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chickenwing

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Member Since: 19 Feb 2013 04:43pm

Last Seen: 5 May 2014 10:54am

Gender: F

user id: 350749

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  1. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 30, 2014 11:27am UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 10
    Monday morning found Teddy doodling in his notebook during a boring history class. His notebook was full of drawings that ranged from cars to city skylines to city streets. However, Teddy realized he was drawing a person. A girl, as a matter a fact, and he blushed as he realized the girl he was drawing was sitting two rows down. Austin Ray Moore. She looked lovely, he thought, as he watched her scribble down the notes. Teddy needn’t worry he was missing important notes by staring at Austin. He was naturally intelligent- his report cards were always straight As and he never missed the honor roll.
    As the teacher droned on, Austin looked up and caught Teddy staring at her. She smiled at him and he grinned goofily back. She was wearing a t-shirt and jeans and Teddy thought she couldn’t look better. What was he doing torturing himself? She was with Bo; it was the biggest news this morning. But then again, why was she smiling at him? Who does that? It was clear he liked her; why did she have to torture him?
    A ball of paper hitting his desk interrupted his thoughts. As he unrolled the note, the bell for the end of class rang. The note, written in a girly script, said one word: Sorry. As he exited the room, Austin gave an apologetic smile but before Teddy could make his way over to her, Bo came and stole her away.
    “You look terrible,” said Hank, as he walked up to Teddy with Jonah at his side.
    “Come on, Hank, leave him alone. He really likes her, don’t ya?” said Jonah. Teddy shrugged and Hank laughed.
    “I liked her too! Why don’t you feel bad for me?” he asked, but he faltered near the end as Teddy’s face darkened.
    “Man, you got it bad. What are you gonna do?” asked Jonah. Teddy felt relief. His friends, his very best friends, understood what he was going through. He didn’t have to go through this alone.
    “I can’t outshine Bo, especially here. He’s the role model of the country boy’s life. No offense, Jonah, but I really hate him for being so darn perfect.”
    “None taken. I feel that way everyday. If you think Bo’s great, you should meet my older brothers. They’re superstars compared to this guy.”
    “At least you don’t have to see him except school, right?” asked Hank.
    “Don’t you remember? My Uncle Luke hired him to work, so I’ll see him everyday,” sighed Teddy. Just then, Bo was coming closer to their group, Austin nowhere in sight.
    “Teddy! Hey, I got a question for you,” he called.
    “Uh oh…” muttered Hank, as he and Jonah disappeared into the rushing crowd around them.
    “Look, this is gonna sound dumb, but I didn’t drive to the party the other night. I wasn’t the designated driver, if you get what I’m saying. Where exactly is your family’s land?” Teddy was so relieved. He gave instructions on which back roads to take to get out to his uncle’s farm and got to his next class before the bell.

  2. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 30, 2014 11:25am UTC
    Personalization - please type your monogram in the order of first, Last, middleStStThe next morning found Grace ridding her yard of plastic solo cups before the sun rose. Then, she was getting the kids up for church. Then, driving to church and then to the diner to meet her family for brunch. Luke was nowhere to be seen. At brunch, her mother was quiet. Her father was making forced conversations. Teddy, Ryan and Annie were politely ignoring the situation, as were Luke and Annie’s parents. Only Sarah and Nick were happily eating their way through stacks of pancakes.
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 9
    The next morning found Grace ridding her yard of plastic solo cups before the sun rose. Then, she was getting the kids up for church. Then, driving to church and then to the diner to meet her family for brunch. Luke was nowhere to be seen. At brunch, her mother was quiet. Her father was making forced conversations. Teddy, Ryan and Annie were politely ignoring the situation, as were Luke and Annie’s parents. Only Sarah and Nick were happily eating their way through stacks of pancakes.
    Halfway through brunch, Luke sauntered in.
    “Sorry ‘bout that,” he said. His eye was swollen shut and he hadn’t taken off his hat when he entered the building like he normally would.
    “Luke, I hate to bring this up now, in front of your children and mine, but where the hell have you been?” asked Ryan, his voice angry.
    “Wait, Teddy, can you take Sarah and Nick out to the car? Please?” begged Annie, “And maybe Grandma, Mrs. Taylor, and Mom-Mom, too, to help you out.”
    “Oh no,” Grace’s mom said, “I want to hear this myself.”
    “Me too, young man,” said his mother. Luke actually looked scared. As the kids were leaving, Grace heard Sarah ask, “What happened to Daddy’s face? He looks scary.” Luke apparently heard too because he flinched.
    “Go on, boy, start talking,” said Grace’s dad. It took a while for Luke to talk but when he did, his voice was small and tired sounding. His drawl was more pronounced then ever.
    “Look, ya’ll, I’m real sorry but I don’t have an explanation for why I abandoned my pregnant wife and two kids. I just was so mad, so I drank. Then, I drank some more. I woke up in a hayfield this morning with a black eye and a busted up chin. I didn’t even get to church,” he said.
    “Luke, that’s not how we handle things when we get mad. We talk it out. Now talk it out, I’m going to pay and take the kids home. Be safe, Grace,” said his father. The rest of the group left the restaurant leaving Grace alone with Luke.
    “Gracie,” he begged but she held up her hand.
    “Lucas Taylor, I am beyond upset right now. I waited up for hours for you. I wasn’t even mad at that point; I was worried sick about you. There’s the river and the highway and crazy cattle farmers with guns thinking you’re some thief. How dare you do this to me? You never act like this anymore, this is high school stuff.”
    “You’re absolutely right,” he said, and then quietly, “When can I come back?” He gently touched her hand.
    “Today. That is if you’re willing to stay home for once and play with your children. You’re too damn busy anymore, they don’t see you,” she said, but Luke knew that she included herself in that as well.
    As they were walking out to her truck, he spoke up again, “I found a way to be home more. I hired Bo Jackson last night as a farm boy.”
    “Oh thank God we don’t have a daughter that age.”
    “What’s wrong with dating farm boys?” asked Luke, and he winked. She pushed him away but laughed all the same.

  3. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 19, 2014 9:37pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 8
    Outside, Teddy was star struck. Austin knew everybody- or so it seemed. She hadn’t let go of his hand as she pulled him along, Jonah and Hank following in their wake. All of sudden, she let go of his hand.
    “Whose that?” she asked the group. She was pointing at a tall guy in jeans and a t-shirt with a baseball cap in the center of a large group of high school kids.
    “Bo,” mumbled Jonah. Bo was his older brother, a junior in high school. There was nothing wrong with Bo, really. He was star quarterback, good in school and generally nice to everybody. He harped on Jonah and his buddies only a little bit. He was also extremely good looking.
    “Excuse me,” said Austin, “I’ll be right back.” Then the three amazed freshmen watched as Austin walked up to the crowd and tapped a girl on the shoulder. The girl listened, giggled and whispered back. Austin smiled and strode back to the boys.
    “Bo is no good, Austin, I know he’s my brother,” said Jonah. He looked concerned.
    “He’s your brother? No wonder you’re so cute!” she smiled. After that Jonah put forth no more warnings about Bo. Bo noticed his brother then and started walking towards them. Austin smiled again.
    However, Teddy watched his Uncle Luke intercept Bo’s path. They watched as Bo shook his hand and engage in conversation. After a while, Luke left Bo and made his way back into the dark. He staggered slightly.
    Bo came up to his brother and punched him lightly on the shoulder. Jonah still flinched.
    “Guess what? I got a job here! For Mr. Taylor, helping him out, isn’t that awesome?” said Bo. Then he blushed as he noticed Austin. “Oh, hi. I didn’t notice you there.”
    “Hi,” said Austin, suddenly shy. Teddy’s heart dropped in his chest.
    “I’m Bo, Bo Jackson. You new here?” he asked her. It was like Teddy, Hank and Jonah didn’t exist anymore.
    “Austin Ray Moore, nice to meet you. I just moved here from Georgia,” she said.
    “Georgia? Wow, tell me what it was like there?” And the two were off walking into the darkness just like Teddy’s Uncle Luke had, taking along Teddy’s source of happiness.

  4. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 2, 2014 7:23pm UTC
    State of Grace: The SequelChapter 7: Part 2            “Stay away from him,” muttered Luke. The darkness of the night, plus the brim of Luke’s hat, cast a deep shadow on his face. His arms were crossed and he was breathing heavy.            “Excuse me? Stay away from him? I didn’t date him!” she whispered vehemently. It took Luke three strides to get right in front of her. She could see the rage flashing in his eyes. His face was a cold mask.            “You think that I would…that Ashley…that I could do…what?” he managed to get out without strangling his words too much. He stepped back and put his hands up in surprise. She was about to get in his face when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned and saw her dad’s kind, old face. He had a warning in his eyes.            “Sarah’s wondering where Mommy is, and there’s nothing Mom-mom or Pop can do for her” he said, talking quietly into Grace’s ear, “Relax, go get your girl. I’ll handle Luke.” She kissed her dad on the cheek and hurried to find her daughter.            Sarah was sitting in the kitchen with Grace’s mom. Sarah looked dead on her feet. She was insisting, however, that she could stay up later and wasn’t tired at all.            “Ready for bed, Sarah?” asked Grace. She could see the fight go out of her daughter. Just then, the kitchen door opened and May flew in. She raced to her friend’s side and whispered in her ear.            “I know they’re here, I just met them,” said Grace. May had whispered the news about the Moore family but Grace was way ahead of her. She picked up Sarah and went to head up the stairs.            “Whose here?” asked Grace’s mother. She looked curious and worried. May took Sarah from Grace’s arms and headed out of the kitchen. As the door swung closed, she called, “Fill her in and I’ll put Sarah May to bed.”            Grace began to fill in her mother with the gossip when her father came in the kitchen carrying Nick. Grace looked at the clock; it was 9:45, way too late for little kids.            “Let us put him to bed, okay?” said her dad. Grace nodded and headed back outside. 

  5. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 2, 2014 7:21pm UTC
    State of Grace: The SequelChapter 7
    Grace had watched the truck
    pull up, letting the spunky red haired girl out. She had been focused on the
    exchange between the girl and her nephew and his friends. She was surprised
    when she heard her name being called and even more surprised when Luke stepped
    out in front of her and blocked her behind him. She peeked her head around and
    found herself staring at John Moore.
                He looked older but handsome all the same. He wore nice
    causal clothes and had filled out his frame since high school. He was holding
    his wife behind him the same way Grace was tucked behind Luke.
                “Grace Parker! Or Grace Taylor now…I saw the newspaper
    clippings when you two got married! Never would have guessed it! Luke Taylor
    and Grace Parker! This is quite a place you have here,” he said, his accent thicker
    than Grace remembered. Luke grinded his teeth and gave John a stiff nod.
                “Oh this is ridiculous, Luke, let me out. I’m not a
    child,” she whispered. Reluctantly, Luke lowered his arm to let her out. “John
    Moore? Well welcome back! I heard you moved back from Georgia, what the heck
    are you doing back?’
                “Business is booming and I missed my old town. Meet my
    wife, or re-meet her….” Said John, as his wife stepped out from behind him.
    Grace gasped; she couldn’t help it.
                “Ashley?” cried Luke, incredulous. He strode forward and
    pulled her into a hug.
                Ashley Smithson, the beautiful red-haired ex-girlfriend
    from Luke’s past. They had dated for most of junior year in high school and
    into the summer. After they broke up, Grace only knew she moved away after
    graduation. Grace couldn’t believe it. John and Ashley—married? If they were
    married, then was the spunky red head their daughter? Grace didn’t have to wait
    to find out; the girl was dragging Teddy right up to the crowd of adults.
                “Hi! Austin Moore, pleased to meet you,” she said. She
    smiled brightly at them all. She was gorgeous. No wonder Teddy looked thrilled
    that she hadn’t let go of his hand.
                “Wow you look like your mother,” murmured Luke. Grace
    rolled her eyes. He was down memory lane with Ashley Smithson.
                “Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Is that your kid?” she asked,
    pointing to Nick as he ran by the group.
                “Yes, he’s mine,” Luke said, proudly. He scooped Nick up
    as he ran by again. “Say ‘Hi’ to some friends of mine, okay, bud?”
                Nick smiled shyly, a first thought Grace, and said his
    hellos. As soon as Luke put him down, he was off running again.
                “I was just telling Teddy I knew all about him,” said
    Austin. She smiled brightly at him.
                “And I was wondering how…” Teddy finally spoke up. Annie
    got to her feet and joined the group.
                “Austin’s momma and Uncle Luke dated in high school,
    Teddy. They were classmates with Aunt Grace and Mr. Moore.”
     “In fact, Aunt Grace and Mr. Moore had a bit
    of fling too,” said Ryan, smirking. Luke’s smile vanished.
    “And
    here we are, Grace, back at a bonfire!” joked John. He smiled slightly, looking
    slightly scared by Luke’s face.
                “When did you two get together?” asked Ryan, as Austin
    and Teddy went to join the throng of teenagers that passed by.
                “To be honest, I was pregnant with Austin way before
    graduation. We moved to Georgia and got John a job at my daddy’s car
    dealership,” said Ashley. The rest of the group took this information in. Teddy
    was born the summer before senior year, so Austin must be a year behind him.
                “We sent Austin early; she’s a freshmen actually. She’s
    bright for her age,” said John. He looked uncomfortable.
                Then Annie, always the saving grace in Grace’s life,
    spoke up, “Want something to eat or drink? Come on, we’ve got plenty.” The
    Moore’s were whisked away to the refreshments, leaving Luke and Grace alone.

  6. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    March 28, 2014 4:40pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 6
    By the time Teddy and his parent’s showed up, the party was in full swing. Kids, teenagers, adults and the elderly were all enjoying a beautiful September evening. His parents were whisked away by their friends and it took Teddy a few awkward minutes to find Jonah and Hank.
    “Hey guys what’s going on?” he asked, shaking their hands. Hank pulled at the collar of his golf shirt and Jonah kicked his boots in the mud.
    “What’s wrong?” asked Teddy, looking concerned. His friends never acted like this.
    “Well, dude, we don’t know how to tell you this but your aunt…she’s really hot,” said Hank. He blushed and Jonah looked down at his feet.
    “That’s disgusting she’s pregnant.”
    “Well, you can’t blame us! I mean your mom is hot too,” pleaded Jonah.
    “Alright, alright that’s enough. I don’t mess with your momma, Jonah,” Teddy said sternly, but he knew they were just messing around with him.
    “Speaking of hot, did you meet the new girl yet?” Jonah asked his two friends. They both shook their heads. At that moment, headlights shone upon the spot they were standing. When the lights from the truck shut off, the boys watched as the door swung open and black boots hit the ground. Long legs in black jeans and a girl in a red flannel with dark red hair followed the boots. She smiled radiantly at them all. Her parents joined the fray of the party as the girl made her way over to the boys.
    “Hi, I’m Austin,” she said in a drawl that reminded Teddy of his Uncle Luke. She stuck out her hand and Hank was the first one to take it.
    “Hank Williams. Not junior though,” he said while he laughed. He loved the joke but no one else found it funny. The girl laughed politely and turned to Jonah.
    “Jon-na-nah,” he stuttered as he shook her hand. He was the most shy of the three.
    “And your Teddy Parker,” she said turning to Teddy. He looked dumbfounded. “Well ain’t I right?” and he nodded.
    “I’m sorry but how do you know who I am?” he asked her. He couldn’t get over her.
    “My pa went to high school with your aunt and uncle. He remembers when you were born. He knocked up my momma that same time.”
    “Who are your parents?” Teddy asked her, intrigued.
    “That’s them,” she pointed to a couple standing near his family. Grace looked worried and Luke had his arms crossed and a frown on his face. Austin’s dad hid Austin’s mother behind him and Teddy couldn’t make out what she looked like.
    “Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it!” Austin said and she grabbed Teddy’s hand and pulled him over. Her hand was like fire on his and he never wanted to let go.

  7. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    March 25, 2014 9:01pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 5
    Grace was exhausted. Nick refused to leave his father’s side all day and wouldn’t get a bath before the bonfire. Sarah threw a tantrum that she had to leave the party early to go to bed. Grace had cooked and cleaned all day. At four, she took Sarah to find the timber and logs for the fire. At five, she bathed an unwilling Nick and a grumpy Sarah. At six, she showered and got dressed.
    Luke found her at quarter after asleep on their bed. He hadn’t noticed her when he walked in to get a shower. In fact, he was about to leave their room when he heard her snore. He was half tempted to join her. These days, they didn’t get enough sleep. It was harvest season and he was running behind. He had been meaning to hire a helper for a few years until the kids were old enough.
    “Gracie,” he whispered gently nudging her awake. She bolted upward and looked around widely. Luke laughed and she swatted him with her hand.
    “I’m sorry but your hair is like a…and the way you sat up,” choked out Luke between his laughter.
    Grace rolled her eyes but giggled when she saw herself in the mirror. “Fair enough,” she agreed, “Let’s go start this party.”
    “Wait, wait, we have time. Cuddle with me,” he pleaded. He missed her; they hadn’t had a date night in ages. With the kids, and the chores and the work, they were just exhausted. She nestled into him and closed her eyes. They were relaxed only for a moment when she spoke again.
    “Are we lame?” she asked.
    “Not at all! We got us a party soon.”
    “Oh yeah since bonfires always go our way…” and they both laughed.
    “I’d still beat him to a pulp if he so much as looked at you,” said Luke. If you didn’t know him, Grace thought, you might think he was only joking. However, Luke was dead serious. He wasn’t possessive but he was protective of her and his children. His whole family knew that, especially his little sister Ella. Grace hesitated before she spoke again.
    “The Moore family moved back here again, actually just this week.” She could feel his grip around her tighten but after a moment it loosened up. He stroked her inflated belly and let out a long, slow breath.
    “It was a long time ago. Relax, Gracie, I won’t hurt a fly tonight. Let’s go find those kids and get this party started.”
    But they didn’t have to look very far. Their bedroom door flew open and Nick and Sarah raced in. Their faces were alight with the kind of joy they got around holidays. Their bad moods of the day had vanished. They jumped on the bed and Nick pounced on his dad. Sarah snuggled up next to Grace and felt the bump of her stomach.
    “When’s the baby gonna come?” she asked.
    “Going to, Sarah,” corrected Luke, “and its coming real soon.” Grace rolled her eyes. They had told her the exact date but she wasn’t good with time yet. She kept thinking it was the next day or the next week. Nick jumped off the bed as quickly as he jumped in it.
    “Let’s go!” His bright blue eyes shone with excitement. A lot of the families coming had kindergartners as well. Grace grabbed a blanket and a flashlight for the kids and their family of four headed out to light the night.

  8. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    March 24, 2014 9:18pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 4
    The next day found Teddy pacing his bedroom room early in the morning. His dad didn’t need him until about nine out in the fields. Teddy was in a dilemma. Who to invite to this bonfire? It was a small town and Teddy had a handful of good friends. Except, they were outsiders like him. His best friend, Hank, lived in the rich section of town and couldn’t drive a tractor if he tried. His other best friend, Jonah, was one of eight and had no desire to live on a farm anymore. Teddy hung out with some of the farm kids near him; he could fit in if he tried. He understood everything they discussed; he just didn’t enjoy it. He dreamed of wearing a suit to work, taking the subway everywhere, and living in an apartment. He could work in an office, even a cubicle…. he didn’t care. He needed to be free of the open fields and wide, blue sky.
    He had texted Jonah and Hank yesterday and gave him the Taylor’s address. Wow, he thought, two whole friends. A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Teddy’s mom entered the room.
    Annie Parker was gorgeous. She was a petite dark haired beauty who could do work boots or high heels, a ratty old t-shirt or a designer gown.
    “Aunt Grace called me this morning,” she said softly, sitting on his neatly made bed. “She wanted me to let you know that word got out about the bonfire and the whole town is coming, or so it seems.”
    “The whole town?” asked Teddy, his palms sweating.
    “Essentially. She said you don’t have to come but she’d really like it if you did. It’s the first of the season and you know how fun they can be.”
    “I guess I’ll go…are you and Dad coming?”
    “We were planning on it but if you don’t want us to come, we won’t,” said his mom.
    “No! Of course you guys can go, I was just wondering,” he said quickly.
    “Good,” and she kissed him on the cheek, “Now, about your birthday.”
    Teddy would be turning 15 in November, two months away, but his mother was an early planner. Last year, he got his first gun. It was useful when the kids at school invited him to go to the range but he couldn’t stomach the thought of hunting. His dad, uncle, and grandpa went all the time and they stopped asking him after his second trip, and his third time throwing up.
    “Mom, I don’t want a party I’m going to be 15,” he sighed.
    “I wasn’t offering you a party! I wanted to know if you wanted to go somewhere special with us and maybe a friend or two? How about the city? Or a different state?” she asked. She seemed nervous.
    “You mean like a road trip?”
    “Well, your Dad said that’s a lame term but I think it’s a perfect way to describe it.”
    “Hey, what does Dad know about cool anyway?” Teddy smiled as his mom laughed. Maybe his family wasn’t so bad. He grabbed his boots and headed outside to join his dad in the yard. Yeah, he thought, it wasn’t so bad.

  9. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    February 19, 2014 10:29pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 3
    It was Friday afternoon and Nick and Sarah were contently eating their ice cream and swinging their feet off the high bench at the Dairy Queen. Teddy and Grace were watching them and talking.
    “So you don’t like it here?” she asked him. He looked surprised.
    “I love Alabama and I love this town but I just don’t belong, you know?”
    “Have you told your parents this?” she asked. She skipped any formalities with him.
    “Yeah,” Teddy started, “Because they would understand.” He scoffed and kicked the ground.
    “You never know…” Grace began but Teddy cut her off.
    “They live on a farm! Always have, and we always will. We’re farmers not city people. The city…it’s never beckoned to them.” Grace sighed. It wasn’t her job to tell him the truth about his parents. They had gotten married and ran off to New York City and came back pregnant with Teddy. It was in all their blood but Teddy didn’t know that story.
    “You should try talking to them. Maybe it’ll get better,” she said as she attempted to clean up her kid’s faces.
    “What will get better?” He asked. He was clearly in another world, “High school?”
    “Teddy, I went through high school too,” said Grace, gently. She was growing more and more concerned for her nephew.
    “You had May and Uncle Luke with you though!” Grace could feel his jealousy. Grace laughed.
    “Uncle Luke and I despised each other in high school.” Grace was imagining all that Luke had put her through back then. There was always an attraction between them; it just wasn’t always love. He was their farm boy; her daddy hired him when Ryan and Annie ran off. He had irritated Grace so much she couldn’t stand him meanwhile her parents adored him. Perhaps they had always seen the chemistry between Grace and Luke but up until the end of their junior year of high school, Grace despised him and he, her. Grace thought about all the times she had gotten right under the brim of his hat to yell at him and how he’d push her right back. Then her thoughts changed to him calling her ‘darlin’ even before they were together and how he kissed her in the pouring rain once…
    “Um…Aunt Grace? You still there?” Teddy asked, his face showing his embarrassment. He also looked skeptical.
    “Yes, sweetie, I’m sorry. I know you don’t believe me but you’d be surprised at how much you don’t know about us adults in the Parker family.”
    “I highly doubt my parents have done anything rebellious, or cool…or remarkably interesting in their entire lives,” scoffed Teddy.
    “Like I said, you’d be surprised. Now, are you coming to my bonfire tomorrow? You best be bringing some of your friends,” she said. Teddy nodded his assent and she smiled. “Let’s get these two monsters home.”
    Both Nick and Sarah were still covered in ice cream.

  10. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    February 19, 2014 10:26pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 2
    Beginning
    (This part was not added to the beginning of the last post. My apologies.)
    The next day, Luke was gone before Grace woke up. Somehow still exhausted, she got up and began to make breakfast. Her two kids slowly trekked down into the kitchen by following the smell of bacon, eggs and sausage. This was one of Grace’s favorite moments of the day. Her sleepy kids would sit patiently at her table, not talking but smiling at their mother. Then just as Grace laid down the food, Luke would enter the kitchen quietly and watch his family. It was also one of his favorite moments of the day. He never failed to take them by surprise. Usually Sarah would shout, “Daddy!” and they would all smile at him. Grace would give him a kiss and their breakfast would commence.

  11. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    January 31, 2014 10:21pm UTC
    STateSTateThe next day, Luke was gone before Grace woke up. Somehow still exhausted, she got up and began to make breakfast. Her two kids slowly trekked down into the kitchen by following the smell of bacon, eggs and sausage. This was one of Grace’s favorite moments of the day. Her sleepy kids would sit patiently at her table, not talking but smiling at their mother. Then just as Grace laid down the food, Luke would enter the kitchen quietly and watch his family. It was also one of his favorite moments of the day. He never failed to take them by surprise. Usually Sarah would shout, “Daddy!” and they would all smile at him. Grace would give him a kiss and their breakfast would commence.
    State Of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 2
    Luke returned to the fields as Grace pulled out with the kids in the back of their truck. Sarah and Nick waved good-bye to their dad. Nick was in kindergarten and Sarah had just started preschool that fall. After Grace dropped them off, she drove to Cambridge, the town’s richest and newest neighborhood. Her best friend from high school moved there when she married a fancy lawyer.
    May groaned when she saw Grace jump out of the truck. “You’re so big!” she shouted as she gave her friend a hug.
    “Thanks?” she laughed as she returned the hug.
    “I’m so jealous,” began May, “I want kids so bad but you know David, he’s not ready for them yet. But soon I hope! He really means well I just know he’s so busy at work and then there was this new case last week that had him up until midnight!” She stopped and looked at her friend. Grace was smiling into her coffee. Her arm was resting over her belly protectively.
    “Is it everything you dreamed it would be?” May asked.
    “Did I dream that I’d marry Luke Taylor and have two wonderful kids and another baby on the way?” she laughed.
    “No… that you live the perfect life for Grace Parker? It is perfect,” sighed May.
    “Aren’t you happy, May?” she asked, now concerned for her friend. May smiled and gestured around her. They were seated at a marble counter top in a huge kitchen that was right out of a magazine. May’s house was huge and seated on a high hill at the end of the neighborhood. All her neighbors were rich doctors or lawyers who commuted to the city to work.
    “I have everything a girl like me needs, Gracie, but I need babies to fill it with love. David and I can’t do it alone.”
    “Sounds like you two need a vacation!” said Grace. May smiled but Grace knew her husband would never take the time from work. “How about a bonfire at the Taylor’s instead?” This May agreed to. The girls set plans for Saturday night and Grace left her friend in better spirits. Since she was in town, she did some errands before it was time to pick up Sarah and then Nick. Since she was so close to the high school, she decided to pick up Teddy as well.
    He was standing alone in the crowd of kids, watching for the bus that took him out of town and into the fields. The kids around him wore boots and jeans, some flannel shirts, a lot of hats and no one looked really dressed up. Grace looked down at herself. She could blend in with the high school kids but her nephew looked so out of place. He wore a golf shirt, khakis and sneakers. Normal enough for a regular high school kid but this was Alabama and he just didn’t fit in.
    Suddenly, Grace realized what the problem was that brought Teddy to walk through acres of wheat fields on a Thursday night. He didn’t belong here.
    “Mommy! Mommy, look its Teddy. He looks sad,” said Nick. He was sitting in his car seat and was excitedly looking around at all the big kids. Sarah was singing a little song to herself. Luke found her songs hilarious and delightful but she was too shy to sing in front of other people.
    Teddy spotted their truck and hopped in. “Thanks for picking me up,” he said, not meeting her eyes. “Let’s go get ice cream,” she said. The kids cheered and Teddy half smiled.

  12. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    January 30, 2014 11:15pm UTC
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 1
    Part 1
    “Hey Ted!” called Luke. He strode up the steps and shook Teddy’s hand. Luke towered over Teddy. He wished he would grow to be as tall as his dad and Uncle, both of who were at least 6’2 and extremely built. Teddy was only 5’4 and one of the smallest kids in his grade.
    “You’re looking taller lately, bud, did you know that?” commented Luke as they walked inside. They were seated at the table just chatting when Grace laid down a big bowl of spaghetti.
    “Spaghetti?” whined Nick, “I don’t really like it! It looks like worms.”
    “Well, you like worms enough, don’t you?” asked Grace, then she turned to Luke, “He put one in his sister’s hair today.”
    “After dinner, we’re having a talk,” said Luke. Nick frowned at this idea.
    “We’re having spaghetti because its Teddy’s favorite and he’s our guest,” said Grace, clearly indicating that there was no room for discussion from the kids.
    “He can’t help with the dishes then, Daddy, can he?” asked Sarah. Teddy laughed.
    “I’ll help, Sarah!”
    “No, guests can’t do chores it’s not polite,” she said, and Teddy’s day got a little better when she smiled at him.
    “Alright, then after dinner I’ll play tag with you and Nick to make up for it,” said Teddy. Both kids got very excited with the prospect of a fun night. After they brought their dishes to the sink, both raced to get their boots on and grab flashlights. Teddy raced after them.
    “Don’t forget about our talk, young man!” shouted Luke after his son.
    “If I remember correctly, you put a worm in my hair once or twice,” said Grace. She half smiled.
    “He’s still a big kid at heart, huh?” asked Luke, ignoring her comment, as he dried the clean plates Grace handed him.
    “Yeah he loves those kids. He’s got something on his mind though, he came over pretty angry,” she said. Luke looked intently at his wife. She looked exhausted. Her blonde hair was piled on the top of her head and her glasses were smudged and her clothes hung off her. He gathered her in his arms.
    “You’re too skinny and you look exhausted,” he muttered into her hair.
    “Thanks for the compliments.”
    “You need a day with May. How about on Saturday I take the kids somewhere fun and you won’t have to worry?” Grace’s body relaxed against him. She nodded and moved away.
    “Hey I wasn’t done!” said Luke and he pulled her back into his arms, “and we’re gonna finish these dishes and go relax on the porch.”
    “Luke, honey, you smell,” said Grace. His blue eyes flashed but she knew the anger would pass. “Go shower and then we can have tea on the porch…or maybe a beer for you at this point.” They did do just that until the kids came in for baths. With all the hustle with getting Nick and Sarah to bed, Grace never got her chance to talk to Teddy.
    As the headlights of Luke’s old truck pulled out of the driveway, Grace could just make out Teddy talking animatedly in the front seat of the cab. She left her spot in the window and shut off Nick’s light. He was sound asleep, exhausted from a hard day of playing. As she padded down the stairs she picked up at least eight toys per child. When she had finished cleaning up after her messy kids, she finished the kitchen and shut off the light. Making sure only the front door was unlocked and the porch light was on, Grace headed up to bed. When Luke finally returned, he found his pregnant wife passed out on their bed, still fully dressed from the day.
    “Gracie,” he whispered, gently nudging her awake. She rolled into his arms and he carried her into their bathroom. From there, she managed to brush her teeth and get into her maternity pajamas. She was curled into a ball when he finally lay down. They began their familiar routine.
    “John?” he started.
    “Eh… maybe. How about Denton?”
    “What if it’s a girl?”
    “Definitely Ella for the middle name,” said Grace. Luke’s younger sister Ella had almost lost her life when she was a little girl. Now she was twenty-one and doing very well in college. When Sarah was born, Ella made Grace promise her that the next girl had to be named after her in some way.
    “Just because you made that promise to both May and her, doesn’t mean you have to keep it!” chastised Luke. He adored his daughter’s name, Sarah May, but he wasn’t sure how he felt about his sister and his possible daughter being correlated in any way.
    “Luke Taylor, I’m surprised at you! Not keeping promises? That’s not like you,” said Grace but she smiled when she said it. Luke, pretending to feel ashamed, rolled over and hid his face in her shoulder. “Sorry Mrs. Taylor,” he said as he kissed her cheek and turned off the light.

  13. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    January 30, 2014 11:12pm UTC
    Teddy Parker was angry and Grace Taylor could feel it radiate a country mile long. She sensed his presence as he tore through the field connecting their houses. She met her nephew on the front porch as he strode up their muddy drive way.
    State of Grace: The Sequel
    Chapter 1
    Part 1
    Teddy was angry. First, he was mad his parents ever named him such a stupid name as Teddy. Now that he was in high school, the other kids teased him for having such a childish name. Second, he was angry about the fact that his parents didn’t have any other kids after him. He noticed the scattered toys and bikes littered around his aunt and uncle’s house and grew jealous of his cousins. They had two kids and another baby on the way? It just wasn’t fair. He looked up to see his aunt standing on the porch, just like she knew he was coming.
    “Staying for dinner, Teddy?” she asked as she turned into their house, ignoring his issues. Teddy sighed and followed her inside. He knew she would get to the problem soon enough; she always knew if something was bothering him.
    Their house was gorgeous. She and Uncle Luke built it from the ground up on a hundred acres of land, which they converted into fields. It was just the right distance from his house, his grandparent’s house and most importantly, in Teddy’s opinion anyway, town. The big white house had a wraparound porch with black shutters and a chimney. Inside, Aunt Grace kept it tidy regardless of her messy kids.
    A small weight hit Teddy’s legs when he entered their foyer. He looked down and Nick, a blonde haired and blue-eyed six-year-old, was hanging on to his legs.
    “Teddy, come play with me. Sarah can’t,” he pleaded. Teddy felt like he was looking into the face of his grandmother, although Nick was named after his grandfather. Nick had inherited his grandmother’s bright blue eyes and blonde hair. Teddy was just the opposite, more like his grandfather. Both of his parents had dark brown hair that Teddy inherited. He got his mother’s dark brown eyes and it marked him different from the rest of the blue or green-eyed Parkers.
    “Why can’t Sarah play?” he asked his cousin. Nick pouted and shrugged. Just then Sarah, a little girl of three, waded into the kitchen with her long curly dark hair a big mess.
    “He says its cause I’m a girl but Daddy said I can play with any boy toy I want and be just like Momma, who played with boy toys when she was a little girl,” rambled Sarah. Her green eyes sparkled with wonder at the world. Teddy tried to picture the world from her three-year-old perspective.
    Grace watched her nephew interact with his cousins. Both her kids adored when he came over to play. As she attempted to fix her daughter’s hair, she thought about what Teddy really needed to talk about. His anger had faded at the door when he saw her kids but she knew it would return when they left. She decided she’d deal with it after dinner. Just then, she heard the tractor pull to a stop out in the nearest field. She wiped her hands and went out to meet her husband.
    Fifteen years couldn’t erase the way Luke Taylor made Grace feel. They had a whirlwind of a start until they eased into a relationship their senior year of high school. He had a high temper but high enough to match her attitude. They never got a long as kids and they still didn’t. Still, seeing him in his work boots and hat made her heart swell with pride and love.
    Luke seemed to be in a good mood but Grace could never tell until she got right under the brim of that cowboy hat. Feeling like she was seventeen again, she raced across the yard in her bare feet and stopped just where she wanted. His blue eyes, exactly like Nick’s, had held no emotion. She could tell he was tired from working. His eyes lit up when he saw running towards him. He picked her up and kissed her while twirling her around.
    Teddy watched his uncle and aunt from the doorway and felt jealous almost instantaneously. Why couldn’t he have that relationship? Sure he had liked a few girls but no one ever looked at him like his aunt looked as his uncle. If he ever saw his parents kiss, he might be sick to his stomach but this moment was rare for Luke and Grace. They were hardly affectionate in public. He knew they must have missed each other lately. Both were so busy getting the kids back to school and harvest time was coming for the crops. His parents were just as busy on their farm so Teddy knew he wouldn’t be missed.

  14. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    May 1, 2013 10:58am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 31
    That day Grace rushed home to tell her family the news. When she was finished speaking, they all kept quiet. “Why are ya’ll quiet?” she asked.
    Her mother laughed and said, “Gracie, we all thought you two were a thing since August!” Grace blushed and looked down at her feet. Across the room Teddy was resting comfortably in his Grandpa’s arms. Grace took him from her dad and went out to the porch.
    It was a cool autumn night and the Foster’s had finished a peaceful dinner. Grace was tickling her nephew softly when the roar of a truck became more and more profound. His lights illuminated the trees as he pulled off the road and into her drive way. He stepped out of the truck and looked up at the porch. She couldn’t make out anything from the shadow his hat cast over his face.
    He surprised her then by crossing over to the passenger’s side of his truck. When he opened the door Ella jumped out and took her brother’s hand. They crossed the yard and reached the place Grace was sitting. Ella’s blond hair had started to grow back and it shined in the porch light. At this notice, Grace’s hand smoothed down her own hair. It wasn’t as long as it used to be but it was getting there.
    “I kept your secret,” said Ella.
    “I know you did,” responded Grace. Luke leaned against the door and watched his two favorite girls.
    “You said it would never happen though,” said Ella.
    “Well….miracles happen,” said Grace.
    “I know,” said Ella softly. They both touched their scars and Ella smiled.
    “I’ll keep yours,” said Grace.
    “But I’m not scared anymore, not if your around,” responded Ella.
    Grace smiled and looked up at Luke. He held Teddy in his arms and was talking to him. As Luke met Grace’s gaze, Ella reached for the baby. When Teddy was safely inside with Ella moments later, Luke knelt down by Grace.
    He took of his hat, his eyes never leaving hers. Her green eyes closed as he kissed her out on the porch. “I love you,” he said when they broke apart.
    “Hey, slow down, cowboy,” she said. He took her hand and pressed it.
    “No, Grace, I love you,” said Luke.
    “Luke,” she said.
    “What?”
    “I love you too.” And with that Luke laughed and swung Grace up in his arms. He buried his face in her hair and smiled.
    The end.

  15. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 30, 2013 11:39am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 30
    It took Luke two months into the school year to ask Grace out as his official girlfriend. The pair had ended the summer with spending the rest of their time together. They went to the county fair together, the movies, the lake, and drove around some nights. Many of their free days were spent near the lake, fishing and learning about each other.
    When school started Luke must have noticed some of the attention other boys gave Grace and he didn’t take it too well. He never punched anyone else but he’d walk up behind them and well the rumor about Luke Taylor punching John Holmes must have spread. Finally May grew tired of watching other boys scurry away from a menacing looking Luke and a blushing Grace.
    “Ask her out!” she whispered to Luke as she passed him in the hall one October morning. He had been headed to Grace’s locker where she stood waiting.
    “Pardon me?” he asked, confused.
    May stopped and turned to face him. “Ask Grace out,” she said, “Its getting ridiculous even Michael agrees.” She had pulled his backpack strap from the rushing crowd and he backtracked to meet them.
    “What do I agree with?”
    “That Luke should ask Grace out!” said May.
    “You’re not going to?” said a voice. Grace had joined the small party. She was holding her stack of books to her chest and looked confused and sad. Luke hated to see her sad so he pulled her over to his side, where she fit just perfectly in the nook of his shoulder.
    “No, of course I would ask you!” said Luke, reassuringly.
    “You would?” said Grace, but it wasn’t a question. There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone. Luke got the hint, “I will. Where do you want to go?”
    She pushed him away and he laughed and hugged her tight, saying, “Come on Grace! You know I like you. I don’t have to ask to know you’re my girl.”
    Grace smiled into his shirt and nodded. May would have shouted something if Michael didn’t cover her mouth with his hand. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the new couple, rolling his eyes the whole time.

  16. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 29, 2013 10:57am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 29
    Teddy was two months old when Ashley Smithson finally dumped Luke Taylor. For reasons the rest of the future senior class couldn’t understand, Luke was beyond happy.
    “Luke,” said Luke’s good friend, “Ashley is one of the hottest girls in our entire school! Are you stupid or something?”
    Luke wasn’t stupid; he just hadn’t been that smart. He had wanted to be rid of her for awhile but he didn’t have the heart to break up with her. Apparently the break up hadn’t gone over well either. Things were thrown and profanity was used in ways someone shouldn’t have to hear.
    Luke actually got to work with Grace in the fields that day, confessing later to Grace that Ashley had forbid it before.
    “Why is your arm bleeding?” she asked him.
    “Oh Ash threw something at it. She was aiming for my head,” he shrugged.
    “Ash?” she said, smirking. He shoved her into the dirt, “Hey! Jerk,” she said, half laughing. She got up, brushed the dirt of her jeans, and poked him in the side, “You’re it!”
    “Real mature,” he said, his hands on his hips.
    “Are you slow or just a chicken?” she mocked. He dropped the tool he had been using and sprinted after her. They ran through the fields until they got to her house. When Mr. and Mrs. Foster, Annie and Ryan saw Grace and Luke come out of the fields laughing and panting, they all exchanged a look.
    “Ya’ll okay?” called Grace’s dad, looking a little worried. They hadn’t seen Luke or Grace interact in weeks or look this happy.
    “Yes sir, we’ve been thinking we try out this thing all the normal people call “friendship” and see where it gets us,” said Luke, smiling down at Grace.
    Later that night, when her family had already gone to bed, Grace and Luke stayed out talking on the porch. She took his hand in hers and asked, “Friendship?”
    Even in the dark she could tell he was blushing again. “For now,” he started, “That’s all I thought you’d want… since your last relationship went so well with John.”
    She punched him on the arm and he pretended it hurt while they both laughed. “I’d like to be more then friends though,” she said after they had stopped laughing.
    “Me too, darlin’, me too,”
    He stood up, kissed the top of her head and got in his truck and drove away. When the headlights disappeared, Grace went up to another sleepless night.

  17. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 28, 2013 11:54am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 28
    Grace didn’t see Luke for another week again. She would see his truck pull up in the morning for work, right next to hers, and then she’d watch it vanish again at night. When he did show up, he was so happy to see her. It was right after mass where Grace watched Ashley sit with Luke’s family the entire service, tightly holding onto his hand. He must have escaped after since he pulled up to Grace’s house an hour after Church.
    “Hi Grace!” he yelled. He jumped out of his truck and ran to meet her.
    “What’s going-?” asked Grace but she got interrupted by another bear hug from Luke. When he let her go, she took his hand. She saw his smile from underneath his hat.
    “Luke, we have to talk,” said Grace, sadly.
    “About what?” he asked.
    “This! Well, whatever the hell this is! You can’t be hugging me when you’re dating her,” replied Grace.
    He stepped closer and she looked at his face. He still had the stitches but the bruise was healing. Unfortunately it left an ugly yellow mark around his eye.
    “I thought you liked what you see, that you’d never change me, that you loved me,” said Luke, retreating from Grace. She followed him until she was right under the brim of his hat.
    “I do like you, Luke, but I ain’t gonna be the other woman,” she said. He nodded and tried to smile. She kissed him on the cheek and spun around and walked away from him.
    That night Grace couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned for hours until she finally gave up. She climbed out of her window and onto the roof. For awhile, at least until morning, she sat and watched the sky and all its stars. She had no clue that across town, Luke was doing the exact same thing.

  18. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 26, 2013 11:44am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 27
    On the way home, Annie insisted that they stop and pick up ice from the supermarket. Ryan and their mother agreed without hesitation. Grace knew full well that they had three bags at home. When they arrived at their house, the Taylors and the Watsons were all waiting their arrival.
    “Sorry,” Grace said to May, “We had to get ice for some god forsaken time when ice runs out.” They soon were called inside for brunch. Everyone wished Grace a happy birthday before they sat down. Luke, Grace, and May were wedged up against each other in the corner of the dining room. Teddy, as they decided to call him, was fast asleep in his mother’s arms. Everyone else was seated comfortably around the table. Grace’s father was still missing.
    “I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” repeated her momma. He showed up eventually and they got to eating.
    When they were done, Grace’s dad slid the blue box across the table to her. She opened it and found a personalized key.
    “Is this a key to the house or attic..?” asked Grace, confused. Her dad shook his head. Luke and May pulled Grace up by the elbows and pulled her outside. Parked in the middle of the drive way was a brand new red Ford ranger. Grace’s mouth dropped open. May yelled, “She loves it!” and Luke pulled her into a bear hug. Everyone who had followed them grew silent. Luke dropped Grace on the ground and shuffled a few feet away from her. May grabbed her hand and pulled her closed to the truck. She got in the passenger seat as Grace got in the driver’s seat. Grace spent the day driving everyone from little Teddy to her momma around in the truck.
    When night came, the Taylors and Watsons had been long gone. Luke was out in the yard talking to her father. Grace was enjoying the night, rocking Teddy to sleep in her arms. Annie and Ryan opened the front door, the light from the house spilling onto the lawn. Ryan took his son from his sister’s arms and went to put him in the car. Annie hugged Grace good bye before following Ryan. They waved as they pulled out of the yard. Her dad and Luke rounded the corner and her dad went inside. Luke leaned against the railings of the porch.
    “Can you give me a ride home?” he asked.
    “Why not?” said Grace as they started off towards the new truck.
    “So can you believe you got a truck for your birthday?”
    “No, it was such a surprise!” replied Grace, smiling. She felt easy and comfortable with Luke. He seemed comfortable too.
    They talked and joked the entire trip. Luke’s smile faded as they pulled up to his house. “Uh oh,” he said and he was right. Ashley was sitting on his front steps; arms crossed and looking ready to attack. Grace wished him good luck and backed out before anything bad happened.

  19. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 19, 2013 8:10am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 26
    Luke did fix a lot of the damage he caused the next day. He called John Holmes and apologized personally for punching him, he thanked May and her parents for all the help they gave, called Michael to thank him for bringing him home, and gave Ashley a very long apology.
    Apparently it was all fine with her cause the next time Grace saw Luke he was holding hands with his redheaded girlfriend. John Holmes had called to apologize to Grace as well.
    “I’m really sorry,” he said into the phone, “I don’t know what I was thinking. I just got over a break up and I wanted to forget about her. I’m so sorry, Grace.”
    She almost felt bad for John when he said good bye. He sounded very upset even though Grace had assured him all was well between the two of them. May called her seconds later to complain about Luke and Ashley’s continuing relationship.
    “Why are they still together?” she demanded of Grace. Grace could only offer an, “I don’t know.” She had no clue. She had spent most of the day trying to figure out what would make Ashley forgive him or Luke stay with her.
    “I honestly don’t know,” she repeated to May, “He must really love her or something.”
    “He doesn’t! He just can’t,” said May.
    “And why is that?”
    “The whole ride home last night he talked to me. He kept saying ‘May, Grace hates me. Why does she hate me? I like her! May, do you know if she likes me? Grace? Wait May, where are we going? Where did Grace go? Did that bas tard hurt her? I’ll kill him’ and it went on and on, Grace! Maybe he doesn’t like you like that but he sure does care about you.”
    Grace didn’t know what to think of that. May couldn’t have made it up but it just didn’t seem plausible.
    It would take three days after the party for Luke to talk to Grace and only because it was July 31st, Grace’s 18th birthday. When Grace woke up that Sunday morning, it didn’t feel as though it was her birthday. She still had chores to do and mass to attend. She got ready for the usual nine o’clock service before padding downstairs to the kitchen. Her mother and Annie were already dressed and having coffee at the counter.
    “Happy birthday,” they said together.
    “Thanks,” said Grace as her dad walked in. He gave a brief hug and a rough “Happy Birthday” before heading back outside. He had placed a small box wrapped in blue paper with a green bow on the counter. Grace smiled and reached to pick it up but her momma stopped her.
    “Wait until after Church is over, okay?” she said.
    When Grace walked out of the chapel with her family, her dad had disappeared. “He had to run home real quick,” said Grace’s mother. The Fosters met the Taylors out on the sidewalk and Grace got the best surprise someone could ask for. Little Ella was holding her brother’s hand. She let go and ran to hug Grace. Grace was surprised at how quickly it took for her to recover.
    “How do you feel?” she asked Ella.
    “I feel great thanks to you! I heard it’s your birthday! What did you get?” asked Ella.
    “I haven’t got anything yet but I’m just so happy to see you out and about,” Grace told her.
    Ella smiled and ran back to her family. Grace noticed Ashley had watched the whole exchange between her and Ella. Grace bit her lip, knowing too well that she would come over to them. Luke seemed to notice too. He looked terrible. His eye was swollen and bruised and there were stitches down the side of his face. When Ashley reached him he smiled and held out his arms for a hug. She was paying attention to his arms, just looking at his clothes.
    “What are you wearing?” she asked. Luke had on dress pants and shirt and tie like every Sunday. “That’s hideous!” she shrieked. Luke lowered his arms and shrugged.
    “Come on Grace,” said Ryan, taking her arm, “The Taylors and the Watsons are coming over for brunch with Annie’s family.” This news didn’t make Ashley happy at all.

  20. chickenwing chickenwing
    posted a quote
    April 18, 2013 11:43am UTC
    State of Grace
    Chapter 25
    When the two cars arrived at Luke’s house, Luke was fast asleep in the bed of his truck. Grace ran up to knock on the door when she saw a note posted on it. The Taylors were staying at the hospital. May had parked Luke’s truck, scribbled a note on it, and was in the front seat of Michael’s car by the time Grace returned.
    “They’re not home,” said Grace, “We shouldn’t leave him here alone.”
    They drove off towards Grace’s house with Luke’s head in her lap. She cleaned up the blood as best as she could with her sleeve. Her mother did a better job when they got there.
    “He might need stitches, girls,” she said, looking up. May and Grace looked terrible. May looked worried and exhausted and Grace’s face was puffy from crying. Michael had carried his friend inside and went to call the Watson’s.
    “Grace, did you know you are covered in Luke’s blood?” asked May, disgusted, “I guess that’s true love.”
    “Oh shut it. I don’t…not anymore. I mean he is with Ashley still,” replied Grace.
    “Probably not after this,” said May, “He ran through a corn field looking to punch whoever was hurting you. Not Ashley, you, Grace. He likes you.”
    Grace shook her head, “I’m an idiot. I should have known John was drunk.”
    “No,” said May, “I’m the idiot who left you alone with John Holmes. I knew who was drinking and who wasn’t…. and I didn’t warn you.”
    The two girls had walked out onto the front porch to wait for May’s parents. May hugged Grace tightly as their car pulled up the drive way. They hurried up the steps and into the kitchen where Luke was passed out.
    Fifteen minutes later they walked out with good news. Luke was up and not in that much pain. He had thirteen stitches near his right eye.
    “Come on, honey,” said Mr. Watson, “Let’s go home.” Michael had left an hour ago, trying to make it home before curfew. May held both her parents hands and was led to the car like a little girl.
    When Grace entered the kitchen, her mother was leaving a message on the Taylor’s voicemail. “Hi, this is Mary Foster. Your boy got in some trouble at the party and he had to get stitches. We got him fixed up alright though. He can stay here in the guest bedroom and we’ll bring him home tomorrow. He’s really fine so you don’t need to worry. I hope Ella is okay,” finished her mother.
    Luke was sitting on the counter with his head in his hands when Grace had come into the room. He looked up when Grace’s mom hung up the phone.
    “Thanks Mrs. Foster,” he said, as she left the room. His eyes were bloodshot and his face had dried blood all over it. Grace grabbed a wash cloth and ran it under warm water. She gently ran it over his face and he closed his eyes. She washed his face until all the blood was gone. She pulled her hand away but Luke caught her wrist. She looked up from her feet and into his eyes.
    “You’re amazing,” he said, “And I’m so sorry. I humiliated you in front of everyone.”
    Grace shrugged and patted his hair down. “Luke,” she said and he looked up at her again, “Thanks for saving me, again.” He laughed and leaned his head back against a cabinet.
    “I have a lot of damage to fix tomorrow, huh?” he asked.
    “Yeah you better get some rest.”

:)

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