3, 2, 1 BOOM – Chapter 12

"You"

Eli's eyes widen a little as he heard this one word.

They both sat in front of each other for a minute, pondering their next move. Grace wanted to be sure, so she decided it would be best leaving the next step up to him, so she won't ever have a doubt about how sincere he was being. She didn't want to feel as if she's forcing her feelings on him and he's playing along just 'cause he doesn't want to hurt or upset her. It has to come from him.

Eli was fighting his own inside battle. Whenever he touched Grace, or even just talked to her, it felt good, natural and he really did feel extra protective and concerned about her when she was upset or worried and had the need to make her happy and cheer her up, but on the other hand, he felt as if they would never work, for a simple reason, she was too good for him and eventually she would probably find that out and also, what would the family have to say about it?

Tricky… Tricky…

But then again, he always followed his heart rather than his mind, so why start just now, right?

The more Eli thought about it, the idea of him and Grace appealed more to him. She is cute and smart and she definitely knows how to kiss… and he really appreciates her. Maybe it'd be a nice change to have a relationship with someone he actually looks up to, and who can make him grow and nourish him… maybe it can work…

"Grace" Eli called in a soft voice, stirring her out of her deep thoughts.    

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"You know, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, when I asked you before and you said you like someone, but I'm kind of relieved it's me". As he said this Eli's face softened and he looked happy.

I'm really glad it's me you like, 'cause I think I like you too. I've been having these unexplainable feelings and thoughts lately and I think you've just defined them to me, Gracie. I really like you, that's it.

You're the only one who makes me feel good about myself and you make me wanna be a better person.

Grace was a little shocked, first of all it was a great relieve to finally express her feelings openly towards Eli after such a long period of  silent admiration for him and the even better part of it was his reaction to her revelation. He actually sounded happy about it, he looked at her as if he suddenly understood something he's been trying to figure for a long time and seemed content with his newly gained understanding.

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Just as they were both looking back at each other, a huge "Boom" sound was heard from upstairs. Both Eli and Grace were at once awakened from their dream like state and were now wearing very frightened looks upon their faces.

"Do you think something's broken?"

"Let's go find out" Eli suggested. Grace followed Eli upstairs, he's holding the flashlight and she's holding a candle, just in case…

They began checking the rooms one by one, looking for the source of noise. First they checked Grace's room and the bathroom, everything was in place there. Next they went to check their parents' bedroom "everything's fine here too" Eli announced as he finished surveying the room. "let's go check Zoe's and Jessie's rooms". They didn't find anything unusual at Zoe's room either, but as they went up to Jessie's attic room, even before they entered the room, a cold stream of wind welcomed them. "Guess we found the problem" Eli remarked.

He turned the light on and as they suspected, the window was broken and quite a big piece of a tree was sitting on the floor below the now cracked window. "Eli, we have to seal it somehow, do you have any idea?" Grace yelled over the loud noise in the room. 

"Maybe we can use a blanket?" Eli lamely suggested

"Na, it wouldn't survive the strong wind" Grace said. "But, ah…maybe we can push the closet over to the window, I think it will be enough to cover the hole".

Eli smiled at her and bent down towards her, instead of yelling over the strong noise the blowing wind made. "You're very resourceful tonight" he said to Grace's ear.

Grace didn't respond, she was too busy savoring the magnificent chills she was going through as a reaction to Eli's breath on her ear.

"Grace?"

"Oh, yeah… let's push the closet".

They pushed it and soon the room was quiet again.

"C'mon, let's go back downstairs" Eli said. They started heading towards the stairs. "wait… Eli…" I just want to take my pillow. They went into Grace's room, Eli going first with the flashlight and Grace right after him.

"I'm so glad we know the family's safe, I'd freak by now if we didn't… I mean your room's all flooded, and now the window breaking…" Grace talked as she went for her pillow. "Yeah" Eli agreed. "At least we now know for sure we'll have someone to help us fix the house…" He joked. "You're so mean Eli" Grace laughed a little.

She took her pillow and was about to exit her room as she realized something, "Oh, I'm sorry Eli, I only have one pillow, do you want us to go take one from Zoe's room?"

Eli looked at Grace with an injured look and she began to worry "What, aren't you gonna share with me?" he made such a cute puppy 'hurt' face.

Grace smirked at him "I don't mind if you don't…"  

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