.", she stood up and her arms flew in the air.
"That's why you didn't want to go to the prom with me.", Taylor realized the obvious. "There's another guys, right?"
"No! There is no other guys, Taylor.", Grace lied. "It's just that ... there is so much going on in life right now. I'm going out of town for the summer and-"
"So?", he snapped disappointedly.
"And-", she sighed then sympathetically lied again. "There are thousand of girls who would die to be with you. I don't want you to feel committed to me. I want you to enjoy your summer ... In my life ... now, it is not a good time for dating."
"I should've known better.", Taylor snorted, standing up too. "You were never like the other girls and I guess that so called weirdness of yours was what called my attention in the first place."
"Was that some kind of a complement?"
"Yes, it was.", he smiled lightly. "At least this whole mess between us was wroth to help my sister, Eva... She's very excited about Eli.", he informed and Grace looked up at him with widen eyes.
"Really?", she chuckled at the words. "So... I guess, I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow.", he replied then Grace walked out of there.
~ ~ ~
Lily was cooking dinner when Eli got home. Rick and Jessie were in the kitchen helping her. Actually, they were only there to make sure she wasn't going to cook some exotic food again...
"Hey everyone!", Eli greeted.
"Hi, Eli!", Lily beamed at him and so did Jessie.
"E!", his father got out.
"Um... Lily?", Eli caught her and everybody else's attention.
"What?"
"I was wondering if that offer was still up?", Eli vaguely trailed.
"What offer?", she frowned.
Sticking his hands in his pockets, Eli continued, "You said you could talk to Judy and Jake about-"
"You're going to Miami?", Rick interrupted, figuring what it was about.
"Yeah, I am."
"I thought you... well, um...", Rick mumbled out a few words.
"I thought about it and realized it would be nice to go. You know. But if you don't want me to-", Eli sort of explained.
"You're an adult, Eli. I can't forbid you to do anything.", Rick reasoned.
"Thanks, dad ... ... ... ... ... Lily?"
"Oh?!! Don't worry about it. I'll talk to them. They won't mind at all. I mean, we're all family. Right?!!", Lily happily remarked then went back to the food she was cooking and Rick left the room for a minute.
"Why are you going to Miami?", Jessie asked lowly as in sharing a secret.
"Because I wan-", Eli opened his mouth and begun to speak but Lily cut him.
"When are you leaving?", she asked.
"Um... if everything is set up on time, we're gonna leave in... ... um ... eighteen days.", Eli informed.
"What a coincidence!!!!", Lily exclaimed, "Grace's leaving to her summer camp in eighteen days too."
Eli's face went pale when he heard that, "Grace's going to a summer camp?"
"Yes. She used to go to this camp but four years ago she decided not to go back there."
"So, why is she going, anyway?", Jessie inquired, feeling Grace was leaving home because the same as Eli.
"I have absolutely no idea.", Lily got out smiling. Eli lowered his eyes and he began to hear his mind screaming, saying that she was leaving because he crossed the line when he kissed her two days before. Feeling sad and hopeless, Eli excused himself and went to his garage.
* * *
Eighteen days seemed too long when Eli mentioned it but it wasn't. Specially when you have to plan a trip. Things in the Manning/Sammler house had been a complete craziness during those days. First the girls were at home, second lily had to help Grace with her packing... The girls was packing everything, clothes, food... furry toys, third Eli was doing hi own packing so he could help much in the house. Jessie only watched them from afar, she was the only one in the house who knew why Eli and Grace were letting everybody crazy. But as the days went by Jessie also realized that what her brother and step-sister felt for each other was something incredibly strong and that the reason why they were doing all of that was because they were trying to do what was the best for the family. Jessie was never a fan of Eli and Grace love story but now she kinda wished things were different for them, she even wished she could help but there was not much to do about the situation.
It was Friday again and it was the day Grace and Eli were going away. All the family went nuts that morning. Karen had stopped by to say goodbye to her son and so did Jake, Tiffany and the Maddie. Judy offered to stay with Zoe after they had driven Grace to the bus station... ...
Eli was checking his bags, making sure he wasn't leaving anything behind, .... anything besides his heart when he heard a knock on his door, "Come in."
Jessie slowly opened it up, "Hey."
"Hey."
"Everything is ready?", she tried to build up a conversation.
"Looks like.", Eli said back, stretching his arms.
"What time are you guys leaving?"
"Oh, around four, so I guess I still have plenty of time.", Eli checked his watch and it ticked twelve-fifteen.
"Are you coming with us to take Grace to the bus station?", Jessie finally got to mention her name.
Eli felt chills going up and down his body every time he heard the name Grace being uttered, "No, I'm not."
"So, you better hurry if you want to say good 'cause... we're leaving now."
"We... talked earlier, so...", Eli lied, awkwardly sticking his hands in his back pockets.
Jessie knew he was lying. He didn't want to see Grace leave, she could tell it, "I'm sorry, Eli.", Jessie got out and he frowned, "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and-"
"Eva and I had nothing in common. ", Eli interrupted Jessie, adding. He didn't know his sister was aware of what had happened between him and Grace, "Eva is nice, beautiful ... but... we tried, but it wasn't meant to be."
"Right... ... ... .... Eva.", Jessie nodded and let him believe she was talking about Eva too, "Well, have a wonderful summer.", she hugged him goodbye.
"You too.", they let go off each other then she left.
~ ~ ~
"I should get going.", Grace snorted when it was left ten minutes for her bus to leave.
"Come here, sweetie!", Lily reached out her arms and they hugged.
"Bye, Grace.", Zoe smiled and Grace hugged her too.
"Enjoy the camp, Grace.", Rick fatherly placed his arms around her shoulders.
When it was Jessie's turn to say goodbye, she came up with an excuse that left her alone with Grace for a few minutes, "Um... Grace, let me help you with those.", Jessie grabbed one her bags and they headed on the bus' direction.
As soon as they got there, Jessie and Grace put the bags down and while they bus driver put all the other bags in the bus the two girls had a short talk...
"Thanks, Jessie.", Grace stated.
"You're welcome.", Jessie began, "Eli told me you guys talked this morning. That's why he didn't come. Right?"
"Right.", Grace agreed then with suspicious in her eyes she listened to what Jessie went on saying.
"I feel so sorry for Eli, you know.", Jessie insinuated. "He looked so sad. He's only leaving at four, you know. I didn't want to leave him alone. I wish I could have stayed with him but I have to meet Katie .... "
"Sad?", Grace frowned, choking.
"Didn't you notice when you talked to him?", Jessie teased, knowing Grace was lying as well as Eli.
"Yeah, sort of."
"I guess, it's because him and Eva are not together anymore.", Jessie went on and Grace's eyes widen in surprise. Grace had no idea things between Eva and Eli hadn't worked out. Her face turned pale as she thought of Eli. Jessie just watched her reaction in silence.
All of the other kids began to get in the bus, which made Grace wake up and finally say goodbye to Jessie,. "It is time. I... I gotta go.", Jessie widely smiled then hugged Grace, who walked to the bus door right after the hug. Grace stopped near it and looked her mother's way then Jessie's.
"Have fun!", Jessie cried as Grace stepped in...
A few seconds later he bus drove off. Jessie reunited with her family. All four o them had their day all booked, Lily and Rick were Baby shopping, Jessie was going out with Katie and Zoe was spending the afternoon with Judy.
~ ~ ~
Grace was in the bus, her eyes were fixed on the road outside but she couldn't see anything. Her mind was racing, she couldn't stop thinking of what Jessie had told her...
*Making my way downtow Walking fast, faces past And I'm homebound...*
*I feel so sorry for Eli.* ... ... ... *He looked so sad.* ... ... *Eva and him are not together.*, Grace covered her ears with her hands, wishing that would make her stop listening to Jessie's words. But her hard trying was useless. Those words kept echoing in her brain over and over again...
*Staring blankly ahead Just making a way Making a way through the crowd...*
Grace now not only heard Jessie's words but also saw pictures of her and Eli together... Their first kiss at the lake ... all the words he whispered in her ears ... his gentle touches ... they kissing in the rain. Something didn't felt right for her ... ... her desperation grew as the bus kept moving...
*And I need you And I miss you And now I wonder...*
*He's only leaving at four, you know*, she heard again on her mind. "No. No. No.", Grace desperately murmured to herself then she slowly stood up. The kids in the bus looked her oddly, not understanding why she was p. Grace moved to the hall then lowly stated, "Stop this bus.", *What?!*, it was all she heard them saying. They were confused with her attitude, "Stop this bus!! Now!", she screamed as she approached the driver.
"I can't do that, Miss.", the driver denied her request, thinking it was some kind of a joke, "Could you please seat down?"
"NO! You gotta stop this bus right now!", Grace was becoming furious to the man.
"I am not stopping the bus.", he disputed.
"If you don't stop the bus I'll jump through the window. STOP THE DAMN BUS NOW!!", Grace ordered the went to one of the windows and began to punch it like a lunatic girl. Everybody there was terrified by her reaction. The bus driver didn't know what to do to contain her so he did what she ordered him to... he stopped the bus and let her out...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you ... ... tonight...*
Grace's feet touched the ground and the bus took off leaving her in the middle of the road. She looked around, there was no bus stop in sight so she started to run. She ran back home because she couldn't let Eli leave town without knowing that he was the reason why she still breathed...
~ ~ ~
Eli was in his garage with only the memories to keep him company. He missed her more than anything in the world... he missed her soft skin... her full lips... her warm embrace... the sweet scent of her perfume... Eli sighed not knowing what to do with his feelings, he laid back down on his bed right at the instant his room was invaded by someone...
*It's always times like these When I think of you And I wondr if you ever think of me...*
"Time to go, Princess!"
"God! Damn you!!!", Eli popped up in surprised, "Are you crazy? You scared the hell out of me, Coop."
"It's two in the afternoon, dude! It's not time for taking a nape.", Coop kidded.
"You said we were leaving at four.", Eli disputed seriously.
"Who cares if we leave at two, at four or at ten. We're going to Miami!!!", Coop jokingly screamed and Eli gave him a not very enthusiastic smile. "The guys waiting. Where's your stuff?"
"They're here. Can you gimme a hand?", Eli mumble as they began to carry his bags out...
*'Cause everything's so so wrong And I don't belong Living in your precious memories...*
Grace was running as fast as her feet could go. She finally got to a bus stop, she waited there for a few minutes then got in the first bus that appeared... She took a seat and prayed to God to let her get home and find Eli still there. She looked at her watch and still left almost two hours from him to leave...
~ ~ ~
"Jess, no! I'm not going.", Katie disputed in annoyance.
"Please!!!", Jessie pouted.
"Can't you live without this damn Cd for one day?"
"Please!!", Jessie insisted, giving her sweetest smile, "It won't take too long,"
Katie looked at Jessie and couldn't resist her smile, "Okay, get in the car."
"Great!", Jessie beamed and they left...
*'Cause I need you And I miss you And now I wonder...*
Grace was at downtown, only a few blocks away from home. She was smiling feeling lighter because she would manage to find Eli home and talk to him. She was dreaming already, she saw herself in his arms, she even could feel him touching her skin. She had her eyes closed to make the sensations feel real. She was so lost in her dreams that only after some minutes she realized the bus was still stopped on the same spot it was when she closed her eyes. He smile faded right away. Grace looked outside and saw all the other cars were also motionless ... ... She was stuck on a traffic jam ... ...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you ... ... tonight...*
"No!", Grace cried lowly. She couldn't believe that was happening to her. She stood up na went to talk to the driver, "Sir?"
"Yes, Miss."
"I need to get out of the bus ... ... .... NOW!", she tried to keep her cool.
"What?"
"I need to get out of the bus.", she repeated.
"This is not a bus stop. I can't le-"
"I know but.. ... See, I feel sick ... I guess I 'm gonna vomit. Do you want me to do that right here? Because that's what going to happen if you don't let me out.", Grace lied then started to pretend she was about to throw up. The driver disgusted by the scene, opened the door. Grace rushed out and the driver and the other passengers saw she was faking... Grace ran through the stopped cars in a mad way that amazed everybody who looked her way...
*And I... I don't wanna let you know I... I drown in your memory I... I don't wanna let this go I... I don't...*
Eli was standing on the lawn as Wink and Ted finished putting his bags in the truck. His eyes were lost in the distance. He was standing there like he was waiting for something, Coop was right by his side; he noticed the sadness in his friends eyes so he got out, "She's not coming."
Eli's face puzzled when Coop said that, "Who? You mean, Eva? We're not-"
"No, not Eva.", Coop seriously made him stop talking, "Grace."
Eli began to mive his mouth but no sound came out of it. He couldn't understand how copp knew about Grace, "Grace?? Why? Why would I be waiting for Grace? She's must be a thousand miles away from here by now."
"I know, Eli.", Coop calmly uttered. Eli blinked a few times and Coop quickly explained, "The night you two broke up... ... you appeared at one in the morning at my house ... ... drunk as a pig... ... ... You told me everything."
"But I woke up in my room. I-", Eli stammered confusedly.
"Well, after a lot of crying and puking, crying and more puking ... ... you passed out and to spare you fom the embarrassment of the the morning after, I brought you home.", Coop went on, "I didn't mention anything about it because I didn't want to upst you."
"Thanks, Coop.",Eli hummed weakly then he burried his face in his hands.
"This trip is gonna do good to you. You'll see.", Coop remarked then said again, "She ain't coming."...
*Making my way downtown Walking fast, faces past And I'm homebound...*
Grace was still running through the city, *Crazy girl!!! You wanna get yourself killed?!*, some driver screamed whens he crossed a street without caring if the cars were passing or not. Grace was determinated, she needed tot alk to him but her legs were failing in keep o running so she had to slow down a little bit...
*Staring blankly ahead Just making a way Making a way through the crowd
And I still need you And I still miss you And now I wonder...*
Grace opened a smiled at the minute she caught sight of her house and even with her legs hurtinh like hell, she went back running... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Grace ran as fast as she could and went straight to his garage, "ELI!", she cried slamming his door opened but he wasn't there. Fea crossed her heart but then she rushed into the house believing he could be there watching TV while he waited for his friends to come but... ... ... the living room was empty. "The attic.", she remembered and rushed up the stairs but getting in the attic... ... there was no one in there...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass us by 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you...*
Grace was devastated, he heart splited in a thousand pieces, she didn't know what else to do... ... She went downstairs then headed to his garage again... She stepped in, took a good look around the place... ... Everuthing had his smell, she went through the things he had left behind... a few Cds, magazines... Her eyes were now floating in a rivr of tears and she keep walking around his room... ... She got there too late... he was gone...
*If I could fall into the sky Do you think time will pass me by...*
Katie pulled over on Lily's driveway, "You sould have told me we were going to see Tara before coming here.", Jessie sort of complained.
"It was on the way here.", Katie exclaimed.
"I left the Cd in Eli's room."
"How are you supposed to gt in there? Your brother is out of town.", Katien put her hands on her waits as she stood next her car.
"Eli's leaving at four but even if he wasn't... we would be able to get int."
"How?"
"This was supposed to be a family secret but... Eli never lock his room... and so does Lily..."...
*'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles If I could just see you...*
"I don't believe Lily doesn't lock the kitchen's door.", Katie said in amaziment as she and Jessie approached the garage.
Jessie turned and saw the door was slightly opened. She pushed it, calling her brother, "Eli!"
Their faces went pale at the picture they found in there, "Oh my God!", Katie got out as she and Jessie stared at Grace laying on Eli's bed, entwinded to one his coats, holding a picture of him... ... her face tear- stained. Grae only lifted her eyes in shame and pain to see who was disturbing her moment of dispair then she lcosed them again, letting another river falls down her cheeks...
*If I could just hold you ... ... ... tonight...*