"Does everyone else know?" Grace asked, still staring at the wall behind Eli.
"Just dad- I'll tell everyone else before I leave tonight" he breathed, feeling his body tense with guilt.
"Oh" Grace said again; her heart feeling heavy.
Eli pushed his hands across the table, cupping Grace's soft, delicate ones within his own.
"Grace?" he breathed, "say something".
Grace finally looked into his eyes;
GRACE how could I hold him back from all he's ever wanted?
Grace gave a tiny smile, but Eli saw right through it.
"I'm sorry," he said, examining her soft hands that he held.
Grace looked deeply into his eyes; "don't apologize for wanting to live you're dreams-," she croaked, feeling hot tears form in her eyes.
Eli looked up, a pain hitting his heart as he saw a single tear roll down her cheek; he wanted so much to ask her……….but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't ask her to come with him, to leave behind school, friends, family, and work- just to sit around in New York while he worked at what he always wanted.
That wasn't fair.
"Hey" Eli lifted his hand and swiped the single tear away; "we don't end, ok?" he said softly, and Grace nodded her head meekly.
"Hey" he cupped her head with his hands, forcing her to look at him, "its only 3 months" he tried a smile, not sure how convincing it seemed, "-and I love you- we're still going to be together-no matter what!"
ELI no matter what
GRACE no matter what?
Grace managed a quick nod, and pulled her head away from his grasp, swiping the tears away with her hands.
"We better get back" she whimpered, and rose from her seat.
Eli watched as she walked out of the kitchen; and wondered if she was angry with him or simply upset- - he really couldn't tell with Grace sometimes.
GRACE numb- - I was just numb.
Eli stood up and followed Grace into the lounge room, where Lily was sitting up- with a firm eye on them as they walked back in; and the rest of the family were still watching the movie; except for Zoe who had fallen asleep.
"I better be going then," Eli announced.
"Why don't you stay the night?" Rick said, turning around to look at his son.
Eli shook his head; "Nah, I'll be fine" he replied; "-But before I leave, I have something else to tell you-" he started.
Grace sat very still while Eli told the rest of the family, what she'd just been told-
GRACE when will I get my happy ending? It seems like fate wants to tear us apart again and again!
Eli stopped talking and awaited a response;
"Oh" Lily said, tyring to hide her smile.
"You're moving even FURTHER away?" Jessie asked, staring at her brother's solemn face.
Eli nodded slowly "only for 3 months" he said, and looked down at his father.
"You better give us a call every night!" Rick smiled, and Eli felt at ease.
And he turned to Grace, who sat very still in her chair "when do you leave?" she asked in a small voice.
Eli was glad for some response form her- "In a fortnight" he answered.
Grace nodded slowly, and then looked up to meet his gaze "its all happening for you" were the only kind words she could think of; and Eli was grateful for them.
AUTHORS NOTE
So short, I know and I apologize! I got writers block towards the end.
Check back soon, for the next chapter (a longer one hopefully)!
