Ki s s . m e . g o o d b y e .
(part 32)
Brad texted me at 6:30.
"Hey, gorgeous. I'm done with practice if you want to hang out."
I glanced over at Grace, who was passed out on my couch. That's what I get for letting Grace loose on my dad's vodka. I sighed.
I replied, telling him what was going on.
He said he would come by later tonight.
I agreed, figuring that Grace could sleep in my bed.
I called Grace's mom.
"Hey, Mrs. Kruse," I said, brightly.
"Oh, Erin! Nice to talk to you. What's going on?"
"Grace came over to my house after school today, but she's not feeling too well."
"Oh, dear. I can come get her."
"Don't worry about it," I said quickly. "I've already got her in bed and she's asleep. It might be better to leave her alone for right now."
I could hear her confusion through the phone. "Um, okay."
"She kept complaining she was tired all day. Said she didn't feel too well, and when we got here, she just crashed on the couch. I woke her up to get her in more comfortable clothes, but I don't know if we should do it again."
"It sounds like you've got it pretty much under control," Mrs. Kruse said, gently. "Oh, by the way, Erin, is your dad around? I'd love to talk to him about my tulips. A few months back he said he had a friend..?"
"Oh, right." I said, trying to keep my voice light and chipper. "He's actually not in right now, but I'll let him know you called. I'm sure he'll call you back the second he gets a chance."
"Thank you," Mrs. Kruse's voice was blithe, unsuspecting. "Do you want me to come get Gracie in the morning?"
"I guess we'll see how she feels then," I answered. "I'll leave her a note, but I have to go to school and my dad has work, is it okay if she stays home by herself a few hours if she's not feeling up to school?"
"Sure, honey. Just make sure she knows she can call me. I'm off work all day tomorrow so it's really not a problem."
"Okay, I will. Thanks so much, Mrs. Kruse. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"Oh, like it's your fault," she chuckled. "No, darling, thank you."
"It really isn't any trouble at all."
"You're a nice girl, Erin. I'm glad Grace met you."
I didn't know what to say to that. "Um, thanks."
She laughed. "I'd better get going, but I'll hear from Grace tomorrow?"
"Definitely," I promised, and hung up.
I woke Grace up gently. "Hey, sweetie," I said, my voice low. "Can I get you into some PJs?"
"My mouth's dry," she said, sitting up, only to clutch her head and lie back down.
"I'll get you some water. But first why don't you put these on?" I tossed her a pair of boxers and a T-shirt. "You'll be much more comfortable.
"Thanks, Er," she shut her eyelids halfway and moaned softly.
I went to get her a glass of water. When I returned, she was wearing the PJs and lying on the couch. "You can sleep in my bed." I told her.
"Mmmm," was her only response.
I tucked her in and started my homework.
silent_write