"See you on Monday"
"Thankyou so much for the present"
Jessie smiled as she said her goodbyes to the last few guests that remained.
"Bye!"
"Have a good weekend!"
It was obvious that the party had deflated the moment Jessie and Katie hit the dance floor.
But somehow, amidst the tense atmosphere, music continued to play, people went on dancing……….and for the next hour………..though still noticeably heavy, the part continued.
JESSIE I don't know………….it all kinda makes me wonder what I was nervous about in the first place…………. I kind of expected everything to come to a screeching halt………..for something to catch fire…………..(laughing) I don't know………..for my father to have a heart attack? Just………… something!
Katie was standing by the stairs, beside Grace, who was sort of guarding her from any member of the family throwing a million questions her way.
Karen, Henry, Lily, Judy and Rick were all in the kitchen………….Jessie guessed both her parents were tucking into a bottle of strong liquor………..
Eli had retired to his garage straight after Jessie and Katie's dance, and Jessie wasn't sure if it was because playing his music all night long had tired him……….or if his sister's revealed secret had?
Zoe had gone to bed long ago- sometime after Jessie had danced with Katie.
She guessed she'd have to answer a billion questions Zoe would no doubt throw at her tomorrow.
"See-ya!"
The last couple walked down the porch, and Jessie softly closed the door behind them, sighing with relief.
"I better get going" Katie walked down the stairs towards Jessie; Grace hung back, watching as Jessie turned to her with a sulking face.
"You have to?" she asked, reaching out and brushing her arm lightly.
Katie leaned in, "yes" she sighed, and they connected lips.
Parting, Katie turned and smiled at Grace, "see-ya" she said, and held Jessie's hand as she led her outside.
"I hope you're folks are ok………." Katie whispered, as they stood on the porch.
Jessie nodded, "me too" she agreed, and kissed Katie again.
Once Katie had left, out of sight, Jessie returned inside, walking towards Grace who sat on the second last step of the staircase.
"Hows Eli?" Jessie asked, taking a seat beside her.
Grace fidgeted for a moment, "He's fine……….just tired………." She replied, quickly.
Jessie nodded, "I better go talk to him………." She said, about to stand.
Grace rested her hand on Jessie's shoulder, and shook her head, "not tonight" she said, calmly.
Jessie nodded, and looked towards the kitchen- Grace followed her gaze.
"Whatever they say about this………." Grace started, and Jessie turned to her.
"I think you should know what you did tonight was incredibly amazing………..and I think………." Grace smiled warmly, "you are the bravest person I have ever met……….."
"Jessie?"
Both girls looked up to find Lily, camera still in hand, she brought it to her face and took a quick picture of the girls, who had a quick chance to smile.
GRACE how appropriate.
"Can you come into the kitchen for a moment?" Lily asked, lowering the camera.
Jessie nodded, and got up from her place beside Grace, heading into the kitchen, five faces turned to her; her mother and father, Henry, Judy and Lily, who entered beside her.
She took a deep breath, and pulled up a chair at the table.
AUTHORS NOTE
short chapter, more to come soon- I'm not sure when this fic will end.
I suppose, whenever you guys get sick of it? Which will probably be soon.
