Would You Trade That Heart Of Gold For A Minute In My Skin?

I've got like three fanfictions but I will only pressurise myself to finsh two fanfictions this summer. So, my first one is The Sharpest Lifes (Fandom: MCR) and this one ^^ (Fandom: Well, pretty obvious (sp?) FOB). Enjoy the first installment. Oh and I need girlfriends for Pete, Joe, Andy and Panic at the disco. So, apply below =)
Comment/Buzz?

Grace sat down on her living room floor. Her parents were out all night and most likely tomorrow while her two brothers were round friend’s houses. She as normal had been invited nowhere.  She was watching ‘Live in Phoenix’ singing along as loudly as she wanted as she was alone and no one was telling her to keep it down. She jumped up onto her sofa and started intimidating the bass riff in ‘Dance, Dance.’ Her glasses that framed her cold blue eyes fell onto the floor. She stopped and picked them up. “Balls.” She whispered to herself. She paused the DVD and went into the kitchen and checked her glasses weren’t broken or anything. They weren’t, thank god, she thought. She cleaned them on her baggy My Chemical Romance shirt and placed them back on her round face. Her world went crystal clear again when the door knocked. She glanced up at the clock on her wall. Who the hell would be here, at this hour? She dragged her black fingernails through her curly shoulder-length blonde hair and fiddled with the zip on her Fall Out Boy hoodie.

She walked over to her front door and opened it. She was greeted by a vaguely familiar friendly face. Her eyes were wide open. “Oh my god, I must be dreaming.” She whispered. The man smirked and rubbed his hands together. “No, you’re not honey. Could you do us lovely men a favour and let us use your phone?” she nodded, still in shock. “Oh god, Fall Out Boy are in my house.” Pete smiled at me as she got out of his way so the guys could come in. Patrick was the last member to enter the countryside home. He gazed at the young teenage girl next to him. She was very pretty in her own way and her smile lit up the cold kitchen. He couldn’t take his eyes off her; it was like he was hypnotised by her icy blue eyes that seemed to hold many memories that glittered ever so often through her black rimmed glasses.

Grace felt stupid in her baggy MCR shirt and hand-made shorts. She tried to hide her un-made up face from the guys. She pointed to the phone and said she was just going upstairs to grab something. She raced upstairs into her bedroom and quickly applied foundation, thick black eye-liner and mascara. She threw off her baggy shirt and found a black tank top that wasn’t skin-tight but flattered her more. She ran down the stairs checking her hair was in okay condition before entering the kitchen. Pete was on the phone while Joe, Andy and Patrick were sitting around the table. “...What? What the fuck are we meant to do until then? Okay. See you.” Pete sighed and hung up the phone. “We’re stuck until Monday morning.” Grace bit her lip. “You guys could stay here. I’m alone all weekend; well until tomorrow night but you guys could stay the night if you needed too.” Pete gave her a confused glance but the others put their thumbs up and nodded. “Thanks. What’s your name?” Grace walked over and leant on the sink. “Gracie. If any of you have the urge to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ you can just leave now before I kick your asses out.” The guys laughed knowing they had made the right choice to stay with this young teenager. Patrick, more than any of the others was ecstatic to stay. He wanted to get to know the girl and what was going on behind those eyes he’d fallen for. “Well. I’m Pete, this is...”

“Andy, Patrick and Joe. I know who you are.” She interrupted. Pete smiled and stretched. “Do you guys want a drink, something to eat or anything?” They all shook their heads and stood up. “The living room is through there. Go and sit down or something.” The guys could tell she was nervous. She had a glass of water before entering the living room where her favourite band were sitting on the sofas; only leaving her room next to Patrick. She shyly sat down and played with her fingernails. “What you guys doing so far from town?”Grace asked. Joe piped up. “We were exploring the English countryside when someone forgot to put gas in the godamned car.” Andy put his hands up. “You could have filled it up! Why is always my fault when I drive?” Joe stuck his tongue out him and relaxed on the sofa. Patrick could feel the girl’s warmth as she laughed at them. Her smile was just so beautiful; thank god Andy forgot to gas in the car or he might not have met this young girl. She was adorable and just made him smile. “So what do you guys wanna do? I mean, I’m the most fun person in the world.”  Pete clapped his hands. “We could play 20 questions.” He winked at Patrick. Being the best of friends Pete could read Patrick’s emotions better than most. Pete knew that Patrick had a crush on the girl. Grace nodded pulling Patrick down with her hand, sitting on the floor. Joe and Andy agreed and sat next to her. Pete nudged Patrick. “Me first! I’m going to ask Gracie!” Pete exclaimed. Grace uncrossed her legs and leant on her hands. “Ask away Peter.” Pete smirked at Patrick and asked. “So, how old are you?”

“I’m 15.” She replied. Patrick gulped; he had fallen for someone so young and yet she seemed to be a lot older. “How much of a Fall Out Boy fan are you?” Grace pointed to her paused TV screen. Joe laughed. “Pretty huge. Not obsessed though. I’m not going to sell your used towels on eBay or anything. That’s just stalker-ish.” Patrick giggled and Grace giggled at his giggle. Pete thought they were so cute. Patrick was just so shy when it came to girls; even after FOB got huge. “Who’s your favourite member?” Grace groaned. “That’s mean. I like you all.” Joe and Andy covered their hearts. “We like you too.” Patrick said smiling at her. She blushed into a crimson colour. “Awww thanks.” She kept licking her fragile pale lips and Patrick just wanted to taste them. They continued asking her questions until 1 am. “One last question?” Pete asked. Grace nodded. “Do you think Patrick is cute?” She fiddled with her glasses nervously and giggled. “Now, that is a matter of personal taste Mr. Wentz.” Patrick held his breath and looked into her blue eyes with his green. Grace met his glance; she had fallen for Patrick in a matter of hours and his eyes made her feel like he was searching her soul for answers to life’s meaningful questions. “I better find somewhere for you guys to sleep.” She whispered standing up. A small amount of her stomach showed as she stretched and Patrick was memorised by it. He imagined the feel and taste of her skin. She came back a few minutes later with blankets and pillows. “Hope you don’t mind sleeping on the floor in here.” Andy jumped up and took the blankets from her. “Not at all; it’s probably more comfortable than our van when we first started out.” She chuckled and kissed all the guys on the cheek goodnight. Patrick savoured the touch of her lips on his skin. She waved to the guys before shutting the door.

Patrick’s head fell onto a pillow and sighed. Pete lay down next to him. “She’s a cool girl.” Patrick removed his trucker cap and put it beside him. “Yeah, she is.” Pete poked him in the back causing him to squirm. “You like her, don’t you?” He bit his bottom lip and nodded. He heard Pete giggle. “She obviously likes you.” Patrick turned around to face his best friend. “You think so?” Pete gave a you’re-such-a-dumbass glance. “Yesss.” Patrick pulled a blanket over his body and shut his eyes.

That's a bit long hey? =P
Peace
Gee x

Sorry if I kept you waiting. It's called homework. Next part will be up sooner. I promise. =)

December 17^th 1992

Me and Gerard became the closet of friends over the months we knew each other. We were inseparable at school and after school. I went to his house most nights and sometimes ended up staying there. His parents, Donald and Donna, don’t mind me and say I’m a responsible adult and should come and babysit Gerard more often, even though he is in fact the older one. Anyways, that day was the last day of the school semester until January so we and Gerard were pretty hyped that we could do what we wanted all day. “Hey Gracie?” Gerard asked, sitting next me. “Yes, Gerard?” I replied, still reading my comic book. “I have to babysit Mikey tonight. You want to come by?” I turned the page “Okay.” He smirked and leant his head on my shoulder. I chuckled and stroked his long black hair. I swear, Gerard would make the sweetest, cutest and most loyal puppy ever. I think he even purred even though puppies don’t purr.

After collecting young Michael, we started walking back to his house. Mikey was more hyperactive than ever as he thought Santa was coming soon so he could get lots of presents and Gerard wouldn’t get any because he’s been a bad boy. I personally found that quite funny. “Mikey, your brother has been a very good boy.” Mikey shook his head “No he hasn’t. Kissing girls, my mom says, is bad until your sixteen.” I sighed and glanced over a Gerard. “What makes you think I’ve kissed Gerard squirt?”  I saw Gerard give Mikey a murderer type glare. Mikey didn’t seem to notice this. “He talks about in his sleep. ‘Oh Gracie, you’re so beautiful. Oh Gracie, you’re a fucking great kisser.’” He said in his little wheezy and whiny voice. I giggled and made Mikey run inside the house. “You talk about me in your sleep?” Gerard kept looking at his feet. “No. He’s making it up.” He replied in defence. I stuck my tongue out at him and walked inside the house. I took off my beanie, coat, gloves and my scarf while Gerard locked the front door and removed his outdoor clothes. I stretched and fell onto the couch, Gerard landed next to me. I leant my head on his shoulder and snuggled deep into his collarbone. I could hear Gerard’s heat pounding in his rib cage. “Gerard?” I looked up at him. “Yes?” He replied nervously. “I know Mikey isn’t lying.” He started twiddling with his thumbs and started talking quickly without breathes in-between. “I don’t talk about you in my sleep, I think about before I go to sleep and my parent’s talk about you and stuff so it must be that an...” I kissed him. It seemed the only way to shut him up. It was only a shy kiss; no tongues were involved. Gerard didn’t pull away, we just sat in that position. I moved my face away. “Could you shut up with your lame excuses now?” Gerard’s face was bright red. I chuckled at him. “Is Gerard embarrassed by his first kiss?” I said sarcastically pinching his cheeks. He laughed slightly before looking at me intensely with those hazel eyes. My arms found their way around his neck of their own accord. He kissed me. The only other time I had kissed someone was in truth or dare; but that was only a quick peck. I felt Gerard’s tongue run along my bottom lip and tease my mouth apart. His hands were holding my hips as he pushed himself against me. I didn’t know what was going on but it felt really nice. I lay down so Gerard was on top of me. His fingertips stroked my back and then I felt his hands slip under my t-shirt. I grabbed his hands. “Whoa. Down boy.” He sat up quickly. “Sorry. I just got caught up in the moment.” I gave him a side hug and planted a kiss on his cheek. “It’s okay. I was too, I mean –“

“WillYouBeMyGirlfriend?” He asked rather quickly. I shot him a confused glance. “Wanna run that by me one more time?” He took a deep breath and shut his eyes. “Will you be my girlfriend?” He opened his eyes again and bit his lip; waiting for a reply. I smiled and lifted his chin so he was looking at me. “What do you think dumbass?” He chuckled and stuck his tongue out at me. I stuck my tongue out back letting my hands fall around his neck. “Why don’t you do something useful with that tongue?”

“Like what exactly?” I said rolling my tongue. He smirked and whispered “Let me show you.” His lips collided with mine again. We stayed like that for what seemed ages until we heard “EWWWWWWW!” I jumped back and saw Mikey standing behind the couch. “What are you doing there Mikey?” Gerard asked. “I wanted to play video games but you were kissing with your tongues. Does that mean Grace is going to get diseases from your spit? I never to do that with girls. Girls have cooties.” I started laughing. Mikey was younger and obviously didn’t understand. “Don’t worry Mikey. I’m gonna get diseases from your brother.” I replied through giggling. “What do you want to play?” Mikey shrugged. “I don’t want to play where you’ve been kissing.” Gerard sighed and placed his head in his hand. I smiled and escorted Mikey upstairs, back to his bed room.

When I came back downstairs he was leaning against the couch fiddling with his nails. I ran at him; shocking him into catching me. I began kissing him furiously. So furiously that we fell onto the couch from behind. I let him breath eventually. He took a couple of deep breaths and looked at me. “Okay. That was fun.” I chuckled and jumped off him so I was sat on the couch and helped him up. “Glad it was fun for you.” He smiled and put his arm loosely around my shoulder. “You staying round tonight?” I thought about and nodded. His smile grew wider and he looked at the clock. “My parents are going to be back soon.” I pouted at him. “I better make use of these lips while I can then.” He giggled and kissed me again.

When Donald and Donna came back; me and Gerard went into his room. He normally slept on the floor while he gave the bed like a gentlemen. “Can I borrow something to sleep in Gerard?” I shouted from the bathroom. He passed through the small gap in the door a clean pair of his boxers and Iron Maiden shirt. “Spanks.” I whispered. He laughed and jumped onto his bed. I changed and chucked my clothes under the sink. I strolled out and sat crossed legged opposite Gerard on his bed. “So now what Mr. Way?” He yawned and put his head on my lap. “I wanna to go sleep.” I smiled and leant my head down so my lips were right next to his ear. “The floor is always available.” He pushed himself up and gave me puppy dog eyes. Damn, he looks cute when he does that. “Fine. I’ll sleep on the floor.” He pushed me down so I was lying beneath him. “No. You and I are going to sleep together.” I pretended to gasp. “Mr. Way!” He chuckled and rolled down so his arm was around my waist. “Goodnight girlfriend.” I intertwined my fingers with his. “Good night boyfriend.”

Buzz/Comments?

Peace

Gee x

Yes, a new fanic =) I'm a very impaient person so when I think of ideas for stories I just have to write them down. This one is influenced by a friend of mine. She saw me writing in my book on the bus and read the the first few sentences. She'll come into the story later.  So anyways, on with the show. Gee x

September 28^th 1992. This date is so important to me. This is the date my life changed.

Growing up in Belleville New Jersey was pretty tough for a kid like me. My parents were hard working people and gave me everything a kid needed. I didn’t feel loved in our household though. My mom was a secutary from New York and my dad was a hard-nosed businessman. They met through my dad’s old boss. They fell madly in love with each other apparently; I didn’t see any love between them growing up. My dad got offered a job in New Jersey. I was on the way so my mom didn’t put up a fight. I was born July 6^th 1977. I was lost inside my family’s world growing up. I had no real friends; middle school was the worst. Until he came. He saved me, you could say. Unfortunately, he broke me too. In more ways than one. He killed me deep down. He also brought me back to life. I don’t how he does it, but he does it.

History class was one of the most boring things I’d ever experienced in my life. It didn’t interest me. I was doodling some comic characters in the back of my book when a kid, around my age walked into the room. Mrs. Wilson stared the boy up and down; that creeped me out. She does that to everyone. He smiled at her. “I’m so sorry. Is this History 204?” Mrs. Wilson nodded. “Are you new here?” He nodded and fiddled with his bag strap. “Name?” She asked looking at her papers. “Gerard Way.” She nodded her head and sighed. “Right Mr. Way, have a seat next to Ms. Stocker. She’ll explain the work.” He smiled at me and sat down. I smiled back and watched him unpack his things. He looked at me and pulled out a pen and some paper. “So Gerard, does this make any sense to you?” He shook his head. “Not really, I should have really paid more attention in history.” I giggled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Well. It’s Nazi Germany. Basically; there was this huge asshole called Hitler who tried to rule the world. But we and English kicked his hairy ass back to Germany then he killed himself like a coward. Not much to know really.” He chuckled. “That Hitler guy must have been the biggest asshole to exsist.” I nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry but, I don’t know your name.” He said putting his hand out. I smirked and shook it. “Gracie.” He smiled. “Cute name.” I think I blushed all over. He chuckled and took some notes.

I was packing away my things when Gerard asked “Hey. Do you where this art room is?” Pointing to his timetable. I took hold of the timetable. “No fricking way. You’re in my art class.” He smiled. “Awesome.” It turned out he was in all my classes. After our last class together, which was maths he asked “Grace, do you like, want to come over my house?” I bit my lip and thought. I started packing my books away. “I’d love too.” I replied. “I just need to get my little brother.” I nodded and followed him.

His little brother was one of the most hyperactive twelve year olds I’d ever meet. We were walking back Gerard’s house as his brother thought he was a vampire and was trying to bite innocent trees. “Why is your brother biting trees?” Gerard pulled his little brother so he was between us. “Come on Mikey. Give me a break.” Mikey was certainly an interesting child. His big glasses covered most of his face but he had one of the sweetest smiles ever. Gerard’s house was darker than ours but it was certainly more homely than mine. Gerard sent Mikey to his room, but no he didn’t walk. He flew. Yes, he ‘flew’ to his room. I fell over laughing. “You alright Grace?” I nodded in-between laughs. I saw Mikey appear of my face. “Gee, why is your girlfriend laughing so much? She isn’t dying is she?” He asked in the highest voice I’d ever heard. I sat up and looked at Mikey. “What makes you think I’m Gerard’s girlfriend?”

“Gee only brings girls home if he likes them. He doesn’t bring many people home except Ray. I don’t like Ray, he smells.” I laughed again pulling Mikey down with me. I started tickling the innocent twelve year old senseless until Gerard pulled Mikey off me. “Go to your room squirt.” He stuck his tongue out at Gerard and he stuck his tongue out back. "Why does your brother think I'm your girlfriend?" I asked standing up. "I don't know, he doesn't understand that you have to know someone before calling them your girlfriend." I considered the thought and agreed. "What do you want to know about me?"

"Age?"

"15"

"Boyfriend?" I shook my head and saw his smile reappear. "You finshed?" He nodded “So what do we do now?” Gerard shrugged. “You feel like playing video games?” I smirked and punched his shoulder “You are so fucking on.”

Comments and buzzes are always nice.

Plus, I need to know whether to carry on with this as I have a good story line but I have like, two other ones waiting in the wings. Yes, I do have too much spare time =)

This chapter's is a little shorter =( Sorry. I trying to think of what to do next so the next post could take a while.

The doctor came and woke me at around half eight. What the doctor didn’t know was that I wasn’t a great morning person. I can be extremely crabby and sarcastic but Ray has learnt to love my morning personality. He learnt pretty quickly not to wake me before half nine or I will be queen bitch all day and be extremely tired at around ten at night. The doctor didn’t appreciate my select choice of words but the nurse said that I obviously not a morning person. “You can say that again.” I said into my pillow before falling back to sleep again. The nurse came back at around ten to give me another morphine injection; she said I had smaller doses but they had to be more regular as I was pregnant. I just hid my face in my pillow while she did it. I really wanted to have a shower and brush my teeth before Ray came but she said that I could only use the toilet as having a shower and cleaning teeth wasn’t very hygienic in the hospital. I lay back down and asked the nurse “Has anyone been in to see me?” The nurse opened my curtains and one of my windows “Not yet lovely. Your boyfriend will be in soon, I’m very sure.” I smiled at her while she gave me a glass of water and bought me some breakfast; I forgot to mention I was vegetarian. I took the apple and munched a few bites out of it and beg the nurse for a coffee. No deal; I had to stick to water or juice. The drips in my arms were becoming like a permanent feature in my arms as I was just so used to them. It was around noon when my phone buzzed. I grabbed it and read the text message “Are you up yet? Ray x” I giggled; He knew I wouldn’t want to be disturbed. “I am and have been since 10 this morning. G x” I replied. Literally 2 minutes after sending the message a knock came on my door. It was the nurse “Someone’s here to see you.” She stood against the door making sure it was open enough. I was expecting Ray instead got a half-man half- flower monster. I laughed at him; he was trying so hard to be the caring boyfriend. He put the flowers on me and sat down in the chair next to me. I picked up the flowers with my hand and smelt them. They were my favourite; White lilies mixed with red roses. They must have cost him a fortune. They even had a card. I opened the card and read the message “Stop reading this and talk to me.” I giggled and looked at Ray “You’re so charming.” He got up and kissed me lightly on the lips. “I know.” He picked up the flowers and put them in a vase that was on the bedside table. “They’re beautiful Ray. They must have cost you a fortune.” He cupped my face and leant his fore head against mine “You are worth every single penny.” I smiled as he kissed my nose.  “How you feeling this morning?” He said clambering onto my bed so he could lie next to me. I turned around to face him “Good. Really good.” Ray rested his arm around my waist “When did they say you’d being coming out?” “Tomorrow or the day after. Are your parent’s okay?” Ray pulled me closer to him so we were nose to nose. “They’re okay. Just worried about you.” I kissed him lightly. “Tell them I‘m fine.” I took my left hand and held Ray’s “Have you told them about the Toro juniors?” Ray bit his lip. “I sat them down last night and told them everything about us getting engaged and then the pregnancy. They were a bit shocked but they said they’d help.”  “Your parents are so understanding.” I smiled and pecked him. He took my peck a bit seriously and started kissing me passionately. I didn’t mind; I replied by biting his bottom lip. The nurse unfortunately wasn’t too pleased when she came in with the ultra sound machine. “Do you mind letting my paient breath for a minute while we do her ultra sound?” Ray got off me and fell off my bed landing on the floor. I couldn’t help laughing while the nurse put some cold gel on my stomach. Ray stood up and rubbed the back of his head. He sat down and looked at the screen. The nurse put that thing that can see inside you on my stomach and what I saw shocked me. I saw a fuzzy picture but somewhere in there was two little alien things. Ray must have seen them too as he took my hand. He squeezed it and continued looking at the screen. “Oh my god. Is that them?” The nurse nodded and moved the thing around my stomach. “Can you tell the sexes yet?” The nurse sighed “Not yet; give it about a month then we might. Would you like to know the due date?” I nodded while Ray still looked at the still image on the screen. “Those are our babies...” He leapt up and kissed me lightly on the lips. The nurse smiled at us and continued looking through her papers “I would estimate around early January or late December.” I tapped the nurse on the shoulder “Two things; Can I have a picture of that to take with me and can I leave now?” The nurse paged the doctor I think to ask if I could be discharged. The beeper went off quickly “Well, good news Miss. Stocker. We can discharge you today.” Ray jumped up and clapped his hands. “I was thinking; this tour around Europe. I want to keep an eye on you. Will you come on tour with me?” I squealed and wrapped my arms around his neck. The nurse tapped me on the shoulder “We’ll have to see what the doctor says dear, before you rush yourself away on a tour.” Ray put his arm around my shoulders and pecked my forehead. “Just smile. She’s right.” He whispered in my ear. I pouted at him and said “All right.” He laughed and mock punched me. He put his arm around me and kissed the side of my head.

The doctor came into the room and walked towards Grace’s bed; he picked up the clipboard at the bottom of the bed. He looked at her stats and thought about when she could be discharged. The couple were hugging each other and looking at the ultrasound still picture. “Well; I can defiantly say that you can be discharged today.” Grace squeezed Ray’s hand and looked into his eyes. “Well are you going to ask him?” Ray ruffled her hair walked up to the doctor “Dr. Smith?” Ray said. The doctor mumbled “Mmmm?” Ray pulled his fingers through his afro and asked “I want to take Grace to Europe; on my band’s tour. Do you think she’d be up to it?” The doctor continued looking at her stats “When do you leave?” Ray dug into his brain and tried to remember “Mid-September until June. Then we’re touring the US until mid-December. We have Christmas off then we’re touring the US again.” The doctor looked at Ray. “She’d be fine by then; plus since you Christmas off. You’ll be home for your due date.” Ray clapped his hands and ran to Grace “You can come.” Grace wrapped herself around him and kissed him. The doctor smirked at them and signed the discharge papers. “If I could just remove the drips from your arms Miss. Stocker, then you can dress and leave?” Ray moved away from the bed and watched the doctor remove the drips from her arms. It was painful for him to watch as they removed the thing that connects the drip to her. Ray saw a flash of a needle; oh god. She just hid her face in her pillow and hummed what sounded like Bohemian Rhapsody. “Ok, dear, we’ll just let you get dressed then you can come to reception so you can be discharged.” Grace nodded. Grace got out of bed and Ray rushed to her side. He was trying to support her and made sure she wasn’t in any pain.

Ray gripped my unbandaged arm and walked to put me in a chair. “I’ll get your clothes for you.” I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He slithered his arms around my waist and picked me up, I put my legs around his waist. I snuggled my head into his shoulder; he smelt of lemons and aftershave. I could have quite happily stayed there but Ray put me down again. “The sooner we get you dressed; the sooner we can you home.” I sighed and got up “I suppose. My clothes are down there.” He kissed my forehead and ran to grab my clothes. He chucked me my new skinnie jeans followed by one of his old Iron Maiden tees. I pulled the jean on under my dull hospital dress then I took it off. The hospital put on this white sports bar on me; this look can only work if you’re flat chested. Unfortunately; I’m not. I’m a cup D. I chucked the top over me and felt arms travel around my waist. I looked out the window to see the mid afternoon sun. Ray leant his chin on the top of my head. He put his hands on my growing stomach. I turned around to face him; He smiled at me and got on his knees. He pulled my shirt up and whispered “Hey kiddies. How you feeling?”He kissed my stomach and began tickling me. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him up. “What are you doing?” Ray cupped my face put his forehead against mine. “Talking to my babies.” I kissed him lightly. “You look crazy. But it’s nice to see you happy.” He stuck his tongue out at me and took my hand “Let’s go home. All four of us.” I sniggered and nodded in agreement. We walked to the reception and the nurse looked at my discharge papers and asked me to sign it. As I was signing the papers; Ray whispered in my ear “You’ll have to change your signature soon.” I laughed and put the pen down. I looked up at him “I know. Gracie Toro sounds pretty cool.” He laughed and kissed my forehead. Dr. Smith came out and said I needed plenty of bed rest and needed to come in next week to have my bandages removed. Ray put his arm around my shoulders and escorted me out of the hospital.

The afternoon air was warm but not too humid. It was Ray’s birthday next week and we’d just come out of hospital. Not a great start but he seemed so high on becoming a dad that I think the past was just going to be left in the past. We were going to start our new life together; well and the babies when they make an appearance. I took hold of Ray’s hand and ran towards the park. Ray was surprised but ran with me until I collapsed on the field. West Hudson Park is beautiful; the pond is my favourite thing ever. It’s so beautiful during sunsets. I looked down on my stomach as Ray collapsed next to me; I did actually have a small bump there. I guess I never really noticed it as I hid under Ray’s baggy shirts all the time. Ray turned on his side to face me and he put his hand on my bump again. “You two in there are going to grow up to be amazing musicians. Maybe a guitarist or a drummer. As you are the offspring of two great guitar players.” I giggled and looked at Ray playing Peek-a-boo to ‘the bump.’ He was going to be a great dad. It’ll make up for the crap mother I’ll make. He put a hand down on my stomach as I looked up at the sky. I felt something in my stomach; I thought Ray had poked me but it felt like it was coming from inside me. “Ray?” He looked up at me “Did you just feel that?” He smiled and nodded. “The babies just kicked...” He whispered. Could there be a more beautiful moment? “They obviously want to meet you. They want to get the hell out of me and see you.” Ray laughed pulled me close to him. “They want to see your beautiful face. Not just your insides.” I smirked and kissed him lightly. He sighed and looked up at the sky “We’d better get you home.” I sat up and looked down on him “I suppose your right.” I put my hand on ‘the bump’ “Don’t want to keep these up too late. Do we? We’d be setting a bad example.” Ray laughed and pulled me down towards him. I put my head on his chest. “The tour is going to be so fun with you.” He squeezed me slightly “You think it’s going to be fun having a heavily pregnant 18 year old hormonal girl sat next to you on a cramped tour bus; complaining that her feet hurt, has a migraine or has bad morning sickness?” He giggled pulled me on top of him; he was being very careful. “You won’t be too bad...” I raised my eyebrows “You wanna bet?” He sniggered and kissed me. I parted his lips so that my tongue could slip inside but he flipped me so I was below him. He teased my teeth apart and played my all the senses in my mouth. I wrapped my arms around his neck and crossed my legs across his waist. He then began smothering my face in kisses; but I had the horrible feeling we were being watched. I pushed Ray off me slightly and looked around. He stared at me with utter confusion. “What’s the matter?” I heard a twig break from the bushes in front of us. Ray heard it too; he stood up and went over to the bushes. He pulled the bushes apart and it looked like nothing was there. I stood up and felt something behind me. A hand covered my mouth. I screamed and Ray turned around and saw a man holding me. “Get the fuck off of my fiancée!” I looked up at the man; It was my father.

The hospital was dark and depressing. Gerard walked to Frankie, Bob, Mikey and Ray carrying coffee. Frank called them from the hospital about an hour ago saying Grace had swallowed a lot of sleeping pills. Frank was shaking and barely speaking to anyone. Ray was a pile of angry tears; that refused anything. Bob, Mikey and Gerard were trying to help Frank and Ray. Bob was also there when Frank called them from the hospital but Bob can handle anything. Frank took the coffee and sipped it slowly. Ray kept his arms folded and refused the coffee. His eyes were spurting angry tears. A nurse walked down the corridoor and stood in front of the five men “I’m looking for Miss. Stocker’s boyfriend?” Ray stood up and shook the nurse’s hand “I’m Ray Toro. She’s my fiancée. Is she ok?” The nurse sighed and looked through her notes “She’s stable, but she’s still unconscious. The doctor would like to speak to you now though. This way.” Ray followed the nurse through to a tiny office; an old male doctor was filing through some papers. “Sorry. Lots of paper’s. Your Miss. Stocker’s fiancée, yes?” Ray sat down opposite him. “Yes. Is she going to be okay?” The doctor sat down and shook Ray’s hand “I’m Dr. Smith. I’ll be treating Grace. She is going to be fine; thankfully she didn’t swallow a great lethal dose so we managed to save her and the foetuses without causing harm to either... Umm...What else can I tell you?” Ray absorbed the doctor’s words “Hang on; the foetuses? Grace isn’t pregnant...” Dr. Smith took a deep breath “Well her friend said she was and thought we ought to know. I assumed you knew.” Ray stood up and shouted “Well, I didn’t!” He thought and went silent for a moment “Did you say foetuses? As in the plural?” The doctor stood up and walked over to Ray “Yes. We did an ultra-sound and found two heartbeats. Congratulations.” Ray looked down at his hands; they were shaking. A knock came on the door “Dr. Smith. She’s awake and calling for her fiancée.” The nurse smiled at Ray and left the room. “Would you like to talk to your fiancée now?” Ray bit his lip and nodded. Dr. Smith walked out of the office and locked the door behind him. Ray walked down the hall and saw Frank shaking and rocking himself back and forth. “Tell her I’ll be there in a minute. I need to talk to Frank.” Dr. Smith nodded and walked into the private room where Grace was. “Hey Frank, can I talk to you a minute?” Frank looked up and staggered over to Ray. “Yeah. What is it?” Ray hugged Frank “You saved Grace’s and my kid’s lives. I owe you one.” Frank pushed Ray in shock “Kid’s lives?” “Yeah, they did an ultrasound. There’s two heartbeats. If it wasn’t for you; I might have lost them.” “And Grace is alright?” Ray smiled “She’s fine; I’m gonna go in and see her now. I just wanted to say thanks.” Ray began walking when Frank stopped him. “She left you a note. On the mirror, it said; Ray I love you but I’ve let you get too close that we’ve created something inside me. I promised myself I wouldn’t get close to anyone again but I was just so happy. You two deserve better than me; you know most things about my past but something’s are just too painful to think about. I love you Ray and you have to trust my judgement. I don’t want you to blame yourself but you will be better off without me. Love you always. Your Grace x” Ray absorbed the words and walked into Grace’s room. She was still sleeping but her cute breathing noise was absent. The nurse was checking her pulse on the EP machine. “Is she awake?” The nurse looked up sympathetically. “She is dearie but not very with it. Why don’t our sit with her and wait for her to come round hmm?” Ray nodded and sat down on the plastic chair next to Grace. Her skin was so pale and she had drips in and out of her. Thank god she wasn’t conscious; she really detests needles. He held her hand gently and stroked her arm above the bandage where the glass had cut her. Grace’s breathing got louder as Ray stroked her arm. “Grace? Are you awake?” Her eye-lids flickered for a moment and then they opened slowly. Her voice was raspy and dry “Ray; I’m sorry.” He stood up at her lean on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. He squeezed her and whispered “Don’t be sorry. Nothing is ever going to hurt you again. I promise.”

Tears ran down my face and Ray wiped them away. He was quiet and just hugged me; I guess almost losing your fiancée after one day of being engaged can make a man go quiet. He stroked my hair and whispered “Why didn’t you come to talk to me?” I looked up at him. “About what?” “The pregnancy?” I looked at him in horror but he stood still and he still had his arms around me. “I was scared about how you would react to becoming a dad. I mean; I had no clue what I was doing myself. I called Frank and told him to get me a pregnancy test and bring it over. He did and I saw it was positive. I panicked. I threw the test and the glass at mirror. I punched the glass causing my arm to bleed. I looked in the cabinet and saw your dad’s pills and took most of the bottle. I left you message on the mirror but it somehow seemed cliché. I’m just a stupid girl...” Ray shut me up with a kiss and clambered next to me so he was laying there with me. He put his hand on my stomach, I saw him smile as he rubbed it. “They did an ultra sound on you; mommy. You’re having twins.” I looked in his eyes; they seemed warm and welcoming. I faced him and he pulled me closer towards him. He kissed me lightly on the lips and rubbed my nose with his. I giggled and touched his face with my un-bandaged arm. He held it and kissed it. “Twins you say?” Ray nodded as he continued playing with my hand. “What are we going to do Ray?” Ray smiled and grasped my hand tight “We are going the best parents we can be without sounding to corny.” He put one of his hands on my stomach and the other on my face. He caressed my cheeks and fingered my eye lids. We remained silent; but this wasn’t an awkward silence you wanted to break. It was a comfortable ‘No words needed’ silence. I leant my head on his chest and drifted off to sleep. I didn’t even dream about my mother; I dreamt about what great parents me and Ray were going to be.

Ray watched Grace’s chest rise and fall as she slept. She seemed at peace at last; her eye-liner was smeared down her face and her hair was knotted and unruly but Ray knew she was okay again. He made a promise to himself that nothing would ever hurt Grace again; nothing would ever drive her to do this again. Grace was asleep on her back while Ray was on his side making sure Grace had enough room. He put his hand on her stomach very lightly and kept it there for a moment. He kept thinking about there being life right under his hand. Life which he helped create; he shut his eyes took a deep breath. He was interrupted by a light tap on the door; He checked Grace hadn’t stirred and looked through the distorted glass. It was guys wanting to come in and see Grace. He waved his hand to let them know that they could come in. They opened the door and Ray got off Grace’s bed and stood up. Frank walked over to Grace’s side and looked at her; he saw her smiling in her sleep. He took her unharmed hand and held it. Bob got more chairs and pulled the around Grace’s bed; everyone apart from Frank sat down. Frank continued holding Grace’s hand and stroking her hair. Gerard got up and held Frank’s shoulders “Come on man; sit down.” Frank kissed Grace’s forehead which caused her to stir slightly. Gerard directed him to a chair close to Grace while Ray took his place holding Grace’s hand. Mikey looked away from his nails and asked “So Ray; Frank tells us that you’re gonna be a dad...” Ray smiled and put his hand on Grace’s forehead “Yep; I’m gonna be a dad.” Gerard sighed “So are we gonna be able to continue this band when Grace has the kids?” Ray turned around to face Gerard “I don’t know man...” “Well; I can tell you.” The guys all looked up to see Grace’s eyes open “You’re gonna keep going because you guys have a message. People need to hear that message.” Ray took hold of Grace’s hand again “You sure?” She pushed herself; slightly wincing at the pain “I’m very sure. You’ve signed to Reprise and going made an amazing another record. I’m not holding you guys back.” The guys all looked around, stunned at Grace’s words. Bob stood up and looked out of the window; he didn’t look down as he’s afraid of heights “Grace; don’t make these decisions now. Give it time.” Grace laughed “I’m a big girl Bob; I can make decisions you know? I want you guys to make it. The message you give is really important.” She shifted her body and made uncomfortable noises. Ray rushed to her bedside and helped her move. He cupped her face gently “Is that what you want?” She nodded and Ray turned around to face Gerard and Mikey “The band is gonna keep going.” Gerard high-fived Mikey; ran over to the other side of Grace and kissed her forehead. Mikey held her feet while Frank and Bob stood either side of him. “I feel like a fucking princess.” Ray smiled and kissed her lightly “Do you want a tiara now or later?”

They all had to leave a couple of hours later. I didn’t want Ray to go but as much as I begged the nurse to let him stay (He even offered to sleep on the floor!); she said no and wasn’t going to make exceptions for me. I was nearly reduced to tears. When Ray saw water in my eyes and begged the nurse for 5 more minutes. She at least allowed that. “Hey, hey. What you crying for?” I wrapped myself around him and cried “Please; don’t go. You know how much I fricking hate hospitals” He kissed me lightly “I’ll be back before you know it. Just go to sleep.”  He kissed my forehead, grabbed his jacket and walked backwards towards the door. He kept waving goodbye and I kept waving back. I blew him a kiss and he opened the door. He ran back in and kissed me again; not lightly either. The nurse came back in and clapped her hands loudly. Ray jumped away from me and tried acting innocent “I’ll just be going now.” The nurse giggled and said “I think you better before the doctor finds out.” He squeezed my hand and whispered “Bye” Then he left. The nurse checked my blood pressure and revealed a needle. She obviously didn’t know I had serious trypanophobia (fear of needles). “Get that fucking needle away from me!” I screamed at her. “Calm down dear. It’s a small injection of morphine. For the pain.” I kept staring at the prick of the needle “I’d rather go through the pain cheers.” The nurse sighed and took my arm “Well; I can’t let you I’m afraid.” I buried my head in my pillow so I couldn’t see the needle going in. I felt it though and began crying. Anytime I had to my injections when my mum was alive she should to sing me Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” I hummed it and it calmed me down. The nurse tapped my arm and whispered “All over now dear.” I faced her and looked at my arm. No blood, no hole, just a phobia. “That wasn’t so bad was it?” She said louder. I sighed “I guess not. When can I get outta here? I bloody hate hospitals.” The nurse took the clipboard from the bottom of my bed and bit her lip. “Probably over the next two days. We need to keep an eye on the babies and make sure you won’t attempt suicide again.” I sighed and slapped my forehead. “I’m not going to try and kill myself again. Too much trouble.” The nurse giggled and took my pulse. “Well; your pulse is back to normal and you seem a lot happier. We need to do an ultra-sound but I can wait until tomorrow. When your boyfriend’s around maybe?” I looked at my left hand; thank god I hurt my right hand not my left. The ring was still there. I smiled “I think he’d like that. Thanks.” The nurse opened the door to room and walked out.  I looked out the window as saw the sunset. It was a beautiful orange sunset; I wished I was with Ray sitting in park. I got up out of my hospital bed and pulled along my drip thing to the window. I sat on the window seat and opened the window. I looked outside and saw people coming in and out of hospital. Something caught my eye; it was person sat on a bench on his own. It looked like he was texting. I smiled down on him; He was obviously kicked out of the hospital like Ray. Just then, I heard my phone beep. Frank must have made sure that I had it. I found it on my bedside table. It was a text message from Ray “I wish you could see this sunset with me. Xxx” I smiled and looked back down the window. I dialled Ray’s number; I know you’re not supposed to use them but they kicked him out. I pressed the call button and waited for Ray to answer. I didn’t have to wait long “Hello.” “I’m watching the sunset with you.” “How?” “Look up.” I saw the boy look up at me. I smiled and waved. “Just so you know Grace. I’ve got my arm around you.” I was almost sweetened out but then he said “I would kiss you but you’re stuck in the hospital room.” He blew me a kiss and I pretended to catch it. I blew him one back and he did the same thing. “I blooming feel like Juliet.” Ray got down on one knee and started reciting Shakespeare. I was nearly in tears. “Go home now Romeo. Come back tomorrow as soon as you can yeah?” Ray got up and looked at me. “I’ll be here as soon as I can. I love you.” I whispered in reply “I love you too Ray.” I hung up the phone and looked at the faint stars. What a beautiful night to end such a disastrous day.

The hospital was dark and depressing. Gerard walked to Frankie, Bob, Mikey and Ray carrying coffee. Frank called them from the hospital about an hour ago saying Grace had swallowed a lot of sleeping pills. Frank was shaking and barely speaking to anyone. Ray was a pile of angry tears; that refused anything. Bob, Mikey and Gerard were trying to help Frank and Ray. Bob was also there when Frank called them from the hospital but Bob can handle anything. Frank took the coffee and sipped it slowly. Ray kept his arms folded and refused the coffee. His eyes were spurting angry tears. A nurse walked down the corridoor and stood in front of the five men “I’m looking for Miss. Stocker’s boyfriend?” Ray stood up and shook the nurse’s hand “I’m Ray Toro. She’s my fiancée. Is she ok?” The nurse sighed and looked through her notes “She’s stable, but she’s still unconscious. The doctor would like to speak to you now though. This way.” Ray followed the nurse through to a tiny office; an old male doctor was filing through some papers. “Sorry. Lots of paper’s. Your Miss. Stocker’s fiancée, yes?” Ray sat down opposite him. “Yes. Is she going to be okay?” The doctor sat down and shook Ray’s hand “I’m Dr. Smith. I’ll be treating Grace. She is going to be fine; thankfully she didn’t swallow a great lethal dose so we managed to save her and the foetuses without causing harm to either... Umm...What else can I tell you?” Ray absorbed the doctor’s words “Hang on; the foetuses? Grace isn’t pregnant...” Dr. Smith took a deep breath “Well her friend said she was and thought we ought to know. I assumed you knew.” Ray stood up and shouted “Well, I didn’t!” He thought and went silent for a moment “Did you say foetuses? As in the plural?” The doctor stood up and walked over to Ray “Yes. We did an ultra-sound and found two heartbeats. Congratulations.” Ray looked down at his hands; they were shaking. A knock came on the door “Dr. Smith. She’s awake and calling for her fiancée.” The nurse smiled at Ray and left the room. “Would you like to talk to your fiancée now?” Ray bit his lip and nodded. Dr. Smith walked out of the office and locked the door behind him. Ray walked down the hall and saw Frank shaking and rocking himself back and forth. “Tell her I’ll be there in a minute. I need to talk to Frank.” Dr. Smith nodded and walked into the private room where Grace was. “Hey Frank, can I talk to you a minute?” Frank looked up and staggered over to Ray. “Yeah. What is it?” Ray hugged Frank “You saved Grace’s and my kid’s lives. I owe you one.” Frank pushed Ray in shock “Kid’s lives?” “Yeah, they did an ultrasound. There’s two heartbeats. If it wasn’t for you; I might have lost them.” “And Grace is alright?” Ray smiled “She’s fine; I’m gonna go in and see her now. I just wanted to say thanks.” Ray began walking when Frank stopped him. “She left you a note. On the mirror, it said; Ray I love you but I’ve let you get too close that we’ve created something inside me. I promised myself I wouldn’t get close to anyone again but I was just so happy. You two deserve better than me; you know most things about my past but something’s are just too painful to think about. I love you Ray and you have to trust my judgement. I don’t want you to blame yourself but you will be better off without me. Love you always. Your Grace x” Ray absorbed the words and walked into Grace’s room. She was still sleeping but her cute breathing noise was absent. The nurse was checking her pulse on the EP machine. “Is she awake?” The nurse looked up sympathetically. “She is dearie but not very with it. Why don’t our sit with her and wait for her to come round hmm?” Ray nodded and sat down on the plastic chair next to Grace. Her skin was so pale and she had drips in and out of her. Thank god she wasn’t conscious; she really detests needles. He held her hand gently and stroked her arm above the bandage where the glass had cut her. Grace’s breathing got louder as Ray stroked her arm. “Grace? Are you awake?” Her eye-lids flickered for a moment and then they opened slowly. Her voice was raspy and dry “Ray; I’m sorry.” He stood up at her lean on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. He squeezed her and whispered “Don’t be sorry. Nothing is ever going to hurt you again. I promise.”

Tears ran down my face and Ray wiped them away. He was quiet and just hugged me; I guess almost losing your fiancée after one day of being engaged can make a man go quiet. He stroked my hair and whispered “Why didn’t you come to talk to me?” I looked up at him. “About what?” “The pregnancy?” I looked at him in horror but he stood still and he still had his arms around me. “I was scared about how you would react to becoming a dad. I mean; I had no clue what I was doing myself. I called Frank and told him to get me a pregnancy test and bring it over. He did and I saw it was positive. I panicked. I threw the test and the glass at mirror. I punched the glass causing my arm to bleed. I looked in the cabinet and saw your dad’s pills and took most of the bottle. I left you message on the mirror but it somehow seemed cliché. I’m just a stupid girl...” Ray shut me up with a kiss and clambered next to me so he was laying there with me. He put his hand on my stomach, I saw him smile as he rubbed it. “They did an ultra sound on you; mommy. You’re having twins.” I looked in his eyes; they seemed warm and welcoming. I faced him and he pulled me closer towards him. He kissed me lightly on the lips and rubbed my nose with his. I giggled and touched his face with my un-bandaged arm. He held it and kissed it. “Twins you say?” Ray nodded as he continued playing with my hand. “What are we going to do Ray?” Ray smiled and grasped my hand tight “We are going the best parents we can be without sounding to corny.” He put one of his hands on my stomach and the other on my face. He caressed my cheeks and fingered my eye lids. We remained silent; but this wasn’t an awkward silence you wanted to break. It was a comfortable ‘No words needed’ silence. I leant my head on his chest and drifted off to sleep. I didn’t even dream about my mother; I dreamt about what great parents me and Ray were going to be.

Ray watched Grace’s chest rise and fall as she slept. She seemed at peace at last; her eye-liner was smeared down her face and her hair was knotted and unruly but Ray knew she was okay again. He made a promise to himself that nothing would ever hurt Grace again; nothing would ever drive her to do this again. Grace was asleep on her back while Ray was on his side making sure Grace had enough room. He put his hand on her stomach very lightly and kept it there for a moment. He kept thinking about there being life right under his hand. Life which he helped create; he shut his eyes took a deep breath. He was interrupted by a light tap on the door; He checked Grace hadn’t stirred and looked through the distorted glass. It was guys wanting to come in and see Grace. He waved his hand to let them know that they could come in. They opened the door and Ray got off Grace’s bed and stood up. Frank walked over to Grace’s side and looked at her; he saw her smiling in her sleep. He took her unharmed hand and held it. Bob got more chairs and pulled the around Grace’s bed; everyone apart from Frank sat down. Frank continued holding Grace’s hand and stroking her hair. Gerard got up and held Frank’s shoulders “Come on man; sit down.” Frank kissed Grace’s forehead which caused her to stir slightly. Gerard directed him to a chair close to Grace while Ray took his place holding Grace’s hand. Mikey looked away from his nails and asked “So Ray; Frank tells us that you’re gonna be a dad...” Ray smiled and put his hand on Grace’s forehead “Yep; I’m gonna be a dad.” Gerard sighed “So are we gonna be able to continue this band when Grace has the kids?” Ray turned around to face Gerard “I don’t know man...” “Well; I can tell you.” The guys all looked up to see Grace’s eyes open “You’re gonna keep going because you guys have a message. People need to hear that message.” Ray took hold of Grace’s hand again “You sure?” She pushed herself; slightly wincing at the pain “I’m very sure. You’ve signed to Reprise and going made an amazing another record. I’m not holding you guys back.” The guys all looked around, stunned at Grace’s words. Bob stood up and looked out of the window; he didn’t look down as he’s afraid of heights “Grace; don’t make these decisions now. Give it time.” Grace laughed “I’m a big girl Bob; I can make decisions you know? I want you guys to make it. The message you give is really important.” She shifted her body and made uncomfortable noises. Ray rushed to her bedside and helped her move. He cupped her face gently “Is that what you want?” She nodded and Ray turned around to face Gerard and Mikey “The band is gonna keep going.” Gerard high-fived Mikey; ran over to the other side of Grace and kissed her forehead. Mikey held her feet while Frank and Bob stood either side of him. “I feel like a fucking princess.” Ray smiled and kissed her lightly “Do you want a tiara now or later?”

They all had to leave a couple of hours later. I didn’t want Ray to go but as much as I begged the nurse to let him stay (He even offered to sleep on the floor!); she said no and wasn’t going to make exceptions for me. I was nearly reduced to tears. When Ray saw water in my eyes and begged the nurse for 5 more minutes. She at least allowed that. “Hey, hey. What you crying for?” I wrapped myself around him and cried “Please; don’t go. You know how much I fricking hate hospitals” He kissed me lightly “I’ll be back before you know it. Just go to sleep.”  He kissed my forehead, grabbed his jacket and walked backwards towards the door. He kept waving goodbye and I kept waving back. I blew him a kiss and he opened the door. He ran back in and kissed me again; not lightly either. The nurse came back in and clapped her hands loudly. Ray jumped away from me and tried acting innocent “I’ll just be going now.” The nurse giggled and said “I think you better before the doctor finds out.” He squeezed my hand and whispered “Bye” Then he left. The nurse checked my blood pressure and revealed a needle. She obviously didn’t know I had serious trypanophobia (fear of needles). “Get that fucking needle away from me!” I screamed at her. “Calm down dear. It’s a small injection of morphine. For the pain.” I kept staring at the prick of the needle “I’d rather go through the pain cheers.” The nurse sighed and took my arm “Well; I can’t let you I’m afraid.” I buried my head in my pillow so I couldn’t see the needle going in. I felt it though and began crying. Anytime I had to my injections when my mum was alive she should to sing me Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” I hummed it and it calmed me down. The nurse tapped my arm and whispered “All over now dear.” I faced her and looked at my arm. No blood, no hole, just a phobia. “That wasn’t so bad was it?” She said louder. I sighed “I guess not. When can I get outta here? I bloody hate hospitals.” The nurse took the clipboard from the bottom of my bed and bit her lip. “Probably over the next two days. We need to keep an eye on the babies and make sure you won’t attempt suicide again.” I sighed and slapped my forehead. “I’m not going to try and kill myself again. Too much trouble.” The nurse giggled and took my pulse. “Well; your pulse is back to normal and you seem a lot happier. We need to do an ultra-sound but I can wait until tomorrow. When your boyfriend’s around maybe?” I looked at my left hand; thank god I hurt my right hand not my left. The ring was still there. I smiled “I think he’d like that. Thanks.” The nurse opened the door to room and walked out.  I looked out the window as saw the sunset. It was a beautiful orange sunset; I wished I was with Ray sitting in park. I got up out of my hospital bed and pulled along my drip thing to the window. I sat on the window seat and opened the window. I looked outside and saw people coming in and out of hospital. Something caught my eye; it was person sat on a bench on his own. It looked like he was texting. I smiled down on him; He was obviously kicked out of the hospital like Ray. Just then, I heard my phone beep. Frank must have made sure that I had it. I found it on my bedside table. It was a text message from Ray “I wish you could see this sunset with me. Xxx” I smiled and looked back down the window. I dialled Ray’s number; I know you’re not supposed to use them but they kicked him out. I pressed the call button and waited for Ray to answer. I didn’t have to wait long “Hello.” “I’m watching the sunset with you.” “How?” “Look up.” I saw the boy look up at me. I smiled and waved. “Just so you know Grace. I’ve got my arm around you.” I was almost sweetened out but then he said “I would kiss you but you’re stuck in the hospital room.” He blew me a kiss and I pretended to catch it. I blew him one back and he did the same thing. “I blooming feel like Juliet.” Ray got down on one knee and started reciting Shakespeare. I was nearly in tears. “Go home now Romeo. Come back tomorrow as soon as you can yeah?” Ray got up and looked at me. “I’ll be here as soon as I can. I love you.” I whispered in reply “I love you too Ray.” I hung up the phone and looked at the faint stars. What a beautiful night to end such a disastrous day.

Ray’s been away for almost 3 months now and he calls almost every night. It’s his 25^th birthday next week and it’s my 18^th, the week after. The night before he was due home, my phone buzzed at around midnight. “Hello” I yawned. Ray said “Hey babe” It was very slurred, they obviously been drinking. Gerard is such a bad influence! “Go back to sleep you nitwit.” I whispered. I could hear Frank in the background “Who had the last motherfucking beer!?” Ray laughed and said “Not me Frank. Anyways, Grace, I thought I’d call to let you know that we have a longer tour coming up. Around Europe again. As Reprise are going to publish our record!” I was stamping my feet on the ground “Gawd! If you were here I would do some things to you that you couldn’t even imagine!” Ray seemed extremely interested “What would you do?” I laughed “You’re a kinky ass; wait until you get home tomorrow. I love you.” I blew a kiss into the phone and waited for a reply. “I love you to Grace. Bye” I laughed and hung up. I got back into Ray’s bed; I always one of Ray’s shirts wrapped around the pillow or I was normally wearing them. I snuggled into Ray’s pillow, it still smelt like him. Tomorrow I would have the real thing next to me again. I missed him so much.

Ray looked out of the window of their old Volkswagen van. He was just entering the state of New Jersey. Grace seemed so close; He didn’t tell Grace but he kept one of Grace’s shirts with him. He even slept with it and took deep intake of the smell. He also had a small picture from when they went to the mall before they left. Grace is kissing Ray on the cheek while he smiles away. He got out his wallet and looked at it. He sniggered and put it back in his pocket. Gerard was asleep on his lap while Frank Mikey and Bob where playing with Pokémon cards. The van turned into Bob’s street so Bob took his backpack and jumped into the arms of a waiting Karen. Next was Frank; He lost his backpack somewhere in Texas. Jamia kissed him fully in front of them. Mikey shouted “Get him inside before you undress him please!” Jamia put her arms around Frank’s neck and put her middle finger up to Mikey. They drove off again; Gerard woke up and looked around “Where the fuck are Frank and Bob?” Ray laughed and said “They at home Gerard. We’re back in New Jersey.” Gerard opened the window and stuck his head out “WE’RE HOMEEEE NEW JERSEY!”  Mikey pulled Gerard back into the van and sat on him. Their driver Matt pulled up in front of Ray’s parent’s house. It seemed quiet. He slid the door open, grabbed his backpack, guitar and slammed the door shut. Gerard, Mikey and Matt drove off leaving him there. He opened the door to the house and looked inside. He put his guitar down and walked in. It was seriously quiet. “Hello, anyone home!” He shouted. No reply. He ran upstairs into his room and found an unmade bed but no one sleeping in it. He heard a bang come from his parent’s room. He opened the door and saw his parents asleep. It was just 10 in the morning He walked over to his mother and stirred her. “Hey Mom, where’s Grace?” His mom opened her eyes slightly and whispered. “I think she went for a walk. She might be at the park.” Ray smiled and kissed his mother on the forehead. He opened the front door and began walking to the park. There she was; sat on the swings. Ray had an idea; he grabbed his phone and dialled Grace’s number. Grace answered straight away “Hey Ray” She said softly “You home yet?” He bit his lip “No, not yet but could you do me a favour?” He looked over to Grace; she was staring down her phone “Yeah, sure. What?” “Look to your left.” He stepped out from the trees and saw Grace swivel to her left and open her eyes. She squealed and ran to him. She jumped on him and Ray caught her. She kissed him very passionately. Ray dropped her and held her hand. “Hello Grace.” Grace laughed and whispered “Hello to you too.” She snuggled her head into his shoulder “I missed you, and dahm you stink!”  Ray kissed the top of her head “I missed you too.” They began walking home as the rain began to fall down on their heads. They raced for cover under some trees. Grace looked up at Ray, he was drenched. She kissed him again and Ray replied with as much passion. Ray picked Grace up in the ‘Carrying the bride position’ and ran back to his house. When they got in, He dropped Grace and shook his hair like a dog. “Well, there’s that shower you desperately needed!” Ray shot a glance at Grace and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Well...” He looked up on the front door and saw a note from his parent’s saying “Going to New York for the weekend. Love and kisses xox” He raised his eyebrows and showed Grace the note. She looked at it quickly and grabbed Ray’s shirt. She pulled him towards the couch. “You owe me for being away!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Ray retaliated by putting his hands up Grace’s shirt. “You owe me for saying I stank!” Ray said in-between kisses. Grace stuck her tongue out at him and flipped him so she was on top. She tucked his wet hair behind his ears. He got a lock of Grace’s blonde hair and fiddled with it. “I love you.” He whispered. “I love you too.” Grace whispered back. Ray rubbed his hands down Grace’s back as she snuggled into his chest. “I really missed you. I don’t know what I would do if you left permanently.” Grace murmured as she started falling asleep. “Neither do I.” He kissed her fore head and let her sleep on him. He felt in his pockets very carefully trying not to wake her. In one pocket was his wallet and in the other was and small ring he bought France. He checked that Grace was fully asleep. She was and he whispered “We’re going to be together forever. I promise. We’re going to get married and maybe even have some kids. You’ll never feel alone again.”

I woke up a couple of hours later but Ray was still sleeping. He snores a little but it’s really cute, I sniggered quietly and raised myself off him. His arm was around my waist and suddenly force stopped from getting up. I looked at Ray’s face, his eyes were wide open and he was smirking. “Where do you think you’re going?” I laughed and kissed the edge of his smirk “I missed that smirk.” I fell back down on him and hugged him. I took a deep breath and snuggled back into the comfyness of his chest.  “Whatca thinking about?” I whispered, drawing circles with my finger on his chest. He took my hand and kissed the palm “You.” I smiled. “Listen, Grace I was thinking. “ I leant on his chest so I could see his face. “You had a thought, how incredible!” He kissed me and flipped me so I was beneath him “I am capable of one you know!” I stuck my tongue out at him and watched his hand reach into the innards of his pockets. “What are you doing Ray Toro!?” He leant his elbows either side of me so I was trapped beneath him. He pulled out a small thing from his pocket and put it on my chest. I sat up slightly to look at it. It was a small sliver ring with a small black rock in the middle of it with small pink gems surrounding it. “Aww, Ray. It’s beautiful. You didn’t have to...” He put a finger to my lips and moved of the sofa to the floor. He knelt there. Oh SHIT. “Ray, what are you doing? Do you want to get up?” Ray bit his lip and took my hand with the ring in it. He then began his speech “Grace, I think your amazing. Life’s never smooth or boring with you. Something always happens to us but you always think of a way out. That’s why I think we should” He gulped “Maybe, get engaged or something?” He looked down to the floor. I lifted his head with my hand and smiled. “If it’s want you want, I’m all for it.” Ray stood up and fell back down to quickly, banging his head on the fireplace. “Fuck! Ray! You okay?” I rushed over to him supported the back of his head. He wasn’t bleeding but he was just in a lot of and would have a pretty big bump there in the morning. “You’d marry me?” He whispered. I kissed his fore head “Hey, just call me Mrs Toro!”

I helped him upstairs and laid him down on his bed. I gave him a ice pack for his head and sat with him while he talked about the tour. His head was on my lap when he chirped up again about the ring “Would you really marry me? After such a short amount of time?” I smiled and looked down at him “Let me tell you a secret. When you were away... I didn’t feel whole and I didn’t feel that you were going to be with me forever. I slept with your shirts on, for goodness sake!” Tears started to make an appearance so Ray sat up and held me close “I love you Ray. I don’t think I could function without you.” Ray stroked my hair and held me tight. “Grace; I have one of your shirts in bag. I kept it during the tour. To remind me of you.” He held my face and wiped away my tears with his thumbs. “4 months to me seems like a life-time. So, will you marry me?” I held his hands and kissed them. “Of course.” He kissed me with emotion, he removed my damp Black Flag shirt and I discarded to offending jeans and shirt he was wearing. We kissed and undressed each other until we were becoming one. I just laid in Ray’s arms and fell asleep.

A ringing cell phone woke me up. I groaned and answered Ray’s cell. “Hello?” I heard “Hey Grace! It’s Gerard, Mikey, Frank and Bob. We were wondering where Ray was?” I looked around the room and saw no Ray. “I actually don’t have a clue where Ray is. He’s just evaporated.” Gerard sighed and said “Is it ok if Frank came and picked Ray up? We’re writing some new material today for Reprise.” I looked at Ray’s clock; it was getting close to 9 in the morning. “It should be. Oh hang on. He’s in the shower. I’ll get him to call you back.” Gerard blew a kiss down the phone. “Thank you babe!” I laughed and hung up. I looked through the doorway and saw Ray standing his with a towel around his hips and another in his hand drying his hair. “Who was that?” I walked up to him and nicked the towel from his hand “Just Gerard and the guys. Wanting to know where you were as you’re meant to be writing today.” Ray put his arms around my waist and drew me closer “Oh yeah. I forgot.” I pushed him away from me “Ray, you’re getting me wet!” Ray just laughed “Well, come join me in the shower then. You need one and I wasn’t exactly finished.” I giggled and took off one of Ray’s t-shirts I was wearing so I was standing there in just my girl boxers. “You’re naughty!” I lightly slapped him in the face. “But go on then!” I ran into the bathroom and opened the shower cubicle.  I switched the water on and stepped inside. Ray quickly followed; he ripped off his towel and joined me. The hot water cascaded down my skin and I looked at Ray; he was moving the hair out of eyes. I put my arms around his neck and he moved his arms around my waist. He rubbed his hands up my back and pulled him closer to him. He kissed me and pulled his fingers through my hair. He rubbed his thumbs under my eyes and I held his hands. I kissed his hands and he put his arms as well as my own around my waist. “I need to wash my hair.” Ray passed me the shampoo and let go of my hands. I applied the shampoo, closed my eyes and washed it out. I opened my eyes and looked at Ray. His hair was all in his eyes. I tucked it behind his ears and moved in for another kiss when the water suddenly went cold. I screamed and jumped out of the shower. Ray switched the shower off and shook his head. I looked around and saw Frankie standing in the bathroom doorway. “Fuck!” I grabbed a towel and covered myself. Frank was laughing so much he actually fell down. “Did you turn the hot water off?!” Frank nodded through his tears of laughter. Ray came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around him; Ray lifted Frank up to his feet and gave me a look. Shit I was completely naked and the towel I had grabbed didn’t really cover much. I wrapped it around me and said “Jesus Frank. What the hell did you do that for?!” Frank came up to me and hugged me “I thought it would it would funny. Sorry hun.” I returned the hug while Ray just stood there leaning against the bathroom door. “Sorry man; I thought it was funny. I would hug you to say I’m sorry but... You’re naked.” Ray was suddenly very aware of his nudity and ran off to get dressed. I only had a towel on but it didn’t bother Frank as he’s seen my in underwear previously. “I’m real sorry Grace; Gerard said you were up and about. I didn’t think you were showering together.” I laughed and hugged him “Don’t panic Frank. I’m used to you guys bursting in on me and Ray.” Ray came down a few minutes later dressed in his normal band t-shirt and back skinnies. He slithered a sneaky arm around my waist and kissed my fore head. “Go write you two. The guy’s will probably think we’re having a threesome or something.” Ray and Frank shuddered Ray gave me a quick kiss and said “Well continue this later.” And kissed me again. I shut the front door, ran upstairs and got dressed. I applied my make-up and straightened my hair. I twisted the ring Ray gave me and thought about what I could do while I was alone. I got my suitcase and found an old Stephen King novel; I laid down on the sofa with nachos, a jug of water and put on Black Flag. I began reading.

Frank turned up the volume in his car as he and Ray drove to the practice space. “You seem extremely pleased with yourself Ray. What’s happened?” Ray stopped staring out of the window and looked at Frank. “Well, remember when we were in France and I bought that ring for Grace in that small jeweller’s?” Frank stopped at the traffic lights and faced Ray “Yeah. What about it?” Frank thought about it “Oh god, you asked her to marry you did you?” Ray smirked and nodded. “Did she say yes?” Ray was silent before nodding. “Score!” Horn’s beeped behind them and Frank noticed that the light had turned green. “Oh... Balls.” He began driving again and wound down his window. “So, you’re gonna get married?” Ray nodded “She’s an amazing girl Ray. I would date her but, Jamia is the only girl I need.” Ray smiled and turned the volume down and said “She is amazing, Frank. She’s just everything I could ask for in a girlfriend. Smart, funny, cute, sexy, sensitive, interesting and slightly geeky.” Ray flashed back to the night before; what Grace had said. ‘When you were away... I didn’t feel whole... I don’t think I could function without you.’ He smiled and replayed that morning. Frank pulled up at the Way house and got out. “Earth to Ray? Gonna come practice or dream about Grace some more?” Ray jumped out of the car and put his middle finger up to Frank. They walked into the garage and saw Bob, Gerard and Mikey chatting. They stopped and faced the two men “Where the hell have you been?” Bob said. Frank sat down and leant back “Well, I went to Ray’s place. Found him and Grace in the shower together so I turned the hot water off. They jumped out and now I’m going to have nightmares. Ray told me he got engaged...” Gerard looked up at Ray “You’re engaged! Grace said yes!” Gerard hugged him and sat him down. Bob tapped him on the shoulder and said “Nice one. She’s a brilliant girl.” Ray smiled and looked at Mikey “Congrads Ray. You deserve happiness.” Ray stood up and picked his guitar “Are we gonna write some new songs or are we gonna laze around all day?” The rest of the guys put out their cigarettes and stood up. Frank got his guitar called Pansy and plugged it into the amp. Mikey picked his Bass and plugged it in. Bob grabbed his sticks and sat down at his drum kit and Gerard grabbed the microphone. Ray started the Intro of their song called ‘I’m Not Okay (I Promise).’

I got to the end of the fifth chapter and got bored. I put my book down and got my phone I hadn’t spoken to Nat since my father tried to take me away about 5 months ago. I dialled the number and waited for Nat to answer. Julian answered; “Hi, Julian Jenkins speaking.” I took a deep breath. “Hey Julian. Is Nat there?” Julian was quiet “Grace? Is that you?” “Yeah. Is Nat there?” “No; she’s out at the solicitors. Are you okay?” “I’m fine. Why is Nat at the solicitors?” Julian took a deep breath in “Your father is still challenging her for custody and your dad is looking for you. She said you went out of state.” “Oh my god. Tell her I called yeah?” “I will. Oh and guess what?” “What?” “Nat’s pregnant!” “Wow; has she taken a test and everything?” “Not yet but she hasn’t had her period in two months so she’s bought a test and we’ll check tonight. I’ll get her to call with the results.” “Thanks Julian.” “Bye Grace.” “Bye.” Wow, I might be an auntie soon. Then I thought about it. No period in two months. I felt my stomach and thought. SHIT! Neither have I. I had unprotected sex with Ray before he left but that was three months ago. Nearly. Crap, I was half-way through my cycle the day before he left.  Am I pregnant? Fuck, fuck, FUCK! I grabbed my cell and dialled Ray’s number. No, not him. I dialled Frank’s number instead and pressed call. Frank answered. “Hello?” “Hey Frank, how’s the practice going?” “Good, we’re just having lunch then going back to writing. What’s the matter? Have you forgotten Ray’s number or something?” “No. I need you right now.” “Well, Bob and I were going to get a pizza but we can drop by yours if you want.” I inhaled deeply and thought “Can you pop to the chemist’s for me?” Frank sounded extremely worried “What do you need?” “A pregnancy test.” “Oh god. Give me ten minutes. Bob we’re hitting the road!” I hung up and thought about it. Should have I told Ray? Too late now. I sat down on the sofa and hugged my knees.

I sat there and Frank and Bob ran in. Frank chucked me a paper bag that contained a pregnancy test. “Go and pee now.” I stood up and opened my arms for Frank. He and Bob hugged me; Bob was warm and smelt of cologne while Frank was comfortable but smelt of stale sweat. I walked into the bathroom and read the instructions of the test. I peed on it and it said wait for three minutes then if there was a blue positive symbol it meant you were pregnant if you saw a pink cross; you weren’t. Simple enough. I waited for three minutes and looked at the test. My world came crashing down. I threw the test at the mirror followed by a glass. I stuck my hand into the glass shatters. The blood began pouring out. I opened the medicine cabinet and found Ray’s dad’s sleeping pills. I got my lipstick out of my make-up bag and wrote a note on the mirror. I swallowed the bottle of pills, I felt my body get limp and I felt my body hit the floor. My world went blank.

I sat there in shock while Nat poured me a very strong coffee. She put the mug down in front of me; I smacked the mug across the table and scolded my hand. The mug shattered against the wall, I pushed the chair to floor and raced upstairs. I slammed my door shut and collapsed on my bed. Tears fell down my cheeks; I had my own bathroom with a sink and a loo. No shower though. I went into the bathroom and found my wash bag; I dug through it and found some old razorblades. I pulled up the sleeves of Ray’s shirt and dragged the razor blade down my wrist. The blade turned crimson with blood and my wrist became a waterfall. I put my wrist under cold water and watched the vast amount of blood flow down the sink. I looked at myself in the mirror; I was a stranger in my own skin. I threw my make-up at the mirror. I stabbed my eye-liner in the mirror, I looked again. I saw a girl, driven to the edge of insanity by her past and the only thing that has happened that was good was wrecked by it. She was a living train wreck, and the crash was happening in her mind. I sat down under my sink and watched the blood run down my wrist staining Ray’s shirt. I sat there, tears crawling down my cheeks when my phone vibrated on the counter. I looked on the caller ID; it just said a number so I answered it but I had a pretty good idea on who it was. “Hello?” I heard Ray say “Hey honey; you okay?” I laughed “No. Not really.” He immediately replied “What’s the matter? You sound like you’ve been crying.” I looked up and blinked away some tears “I have been. I need some help.” Ray sounded extremely worried “What can I do? What’s wrong?” I bit my lip and said “My dad’s coming. He’ll be here soon. He did some stuff to me as a teenager. He was a pervert. He’s trying to get custody over me.” I was crying pretty heavily “He’ll take me away. Drag me back to England and bring my life down again! What can do!?” I yelled. Ray was silent for a minute and said “Wait there. I’ll be half an hour. Make sure your stuff is packed.”  I wiped my tears away from my eyes “What are you going to do? Whisk me away on your gallant steed and defeat the evil monster named my father.” I giggled “Something like that.”Ray said. I stopped “You’re not joking, are you?” I heard Ray take a deep breath in “No. Give me half an hour.” He hung up. I wiped the tears away and leaped up. I packed the remains of my make-up and dived into my room. I packed any dirty clothes into my suitcase and found my sweat pants and an old Iron Maiden shirt. I opened my bedroom door and went to the bathroom. I locked the door; undressed and switched the shower on. The hot water cascaded down my skin and made the dried blood on my wrist erupt in a waterfall of red water. I washed my hair and stood in the water. I stayed there for 10 minutes when I thought I better get out. I turned the shower off and grabbed a towel. I brushed my teeth and took my brush to my bedroom and packed it my make-up bag. I put on my clothes and tied up my wet hair. I dragged my suitcase down the stairs with loud bangs and clatters. Nat was still sat at the table and ignored the noise my suitcase was making. I put on my hoddie and converses. “Where are you going Grace?” I heard Nat say from behind me. I turned around to face her “I’m going away so Dad can’t find me. I’m going to stay with a friend until he leaves.” Nat got up and hugged me. “Be careful sis.” A knock interrupted our hug. “I’ll answer it. It’s probably my friend.” I walked to the front door and opened it. I looked into the face of a man with deep wrinkles set in his forehead. His breath smelt like vodka and his hair was tossled and turned. His cold grey eyes set on my face. “Daddy’s home precious.” I looked into the face of the man I had to call my father.

He wrapped his arms around me and I didn’t reply. He was a stranger that I didn’t want near me. He shut the front door and walked into the house. He sat down at the table and looked at me, then Nat, then back to me. He broke the silence “So, Gracie. Did Natalie break the good news to you?” I stood still and looked at my feet. He walked over to me and put his heavy hands on my shoulders. “You’re coming home with Daddy princess! Isn’t it exciting? You’ve even packed your stuff, but we can’t leave yet babe. Natalie needs to sign the papers.” Nat smirked at my father and removed his hands from my shoulders. “What the hell makes you think that I’ll sign those papers?” My father’s smile erased from his face and an angry frown took over. His hands took hold of Nat’s throat and pushed her against the wall. “You’ll sign them Natalie. Or someone’s blood maybe spilt.” I snapped inside, he was going to hurt Nat. “Get off her Dad.” I whispered. He looked at me and removed his hands from Nat’s throat. “Oh, since when did you have the guts to talk to me in that tone?” I stepped back and looked in his eyes “Ever since you killed my mother, you might as well have driven her into that lake. It would have hopefully killed you as well.” His eyes glowed with rage as his fist’s started twitching.  “You will not speak to me like that girl? You are coming home with me, you understand?!” He bellowed as his hand gripped my chin. I grasped his hand with both of mine. “I’m going to stay here with Nat! I wish you were fucking dead! Go rot in hell you paedophilic bastard.” His hand released my face and he stood there in shock. “You’re exactly like your mother. You’ll end up like her too, a whore. A worthless, unwanted whore.” He stamped towards the doorway, threw the door open and slammed it shut. I resorted back to tears; I fell to the kitchen floor and wept while Nat wept beside me. Another knock came; I got up to answer it. Ray’s friendly face caught my vision; He saw my tear-stained face and wrapped me in his arms. I never felt happier in my life.

I explained to Ray what had happened and he stood there shocked. I went to the bathroom to clean myself up while he talked to Nat. I overheard to words ‘move-in’ and ‘decision’. I walked out and saw Ray acting extremely nervous, he came up to me and said “Grace, even though your dad’s gone. He could be back so Nat thought it’d be a good idea if you moved in with me for a while.” I looked at Nat and she nodded “I want to know where you are but you can’t be here. Your father could be back with lawyers next time. I need you to be safe and you’re not here.” I looked up at Ray “Is this what you want too?” I touched the pockets on his denim jacket. “It wouldn’t bother me in the slightest.” I grabbed my suitcase and gave to Ray “Here are my things. I just need to say goodbye to Nat.” Ray tapped me on the shoulder and carried my suitcase to his car. I stood there and looked at Nat; I ran to her and hugged her so hard I thought I might actually hurt her. “I’ll see you soon.” She said. She ushered me out of the house and waved me off as Ray drove away from the house. Tears came to my eyes, but Ray held my hand and whispered “It’s going to okay. I promise.”

Ray lifted my stuff into his parent’s house. The last time I was here, I was having the time of my life with the boy I loved. Now, I was hiding from the man that I had to love no matter what. Ray’s parent’s were away on holiday in the Caribbean and left Ray in charge of the house. I felt his arms slither around my waist “You okay?” he whispered. I snuggled into his shoulder and looked up at him. He kissed me lightly and hugged me tight. “I will be.” I whispered. He let go of me and went into the kitchen to grab a drink. I guess having your girlfriend of one day call you up when her perverted Dad was threatening to take her away and then move in with you must be hard. He came back in and sat on sofa. I sat next to him and said “I’m sorry Ray. Life’s not simple with me.” Ray put down his beer and put his arms around me. “Life wouldn’t be interesting if it was simple. I love you Grace. Your everything I want and need. I don’t care whether I’ve just known you a day or a year. I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.” I looked at him and whispered “I love you too.” He kissed me lightly on the is but I wrapped my arms around him which forced him to be more passionate. He laid me down on the sofa and put himself on top of me. Our lips met again, his hands wobbled as he unzipped my jacket and put his hands up my shirt. His hand’s reacted with my skin. I pushed him up and removed my jacket and t-shirt. He discarded his jacket and shirt and our tongues danced again. His hands were all over my chest, back and he was slowly moving them under my sweats. I moved my arms away from his neck and towards his jeans. I unzipped them and left to him to pull them off. He did so trying not to lose contact with my lips. He began kissing my neck and chest. He pulled down my sweats and pants. I bit my lip and pulled down his boxers. He kissed my lips again, I felt safe but I only realised what I was doing when it was over. I was lying on Ray’s chest, panting heavily and sweat dripping from my body. Ray’s hair was stuck to his face. I lay on top of him and moved his hair away. “Hello there. Was it me or did we just have sex?” Ray sniggered and forced my head onto his chest. He kissed the top of my head “I think we did. I didn’t hurt you did I?” I smiled and shut my eyes “No, you didn’t. I love you Raymond Manuel Toro-Ortiz” He pulled me up so our faces were equal. “I love you too Grace Alexandrea Stocker.”

We ended up staying on that couch the entire night and we didn’t have sex all the time. We just talked a great deal about our lives. I told him things I‘ve never told another living soul. The day was a Saturday and Gerard came over pretty early. I answered the door in my pj’s and Gerard hugged me. “Hey Gracie, how you feeling babe?” I returned the hug “Much better now thanks to you guys.” Gerard let go of me and I let him in. “Ray about?” I shut the door and faced Gerard “He’s in the shower.” I sat down on the sofa and Gerard sat down next to me. “So, what have you and Ray been doing? He didn’t answer his phone yesterday until 7 last night. I hope you weren’t taking advantage of him young lady!” I laughed and slapped Gerard’s thigh in a playful manner. Ray came downstairs and began talking to Gerard about a couple of songs he had written. Ray got his guitar and played Gerard’s notes, I listened intently. Gerard sang the lyrics and they were incredible. The song was called “Skylines and Turnstiles” based on the 9/11 a couple of months back. I loved it and soon, Bob, Frank and Mikey were all over playing together and writing new songs. They sounded amazing. A couple of days later Gerard announced they had a gig at a basement club near-by. I was really excited but Ray was extremely nervous on the night. “Go rock them babe!” I said just before they went on. I gave him a quick kiss and cheered with the rest of the crowd as they played. After the show, the guys were talking to a man in a business suit. I waited until Ray came over and kissed me. He put his arm around my shoulder and said that they were just signed to Eyeball Records and starting tomorrow they would be recording their stuff. I jumped up and kissed him. He caught me and returned my kiss. “Well, I think you deserve a little present then.” When we got home, Ray couldn’t stop kissing me. I unzipped my dress and undid my bra. Ray stood there gob smacked and speechless. “You little...” He whispered as we disappeared into his bedroom. The next day they were recording and dropped out of school. I did the same, I hadn’t spoken to Nat since moving in with Ray, but when she found out. She’d flip.

Ray is going away to tour the states tomorrow with the guys then flying to Europe. I wouldn’t see him for 3 months. His parents are going to watch over me. I got dressed and walked outside, Ray was saying goodbye to his parent’s as the guys had arrived to pick him up in their van which Gerard’s grandma had bought. Me and Ray looked at each other; his eyes were watering as mine were weeping. He lifted me up and kissed me. “I’ll miss you.” He whispered. I straighted out his jacket and smiled “Hey, you’ll back before you know it.” I gave him one last bittersweet kiss and watched him get into the van and drive away. Me, Alicia, Karen, Eliza (Gerard’s new girlfriend) and Jamia (Frank’s girlfriend) waved goodbye to our boys. Ray looked back out of the window and waved. I waved back and wiped the tears out of my eyes. Ray’s mum put her arm round me and took me inside for a hot chocolate. I sipped the drink slowly and watched the others leave. Ray’s mum sat opposite me. “Are you okay Grace? You seem a bit down.” I smiled and put my mug down. “I’m just gonna miss Ray y’know?” She smiled and went to talk to her husband. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I had a text message from Ray ‘Missing you already.xxx’ I smiled and replied ‘It’ll be over before you know it.xxx’ The rest of the girls went home to their families or in Alicia’s case; Her and Mikey’s house. Ray’s mother made me endless cups of hot chocolate and gave me food which I didn’t eat. At about 3 that afternoon, I decided to go for a walk. I grabbed my jacket and shouted “I’m going for a walk Karen. Is the anything I can get for you at the store?” Karen came down the stairs and, drying her with a towel. “Umm, if you grabbed some milk, that would lovely.” I smiled, grabbed my wallet and walked outside. The warm April air hit me and the humidity caused me to remove my jacket and tie it around my waist. I started singing My Chemical Romance’s song “Honey, this mirror isn’t big enough for the two of us.” And strolled slowly to the store. I walked inside and found the milk plus I bought myself an ice-cream to keep me cool. I went up to the clerk and he said “$3.59, please” I got out some change from my purse and payed him. I took the paper bag that contained the milk and began licking my ice cream. I considered going to the park. I thought, What the hell could go wrong? I sat down on the swings and observed the world from behind my sunglasses. Clouds seemed to float by with such grace; a tear withered their way down my cheek. I thought I heard Ray sat on the swing next to me; laughing and making random jokes. I missed him so much already and he’d only been gone a few hours. The sound of my phone ringing shocked me back to reality; I dropped my ice cream and looked around the park. There was no one there. I looked at my phone; The caller ID said it was Ray. I smiled and answered it. “Hey” I said sweetly “Hi, you okay?” He replied. I got up and kicked the remainder of my ice cream away “I’m okay, just missing you” I heard Ray sigh “I’m missing you too. We got a sound check to do soon and I thought I might as well call you as I had nothing better to do with my time.” I laughed “Well, you could always go back to school.” I heard him shudder in a real cartoon way then I heard Gerard and Frankie shout down the phone “We have to go now! We love you!!!” I giggled and Ray whispered “I gotta go. Love you.” I smiled and whispered “I love you too.” The phone went dead. I looked up into the sun and thought, Wow! Me and Ray are in it for the long haul.

Me and Gerard went back to his house. It was dark and small but I thought it was beautiful; Gerard lead me inside and told me to sit on the couch. I did and looked at the clock on the wall, it was 10.30. Gerard sat down next to me and began playing with his thumbs. “I want to know this story of yours. Why you moved here and stuff.” I looked at my feet and then looked at the ceiling. “Why?” I whispered. Gerard took my hand and looked me in the eye “I think you’re really interesting. Your different from anyone I’ve ever met, and I hate seeing people in pain.” He giggled. I took a deep breath “Do you know a music teacher called Natalie Jenkins?” I said. Gerard nodded and said “Yeah, she used to baby sit me when I was younger.” I took a deep breath and said “Well, she’s my older sister. I’ve just moved in with her and her husband.” Gerard looked confused and asked “What about your parents?” I rearranged my body so I was facing Gerard “Well, that’s the long part. You see, My sister is like 35 years old now and is like 18 years older than me. My mum was 15 when she had Nat, her dad walked out on my mum when Nat was 7. My mum had a string of boyfriends which were normally drug addicts or sex perverts. When I was born, my mum had a steady boyfriend, my dad, who turned out to be a child molester. He was trying to get Nat to have sex with him and stuff but no one believed her, so she moved out when she was 20 and told me that when I was ready, she’d be waiting to pick me up. My mum was a pretty hefty drinker and used heroin occasionally. I was bullied a lot in school so I dropped out and was home schooled by my mum when she wasn’t high or drunk. When I was 14, my dad tried to molest me so I moved out and moved in with my best friend, Melissa. Her parents hated me and kicked me back into my parent’s house after six months. For a couple of years, it was ok as my dad got a job aboard and was away a lot.  When I was 16, I had my first boyfriend called Jason and Nat would visit us a lot more as my dad was away. Jason was from Scotland and kept going up there for long periods of time which got longer and longer. Last year, Jason dumped me for his “Fiancée” up in Scotland. My dad then left my mum for an 18 year old prostitute which drove my mum to commit suicide by drowning herself. She tried to take me with her but...” Tears began forming in my eyes; Gerard hugged me and stroked my hair. I began talking again “I managed to smash my window open and swim to safety. I phoned the ambulance but when they got my mum out and dragged her body to shore. I knew she was dead. I then lived with my dad for a few weeks but he tried to get me prostituting with his girlfriend so he could get some more money in. That’s when Nat came and picked me up and bought me here.”

Gerard looked at me in astonishment and whistled “Wow. You have been through a lot.” I looked at him “Yep, I have.” At that moment, Gerard’s eyes met mine; he caressed my cheeks and pulled me towards him. We kissed, his tongue danced with mine, but it didn’t feel right. He must of felt it to as the kiss didn’t last long. Gerard laughed “Well, that was a bad idea.” I giggled and hugged Gerard “I couldn’t agree more.” He got up and fiddled with his DVD player so that we could watch Rocky Horror. The movie got about half-way through when a knock on door interrupted the song. Gerard got up and answered it; It was Frank and the rest of Gerard’s friends. They came in carrying booze and nachos. Brilliant, a small party. They saw me and went quiet. Except for Frank who ran up to me and hugged me. “You ok Grace? We missed you in French?” I laughed and said “Well, me and Gerard have been talking so. You missed out on my life story.” I went into the kitchen and placed down the various bottles of vodka and bags of nachos. I stayed out there for about an hour just thinking about my mum when I was interrupted by Ray. He had extremely curly hair but he had the most adorable face. “Hi Grace. You okay?” I nodded checked I wasn’t crying. I looked at Ray again and noticed that he was actually, very good looking. “Listen, I was wondering whether you wanted to go out tonight maybe, with me.” I stared at him at thought about it “Like a date or just to get to know me?” He considered the question and said “A date.” I thought about it, and answered “Yeah, sounds like fun.” Ray took my hand and bought into the Way family living room where we watched the rest of Rocky Horror. I was squeezed between Ray and Frank. Mikey and Gerard sat on the floor while Bob sat in the armchair. I thought it was a good idea to go home as it was getting extremely close to 5 and Nat would be wondering where I was. I got up and waved goodbye to the guys but Ray followed me and said “What time should I pick you up tonight?” I thought “About 8” He nodded and kissed my forehead. I walked out of the front door and squealed. I just scored with a really cute, funny, sensitive and smart guy.

I ran home and crashed on my bed. I looked at my still packed up suitcases. I still had most of my decent clothes packed up in them, I looked in them and found and black and red cocktail dress. I chucked that on my bed, followed by leggings and converse all stars. I dived in the shower and sang along to the radio. I walked out onto the landing in a towel to find Nat standing there, smirking and crossing her arms. Her long black hair fell past her shoulders and swayed as she nudged me with her hip. I felt her pale blue eyes focus on me “What’s put you in such a good mood?” She followed me into my room a sat down on my bed “I have a date.” She held up my dress and leggings and said “Whose the lucky boy?” I took off the towel and put on my underwear “His names Ray. He’s really cool.”  She sighed “Well as long as your home by 11 I’m ok with it.” I smiled and hugged my sister “Thanks Nat.” She left the room and I put on my normal make-up. Foundation followed by black eye-liner plus the colour of clothes I’m wearing so I applied some red eye-liner then some mascara. I dried and curled my hair; I put on my dress and leggings a walked down the stairs. Julian, Nat’s husband, was sat in the kitchen reading the newspaper while Nat was cooking their dinner. I put on my converses and waited for Ray. The door went at 7.59. Jesus, he must be keen. I answered the door and looked at Ray. He was wearing a buttoned black shirt with black drainpipes. He looked great. His eyes were wide open as he looked me up and down “Wow... You look... Wow” I laughed and shut the door behind me. He held my hand and opened the door to his car for me and then got in himself. We drove to this small Diner and went inside “Table for two please?” Ray said politely and we were guided to a small table at the back. Ray looked extremely nervous; he kept fiddling with his curls and ripping his napkin. I wasn’t hungry because I was also extremely nervous. “Listen Grace, I think I better tell you this now. I’m new to this whole dating thing. So, I have no clue what I’m doing” I laughed and sat next to him. “Don’t panic, I’ve only had one proper boyfriend in my life but we didn’t have sex or anything. So I’m kinda new to this too.” He laughed and put his arm around me.

We ended up not eating anything, just drinking coke, lots of coke. Ray started tickling me and I screamed/laughed so loud that we got kicked out.  We drove back to his house and had beers. We sat down on his sofa and started talking. We found out that we both play guitar, love comic books and video games and have our birthdays in July. We seemed so similar. Our conversation ended up with us playing on Ray’s video games. I was playing quick play on Guitar hero when Ray kept poking me “Stop it!” I said slapping his hand away but he continued until I nearly hit him over the head with the console. He started tickling me again, I laughed so much that I fell to the floor, Ray tucked my hair behind my ears and drew his face closer to mine but the door went. He got up and opened the door and the guys and theirs girls came in. I saw them all, Mikey’s girlfriend Alicia sat down next to me and I saw Bob’s girlfriend. “Karen?” I said. She looked my way and screamed “Oh my god! Grace!” We hugged while the others looked at us weirdly. I explained “Whenever I visited Nat, Karen was Nat’s neighbour and we used to go out and stuff.” The room filled with “Ohhhs” and “Cool’s”. I looked at Ray; I could tell he wanted to be alone with me so I thought of a quick plan. “Who wants to play seven minutes in heaven!?” There were noises of agreements as we all wrote our names down on paper on put them in the hat. I picked a name out and it said “Frankie xxx” I pretended that it said Ray. Ray took my hand and led me to his room. I shut the door and he quickly put his arm around my waist and began kissing my neck. I turned around and we were properly kissing this time. I began unbuttoning his shirt while he attempted unzipping my dress and tried kissing me at the same time. He lead me towards his bed and laid me down on it. I looked at was I wearing, my bra and undies. He was just in his jeans. He lay down on top of me and kissed me. I flipped him and wrapped my legs around my waist. “This is kinky” He smirked. He stroked my legs and I could feel his umm... “little friend” just waking up. There was a knock on the door and Frank opened the door. “Opps sorry...” I jumped up and grabbed Ray’s discarded duvet. Ray sat up and put his hand through his hair. “It’s okay man.” Frank looked at my face and made himself scase. Ray chucked me his shirt and discarded his jeans. He was laughing so hard that he actually fell off his bed and landed on floor with an extremely loud bang. What the others were thinking we were doing? I put on his shirt and offered him a hand. “What the hell are you laughing at?!” He stood up and put his arms around my waist “Your face when Frank came in. Classic.” I put my arms around his neck and said “Well, you weren’t standing half-naked in your boyfriend’s bedroom when one of your best friends suddenly walks in.” He was much taller than me so he lifted me up and kissed me lightly on the lips. I put my legs around his waist and snuggled my head in the gap where Ray’s head meets his shoulder. His hair was getting my way but I didn’t mind. He carried me over to his bed and plonked me down. He sat down next to me and put his arm around me. “I better call Nat. Let her know where I am.” Ray got up and found his cell phone and chucked me it. “I’m going see the guys.” Ray left the room, blowing a kiss as he left. I dialled Nat’s number, she answered immediately “Grace, Is that you?” I sighed and replied “Yeah, don’t panic I’m fine.” She was panicking. I could sense it “Where are you?” I walked over to the window and looked at the stars “I’m at a friend’s house and I’m staying over. Is that cool by you?” She sighed “Yeah ok, just come by tomorrow at least ok?” I squealed and jumped “Cheers Nat! You rock! See you tomorrow!” I hung up and jumped up and down on the bed. I looked towards the doorway and saw Frankie standing there. I stopped bouncing and said “You can come in.” Frank walked in and sat down on the bed next to me. “Sorry about earlier Gracie Lacey. I didn’t know.” I put my hand over his mouth and laughed “Don’t panic; I forgive you” I moved my hand put my arms around him. He hugged me back and giggled. “What you giggling at now Frank?” He smirked and looked up from his black hair “Your face. It was just so funny.” I laughed and put him in a headlock. “Well, you’re the one that’s going to have nightmares about me in my underwear!” Frank groaned and released himself. “Oh shit, I am.” Frank waved goodbye and left the room. I was tired so I laid down in Ray’s bed.

 I fell asleep and had a nightmare. Mum was driving the car into the river but this time there was a guy nearby and he smashed my window for me. I swam up but the guy couldn’t swim and drowned. I looked down and saw it was Ray. I woke up covered in sweat and tears. Ray was on top of the duvet and looked horrified. “You were screaming my name. What the hell were you dreaming?” I gave him a hug and I think he understood as Gerard told them all what I told him about my life. He held me in his arms and kissed the top of my head. “Was it your mom?” I nodded into his chest and put my arms around him. “It’s ok.” He whispered in my ear “I’m here now.” I looked into his eyes and smiled then I returned to the comfort of his chest. I could hear his heart beating; it was like a safe signal. Letting me know for once in my life. This may get better.

Ray looked down on Grace and smiled. She had the cutest snoring/breathing noise he’d ever heard. He let go of her and got up and out of the bed. He creeped down the stairs and found everyone asleep on his couches and living room floor. Frank emerged from kitchen clutching a can of beer. “Hey man, sorry about earlier.” Ray smirked and stole the can of beer. He took a swig and handed it back to him. “Don’t panic man; Grace was the most freaked out.” Frank laughed, shifted Gerard’s legs who was asleep and sat down. “I was talking to her earlier. She seemed alright.” Ray sat down on floor opposite Frank and sighed “You should seen her just now. She was screaming for her mother and she screamed my name. It was odd.” Frank looked down on Ray with utter confusion “So that was what all the screaming was. I thought someone got shot.” He took another glug of beer and passed the can to Ray. Ray took the last swig and threw can across the room into the bin. “Nice shot Ray” Frank clapped and opened another can. “So, what did she say?” Ray massaged his temples and said “Well. She said stuff like ‘Mom, what the fuck are doing?! Stop the fucking car!’ Then she screamed and like punched the air. She even stopped breathing at points, god it scared the shit outta me. The she started crying and screamed ‘Ray!’ Then she woke up.” Frank exhaled and leant back on the couch “Jesus. That girl has gone through so much shit.” Ray laid down on the floor and leant his head on his arms “I know what you mean. I mean, I’ve known her one day, know what she’s been through, but you know what, she’s perfect in kinda fucked up way.” Frank stared at Ray and nearly choked on his beer “Are you saying you love her?!” Ray bit his lip and thought about it “Yeah, man. I think I love her.” Frank jumped off the couch and sat down next to Ray on the floor. “Dude, are you going to tell her?” Ray sat up and looked at the ceiling “Probably not. She probably doesn’t feel the same. I better go check on her.” Ray stood up and walked back up the stairs. Grace was still sleeping, little small breaths escaped between her pale lips. Ray looked through the doorway and smiled. The girl stirred slightly and settled again. Ray laid down by her, trying not to wake her. He placed his arm around her waist and put his chin on the top of her head. He shut his eyes and began falling asleep. Ray put his hand on Grace’s chest and felt her steady heartbeat, it was like a lullaby. Easing him slowly to sleep.

I woke up and felt a heavy hand on my chest. Ray’s hand was resting on it but not in like a groping way. A comfortable, relaxed way as if he was feeling my heartbeat. I didn’t want to get up but looking through the small gap in Ray’s curtains, I knew it was late. Probably around 10. I gently lifted Ray’s hand off me and put it by my back. I got up and stepped quietly down the stairs. I went into the kitchen and switched on the radio and sang along while I poured myself a glass of water.  I had on my underwear and Ray’s shirt. I looked in the fridge and found some eggs and butter. Scrambled eggs sounded good. I found a saucepan and put the butter in and the eggs while dancing to cheesy 80’s pop songs. I turned around to see Gerard and Mikey standing in doorway, copying my hip movements. “What the hell? Are you copying me?” Gerard laughed and Mikey said “Hell yes, no one can dance to Wham! Like you!” Mikey then turned around and shook his ass at me. He was only in his boxers and it was funniest thing ever. I nearly wet myself. Gerard then took my hand and started pretending to ball room dance with me while singing “Wake me up before you Go.” I smelt burning and thought FUCK eggs! I ran to the oven and looked into the saucepan. There was only this brown mush in the pan Gerard and Mikey looked over each of my shoulders like those cartoon angels and devils you hanging over a characters shoulders. They sniggered and Mikey grabbed the saucepan and inspected the insides. He picked some of the mush up and ate it. Then some more, and nearly at ate all until Frank came in and nicked the last morsel. “You guys are sick!” I managed say through my intense laughter. Gerard put his arms around my waist and swayed me back and forth in the rhythm of “November Rain” Bob came in and stayed taping out a rhythm with his foot and singing along. Gerard let go of me and went over to talk to Bob. I put some bread in the toaster and put the kettle on. I put the coffee in a mug and waited for the toast to pop up and the kettle to boil. I felt to arms slither their way around my waist and lips beginning to smother my neck in kisses. “I woke up and you were gone.” I turned and faced Ray, his hair was standing up on end and his eyes were half open and half closed. Ray gripped my thighs and lifted me on top of the kitchen counter and kissed me lightly on the lips. “You’re so short you give me neck ache!” Ray said carrying me into the living room. He threw me onto the sofa and put himself next to me. He pulled me onto his lap and Gerard sat next to him. “Hey, this music project we’re doing? Perhaps we should think about it seriously. We could do a lot of things.” Ray looked at Gerard and nodded. “Yeah I think it’s a brilliant idea. Has Mikey got a name yet?” Gerard grabbed a piece of paper and handed it to Ray. I read it and it said a couple of names. “What about ‘My Chemical Romance’? That sounds pretty cool.” Ray made noises of agreement and Gerard clapped his hands together “Hey Frank! Bob! They think My Chem too!” He ran into the kitchen and began talking to his friends. Me and Ray were alone again. “I didn’t say good morning properly did I?” He kissed me, there was an incredible amount of tongue involved but it was a tender kiss, not a “Kiss me Bitch” kiss. He let me breath and I managed to breath out “Good Morning to you too. By the way, I like the way you say good morning.” Ray laughed and flicked my nose “I can say good morning anytime, then.” I laughed pulled some of his hair. “You want to know how I say good morning?” Ray looked suddenly interested and extremely excited. He gulped and held my thighs “Go on.” I got off him, stuck my tongue out at him and said “I make myself and cup of coffee.” He jumped up grabbed me and began tickling me again. “Your evil!” He laughed. I sniggered as he tickled me “Hey, would I be your girlfriend if I wasn’t evil?” He smirked and put his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head “No, you wouldn’t be as interesting.” He hugged me properly and followed me towards the kitchen. Gerard, Frank and Bob were still talking about this band idea. I switched the kettle on AGAIN and got my mug from beforehand. Gerard smelt the coffee and said “I’ll also have one, if your offering.” I sighed and giggled at the same time “I wasn’t but sure, how do you take it?” Gerard got a mug; put some instant coffee in plus a splash of milk and two sugars. He ruffled my unruly blonde hair and said “I’ve done it now.” I rolled my eyes and poured the hot water into both mugs. I handed Gerard’s his and sipped mine slowly while the guys discussed writing some songs that day.

I drowned the rest of coffee and considered running upstairs and nicking a pair of Ray’s jean’s to go home in. I put the mug in the sink and nudged Ray with my elbow. “Do you think I can borrow a pair of jeans, my friend?” Ray put his arm around my waist and “Sure! Let’s go upstairs and I’ll find you a pair.” He went up stairs, dragging me by the hand into his bedroom. I sat down on his bed while he dug through his wardrobe looking for a pair of jeans that might fit me. He chucked me a pair of baggy blue-black jeans and shut the door to his wardrobe. I put them on, but as I suspected, they were a little big so Ray leant me his belt. “Thanks babe.” I smirked and kissed him lightly. He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed me back. “Do you need a ride home?” He said. I gave him my cutest puppy dog eyes and said “Yes please.” I jumped on his back and he carried me down the stairs and out the front door. “What the hell are you doing Ray?” He laughed and adjusted me slightly “I’m giving you a ride home.” I put my head on his shoulder and laughed into it. “Are you fucking crazy?” Ray giggled and said “For you Grace. Call me crazy!” I laughed so hard that I nearly fell of Ray’s back. People stared at us in the street. I pulled faces at them while Ray made random noises. I’d never had so much fun in my life. The sun was blaring down on us and I could see my pale skin was turning a shade redder, I get sunburnt real easy and this wasn’t normally a fun experience. I kept my pain hidden while Ray continued giving me a piggy-back home. He was really strong and didn’t even sweat after we walked about 5 miles. I put my hands in front of his eyes and jumped down from his back. “Journey over muscle man.” He took my hands and turned around to face me. He placed a kiss in both palms of my hands and held them tight. “I’ll call you later?” He said and smirked. I kissed the tip of his smirk which took a great deal of reaching. “You better other wise... I’ll think of a real bad punishment.” He laughed and kissed me lightly then began walking home. I sighed and waltzed to the door; I took my key and unlocked it. Nat was there sitting on tabled grasping a cup of coffee. She looked at me through bloodshot eyes, her face was slightly wet. I was seriously worried; What the fuck was wrong? “Nat, what’s the matter?” I pulled out the chair next to her and sat down. She turned to face me and held my hands “Grace, it’s about your father...” I took a deep breath in “What about him?” I bit out. Nat took a deep breath and whispered “He’s challenging me for custody over you. He’s flying out now. He’ll be here in a few hours.” My world suddenly crashed down around me; every kiss was already forgotten, every laugh a distant memory. My father was coming, and I had nowhere to run.