The Intention of a Promise

Phoebe's POV:

I wake up well rested, regardless of the events last night. I would have thought that yesterday was just some crazy dream, except I have woken up in my parents' house and next to me on the bedside table, is the jewellery box that houses the ring that Craig gave me.

I quickly shower and change into a straight black knee length skirt, black blazer and a white silk top. A classic and professional look. It is perfect for my meeting this morning, and in lines with what I requested Mary, my house keeper, send over for me.

Actually on that point, I need to check if there has been any changes to my meeting this morning. I grab my iPhone and check my emails. Knowing the soon-to-be former owners, anything could have changed during the evening. I roll my eyes as I realize there are dozens of new emails. I start to go through them, but I would prefer to be using my phone to ring Craig. However, at the same time he put me through so much last night, and in front of my parents. I hold my breath, when I find an email from Craig. He sent it late last night. I breathe out as it opens.

To: Phoebe Harris

From: Craig Bailey

Subject: time, forgiveness and love

Dear Phoebe,

If I was to apologize every day for not being honest with you, I know it wouldn't be enough. Please remember that I wasn't unfaithful, I never reciprocated Bronwyn's actions, and I only met her to get a formal closure on a part of my life that no longer matters to me. I wanted to put the mistakes of the past behind me and avoid making them with you.

I admit what I did was wrong. I guess one could quote the term, 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions', in my case.

I have promised you I would give you time, and I will try. Really I will try. It is going to be hard though. So whilst I give you time, I only ask that you give my proposal to marry you some thought. I know that it was a pretty weak ass proposal, and something I pray I am allowed to rectify in the future.

I love you and Carrie. You both own my heart!

Craig Harris

Chief IT Manager

I choose not to reply, not because I don't want to communicate with him, but because I don't know if, what I want to say would come across appropriately in an email. I place my phone down and pick it up the little jewellery box, letting my finger run over the shape of the box. I am a mix of emotions. Craig may not have done anything untoward last night, but he lied to me. He never told me if he was intending to tell me about the dinner with his ex-wife, the next time he saw me.

Just after seven in the morning, I head downstairs to the kitchen, where I hear voices and a familiar smell. In the kitchen, as if she never retired, is Gail. As Taylor predicted, she has taken over the kitchen, and she looks like she never left. My parents, who both still get up early, are seated eating breakfast, with Taylor. I greet them, but I head over to hug Gail. I didn't get the chance to see her last night and cherish every opportunity I do.

"Gail" I call her name before we both wrap our arms around each other.

"Hey Phoebe. It's lovely to see you. I heard you were here, so I made you your favorite childhood breakfast." Gail tells me handing me a plate.

"She even put extra chocolate chips in the pancakes, since your dad can't forbid you from eating them now," Taylor says wittily. I think this is his first attempt to mock my dad. I sit down next to my mother and Gail joins us. Throughout breakfast, one of them would steal a glance at me and try to read am emotions. After several quick looks from Taylor and my father, I give up and decide to address the matter, head on.

"I am alright. Thank you for your concern and help last night. As I said, I need time to think about everything that happened. Also thank for your help and support last night, but I want to request that none of you intervene in my relationship with Craig as of now. We need to work this out on our own." I can tell that no one is comfortable with my request, not even Gail; however they need to respect my wishes on this one.

"Phoebe, I would rather you …." I stop my father knowing where he is going with this.

"Dad, no! I am in my mid-thirties and have a child of my own now. I am second in charge at Grey Enterprise, and I have already been successfully married before. I can manage my own personal life. So thank you to you all but no." I am exceedingly careful to be respectful of these four people who have been instrumental in my life, but make sure they get the point.

The next few days, while Carrie is still at camp goes so slowly, regardless of how busy I have kept myself; with work, assisting my parents with charity events, spending time with friends, family and Taylor and Gail. I have done menial work, even going through Carrie's clothes and pulling out pieces that no longer fit her or she no longer wears, to donate to charity. I have tried everything, so I don't feel the hurt over Craig lying about where he went that evening, and his explanation.

Carries POV:

"Mom I am so happy to see you" Carry declares, wrapping her arms around me tightly, after getting off bus from camp. "I don't think I've ever seen so exhausted in all my life"

"It's great to have you home. The house has been horribly quiet"

"I will have a chat with Craig then, and tell him that he has to start making a lot more noise. Maybe play some music or something" I joke, but my mother doesn't even smile. There is something terribly off about my mother. We grab my rather dirty bag and head off to the car, where Leighton and Anabel are waiting for us.

"Mom, why do we have CPOs? Are you going somewhere?" I inquire. This isn't usual practice. We only have two with us, when we won't be together.

"Your grandfather requested it. It is only for a short time. I wouldn't worry about it" My mother brushes my question off with only a partial answer. I know I am not going to get a details answer, and right now I am not too concerned. I much prefer to just go home.

"So tell me all about camp" My mother smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Camp was adventurous, definitely back to basics and a much dirtier than I was led to believe. I intend to have a word of my two cousins Emma and Macie about that fact. On the plus side, at least I don't have to detention like a lot of my friends, who got caught with electrical devices."

"Well let's get you home, into a hot bath and then we can dinner. Mary has made your favorite dinner of roast chicken and vegetables, and apple pie for desert, then we can watch a movie if you are still up." My mother offers. I nod appreciatively. It sounds like paradise right now.

"That sounds fantastic" After spending the last few days camping in tents, attempting to cook our own food and hiking from one place to another dinner, a hot bath and some time with my mom sounds brilliant.

"Also you will be happy to hear that Taylor and Gail are here in Seattle." I am instantly excited by this news. "We can see them tomorrow, you need a quiet night"

"Okay, but now I wish I hadn't told you I was tired" I admit. My mother smiles at me and shakes her head a little.

When we arrive home, I grab my travel backpack, but Leighton takes it off me and tells me that he is going to take it straight into the laundry to save our housekeeper, Mary from having a heart attack from the mud that I am about to traipse through the house. I have to admit that he is right. I look around the front of the house and then enter, and notice something unusual. I check the time, and it is way past five thirty. Curious!

"Hey Mom, Where is Craig? Don't tell me, he was serious about staying away tonight because I have haven't been able to have a shower, for three days?" I can't help but laugh.

"You need a bath or shower. GO!" For the first time, my mother has absolutely dismissed me. I turn around and head for the stairs but steal a backwards glance at my mom. She has cupped her face in her hands. Something has happened in the three days I have been away.

After a long hot bath, I start to feel a lot better and rejuvenated. I walk into the kitchen and greet Mary. I start to set the table, which is one of my jobs at home, when I don't have a heap of homework. I grab three placemats and place them in our usual positions. Craig, mom and then me. I then grab three plates, forks, and knives.

"Oh, Carrie, there is only two of us for dinner tonight." My mother advises me.

"But Craig always has dinner on Friday nights with us!" I point out.

"Yes well not tonight" The tone in my mother's voice is harsh, but I don't allow that to deter me.

"Why?" I probe.

"Because he isn't. Look, I haven't seen you in three days, and it has been an exceptionally busy here at home and at work. I just want to have a peaceful dinner, with you and catch up." I know my mom doesn't mean it, but she has just told me off, for no reason.

"Okay" I reply softly.

"Carrie, I am sorry angel. I think I am just as tired as you are. Let's eat dinner, and we can have desert while we watch a movie." My mother offers.

"Can I choose the movie?" I request strategically.

"Sure" Yes! Inside I am jumping up and down at my mother's response. "But you are not choosing another teen flick, and don't even think about selecting some unpleasant scary movie". And then my excitement ends as quick as it started.

After dinner, I sit next to my mother, and we start to watch a movie; however, exhaustion starts to hit me. I lean against my mom and start to yawn. I am obviously not going to be awake for long tonight.

"Mom, is everything alright with you and Craig?" I ask in between yawns.

"Sure" my mom replies.

"Can you tell me the truth?" I request. I know she is lying.

"It is just adult stuff"

"What adult stuff? I don't understand" I reply.

"You know something Angel, sometimes I don't even understand adult stuff."

"Will Craig be over soon?" I can tell my mom is upset over this, and I doubt that she is going to give me a straight answer.

"Maybe." I nod at my mother's reply. No matter whatever happened, I know she still wants Craig to be here with us. "Carrie you are on the verge of falling asleep. You should go to bed, I will see you in the morning."

"Night mom"

"Night angel"

# # # #

I wake up Monday morning, and the first thing I do is to check my cell phone. There is a text message from Macie saying 'I am in', and one from Emma, stating 'let's do this!' I am a mix of nerves, but I am determined to put my plan into action. I don't want to disobey my mother or get into trouble, but I feel like I don't have any choice. Something has happened with my mom and Craig, and no one will explain anything to me. Mom has been gloomy, and when I tried to ring Craig without my mother knowing, he didn't answer. I do understand that not all couples stay together, and they break up over time; however, I know my Mom isn't happy.

I get ready for school as usual and put on my school uniform, but throw a pair of jeans, slip on shoes and top into my school bag. I don't dawdle this morning. I eat breakfast quickly and put my dishes in the kitchen.

"Leighton, do you mind driving me to school early this morning." I request. He looks at me curiously and then to my mother who is checking the time on her watch.

"Carrie it isn't even 7:30!"

"I know, but Emma has an early soccer training session, and Macie and I said we would meet her to cheer her on. She is phenomenal! Emma is only thirteen but is playing with sixteen year olds! I wish I played as well as she did" I emphasize probably a little too dramatically. I don't know if I have managed to avoid my mother's complete suspicion.

"Okay, sure. I will see you this evening. I will be home at five. Also, Anabel is going with you today to school. She will wait outside until the end of school"

"Why? She has never done that before." I don't understand why there has been a change to security, and most of all, this makes my plan even more difficult to put into place. I am nervous enough!

"It is just one of your grandfather's requests. Don't give it too much thought! Anabel will just monitor the grounds and won't be going inside the building unless it is necessary." My mother explains. I fake a smile ad go over and kiss my mother goodbye while I mentally start to modify my plan.

Leighton drops Anabel and me at the front of the school. Neither of them were forthcoming over the reasons for the change in procedure. They also won't tell me where Anabel is going to be located during the day. I stick to our current plans and head off to the sports change rooms. Macie and Emma are already there when I arrive.

"Okay we have a problem" I announce. "Anabel is outside and is going to be all day patrolling the grounds"

"Why? She only ever stays with one of us if we are going out without one of our parents." Macie declares.

"Unless our parents know what we are planning" Emma states but then shakes her head. "Actually there is no chance of that. My parents would have warned me this morning if that was the case."

"There is a way around this." Macie states grinning and her eyes are glowing! Everyone in our family thinks that she is probably going to work for the CIA or FBI when she grows up as she is always coming up with ingenious and devious ways to get around any sticky spot.

"What are you thinking?"

"Anabel is often assigned to us there at any time, and she is fond of us. So either I or Emma, can go out and say hello to her, and ask her a couple of questions. Then you Carrie and one of us can sneak out of school from the other exit" All three of us smile. This plan can work.

"That's brilliant!" I comment, making Macie glow.

"Great Carrie and I will sneak out and put in 'Operation: No More Grey Skies' into place and Macie you go out and distract Anabel. We will text you during the day and let you know how we get on." Emma declares.

"No, Emma, you can't. If we get caught, then we are going to get detention, at the minimum. The school will suspend you from playing soccer, maybe even pull you off the team if our punishment is worse. I can't allow you to do that for me" I tell Emma.

"I will go with Carrie" Macie proclaims.

"You might get into trouble too. Uncle Ted and Aunt Lily will certainly ground you if not skin you alive." I warn my cousin.

"Yes. I know, but I will just appeal to my parent's sense of family. My dad and mom, think the world of Aunt Phoebe, and they want her to be happy. I'm hoping they will just realise that I was trying to help and protect you. Maybe then I'll be allowed to live for a couple more years" Macie's last comment makes us all laugh.

"Okay then its decided." I pull out two of the three pieces of paper and hand them to Emma. "You need to hand these to the office"

"Where did you get these from? They are signed" In Emma's hand are two notes stating that Macie and I are absent due to illness. I made one up for Emma, from her parents Ava and Marcus, just in case also. Our school always ring home when a student is absent or emails the parent, so I am hoping these notes buy us some time.

"From my mom's computer." I confess. "I copied their digital email signatures.

"Oh gosh! Forget my parents wanting to kill me, Aunt Phoebe is going to have you beheaded!" Macie's voice is strained, and I start to realize the gravity of what I am proposing.

"I don't have any other choice. I made a promise. Plus I don't want my mom to be unhappy."

The next step in my plan is for us to change out of our school uniform and into causal clothing. Our school uniform will attract attention. My plan involves us leaving school grounds, taking a bus into the city and getting into Craig's workplace. Somehow I will then go up and see him and ask him what happened and then beg him to talk to my mother. Hopefully they can finally realize that they should be together!

Emma, has engaged Anabel and seems to be asking a million questions, at the front of the school, causing Macie and I to dash for the only other exit at our school, via the oval. Since it is so early, there isn't anyone around that can stop us. We casually walk to the gate and pick up the pace when we are off the school grounds. If we run, it might catch someone's attention. We were only about twenty yards from our school, when Macie and I feel a pair of hands on our shoulders. We both freeze out of fear. We both look at the pair of hands and all I can tell is that it comes from an older male. Oh no, please don't let it be our Grandpa. He will be furious! Everyone always tells me how much I have him wrapped around my finger, and how much he adores Macie, but none of that won't matter right now. Our grandfather is so safety conscious, demanding security around us that him catching us sneak out of school will set him off. He won't even hear us out. Ever so slowly we look up, but it isn't whom we are expecting.

"Taylor?" I state his name in the form of a question, although he is in front of us.

"What are doing here?" I ask too quickly and even I can hear the fear in my voice. "I mean, it's fantastic to see you. I didn't think I would get a chance to see before you and Gail leave tomorrow."

"Morning girls, it seems I must have made an error. You see I thought today was Monday, and I have some business to handle. However on Monday's you both have school, and right now you two are not wearing your school uniforms, and you both just happen to be walking away from your school. Very curious, isn't it?" No wonder he was invaluable to my grandfather for so long. Without thinking I open my mouth with the lamest excuse ever.

"It is Monday, and we do have school. However today is a little different you see. My geography class and Macie's geography class have been studying the local geographical area, and we are mapping out the area. We then are going to be looking for examples of how people have damaged the environment and are supposed to fix the damage." Did I really just say that last part?

"Sounds intriguing" Taylor isn't showing any emotion. It is making it impossible to read him.

"It is." Macie responds backing me up.

"It was extremely liberal of your school to let you wear casual clothing, instead of your school uniform."

"I know. Who would have thought?" I shrug my shoulders, going along with our little act.

"Though what I don't get is why it is both your classes are studying the same topic. Carrie you are in Grade six and Macie you are in Grade nine" Taylor is pulling at the cracks in our argument.

"Well we are not. I am Carrie's, grade nine buddy. Our school allocates a buddy to the Grade sixes. Helping them with this task is part of our role as mentors." Macie and I have spun a web of our lies, and we are never going to get out of this one.

"Sounds fantastic. I will let you both get on with your school assignment. I bet both your parents and grandparents are going to be so proud of how you both are working together. In addition, it seems as if you two are the first students out here. Your family values diligence. I can't wait to tell them when I see them this evening at dinner, then you two can tell them about what you have learnt." I swear Taylor is trying hard not to grin.

"What dinner?" Macie asks. I am wondering the same thing.

"You both probably don't know as it was only decided about thirty minutes ago. All the Grey family members are having dinner at your grandparents. Your parents will probably let you know when you two get home, or send a message to Anabel to let you both know. Actually why don't I check with Anabel? I am pretty sure she is close by" Taylor pulls out his cell phone and starts to call Anabel.

"No, don't! Please don't!" I beg him. Anabel reports everything to our parents and to Sawyer, who has just returned from holiday, the second she finds out anything.

"Are you two now going to tell me the truth?" Taylor questions.

"It was all my idea, Macie is only trying to help me and make sure I am not hurt." I don't want my cousins to get into trouble because of me. Both of them are older than me, and they were just trying to look out for me. I know Taylor would argue that they should have been talking me out of my plan, but I wouldn't listen.

"We are going into the city and to see Craig. I am going to ask him what is going on with him and mom. Then I am going to ask him to talk to her." Taylor, for the first time I can recall, looks shaken at my admission. He is usually so controlled. I don't stop explaining as he needs to know why I am doing this. "Mom has been putting on a brave face all weekend, but she misses Craig. I know she wants to be with him, and he loves my mom. Lots and lots! They why need to talk."

"Still doesn't mean you should skip school and put yourself and Macie in danger. Can you imagine what state your parents would be in if they found out you two were not at school and they couldn't locate you both? Your grandparents would literally have every police officer in the state and security person on their staff out looking for you two." Taylor is angry now. If I wasn't so sure that this was my only option to help my mother, I probably would turn back and start to cry.

"I know, but I promised." I plead with him.

"Promised who?" Macie asks. I shake my head, I don't want to say.

"Carrie Grace, tell me now, or the next two people I ring is your mother and grandparents. Then I ring Macie's dad and your uncle." Taylor is serious in his threat. I take a deep and sigh.

"My Dad." My voice is barely audible, but I know Macie and Taylor heard me.

"Come over here with me" Taylor requests and leads us to a bench close by. He sits down and now is at my level.

"Do you want to tell me what you promised your father?" I shake my head. I haven't told anyone this secret. In fact, I have only ever told anyone, one of the secret promises my father told me. This one is one of the six left that I have never told anyone. The first one I told Craig that day we went shopping for my mother's birthday.

"Alright you don't have to tell me, but be honest now. Are you sure that seeing Craig right now, means you can keep your promise?"

"Yes." I tell him nodding.

"Then we ought to be going. First I think we need to make sure that your parents aren't notified that you two aren't in school" Macie grabs my hand and we both look at each other amazed. Taylor gets on his phone and calls our school. He tells them whom he is and confirms that Macie and I won't be at school today, as the notes they received confirms.

"That deals with that issue. Good thing for you two that your grandfather never let me formally resign, and I am still in charge of the family's personal security. Since I still hold this position, it now comes down to me to make sure you both are safe" I don't understand what he means until he points to a black Audi SUV.

"You are going to drive us?" I ask to clarify.

"Against my better judgement, yes. Now both of you get in the car before I do come to my senses and change my mind"

"Yes Sir" We both reply and waste no time getting into the car. Taylor doesn't say anything whilst he drives us to Craig's workplace, neither do Macie nor I. I am too scared that I might say something that will make Taylor change his mind.

The three of us enter the building and ride up to the twentieth floor. I have been up here several times with my mother, so as long as I can get past the doors, the rest will be easy sailing. I am hoping that Lisa is at the reception desk; however, I soon realize that she is not. Instead, there is some guy whom I have never seen. I decide to take some good advice my grandmother once gave me and hold my head up high and always act confident. I approach the gentleman while Taylor and Macie hang back a little as per my request.

"Morning. I am here to see Craig Bailey. Can you ring him and tell him that Carrie Grace Harris is here to see him. Thank you" I am careful to be as polite as possible.

"Really? Well Mr Bailey is an extremely busy and important man. I don't think he is interested in buying any Girl Guide cookies, little girl. Maybe you should try weight watchers down stairs" What? I may only be eleven, but I know that this guy is downright rude.

"Excuse me?" He looks at me annoyed. I can't believe that he works here with his attitude. I doubt that my Uncle Ted or mother knows, or else he would have him talked to.

"Look little girl, here is a dollar. Why don't you get yourself a soda from the machine downstairs? This is a workplace, and not a playground. I doubt that you would be wanted here" I open my mouth in shock, but I suddenly become angry. I know I am never supposed to be bad-mannered or back chat an adult, or any person for that matter, but right now I don't care.

"Do I look like I am selling cookies? And for your information you should never encourage anyone child to drink soda, it has too much sugar. I kindly request that you ring extension 427, and tell him that Carrie Grey is here." The male receptionist rolls his eyes but then raises an eyebrow when he works out that I have accurately stated Craig extension number. My mother has it on a piece of paper on her desk at home, and I have seen it so often that I memorized it.

"Carrie do you need any help?" Taylor asks moving towards me.

"I hope not" I reply. The receptionist finally picks up the phone and looks horrified after his quick phone call.

"Mr Bailey will be out momentarily." He says trying not to look irritated. I can't help but give him a 'told-you-so' grin.

"Carrie, what are you doing here?" Craig asks when he comes out into the reception area. "Taylor? Macie? What's going on? Is something wrong? Is it Phoebe? Is she sick?"

"No, she is well. Carrie and Macie were attempting some covert operation to skip school to come and see you. I luckily intercepted them and bought them over. This is one eleven year old who seriously wants to talk to you. I will wait out here with Macie" Taylor announces.

"What?" Craig is naturally shocked but then leads me to his office. I sit down on one of the large chairs in his office, excited that I actually got here.

"Do you want a drink?"

"No. The guy on the reception tried to offer me a dollar to get a soda to get lost" I inform Craig.

"He is a bit of a jerk." Craig utters.

"Tell me about it, and tell me why you weren't around this weekend" I get straight to the point.

"Carrie that is a little hard to explain. It was my fault not your mothers, though. I want you to know that. I have offered your mother some time to think about us." To think about us? Huh? When I left for camp, Craig and my mother were so happy. What can happen in a few day?

"What did you do?" I ask. It can't be all that bad, surely.

"I had dinner with my ex-wife, and I didn't tell your mom about it beforehand. Bronwyn, my ex-wife, has in Seattle for work. Your mother happened to walk into the same restaurant, and she wasn't happy." Craig commences to explain to me. I know he is leaving out some details because of my age, but I need more information if I am going to be able to help them.

"Of course my mother wouldn't be happy. Name one girl who would be?" I shake my head crossly. "Did anything else happen? My mom is extremely sad. REALLY sad!"

"Your mom is that sad?" Craig leans forward on his chair. He starts to fidget with a pencil, and then drops it.

"Kind of, yeah. She is also mad. I think you should pick up your phone and talk to her. Then you can come over tonight. You both can talk, make up and you can stay the night again if you wish" I suggest.

"You make things seem so easy. I adore that about you, Carrie. I had dinner with my ex-wife, to tell her goodbye, and when your mother walked in she saw, Bronwyn kiss my hand. I should have been honest in the first place over what I was doing that evening. I saw your mother run out of the restaurant and then I chased after her. Your grandparents were outside, and we all went to your grandparent's house. I explained myself, but your mother was hurt. I then gave her the jewellery box with the engagement ring that I bought with you a few weeks ago. I wanted you mom to know that I have been planning on spending our whole lives together. I have promised to give her some time to let her decide what she wants." At first I don't believe what he has told me, but then I stand up angry.

"Wait, you gave mom the engagement ring after she got pissed off at you? She sees you with your ex-wife, witnesses her kiss you and then you offer her a ring? If that wasn't bad enough, you did it in front of my grandparents! Don't you realize how protective they are of my mother? They are as protective of her as they are over me. You are damn well lucky they didn't have you shot or something"

"Carrie…" Craig tries to interrupt, but there is no way I am going to stop.

"No. I am going to talk, and you are going to listen. Boys! I am so glad that I go to a girl's school. Don't you guys get anything? Don't you understand how much it would have upset you if you had walked into that restaurant and seen mom with my dad, if he was still alive, but they were divorced?"

"Yes. I know"

"You are the first guy that my mom has been with properly since my dad died, and there have been so many guys interested in her! HEAPS! Mom is perfect, and you go do something dumb! You should have given her the engagement ring in the most romantic way. Buy her flowers, take her for dinner, dancing, then walks outside, get on one knee and propose to her" Without realizing it I have commenced to pace around Craig office.

"Seriously, and I am told that I am the child and will understand when I grow up. You and my mother could do a little of that right now" I snap.

"Don't blame your mother for any of this. This is all my fault"

"Then damn well fix it" I tell him off. Craig is looking at me stunned. "You want to be with mom, and she wants to be with you, so just bloody well do it!" I don't know what has come over me, but I hate all this inaction. Giving someone time isn't helping!

"I doubt your Mother would be happy with the use of the words, damn and bloody from you. I don't like it myself" Craig tells me off firmly.

"To be honest I wouldn't be using this language if you and my mother would just sit down and talk about everything properly." I argue back.

"Carrie I know. I did talk to your mother your mother was upset, rightfully so. I will talk to your mother soon, I just wish I knew what to do to get her to talk to me."

"That is easy. You need to tell my mother just how much you love her. You need to ask her to marry you properly. It has to be romantic and beautiful! Send her flowers! Make sure they are really, really pretty! Write love letters! Sweep her off her feet and do it soon! If not then you may not get another chance."

"Did you learn all about relationships on camp?" Craig laughs lightly.

"No, the only thing I learnt at camp is that I never want to sleep in a tent ever again. I know about romance from watching my grandfather, Uncle Ted, my father and every other male of my family. If you love my mum as much as you say, then you need to get her to talk to you. You need to show her that you are sorry and that she is the only one for you" I recite something I once heard in a book a friend of mine had.

"Thank you Carrie I think I know what to do. I will walk you out, and hand you over Taylor. By the way, is your school closed today? Classes should have started thirty minutes ago."

"No, my school is open. I know that you are going to want to tell my mother everything now, and that means telling her that I came here when I should have been at school. However, could you just, maybe not mention that I came and saw you? At least not now". Reluctantly Craig agrees. Something tells me that this is the last time that he will ever keep anything from my mother. Craig and I walk outside, where Taylor is waiting with Macie.

Craig shake's Taylor's hand and then kneels down a little to talk to me. "Now Carrie you have to promise me you will never do something like this again. Never ever leave school or any other place without your mom's permission or with an adult. Okay?"

"Okay" I reply.

We get back into the car, and Macie finally starts to throw questions at me. It must have killed her not being able to come in with me. "Did it work? Is Craig going to see Aunt Phoebe?"

"I think so. No, I know he is. We will just have to wait now"

"Brilliant! I will text Emma and tell her that it went well." Macie starts to focus on her favorite hobby, sending text messages, whilst I look at the window and wonder where we are going. Taylor can't take us back to school as he called them and told them that we are sick as stated in our fake sick notes.

"Taylor where are we going for the rest of the day? It is still early in the morning."

"The sound" He replies.

"You are taking us back to my house?" I pray that this is what he means.

"Try again" Macie and I quickly look at each other. There is only one other place that Taylor can be referring to. Despite the dread I am feeling, I am not surprised. He is still terribly loyal to my grandparents and has worked for them forever.

"Taylor, didn't you say that you would help us and not tell our parents about today's escapade." Macie questions, much braver than me.

"Yes I did, and I haven't told your parents. Though, I never said I wouldn't talk to your grandparents. I understand that what you both were just try was to make your mother and Aunt happy; however your plan was dangerous and disobedient. I don't believe you girls should get away with this without at least being spoken to, and I am not the right person for that job"

When we reach the sound, Sawyer opens the door for us. He is glaring at us unapprovingly. "Hi Sawyer. Did you have a wonderful holiday?" I am hoping that my polite greeting will break the tension.

"My holiday was excellent, though the start of my week hasn't been smooth." Sawyer is referring to our antics. If this is what he is like, then we know that our grandfather is going to be fuming.

"Christian and Ana, are waiting for the girls in the study." Sawyer tells Taylor, before shaking his hand.

"Okay girls time to face the music".

Macie and I walk towards the study, and we are both aware that Sawyer and Taylor are following us several feet away. I knew from the minute we walked into the house that we were in more trouble than we had ever been in. Usually my grandmother met us and hugged us tightly, but not today. The house is eerily quiet.

"I'm sorry I got you involved in my plan. I will tell them the truth." I tell my cousin Macie apologetically.

"Don't stress it. I did volunteer. It has been terrific having you as a cousin, now I only hope that when our grandparents kill us, they at least bury us next to each other" Macie grins and then shrugs, trying to make light of the situation.

We enter the study and finally see our grandparents. Macie and I remain frozen at the door, unable to move. Our grandparents were engaged in a rather intense conversation, but stop once the door closes behind us. Our grandfather has already run his hands through his hair several times and his lips have formed such a hard line that it looks as if he could never smile again. My grandmother is looking at us with a mix of anger and concern.

"Take a seat, young ladies" My grandfather points to the ottoman that is in front of the couch that my grandmother is sitting at." We both obey although avoid making eye contact with our grandparents.

"Taylor informs us that you two girls had a little bit of adventure today." Our grandmother establishes.

"Yes. We are sorry, but it was for a good cause" Macie voices first.

"We know. Everything! Taylor has kept us updated via emails and text messages, and don't think for a second that it will excuse your poor choices. Do you know what could have happened if Taylor had not intercepted you both? You both are way too young to go into the city alone and with no one knowing what you two are going! Do either of you know how scared you would have made everyone that loves you both!" Our grandfather scolds, sternly and fuming. I have never seen him like this.

"This wasn't Macie fault. She didn't plan any of it. She only came with me to make sure I was going to be safe" I need my grandparents to acknowledge this fact. Macie is three years older than me and therefore, are likely to be harsher with her.

"We know that. Macie you are to go up to your father's old room. Since your school thinks you are sick, they have emailed you some school work. It is on the desk. You are to go and complete it, and then you are grounded to that room until your parents arrive for dinner. " Our grandmother advises her.

"To avoid your parents any stress, we are going to tell them that we are picking up both up from school, so you can spend a little more time with Taylor and Gail. However you both are going to be punished somehow by us" Our grandfather tells us. "Macie you are to leave now. Don't even think about leaving the bedroom upstairs for even a second!"

"Yes Grandpa and Grandma." Macie grips my hand, and then with little choice, walks out of the study. All eyes are on me, and I wish the ground would just swallow me up.

"Carrie, you have a lot of explaining to do, and we have a lot of questions. Firstly, you are going to tell us what promise you made to your father that meant you had to be disobedient, and skip school to see Craig." My grandfather demands.

"How do you know about my promise?"

"Taylor told us. Now we only want to keep you safe, and it is hard to do that if you are not honest with us." My grandmother tells me.

"What was the promise Carrie?" My grandfather voice is demanding.

"Dad had me promise that I…." I stop talking, not sure if I can keep talking.

Authors note: I hope you enjoyed the longer than normal chapter, I love the cliff-hanger in the chapter. Review if you like.