SEVEN - QUESTIONING

Jack and Rose sat on the sofa, but this time it was Jack's turn to sigh. "What's going on with that kid?" "I don't know… but something isn't right…" "you need to talk to her Rose" Jack said "me? Why me?" Rose looked at him confused, clearly not wanting to be the one to have the conversation with Grace "you're a woman, she's more likely to open up to you" he said, as if it was obvious. "Fine… but not with the twins in the house… they're the perfect distraction for her if she decides she doesn't want to talk" "OK… I'll take them to the park tomorrow, you can talk to her then" "OK" Rose nodded.

A few moments later, Grace came in to the living room, standing awkwardly in the doorway "erm, I'm going to bed now, thanks for today. I know the twins had fun" she smiled a little, feeling even more awkward.

"Do you not want to sit with us for a while?" Jack said "no thanks, I'm going to go and read my new book for a while and get an early night" she said, chewing on her lip "do you need anything before you go to bed? Do you want anything to eat? A drink?" "No, I'm alright. Thanks…" "OK… night darl-" Rose stopped herself, knowing Grace didn't like being called 'darling' or 'sweetheart' "night Grace" she smiled a little "night… night Jack" she responded "night Grace" Jack nodded.

Grace got up to her room and did as she said, got in to bed and read her book.

Around 2 hours passed and Jack and Rose headed to bed. Grace's door was shut but they could see a little light from under it, suggesting she was still awake. Rose looked at the door but Jack touched her arm gently "leave it" he said, telling her not to go and check on Grace, knowing it would only annoy her. Rose nodded, knowing he was right, and followed Jack to their bedroom after checking on the twins.

Grace read her book for another hour, almost finishing the whole thing. She would do anything to distract her mind at the minute. She watched as the handle of her door was bent and pushed. She sighed to herself, thinking it was Rose "not now" but as the door opened more, she could see it was the twins, who were hugging their teddy's close to them. "Grace?" Poppy said, walking in first but closely followed by Harry. "You alright?" Grace said as she held her arms out for the two of them "can we sleep in your bed?". Grace just nodded and lifted them on to the bed, one on either side of her. "Do you like it here?" She asked them cautiously and the both nodded "I like the garden… and Jack and Rose are nice" Poppy said "they are" Harry agreed "do you like it here Grace?" Grace was surprised by the question and nodded "come on, get some sleep" she kissed both their heads and turned off the oil lamp.