It was now November and 4 months since they had returned from their holiday in Cyprus. After meeting her grandparents, Grace finally felt part of the family and her time in care felt like a distant memory. Maria couldn't remember a time without her daughter. Grace had returned to her school after the summer holidays and finally no longer felt like the new girl. She had developed a strong friendship group and was finally starting to act like a normal teenager and for now at least was staying out of trouble.
Grace and Maria's relationship continued to develop as Grace felt more and more willing to speak openly to her mother about issues she was going through. She had recently stopped attending counselling, however knew that the abuse was something that would never go away and she might need counselling again in the future.
Marcus and Maria's relationship continued to develop as Marcus moved in with the family. They were now looking for a new house as Marcus wanted to go them all away from the street. He filled Maria's head with garden space and lakes for the children. However, Grace knew that wasn't the real reason. She knew why he wanted them away from the street and she was not happy. However she was scared that her mother wouldn't believe her or worse, what if she believed him other her.
"Grace, I'm going with Audrey today to look at this house we really like. Marcus is meeting me there" Maria told the girl as she entered the kitchen. It was important that Grace knew they were going away as no one would be home when Grace returned from school. Grace nodded not showing much emotion, she grabbed a slice of toast before trying to leave for school.
"Oi, what's the matter?" Maria called, stopping the girl from leaving the house. She was worried about her daughter. The girl hadn't seemed herself the last few days and that really worried Maria.
"Nothing" Grace said putting a fake smile across her face hoping that it was enough for her mother. However, Maria knew her daughter too well. Something was going on.
"I can tell something is upsetting you. I'm your mother, you knew that you can trust me right" Maria said putting her hand softly onto her daughter's arm.
Grace nodded. She didn't want her mother to worry. She had to think of something quick, it was her only option.
"Mum I know, honestly it's nothing. I'm just, well I'm a bit unsure about moving to a new house. I used to do it a lot so I'm guessing that it's sort of making me nervous" Grace stuttered as she tried to come up with a viable excuse, hoping that her mother fell for it.
"Oh sweetie, if it makes you feel better, do you want to come with myself and Audrey today to see the house? Might that help you feel a bit better, though I promise you that the move will be gradual. I will make sure of it" Maria said pulling the girl into her arms. Grace nodded as she rested her head on her mother's shoulders. She loved being in her mother's arms, it made all of her worries disappear. She wished that this worry would disappear too.
"I'll pick you up form school and we will go straight there, Marcus will be there already" Maria explained and Grace nodded. She quickly exited the house before sighing loudly. She didn't really want to go to this new house, especially if Marcus was going to be there but she didn't have a choice.
Grace was relieved that school went relatively quickly that day and soon the end of day bell rang. Grace quickly exited the building and hunted for Audrey's car. She spotted it and clambered into the back of the car.
"How was school?" Maria asked hoping that her daughter was in a better mood than she had been that morning.
"Fine, is Marcus there already?" She asked.
"He will be" Maria stated and Grace nodded. She glanced out of the window and instantly her mind went into overdrive as she worried about what she knew. So many things were running through her head and her main worry was her mother's feelings.
Maria continually glanced back to check on her daughter but it was obvious that the girl clearly didn't want to speak. Maria knew that she would need to try and speak to the girl again later that night.
They arrived at the house and they all climbed out of the car. Maria was so excited to show the two of them the houses. They opened the door and walked into the hall. Maria couldn't wait to show them the living room.
Opening the door, they were hit by a sight that none of them wanted to see. Marcus and Todd sprung apart as soon as the door opened but it was very obvious what they had been doing. Completely shocked, Maria ran out of the house.
Audrey knew that they just needed to get home. She ushered Maria and Grace back into the car. She needed to get them back to the street before Marcus came chasing them. Audrey knew just how in shock Maria was as the woman hadn't even spoken to Grace. Grace was in just as much shock and it hurt her even more seeing her mother so confused and upset. She felt like she had made everything a million times worse.
Sorry it's been so long! I hope this is okay. I've jumped a little bit. I've been thinking about this story a lot recently and thought I'd try writing it again. What do you think?
