As Life Goes: Gen. 5.4-Matthew

The next day Mom spent a lot of time out with her plants. She had broken down into tears when Dad got home after his attempted talk with Claudia’s mom. He said her mind was made up and that she wouldn’t let her daughter’s life be ruined by some ‘careless fuck-up’.  Dad tried to tell them that we would take the baby, but Claudia refused to be 'fat and ugly'. I needed focus. I needed order. Counting wasn’t even helping. I was restless the whole day. I constantly checked the sinks making sure there were no leaks. I cleaned everything.

I brushed Vor, twelve strokes on one side followed by twelve on the other. Kraig and Dax had both been calling and texting me, but I didn’t respond. Around 5 I got one from her: It’s done. I sat and stared at it. Why did she send that? It was bad enough she was getting done, but to text me? Frustrated I got up, and changed quickly.

“Where are you going?” Dad asked.

“I need out for a bit. Going for a run.” I left before he could say anything.

I ran hoping the air would clear my head. I kept going over that fight with her, her hateful words replayed in my head. “Someone old and rich…having a brat…” I pushed myself harder as I ran, counting each stride. I cared about her. I was her friend, her shoulder to cry on. I’d let her talk me into all sorts of things because I loved her. I was stupid, everyone tried to tell me she was bad news, a user, even Uncle Carter and Grandpa Davis told me I shouldn’t get so serious at such a young age but did I listen? No!

My pace picked up…seventy-three, seventy-four, seventy-five…I can’t believe I was so blinded by her. How could I not have seen what kind of person she really was?!...eighty-two, eighty-three… I kept running, my legs started to burn but I didn’t care. It’s done…the text popped into my head. I’d found out I was going to be a father, then lost that child in a space of twenty-four hours. “I don’t want it…” eighty-seven, eighty-eight...

I was only 17, was I really ready to be a father? Sure my parents would have been supportive and helped, but that would have been a major alteration to my life. I could have done it. I have family, lots of family. How could she just not give me a say? How was that fair? “…the manner I require…” She was nothing more than a user, an opportunist. She wanted the easy way. To marry some rich old guy and live the life of luxury. I stopped running once I reached the cove.

“She doesn’t know,” I said out loud trying to catch my breath. Laughter over took me. Claudia wanted a rich guy that would spoil her but she didn't know that's what she already had. A girl like her was not someone I needed to have in my life, or my family's life. I hated that this whole situation made my mother so sad. I wished I could go back and listen to their warnings, or not lied to my parents to spend so much time with her. There were many things I would change if I could, but unfortunately I couldn't.

The rest of the weekend I spent being extra nice to Mom. I helped in the garden watched those cheesy romantic comedy movies with her. I felt bad for how upset she still was. She'd be fine during the day, but I'd hear her crying in her room at night. Claudia’s decision upset me, but I was more pissed off at how it affected my mother. I had my role in the situation, I knew that, and I was going to do my best to make up for it. I could do that by spending more time with her and making sure she, and Dad knew how much I appreciated them.

I thought I was ready to face Claudia until Monday rolled around. I made my bed, making sure there wasn’t a wrinkle in sight. Brushed my teeth, counting to make sure I did an even number of strokes, then I checked the sink to make sure it was shut off tightly. Mom and Dad noticed I was distracted at breakfast and offered to let me stay home if I needed to, but I declined. I’d done nothing wrong. I could face her. I picked up Kraig and Dax and talking to them kept my mind off her temporarily. Dax was telling me he was glad I’d finally broke up with her. I’d not told them why, it was bad enough nothing was kept quiet in the family.

Mom never used the family’s status to do things, but she’d called Grandpa to see if he could do anything to stop Claudia. He was angry, but there simply wasn’t enough time to try, he’d said if she’d given us more notice we could have taken her to court possibly. I hadn’t been sure if I wanted to deal with all of that anyway, especially knowing the kind of person she really was. As painful as it was to admit it, but her rash decision was for the best. I’d never say that out loud to Mom though.

Continue Reading: "As Life Goes: Gen. 5.4-Matthew"

Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.27

I loved being a mother. I'd never known it could be possible to have love so deeply for someone so tiny, but I did. Every time I looked at Matt, my heart swelled. Jonas was just as in love with his son. We worked well together, caring for him.

Late night feedings, changing dirty diapers, baby vomit, all of it, Jonas happily took care of. Watching him with our son only made me love him more.

Vor even took an instant liking to the newest member, going so far as to sleep in Matt's room at night. Mom and Dad were at the house often. I'd seen Dad care for Carter and even Erin, but sometimes it was still funny to watch him love on his grandson.

They were happy to babysit every chance they could. Mom said it was important to still take time to for us, which we did, but probably not as often as Mom would have liked.

I'm pretty sure the older Matt gets, the less I'm going to see him. Mom and Dad were already making plans for overnight trips and toddler classes and all sorts of activities that apparently Jonas and I were not included on. With them having a grandchild in town, I knew it was to be expected. They still flew out to see Trevor often and spoiled him from long distance. Mom was even trying to convince Hope to let him come for the summer.

Being a mother was a very fulfilling job. Every coo Matt made or each time his little fingers wrapped around mine warmed my heart and the suffering I went through to get him I'd do 100 times over. Time flew by and before I knew it my baby was getting ready to turn one. We planned a small party at the house with family only.

Continue Reading: "Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.27"

Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.25

***You are cordially invited to the wedding of Jonas Solo and Grace Gruber. 

Please be sure to visit the wedding album for more shots of the happy couple***

I was getting married today. I couldn't believe it. Mom and Hope helped with the planning. Jonas and I wanted something outside since we both had a love of nature, however taking my family into consideration we opted for an indoor venue that made it feel like we were outside. Forever Green Garden House was a beautiful venue located about thirty minutes outside of Barnacle Bay.

It gave us the best of both worlds. We planned for a spring wedding so the flowers would all be in bloom. With Hope taking control of the wedding planning, my small wedding had turned into a major production. Jonas had joked we should have just ran off to Vegas or something. Caleb's niece Starr was our photographer. It was great Uncle Nick was her boss, giving her the time off was no trouble at all. She'd been busy taking shots of all the decorations around the location, and was busy snapping candid shots now. She's already invaded the guys. I couldn't wait to see those pictures.

Jonas' grandmother and great-grandfather made the trip out. I was happy he had someone from his family here. Wilson had even brought along Deliha Burnbright. She was the witch that blessed the potion. I was looking forward to talking to her later and thanking her in person for what she'd done.

"Let me say thanks again for not picking ugly dresses," Erin said giving me a hug.

"You know I wouldn't do that, but more importantly Hope wouldn't let me do that even if I wanted," I replied smiling at my baby sister.
 
"Grace, honey you look beautiful," Mom said giving me a peck on the cheek.

"Thanks Mom."

"Yeah Gracie, I bet Jonas' jaw will drop when he sees you."

"Thanks. Were you two this nervous?"

"Of course, but it was all excited nerves."

"There are so many people. What if I trip, or forget my vows?"

"You will be fine. Just keep your eyes focused on Jonas and nothing else will matter," Mom said, giving me an encouraging smile.

Eyes on Jonas. I could do that. We'd continued to live together sleeping in separate bedrooms. After the night of our engagement I'd thought about bringing the subject up, but I'd always chicken out. I could talk to him about anything, but that. Tonight, however, I was going to have to face my fears one way or another. There was a knock at the door and Dad walked in.

"All of my girls, so gorgeous. Grace, you look so grown up. So beautiful. I don't care if you and your sisters keep insisting on growing up. You'll always be my little girl."

"Aww Daddy. You're gonna make me cry and then Hope will get mad you ruined her make-up job."

Dad escorted me from the room and the closer we got the more nervous I became. I took a deep breath and looked towards the alter where Jonas waited.
  

Just focus on him. I managed to make it to the alter without tripping over my dress. When the officiate asked who was giving me away, Dad made sure to say he was merely sharing me, not giving me away then he kissed my cheek and went to sit with Mom who was already in tears. My stomach was in knots. There were way too many people and they were all looking at me. I should have just gone to Vegas. Jonas smiled and took my hands. I can do this. I kept my eyes on Jonas through all the introduction parts, then it was time for the vows.

"I've measured my life in moments. Some bad. Some terrifying. Some sad. 

And some good. The moment I met you was initially scary but I learned 

that some moments last longer than others. That's what your 

moment has done. Stumbling over my own two feet into 

your arms changed the course of my life, I just didn't know it at the time. 

The moment I met you has proven to be one continuously great moment of my life. 

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. 

Jonas Solo today I take you has my husband. I vow to be an honest and faithful wife. 

I vow to stand by your side through the ups and the downs for as long as we both shall live."

"Grace, from the moment I first saw you, you managed to make 

a huge impact on my life. I'd believed I would never love again, 

but you made it impossible not to. Being allowed within your world 

is an honor and a privilege I will be forever grateful to have.

You are an amazing person and I am lucky to be able to call you wife. 

Grace Gruber today I take you as my wife. I vow to be an honest and faithful husband. 

To cherish and love you everyday and to stand by your side 

through all that life throws our way for as long as we both shall live."

He slipped the ring on my finger and we sealed our vows with a kiss. I was married.

The reception was great. Jonas and I shared our first dance as husband and wife. He got big applause for his dip kiss finish.

Hope only embarrassed me slightly with her toast to us. I got a chance to talk to Deliha, and thank her for her help. She was very nice and was happy to see her work have just lovely results. Jonas even took to the dance floor with Mom.

And of course there was cake.

Continue Reading: "Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.25"

Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.24

My head was pounding when I opened my eyes. I looked around. I was at home. How did I get home? I swung my legs over the side of my bed. I stood and stretched. I felt like I was floating. I was floating! I'm floating!

"JONAS!"

Both he and Vor appeared in my doorway.

"You're up! I've been so worried, you've been out for two days."

"Yes I'm up, as in my feet won't touch the floor how do I make it stop?!"

He started laughing. "Um..." he floated for a minute then landed. "...think down."

I did as he said and felt my feet touch the ground.

"This will be a learning experience for us both. My grandmother has been talking to my great-grandfather. Neither of us expected you to pass out like that. It scared us both. How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts and my back itches, but other than that fine. And learning experience?"

"Yeah, it's been about a century or so since the last human was approved to become a fairy. The previous council leader wasn't very keen on handing out approvals. I'm going to be your teacher I guess. Oh, and your parents were here. Please let them know you're okay, your father has put me back on his shit list."

I could only imagine how Dad had been acting since he said I'd been out for two days. I looked at my clothes and hoped that Mom changed me.

"I'll call them, but first I want to see."

I walked into the bathroom and looked at my reflection. They were yellow. Bright and beautiful like sunshine. I had wings! I was something different. Being with Jonas my life had changed and evolved and now my body had. I was like a butterfly, I'd lived in a cocoon for for a very long time and finally had emerged into the being I think I was meant to be. I felt the same for the most part other than a tickling sensation radiating from my back. I hoped that would go away eventually.

"They match your aura of kindness."

"My aura?"

"Yes, as a fairy, you can tell a person's aura, their, um...their true inner being. When you look a person, you can see a glow around them."

I looked at him and noticed a glowing white light around him. It was strange. "Yours match as well. What does it mean?"

"Pure of heart."

I smiled. It was very fitting for him. "So every time you looked at me you saw a yellow glow."

He nodded. It was strange, but I liked it.

"Your grandmother's are teal. What does that color mean?"

"They're more blue than teal, but the blue-ish family means wisdom."

There was so much to learn, and understand, but I had time. I smiled at that thought, I had lots of time now. My stomach growled reminding me it hadn't had food in two days. Jonas went to fix me something to eat while I called my parents who were relieved to hear I was up. Dad told me he was going to bury Jonas in the hills if I hadn't woken up soon. I was happy to removed the bounty from his head. I promised to come by to visit. My next call was to Hope. I had Jonas take a picture of the new me, so she could see. Wind came by to check on me. She was waiting on me to wake up before heading back to Hidden Springs. Jonas promised to bring me soon so I could meet the rest of his family which sadly only consisted of his great-grandfather.

Jonas stayed with me and helped me get used to the new me. I enjoyed being a fairy. He wasn't lying when he said they were good with plants. My plants seemed to grow bigger and faster. It was amazing. He still hadn't moved back to his house. We'd settled into a routine of being roommates. He still slept in the spare room. We had breakfast and dinner together each day. Would watch TV or just sit and talk until we were ready for bed.

Continue Reading: "Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.24"

Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.22

The next few days were hell but I was thankful Jonas stayed with me. We kept having to talk to the police they wanted to know everything, even what happened before. I didn't understand why they couldn't get that information some other way. They wouldn't let Jonas be with me, saying they needed to hear our stories separately, but they at least let Mom be with me.

Patrick had survived his wounds and was under arrest for a long list of things. Attempted murder, vandalism, auto theft, and felon in possession of a fire arm. They couldn't prove he'd been stalking me, but with the other crimes he'd be in jail for a long time. We were waiting to see if he would take some plea deal to avoid a trial or if we'd have to testify. The DA had talked to Jonas since he was the main victim about the deal they were offering. Twenty years to be served straight, no option for parole or early release. Basically they were only going after him for the attempted murder from the car accident and taking the other crimes off the table.

Jonas had asked if I wanted to go with him to the office that day, but I declined. The reporters and such were always around. Not much crime happened in Barnacle Bay and I had the misfortune of being involved in both of the major events.

I didn't want to leave the house and spent most of my time in the basement away from windows. He told me about it when he got back and said he would agree only if I was comfortable with the idea. I didn't want to see Patrick ever again so avoiding a trial was important to me. Luckily two weeks later the DA informed Jonas the plea deal had been accepted.

It was the best news ever, no trial, he would be a very old man by the time he was released and the reporters finally moved on. Just in time too since Hope had delivered a healthy baby boy they named Trevor Davis McIntyre.

Mom and Dad wanted to go see him, but didn't want to leave me until everything was over. Now they could go focus on her and their first grandbaby for a little while. I wanted to meet him, but Hope understood the stress of everything meant I needed time to let life settle back down for a bit. She sent plenty of pictures and he was adorable. I'd not seen him in person, but I was in love with that little boy already.

Continue Reading: "Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.22"