The First Day in Castle Rock
Nine long hours passed and the Evans family found themselves on the outskirts of the small town. Driving down Main Street, Gracie was even more discouraged about their move than before.
"Great, four stores and a diner.how entertaining." Gracie commented.
"Look kids, that's the store we are going to run!" David stated eagerly.
"Excuse me?" Caroline asked apprehensively.
"Yes.well, you always told me that you would love to run a coffee shop or something like it.so I decided to buy that small building over there. I thought you and Gracie could make it a fun project or something"
Caroline was a little irritated that her husband would just make another life-altering decision again; but she had always desired to work. Being a stay at home mom for over 15 years was fulfilling, yes, but she always felt that she could be doing more. A coffee shop would be interesting, she thought.
"It will be a lot of hard work, but I think I'm up for it," she replied, "how about you, Gracie?"
"Sure.my life is over anyways" Gracie replied bitterly.
"Oh Grace, lighten up. I don't want to hear anymore of your defeated attitude. Enjoy life!" David exclaimed.
Gracie didn't like the fact that she and her father were at odds. She was usually Daddy's Girl, but making her pick up and leave because of some whim he had was too much for her to bear. Still, Gracie had her mother's optimistic personality and deep down, despite appearances, she knew everything would be okay.
"You know, my sister, your Aunt Margaret, still lives up here. I think she has two daughters. Jacqueline is your age, Grace, and Olivia is around your age, Talia." David tried to offer some hope to his daughters, "You know, you can all be friends"
Gracie had heard of her aunt and her cousins, yet she had never met any of them. Her mother was an only child and "Aunt Margaret" was the only sibling her dad had. It would be fun getting to know the few relatives she had outside her immediate family.
Just then, Gracie glanced out the window. She noticed a group of four boys about her age, it seemed, walking out of an ice cream parlor. She didn't get a very good look at them, but they seemed to be having a lot of fun. Maybe this won't be that bad, she thought to herself.
About ten minutes later, the Evans family was pulled up to their new house. It was beautiful. Her father had designed it for the family. The Victorian-styled house was on a couple of acres and had forest around the edges. On their first tour of the house, Gracie noticed that each of the five children could have their own room. In their old house, her, Talia and Adrienne all shared a room and Benjamin and Kylie shared a room, too. Caroline was definitely impressed with the size of the house.
"Gracie, I want to show you something!" David called out to his daughter.
"What is it?" Gracie came running up to her find him standing by a door that opened up to some stairs she figured led to a basement.
"Go on downstairs and check." David smiled; he loved surprising people.
Reluctantly, she climbed down the stairs. Her dad turned on the lights, and she noticed that the "basement" was a dancing studio with wooden floors and mirrors along the walls. She was ecstatic.
"Oh my gosh- Dad thank you so much!" She gave him a big hug and seemed to brighten up.
"Your welcome, princess. You know, I really just want you to be happy. I hope this cheers you up."
"It does, thanks" Gracie exclaimed as she grinned from ear to ear.
Talia was the first to notice the two horses outside. "Mom, look there's horses outside!!" She yelled excitedly. The whole family went to look. Caroline was very moved, when she was younger, she rode horses all the time on her ranch and occasionally competed.
"David, you remembered." All she could do was smile at her husband.
"Of course I did. How do you like them?"
"They're beautiful"
Just then the doorbell rang. Gracie was the first to get there. She opened the door and saw a woman and two girls. All three were very beautiful. The one her age had long, straight brown hair and blue eyes. She was a little lanky, but seemed bubbly and nice.
"You must be Gracie!" The woman said. "I'm your Aunt Margaret, but feel free to call me Aunt Meg. And these are my two girls, Jackie and Liv. It is so wonderful to finally meet you!" Gracie let them all in and they all exchanged hugs and hellos when the rest of the family came into the room.
"Meg!" David exclaimed
"Hello baby brother!" Aunt Meg smiled, "How ya doin'''?"
"Wonderful, it so good to see you again!"
"Yes it's nice to finally meet you family. Now, I've met Caroline." The sisters-in-law exchanged a hug, "And I know you're Gracie. You must be Talia, Adrienne, Benjamin, and this little cutie must by Kylie."
"You've done your research" Caroline commented.
"Of course, you're the only family we have!" Meg answered. "Well, when are the movers coming?"
"Uh, they should be here in about an hour or two." answered David.
"Hmm.Jackie, why don't you take Gracie out and show her around Castle Rock" Meg suggested.
"Alright, Gracie, you up for it?" Jackie asked.
"Um.yeah.that actually sounds really cool." Gracie replied, "Just give me a sec to go change" She didn't feel like walking around her new hometown in sweats and a tee. Luckily, she brought a couple outfits along in a duffel bag. She changed into a jean mini and a blue tank top. She touched up her hair but wasn't one to wear make up so the process took her about ten minutes. When she walked downstairs she noticed that rest of the family was visiting and catching up.
"Okay, ready now" Gracie exclaimed getting more and more excited about walking around town, "Bye guys!" Gracie and Jackie yelled as they went out the door.
"Hey, wait a minute.what time are you going to be home?" David yelled before the door shut.
"Um, is 10 okay?" Gracie replied.
"Yes- 10 o'clock sharp, don't be late! We have a big day tomorrow." Caroline responded.
"Okay Mom, buy again!" Gracie had to laugh at her mom's occasional spurts of domineering behavior.
Walking along the major streets of Castle Rock (all two of them) Gracie and Jackie talked about any thing and everything. Gracie was especially surprised at how quickly she seemed to bond with Jackie. Jackie seemed to have that spaz element that makes people fun to be around. Boys became a topic of conversation.
"So what are the guys like here?" Gracie asked with a tone of sincerity.
"There okay, I guess," Jackie giggled, "I'm dating one of them."
"What's his name?" Gracie inquired.
"Gordie. He's really awesome. We've been together for almost a year now. Was there anyone special back in San Diego?"
"For a while, his name was Tim. He was kinda immature. Our biggest problem was time. I didn't have enough of it because of dance. We broke up when I moved."
"You don't sound too upset about it"
"Well, he didn't really mean all that much to me. I mean, I'm gonna miss him but I'm capable of moving on." Gracie replied, "So.when am I gonna meet this Gordie?"
"Oh.um.actually he and a few of his friends are at the diner with a few more of my friends."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Come on.I have to meet more people!" Gracie got more and more excited.
"Alright, alright. It's this way." They started walking toward the Diner. "First, I gotta warn you.there's this kid named Teddy. He's really cool, but he can kinda be off the wall sometimes" Jackie warned.
"Sounds like he'll be a lot of fun. Is he cute?"
"Kinda, in his own way. But he has a girlfriend, her name is Sophie. She's one if my best friends- so watch yourself."
"Fine- do you have any guy friends without girlfriends?"
"Um.Vern is one of the other guys and he's in a "relationship" with Gwen. She's a total sweetheart. And then there's Chris. He's available." Jackie commented.
"What's he like?" Gracie asked becoming intrigued.
"Um.well, he's just Chris, you really gotta meet him."
"Looking forward to it."
They were getting closer to the diner when Gracie noticed a group of guys blocking the path. She looked over at Jackie who seemed to be nervous, even a little scared.
"What's wrong Jackie?" Gracie asked, seeming concerned.
"Just act cool. That's Castle Rock's biggest gang- the Cobras."
As they inched closer, one of the guys noticed them. "Hey Jackie- what are you doing tonight? And who's your friend?" He asked in a smooth voice.
"Ace- what I'm doing is none of your concern, and this is my cousin."
"Does she have a name?" He asked a little sarcastically.
"Gracie- that's all the information you're gonna get. Now if you'll kindly step out of our way, we have plans." Jackie said as she tried to get through the crowd of guys.
"Gracie- what a beautiful name" Ace continued to use his smooth voice as he touched her arm. Gracie wasn't at all impressed. She hated it when guys were too forward. Ace was handsome, in his own way, she thought, but definitely not her type. She slowly pulled her arm away as his grip got tighter. Then she noticed that three guys were hassling Jackie.
She looked Ace straight in the eyes. "Let go of my arm" she replied with her most intimidating tone. Ace just smirked. Gracie started to struggle, but couldn't seem to get free. It was pretty much mass confusion and she had lost sight of Jackie, making her freak out even more. Then Ace kissed Gracie, which was more than unwelcome. Gracie kissed him back and found that his grip on her arm loosened. This gave her the perfect opportunity to use her strong dancer legs and knee him in the groin.
This more than surprised Ace as he fell to the ground. Gracie looked around and caught site of Jackie. The guys hassling her seemed to be amazed at what just happened, giving the girls another golden opportunity to run away. They were inside the diner in seconds.
Hmmm. What will happen next?? You'll just have to review. This chapter is kinda long. I couldn't stop writing..so if you guys want more of the story- review and let me know. Do you all think Gracie and Chris could work out? Again- advice is welcome. Have a lovely day
Nine long hours passed and the Evans family found themselves on the outskirts of the small town. Driving down Main Street, Gracie was even more discouraged about their move than before.
"Great, four stores and a diner.how entertaining." Gracie commented.
"Look kids, that's the store we are going to run!" David stated eagerly.
"Excuse me?" Caroline asked apprehensively.
"Yes.well, you always told me that you would love to run a coffee shop or something like it.so I decided to buy that small building over there. I thought you and Gracie could make it a fun project or something"
Caroline was a little irritated that her husband would just make another life-altering decision again; but she had always desired to work. Being a stay at home mom for over 15 years was fulfilling, yes, but she always felt that she could be doing more. A coffee shop would be interesting, she thought.
"It will be a lot of hard work, but I think I'm up for it," she replied, "how about you, Gracie?"
"Sure.my life is over anyways" Gracie replied bitterly.
"Oh Grace, lighten up. I don't want to hear anymore of your defeated attitude. Enjoy life!" David exclaimed.
Gracie didn't like the fact that she and her father were at odds. She was usually Daddy's Girl, but making her pick up and leave because of some whim he had was too much for her to bear. Still, Gracie had her mother's optimistic personality and deep down, despite appearances, she knew everything would be okay.
"You know, my sister, your Aunt Margaret, still lives up here. I think she has two daughters. Jacqueline is your age, Grace, and Olivia is around your age, Talia." David tried to offer some hope to his daughters, "You know, you can all be friends"
Gracie had heard of her aunt and her cousins, yet she had never met any of them. Her mother was an only child and "Aunt Margaret" was the only sibling her dad had. It would be fun getting to know the few relatives she had outside her immediate family.
Just then, Gracie glanced out the window. She noticed a group of four boys about her age, it seemed, walking out of an ice cream parlor. She didn't get a very good look at them, but they seemed to be having a lot of fun. Maybe this won't be that bad, she thought to herself.
About ten minutes later, the Evans family was pulled up to their new house. It was beautiful. Her father had designed it for the family. The Victorian-styled house was on a couple of acres and had forest around the edges. On their first tour of the house, Gracie noticed that each of the five children could have their own room. In their old house, her, Talia and Adrienne all shared a room and Benjamin and Kylie shared a room, too. Caroline was definitely impressed with the size of the house.
"Gracie, I want to show you something!" David called out to his daughter.
"What is it?" Gracie came running up to her find him standing by a door that opened up to some stairs she figured led to a basement.
"Go on downstairs and check." David smiled; he loved surprising people.
Reluctantly, she climbed down the stairs. Her dad turned on the lights, and she noticed that the "basement" was a dancing studio with wooden floors and mirrors along the walls. She was ecstatic.
"Oh my gosh- Dad thank you so much!" She gave him a big hug and seemed to brighten up.
"Your welcome, princess. You know, I really just want you to be happy. I hope this cheers you up."
"It does, thanks" Gracie exclaimed as she grinned from ear to ear.
Talia was the first to notice the two horses outside. "Mom, look there's horses outside!!" She yelled excitedly. The whole family went to look. Caroline was very moved, when she was younger, she rode horses all the time on her ranch and occasionally competed.
"David, you remembered." All she could do was smile at her husband.
"Of course I did. How do you like them?"
"They're beautiful"
Just then the doorbell rang. Gracie was the first to get there. She opened the door and saw a woman and two girls. All three were very beautiful. The one her age had long, straight brown hair and blue eyes. She was a little lanky, but seemed bubbly and nice.
"You must be Gracie!" The woman said. "I'm your Aunt Margaret, but feel free to call me Aunt Meg. And these are my two girls, Jackie and Liv. It is so wonderful to finally meet you!" Gracie let them all in and they all exchanged hugs and hellos when the rest of the family came into the room.
"Meg!" David exclaimed
"Hello baby brother!" Aunt Meg smiled, "How ya doin'''?"
"Wonderful, it so good to see you again!"
"Yes it's nice to finally meet you family. Now, I've met Caroline." The sisters-in-law exchanged a hug, "And I know you're Gracie. You must be Talia, Adrienne, Benjamin, and this little cutie must by Kylie."
"You've done your research" Caroline commented.
"Of course, you're the only family we have!" Meg answered. "Well, when are the movers coming?"
"Uh, they should be here in about an hour or two." answered David.
"Hmm.Jackie, why don't you take Gracie out and show her around Castle Rock" Meg suggested.
"Alright, Gracie, you up for it?" Jackie asked.
"Um.yeah.that actually sounds really cool." Gracie replied, "Just give me a sec to go change" She didn't feel like walking around her new hometown in sweats and a tee. Luckily, she brought a couple outfits along in a duffel bag. She changed into a jean mini and a blue tank top. She touched up her hair but wasn't one to wear make up so the process took her about ten minutes. When she walked downstairs she noticed that rest of the family was visiting and catching up.
"Okay, ready now" Gracie exclaimed getting more and more excited about walking around town, "Bye guys!" Gracie and Jackie yelled as they went out the door.
"Hey, wait a minute.what time are you going to be home?" David yelled before the door shut.
"Um, is 10 okay?" Gracie replied.
"Yes- 10 o'clock sharp, don't be late! We have a big day tomorrow." Caroline responded.
"Okay Mom, buy again!" Gracie had to laugh at her mom's occasional spurts of domineering behavior.
Walking along the major streets of Castle Rock (all two of them) Gracie and Jackie talked about any thing and everything. Gracie was especially surprised at how quickly she seemed to bond with Jackie. Jackie seemed to have that spaz element that makes people fun to be around. Boys became a topic of conversation.
"So what are the guys like here?" Gracie asked with a tone of sincerity.
"There okay, I guess," Jackie giggled, "I'm dating one of them."
"What's his name?" Gracie inquired.
"Gordie. He's really awesome. We've been together for almost a year now. Was there anyone special back in San Diego?"
"For a while, his name was Tim. He was kinda immature. Our biggest problem was time. I didn't have enough of it because of dance. We broke up when I moved."
"You don't sound too upset about it"
"Well, he didn't really mean all that much to me. I mean, I'm gonna miss him but I'm capable of moving on." Gracie replied, "So.when am I gonna meet this Gordie?"
"Oh.um.actually he and a few of his friends are at the diner with a few more of my friends."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Come on.I have to meet more people!" Gracie got more and more excited.
"Alright, alright. It's this way." They started walking toward the Diner. "First, I gotta warn you.there's this kid named Teddy. He's really cool, but he can kinda be off the wall sometimes" Jackie warned.
"Sounds like he'll be a lot of fun. Is he cute?"
"Kinda, in his own way. But he has a girlfriend, her name is Sophie. She's one if my best friends- so watch yourself."
"Fine- do you have any guy friends without girlfriends?"
"Um.Vern is one of the other guys and he's in a "relationship" with Gwen. She's a total sweetheart. And then there's Chris. He's available." Jackie commented.
"What's he like?" Gracie asked becoming intrigued.
"Um.well, he's just Chris, you really gotta meet him."
"Looking forward to it."
They were getting closer to the diner when Gracie noticed a group of guys blocking the path. She looked over at Jackie who seemed to be nervous, even a little scared.
"What's wrong Jackie?" Gracie asked, seeming concerned.
"Just act cool. That's Castle Rock's biggest gang- the Cobras."
As they inched closer, one of the guys noticed them. "Hey Jackie- what are you doing tonight? And who's your friend?" He asked in a smooth voice.
"Ace- what I'm doing is none of your concern, and this is my cousin."
"Does she have a name?" He asked a little sarcastically.
"Gracie- that's all the information you're gonna get. Now if you'll kindly step out of our way, we have plans." Jackie said as she tried to get through the crowd of guys.
"Gracie- what a beautiful name" Ace continued to use his smooth voice as he touched her arm. Gracie wasn't at all impressed. She hated it when guys were too forward. Ace was handsome, in his own way, she thought, but definitely not her type. She slowly pulled her arm away as his grip got tighter. Then she noticed that three guys were hassling Jackie.
She looked Ace straight in the eyes. "Let go of my arm" she replied with her most intimidating tone. Ace just smirked. Gracie started to struggle, but couldn't seem to get free. It was pretty much mass confusion and she had lost sight of Jackie, making her freak out even more. Then Ace kissed Gracie, which was more than unwelcome. Gracie kissed him back and found that his grip on her arm loosened. This gave her the perfect opportunity to use her strong dancer legs and knee him in the groin.
This more than surprised Ace as he fell to the ground. Gracie looked around and caught site of Jackie. The guys hassling her seemed to be amazed at what just happened, giving the girls another golden opportunity to run away. They were inside the diner in seconds.
Hmmm. What will happen next?? You'll just have to review. This chapter is kinda long. I couldn't stop writing..so if you guys want more of the story- review and let me know. Do you all think Gracie and Chris could work out? Again- advice is welcome. Have a lovely day
