Chapter 8 - Uncertainty

"Just leave us alone, Ace" Chris stated moving in front of Gracie.

"But that just wouldn't be any fun" Ace answered. "Wait a minute, you're the chick from the other night at the diner" Ace said as he recognized Gracie.

"That's right" Gracie snapped back.

"Do you have any idea who you messed with?" Ace replied in a very intimidating tone moving closer to Chris and Gracie. By now, Jackie, Sophie and Gwen had disappeared into a nearby shop to call the police and Vern, Teddy and Gordie were moving towards Chris. When Gracie didn't answer, Ace shoved Chris out of the way in a quick motion and grabbed her by her shoulders. Billy, Vince and Eyeball were holding Vern, Teddy and Gordie back as Ace punched Gracie across the face and threw her to the ground. By now, Chris was up and he and Ace started to battle it out. It's hard to say who was winning, because after about thirty seconds, Ace and his gang heard sirens and took off. Gracie picked herself off the ground with Chris' help as the rest of the group was reunited.

"Oh my gosh, Gracie, are you okay?" Jackie asked, hurrying to Gracie's side as she noticed the welt on her cheek.

"I'm fine, don't worry about it" Gracie replied with a smile. "Is it really that bad?" she asked, noticing the whole group looking at her face.

"Yeah, it's pretty bad..." Teddy replied, getting glares from everyone. "What, I'm just telling the truth!" He added defensively.

"Sometimes you're so goddamn oblivious" replied Sophie.

"We should get some ice on that," Chris replied as he held her chin, looking at the new bruise. Just then, the police reached the group.

"What's going on- we heard there was some brawl" Deputy Miller asked, not getting out of his car, "Did you trouble-makers instigate it?"

"We didn't do anything, officer. The Cobras were hassling us" Gordie replied.

"Hmm, where are they?" the Deputy asked

"They went off that way" Jackie replied, pointing in the general direction.

"Alright, we'll check it out, you kids get home" he replied as he drove off.

"Where are we gonna go?" Gwen asked

"We can go to my house, my parents are gone, and I think I have some aloe for Gracie" Sophie offered. The group agreed and made their way over to Sophie's house. When they got there, the friends made themselves comfortable in the living room. Most of the girls were shaken, yet Gracie was remarkably calm.

"Gracie, you should tell your parents what happened" Jackie mentioned as Sophie got an ice pack for Gracie to hold to her face.

"No- I don't want to worry them...It's not that big of a deal" Gracie responded.

"Ace mangled your face- it is a big deal. What else are you gonna tell them?" Gwen asked.

"That I fell or something. Look- my parents are very overprotective and they're stressed out enough as it is."

"But how do you know it won't happen again? It could be worse next time." Sophie asked, handing Gracie the ice pack.

"Whatever Gracie decides to do- it's her decision. But they're right you know, Gracie? Your parents could help" Chris replied.

"I just really don't want to talk about this right now" Gracie replied, irritated.

"I gotta get home" Vern replied after an awkward silence.

"Yeah, me too." Gwen responded. "See you guys later. I hope you feel better, Gracie" Gwen replied as she and Vern walked towards the door.

"Bye, guys" Gordie replied. About fifteen minutes went by while Gracie put some aloe on the cut. Then Gordie noticed the time, "I should be going too. What time do you need to get home, Jackie?"

"In about ten minutes. Gracie, do you wanna go home or spend the night at my house?"

"I think I'll go home, thanks anyways."

"Well, we'll walk you home- if you're ready to go" Gordie replied

"Yeah- that'd be great"

"Chris- you coming?" Gordie asked. Chris nodded and they all got up to leave. "What about you Teddy?"

"Oh- I think I'll stay a little while longer" Teddy replied smoothly.

"Whatever, man- see you later" Gordie said as they all walked out the door.

"Are you gonna tell you're parents?" Jackie inquired hesitantly as the group of four walked along.

"Yeah- I think so. I just really don't wanna burden them. And what if they tell me I can't hang out with you guys anymore?"

"Do you really think they'd do that?" Chris asked

"They might- they've been so random lately, nothing would surprise me." Gracie said bitterly as they reached her house. "Well, thanks guys. I'll see you later"

"Hey, call me and tell me what happens later. Hey- why don't we go out to breakfast tomorrow with Gwen and Sophie- no boys included" Jackie offered, trying to cheer Gracie up.

"Hey- what's wrong with us?" Gordie sounded offended.

"Sweetheart, sometimes us girls need time alone" Jackie replied as Gordie rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, we'll do something later in the day" Jackie promised.

"Sounds good. I'll call you later- bye guys" Gracie responded and went inside her house.

Chris watched as she went inside and cursed himself for letting Ace get to her. Gordie and Jackie started to walk away when Gordie noticed Chris lingering, obviously deep in thought.

"Hey man- are you okay?" Gordie questioned.

"Yeah," Chris said slowly.

"What were you thinking about?" Jackie asked as Chris joined them on the walk home.

"Um....just that it would be a drag if she couldn't hang out with us because of what happened tonight with Ace."

"Oh, I see" Gordie responded grinning, "You like hanging out with her...."

"Yeah- she's fun." Chris replied as Gordie and Jackie started to giggle. "Both of you shut up, ok? She's just a friend"

"Sure Chambers" Gordie responded winking, "Whatever you say"

"Look, you two can think whatever you want to think, I don't care." Chris replied somewhat annoyed as he started to walk off in his own direction. "I'll see you two around"

"Good night, Chris. Hey- no hard feelings, right?" Gordie checked.

"Nope"

"Bye, Chris" Jackie waved

" 'Night." Chris replied walking off down his street with the image of one girl in his mind.

So sorry it took so long to update- a combination of writer's block and no time was the reason behind it. Some conflict is starting to brew- what do you guys think? It will eventually escalate. Poor Chris and Gracie. I can't make any promises as to when my next update will be- but I graduate soon, so other than my job- I'll have a lot of free time over the summer. Thanks for the support, guys- love you all and have an amazing day.