3, 2, 1 BOOM – Chapter 8
"Hello?"
"Hello?"
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"Grace honey, is that you?"
"Mom?"
"Grace, how are you? Is Eli there too?"
"Yes, we're fine, but we were so worried about you, are you ok?"
"We're fine honey, we couldn't call you earlier because the phone lines here are down and the cell just lost its signal, it just came back two minutes ago"
"Where are you?"
"We were at the park when the weather began to deteriorate, but by the time we got to the car the road was already blocked, so we have to stay here for tonight at least, we've got a room at a motel called 'Lake-Wise' but everything is fine, you don't need to worry about us, honey"
"I'm so happy, you don't know how worried we've been all through the evening…"
"We'll be back as soon as possible, but we don't want to take any unnecessary risks with the lightning warning… anyway for now we don't really have a choice, since the roads are still blocked."
"Meanwhile I suppose we'll stay in this motel, so I'll give you the number over here, incase the line is back" Lily gave the number to Grace
"Got it" Grace informed as she finished writing it down.
"How's the weather at home Grace?"
"Not so good, but we've prepared ourselves some emergency supply and we're fine, don't worry about us."
"I'm glad to hear it sweetie"
"Rick wants to talk to Eli, so goodnight and we'll try and call you at morning and let you know if the roads are open"
"Bye mom, goodnight, and tell Zoë Jessie and Rick I said, too"
"Bye Grace"
"Dad?"
"Hey E"
"We were so worried about you guys…"
"Yes, sorry, how are you two doing?"
"We're fine dad, don't worry about us"
"Well, goodnight then"
"Goodnight dad"
"Oh, Eli… take care of Grace…"
"Will do" Eli said with a tiny smile
"Bye"
"Bye"
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As Eli ended the call, both he and Grace looked at each other with obvious relief.
"We should let Judy know they called" Grace remembered suddenly.
"Yeah, call her" Eli gave her the phone. Grace made the call and of course Judy was relieved as well.
"Now what do we do?" Grace asked Eli
"Well, it's almost midnight; I think we should definitely get some more sleep tonight"
"Ah…almost forgot, I can't sleep in my room though, it's totally flooded"
"And I don't want to sleep in my room too, it's creepy" Grace countered
"We can stay in the living room" Eli suggested.
"Fine with me…"
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They left only one candle lit, well secured on a glass plate so it won't become any kind of a fire hazard and then they both curled in their blankets on each side of the couch.
"Night Eli"
"Sweet dreams Gracie" Eli told her with a smile. "You too" Grace smiled back.
For the next ten minutes or so, both of them were pretending to fall asleep and trying really hard to ignore the other's existence across from them.
"Grace?"
"Yeah…"
"Are you asleep?"
"Are you dreaming?"
"No"
"So I guess I'm not then…" Grace laughed
"I wanted to thank you for helping me with the song before, with all the excitement about the call I didn't have the chance…" Eli started but was cut by Grace's words "I was happy to help you"
They fell into an awkward silence for a moment. "Did you really think these things about yourself?" Grace questioned hesitantly.
"It's just that sometimes I screw up so much, you know?"
"You have to have some faith in yourself, you're a great person Eli" Grace said and then continued after a short break "I have…"
"You always know how to make me feel special, thank you Gracie"
They both were silent after Eli's last words. Outside, the storm was getting stronger, every once in a while a window would make a loud shaking noise as something would hit it. Wrapped in their silence both Eli and Grace were startled as a strong thunder broke suddenly and was followed by a few threatening – looking lightnings. Instinctively as the loud sound was heard Grace covered herself tightly with her blanket. Eli noticed her doing so "Are you cold?" he asked in a gentle tone. "Just a little" Grace answered shyly. Eli smiled playfully at her and offered to 'join forces' by making room for her beside him.
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Once again, Thanks a bunch for your lovely reviews!!!
You make my day Tracy, Shelly, Meg, Marianne, Q&A fan and Banana Belle ;D
And of course nimacu – thanks for the details, it seems as non of the names fit exactly so I think I'll just keep it the way it is, but I really appreciate your help and your generous offer!
Drop me a line and make me smile ;D
LitJunkie