Re: A Millennia of Memories [ Spritzie-kun ]

[Guest]

Grace listened to him speak, and she felt rather glad that he didn’t say he was going to leave her. He didn’t say it at all, in fact. Grace turned and watched him with keen interest as he went and sorted through a bush before coming back and dropping the familiar green-jeweled ring into her hand, closing her fingers around it in a gentle and caring manner.

His comment about needing a shower had made her smile, but now her smile was fading a little bit as he continued to talk, a sudden and uncomfortable silence settling between the two of them. Grace took this extra time to unfold her hands from around the ring and slipping it onto her index finger: the only finger it’d fit on.

Grace stared then nodded slowly when he offered her to come home with him. Grace shrugged and looked back at her dilapidated house, that was no longer of any use to her. After all, she’d only get even more glass shards stuck in her palms if she tried to hop back into the house.

Finally, Grace spoke up and said, “If it’s not too much of a bother to you…” Grace shuffled her feet nervously, “I don’t think the mansion is very safe to live in anymore… but I don’t want to be a burden to you.” Grace smiled halfheartedly, rubbing one of her arms in a nervous fashion.

[Spritz]

As Grace started to reply, a grin started forming on Colton's lips. She was going to go with him, wasn't she? As he waited, his brilliant blue eyes wandered away from her face, gazing up at the sky that held a million twinkling stars. It was beautiful- and it also reminded him of the inside of the mirror. Suddenly, he wondered if she would miss it at all. It had been so gorgeous, so peaceful and calm. It had been an unearthly experience, an he couldn't believe that he had been able to see it with his own eyes. The stars ahead shined and sparkled, the moon large and streaming down it's silver light.

As he gazed upwards, a sense of peace came over him, calmed by just standing and letting life happen. Grace's reply came soon enough, but Colton didn't move very much. He raised a hand, index finger pointing at the stars up ahead. "It reminds me of the mirror." He smiled slightly, before he lowered his eyes and slipped his hands once again deep into his pockets. He was weary, tired. He had no idea what time it was supposed to be, but imagined it was either very late at night, or very early in the morning.

Shrugging slightly, he glanced back over to Grace and looked her up and down, feeling slightly self concious. "Your no bother, and you have no where else to go. Come on. We better go soon, I dont think the police will appreciate a skater roaming the streets at night, eh?" Shrugging once again, he debated holding out his hand; or completing some comforting gesture. Either way, his hands stayed in his pockets, dirty face worn and tird. "Lets go. I'm about to fall asleep standing up." With that, he turned and started off towards the road, shoulders hunched and head down.

[Guest]

Grace nodded and smiled gently as he pointed up at the stars. She looked up and nodded, “It’s prettier, for me,” Grace commented, looking around at the full moon, which she’d never actually seen before. “I’ve never seen the moon like this. At least, not since a millennia ago, maybe even more.” Grace let out a contented sigh and turned to follow behind him.

Grace watched him turned and leave, shoulders hunched and head bowed, looking rather depressed about something. Grace waited a moment before following him, casting one last glance towards the mansion she’d called home for as long as she could remember. When he was farther away from her than she liked, she jogged up behind him, stumbling only once, and walking by his side.

Grace preoccupied herself by taking out the last pieces of glass out of her elbows, grimacing. “I haven’t felt pain in a very long while,” Grace said, talking more to herself than to Colton. Her scowl grew deeper as when she removed some glass small trickles of blood start to flow out again. Grace rolled her eyes and decided she’d removed the rest of the glass shards later.

[ omg I’m so sorry it sucks ~ I still don’t feel very good but I was going to start a new topic and I felt bad about starting ANOTHER mature and long post without having replied to ours… That sounds really bad to me, because I love this topic !!!! D; I’m sorry it sucks. ]

[Spritz]

Shuffling forward, Colton wondered if he was going to be able to make it back to the apartment. His legs felt wobbly, his lids threatening to fall shut at any moment. Staggering slightly, he noted Grace's appearence at his side but didn't say anything, just focusing on moving forward, one slow step at a time. He managed a slight grunt when she spoke, then stopped and attempted to run a hand through his hair- his fingers getting stuck in the mats and making him wince in pain. Bringing his hand back to his side, he gave her a weary smile and shook his head. "Sorry, I'm not really... in it right now. I'm pretty tired- so I might zone out a bit." Shrugging slightly, he slipped his hands into his pockets, noting the ring that was now positioned on Grace's finger. Not taking much effect on him, he continued to move forward until they had passed several blocks in reletive silence.
~~~~~
Only when they reached the steep stairs to his apartment did he stop to rest, leaning back against the wall. He didn't dare close his eyes, or he knew he would fall into a heavy slumber within seconds.

(WOAH. My mUsE hAs FaIlEd Me)

[Guest]

HELP MEEEE
I dont get it (



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[Guest]

Post another one of these on any of my topics and I am going to report you to the Administrator, all right?

Spritzie ~ here's my reply:

Grace followed behind him at a cool and leisurely pace, staring around her and touching everything that came within arms' reach. She was fascinated by everything, especially when she saw the 'cars.' They hadn't been invented in her day and age, and to her they were like fantastical miracles that only came from dreams. She stared around her, marveling at everything she came into contact with. When she saw the houses, she frowned deeply. They were very much different fromt the houses she'd had in her day and age. These were much bigger and looked a heck of a lot nicer.

Grace stared at Colton when he stopped and looked around again. She didn't know what to say, what to tell him... So, instead, she remained quiet for a few moments as he rested against the side of a building. Grace let out a thick sigh, "You look exhausted," she said quietly, folding her hands behind her back. "I think you should hold on the shower until the morning and just get some sleep. I think it'd be best for you..." Grace commented quietly, looking at him with soft eyes. She'd brought this mess upon him, and she suddenly felt responsible for his wellbeing, though she knew he probably wouldn't appreciate her advice.

[Spritz]

Leaning his head back against the siding, he managed to keep his eyes open and look up at the sky. Slipping his hand deep down into his pocket, he grabbed ahold of his keys and pulled them out, getting them ready to unlock the door. He fumbled slightly, trying to find the right one until he finally sorted out the mess. He was exhausted, and didn't think taking a shower would help him get any rest. He nodded and Grace wearily, before slowly starting to trudge up the stairs. She would follow when she saw fit, thus he continued to make his way towards the door. Stumbling a few times, he clutched the metal rail for support, finally reaching his destination.

Taking the keys in hand, he slid the key into the lock and turned it... the wrong way. After a few curse words and kicks to the door, he managed to get it open and nearly fell inside. Motioning for Grace to follow, he left it open and immedietly staggered to the couch, where he fell down and breathed a heavy sigh. "I dont think I have been so tired, in my entire life." It was like the ordeal with the mirror had sucked the energy out of him, leaving him feeling empty and hollow, like he didn't belong. Where would Grace stay? He would have to ask her what she prefered, but that was to come after she joined him in the small living room.

Colton was tempted to just fall asleep here and now, but knew that it was now his responsibility to take care of Grace. She was probably hungry- but... did she even need to eat? He was still confused about all this ghost stuff, but wasn't in any mindset to try and figure it out. Maybe in the morning, maybe not. The couch was stiff and uncomefortable, and would give back pain to anyone who slept on it. The only suitable sleeping quarters in the place was his bedroom, which he decided to offer to Grace.

[Guest]

Grace stared around her some more, marveling at the sights and sounds and smells she was now experiencing. It was getting colder outside, but Grace relished the feeling that she hadn’t felt in so long. She took in a deep breath and exhaled. It was like she was simply dreaming. And then it hit her: what if she was just a dream? The last thing she remembered before coming through the mirror was falling into the slumber-like trance… The though scared her, and by the time she snapped out of her thoughts, Colton had opened the door and was walking inside.

Starting, Grace followed after him. When the new and different scent of the house hit her, she coughed slightly, but kept it subtle as not to be rude. It had the faint hint of alcohol, and simply of the need to be cleaned. Grace wondered if Colton would mind her tidying up a bit. It sure looked like some places needed it. Grace suddenly felt very tired, and she yawned, stretching her arms out. She looked around a few more minutes before returning her attention to Colton.

“Where would you like me to stay?” Grace asked tentatively. “I don’t really care.”

[ SHIZMONKEYS. That failed majorly. ]

[Spritz]

Rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand, Colton heaved a heavy sigh and shook his head. Grace soon joined him in the living room- and he was well aware it was a mess. Parties tended to leave trails behind, as there was pizza boxes, beer bottles, and soda cans strewn on the once clean surfaces. His bedroom was the only room around here that was actually moderatly clean to begin with, so he weakly gestured to the hallway.

"I'll show you. Sorry for the mess."

He mumbled out the words, pushing himself off of the couch and staggering forward, nearly running into Grace. He threw his hands up in an apologetic gesture, then began to make his way down the hall. Soon, Colton pointed to the bedroom. Surprisingly, the bed was made and the floor moderatly clean. Despite the way the apartment looked, he didn't like messes and tended to keep his own bedoom clean...ish.

"Here. If you need any... clothes- I have some you can borrow..."


(mine too.)

[Guest]

Grace nodded as she took another look around. Maybe she didn’t want to clean up, after all. Sighing heavily, Grace wondered what kind of life Colton really lived; behind the scenes. It didn’t look like his parents were very responsible, and suddenly Grace felt very guilty for ever coming out of the mirror. She’d only bring more trouble to him, and he looked tired enough as it was. And now she was dragging herself into his hands and practically forcing him to take care of her? It seemed to very wrong to her. She didn’t deserve his kindness, but she knew if she said something Colton would just tell her to cut it out…or something along those lines.

“It’s fine,” Grace told him cheerily when he commented on the mess. “The mansion isn’t much better anymore, now is it?” Grace jested, though she knew he was too tired to think of it as funny, most likely. She didn’t care, though. She just wanted something to lighten the mood. Grace looked around as she followed him down the hallway until they reached a room that was surprisingly well kept. She guessed it was his room, especially when he said that he had clothes she could borrow if she needed it, though Grace couldn’t see her wearing another being’s clothes, especially if they were his, keyword being “his.”

“No, no,” Grace said, stepping back, “I don’t want you to have to sleep on the couch. I can sleep on the couch. I really don’t mind.” Grace smiled lopsidedly.

[Spritz]

Colton breathed a heavy sigh, before placing his hands on Grace's shoulders. Forcing her to sit on the bed, he gave her a weak smile before turning to leave the bedroom. "Sleep there. I'm sleeping on the couch." When he reached the doorframe, he turned around and leaned on it for support. "Either way, I'm to tired to notice. We'll find better arangments tomarrow," He couldn't help but yawn widely- "When I can actually think ok?" He nodded and turned from the bedroom, his hand resting on the cool handle and slowly closing it behind him.

Flipping off the hallway light, he stumbled back to the living room, stubbing his toe on the table, cussing, then tripping over a beer bottle. He landed harshly on his stomach, giving a groan of unbelief and letting his head flop down into his hands. He nearly fell asleep right there, but managed to drag himself to the couch. Hauling himself onto the rather uncomefortable cusions, he grabbed the only blanket available, one that sported hot pink and blue polka dots. On the other side, rainbows stretched across a pink backround. Either way, it was warm and he was tired.

Spreading it over his body, he let his head fall onto one of the hard pillows. He didn't quite fit, his feet hanging over the edge of the sofa- but he fell asleep within seconds anyhow.

[Guest]

Grace rolled her eyes as he sat her down on the bed. It was more comfortable than she expected, but she still felt bad about hogging up so much space in his house. Plus, the couch looked as comfortable as a slab of marble. Grace sighed and watched him leave, closing the door quietly behind him as he walked down the hallway. She was tempted to get up and go after him and force him to sleep in his own bed, but she decided that wouldn’t do much good, and, being Colton, he’d act stubbornly and tell her to go back to his room. Either way, it’d be a waste of energy for the both of them.

Grace heard him crash outside, and she frowned and got up, opening the door and looking down the hallway, but he was crawling up onto the sofa and pulling a freakishly girly blanket over him, and the sight made Grace chuckle. She closed the door quietly behind her and hopped onto the bed, looking around his room for a moment, scrutinizing every detail. Yep. It was definitely a boy’s room. Deciding she’d steal a pair of his pants so she didn’t have to sleep in skinny jeans, she dug around until she found some before donning them and crawling under the covers. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes, curling herself up into a loose fetal position before falling asleep.

It was the first sleep she’d had in forever, and it was definitely the best. Warm covers in a warm (yet smelly) house, and relatively comfortable clothes. His clothes were definitely more comfortable than the bodices and dresses and nightgowns she’d used to have to sleep in. Letting all thoughts slowly drift from her mind, Grace fell asleep without another thought.

[Spritz]

During that night, Colton ended up sleeping like a rock. Litterally. He didn't move once, didn't twitch in the smallest manner. Heck, he didn't even snore, which was quite a feat for him to accomplish. Still fast asleep, Colton's legs were hanging off of the end of the couch, his arms crossed over his chest, lying on his side. The fluffy pink blanket was spread out over him, eyes closed and mouth slightly open. His bare chest rose and fell with each breath, face mashed into one of the convinient pillows that didn't really serve their purpose. Comefortable, no. Asleep, yes.

Minutes ticked by one by one, the wall clock showing it was past nine. Morning sunlight streamed into the dirty room, the faint smell of beer in the air.

(Ok, I suck at 'sleeping' scenes. Sorry.)

[Guest]

Grace grimaced as her eyes fluttered open—it hadn’t been the best sleep after all. She’d had dreams of Ty and her child that she’d left unattended to with her untimely death. Sighing, Grace rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling, barely even blinking. She didn’t stop to consider where she was, as her mind was still clouded by sleepiness that still remained in her. Grace ran a hand over her face only to find wet places across her cheeks, starting at the corners of her eyes. Had she really been crying?

Grace sat up and wiped the tears from her face, swinging her legs over the side of her bed, sitting there, hunched over and staring at the ring on her index finger that had once, such a very, very long time ago, belonged to the love of her life. Perhaps it was time she let go. Perhaps it was time she moved on from the times that were lodged in her memory, yet times that were so far behind her it was like they were simply a grain of sand on a beach. Grace took the ring off of her finger and twirled it around in her hands, on her palms, before tossing it onto the sea of covers coating the bed.

Grace flopped back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling once more, ignoring the fact that she was now very aware she was in Colton’s house, and all that had gone down the day before. She ached everywhere, scabs were forming on her elbows, and her heart throbbed miserably in her chest. She was beginning to think being dead and trapped in a mirror was a better option. She’d never suffered from depression when she used to be alive, but then again, when she used to be a living, breathing being, her life had been nigh to perfection.

Now all she had was a ring, a body, clothes, and a stinky, smelly, dirty house. Oh, and Colton, but he didn’t seem like the kind of boy who would be there for her if she broke down in tears because of the things she lost and had loved so dearly. Not to misunderstand, though. She liked Colton; a lot, actually. Though he, in her opinion, was far from perfect, he was a companion who accepted her for who she was (or so she hoped). Curling back up on the covers on her side, Grace let thoughts of Ty float aimlessly through her mind, unaware of the silent tears that slid down her cheeks as she delicately looked at the ring, moving it in slow and lazy circles, between her two index fingers and thumbs.

[Spritz]

Finally, Colton managed to make a sound, stir in just the slightest manner. He suddenly snorted, the sound coming out between a snore and a squeel. It was embarrasing, even to himself. Pushing his head up, he opened his eyes lazily- the pillow having made lines across his cheek. Dark circles were framed under his eyes, and his hair was matted and sticking up at all possible angles, giving him the look that he had just been electricuted.
Yawning widely, Colton closed his eyes and kicked off the blanket, the pink material falling to the ground. Still wearing the dirty pants he had had on the night before, Colton threw his arms over his head, arching his back and stretching for a while before he managed to stumble up off of the couch.

Ha. Real funny. God was playing tricks on him today, wasn't he?
As soon as Colton had stood up, his foot landed on a circular bottle, making it roll sideways and throw his whole self off balance. With a cry, he fell to the floor- his head hitting against the side of the couch as he did so. Taking in a hissing breath, Colton narrowed his eyes and gingerly touched the forming lump on his head; yet another wound for him to sport eagerly. Giving a half hearted, yet miserable sigh, he shook his head and delecatly moved away from the couch, gingerly stepping over the beer bottles and pizza boxes, starting to stumble down the hallway to his room, to which there he would get proper clothing to take a shower.

Yanking on the zipper of his jeans, he had started to pull them off when he kicked open the door.

"God Damnit!"
Colton swore terribly, yanking his jeans back up and zippering and buttoning them as fast as he could muster. Hitting his forehead with his palm, he set his jaw and drew his lips into a fine line. "Good morning Grace." He spoke with a clenched jaw, only because of extreme embarrasment than anything else.

[Guest]

Grace had just pushed herself into a sitting position, slipping the oh-so-fondly-memorable ring onto her right index finger, when she heard and saw Colton walked into the room. Grace had only a few seconds to register the fact that his pants were halfway to the ground before he hastily pulled them back up, cursing rather loudly as he disappeared momentarily from her sight. Yes, Grace knew (by seeing it be so on Colton’s skater-friends) that teenage boys wore their pants low because it was “cool,” but Grace had no idea they wore them that low.

She felt her face flush briefly before she wiped off the rest of the tears, though she couldn’t hide the fact she’d been crying due to the red puffiness of her eyes. She sniffled and mumbled in a fairly unpleasant way, though it wasn’t at all meant in an unfriendly way, “Morning.” She was vaguely aware of the fact that she still had heated cheeks, but by now they were merely like small dabs of blush (the makeup, of course) high on her cheekbones. Standing up, Grace grabbed her own jeans and met him at the doorway.

Her eyes glazed over him once, from toes to head, and when she saw his hair she had to bite her tongue to keep herself from laughing. Even through all that, she couldn’t help a large—but temporary—grin spreading across her lips. Shaking her head and diverting her eyes for a few seconds, Grace said, “I’ll…um…let you do…uh, whatever you need to do. I’ll be…uh, out here.” Grace jerked her head in the direction of the living room.

She turned her back on him and walked to the living room, sighing heavily. Her former gloom settled over her like a raging thundercloud as she plopped down on the couch (which she’d been wrong about; it seemed like a slab of granite would be more comfortable) and looked around her. Beer bottles/cans, pizza boxes, empty and half-full cigarette boxes, and the occasional match littered the floor. It was definitely not the ideal home. Especially for a growing teenager.

The thought of being another burden to his back lodged Grace’s mood deeper into a whirling black void. It wasn’t a healthy environment to begin with, and now he had to take care of her. Grace leaned back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling, both thoughts of Ty and Colton floating aloof in her mind, as she tried to figure out where she’d stay so she could get out of Colton’s hair—that is, if he ever managed to get the other gunk out of his hair. The memory put a faint smile on Grace’s lips, but it didn’t last.

[Spritz]

"Grace... What's wrong?"

Dismissing the previous embarrasing scene, Colton finished buttoning them up and quickly stepped forward; his eyes now concerned as he neared Grace. Her eyes were red, traces of tears still wet on her smooth cheeks. Had he caused this? What could be wrong- he had tried his best for her!

The notion that she was crying made him feel terrible inside, as if this was all his fault. It was, actually. This all was his fault, it was obvious. Grace managed a muffled good morning, brushing past him after she took a long glance- seeming amused at what he saw. Yes, he probably looked like hell. Still, she soon moved out of the room, Colton noting that she had changed into a pair of his sweatpants- at least they had been clean. Giving a long sigh, he nodded and moved out of the way, letting her slip past him and out towards the living room.

Stepping towards the wooden dresser, Colton opened one of the drawers and pulled out new clothing, a plain white t-shirt and jeans. It was his usual attire, though more graphic shirts were usually what he would have picked.


~~~~

After a long shower, he was finally clean enough. Moving out of the bathroom, he stepped into the living room while pulling his shirt over his head.

(Ugh, brain fart! I hate my muse right now.)

[Guest]

“I’m fine,” Grace semi-snapped (though it was more of a heated mumble) in response to his question. She suddenly had the overwhelming feeling that she didn’t need anybody’s help; she should be able to take care of herself. As she walked out of the room and sat down on the couch, Colton didn’t seem to want to press her for any more details, which she was extremely thankful for. Maybe he did care, after all… Maybe he did.

~ ~ ~ ~

By the time Colton had gotten out of the shower, Grace had found a different room to go into and changed out of his sweatpants and back into her skinny jeans. To be completely honest, his pants were rather comfortable. Grace had situated herself on the couch, and, after finding the wash room (which was enormously untidy with clothes strewn everywhere to the point she no longer could even make a guess as to what was clean and what was not), was now going over yesterday’s events, and the mixed emotions that were churning in her chest.

Grace’s eyelids had become heavy after crying so much, and the redness had almost gone away, and now all that was left was a faint pink outline that looked more like eye-shadow than anything else. When Colton came into the room, he was just pulling a blank t-shirt over his head. Grace examined him intently for a minute before saying in a weary voice, “What now?”

Ty’s ring was off of her finger and being rolled around on her palm while she thought about things. Grace took in a deep breath to center herself before sitting up straighter and running a hand through her hair, which was silkier than she’d imagined it to be. But then again, everything was more than she imagined it to be now that she was a living creature of flesh and bone.

[Spritz]

Slowly, Colton began to make his way further into the living room. Only now did he realize how dirty it actually was, his brilliant blue gaze scanning across the once clean surfaces; that were now littered with broken beer bottles that still held a bit of the alcohol, empty cigarette packages, pizza boxes crusted with old cheese, hamburger wrappers that seemed to hold a foul scent. He became aware of Grace, who was tediously perched on the edge of the couch.

She looked out of place in this mess, and Colton found himself feeling awful for all of it. Though it was hardly a trace, he detected that she had been crying; yet again. Inside, he found himself wishing she would at least talk to him, tell him what was wrong. He wanted to know, wanted to help. After all, it seemed like she was now his responsibility- and it was his rightful place to take care of her. While he tried to figure out what to say, Colton turned from Grace, striding into the (also dirty) kitchen and grabbing a large plastic garbage bag.

Opening it from the top, he shook it out, making his way back to the living room and begining to collect the garbage, all the while taking subtle side glances at Grace. He wanted to find out what was wrong with her; but was... was warry to ask. Who knows how she might react. He might end up with a slap to the face, perhaps some harsh words he could have gone without. Heaving a heavy sigh, he dropped to his knees in the corner and reached forward, collecting the rather smelly garbage that was strewn about the place.

Reaching the beer bottle he had tripped on on the way out of bed, he gave it a glare before dumping it into the large plastic bag right along with everything else. "Grace?" He stopped his work momentarily to glance up at her, his eyes now lingering on her face. "What's the matter? I tried my best, I really did." Giving a shrug of aprehension, Colton turned back to the rather large task at hand. Continuing to drag garbage again and again into the bag, he noted that the carpet could use a cleaning.

That would probably need to be done soon. As he waited for answers, he sat back on his heels and rested his hands on his knees, damp hair falling over his forehead and into his sparkling blue eyes; the ones that held a hint of sorrow and confusion in their depths. He had taken a bit longer in the shower than he would have usually had. Grace probably didn't notice, but he had even shaved off the stubble that had been threatening to grow on his chin yet again. Giving a sigh, he raised a hand and ran it through his hair, taking in yet another deep breath and drawing his lips into a fine line. His forehead had creases, a frown cast over his features. "I wish you would just talk to me." Shaking his head, Colton pushed himself off of the floor, nearing the couch and standing a few feet away- warry to come closer, if Grace would suddenly get mad.

[Guest]

Grace stared at him as he started to pick up. She wanted to get her lazy ass off of the couch and help him, but her storming emotions kept her firmly rooted in her spot on the couch, her eyes trained on a single cigarette that looked like it’d been used only halfway then thrown on the floor, possibly for the user to grab a new one—she’d never know. Grace watched him examine the room with a sharp eye, but it didn’t faze her much. What did stop her thoughts in their tracks was when Colton asked her what was wrong.

She could tell by the look on his face that he felt guilty about something. What?, she’d never know. Or maybe she would, if she got herself out of her little mindset of self-pity and wallowing in the fact she’d never be able to see Ty again. It shouldn’t seem like a big deal, but to her it was humungous. After all, she had been married to Ty, and even more than that, she’d had a child with him. And the thought of him being murdered as well as herself, yet him passing into the afterlife without trouble? And she was—admittedly—fortunate enough to get a second chance at life, and possibly even love?

Grace suddenly let out a deep sigh and scooted over a bit, noting the hesitance in Colton’s demeanor as he himself came closer to the couch, seeming wary to come any closer to her. “It’s all right if you sit down, I don’t bite.” Her comment was meant in good humor, but it came out blandly, and Grace didn’t have the heart to put any joyful or teasing emotion into it at the moment. She stared at the ring in her palms and grimaced at his comment. “It’s hard to talk about some things, Colton. It’s…” Grace trailed off and shook her head, leaning forward and resting her forehead in her open palms.

She stayed like that for a few minutes before finally letting out another long sigh and sitting up straighter, “I’ll talk to you about what I can, but you’ll have to understand there are some things if I tell you that you’ll never be able to fully comprehend. You might think you understand them, but there’s always a deeper meaning to things.” Grace stared at a hamburger wrapper poking out from the tip of the trash bag. Finally able to meet his gaze, Grace looked up. She knew he probably wouldn’t appreciate her rant, but he had asked for it, after all.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done. Thanks to you, I’ve gotten a second chance at life—something Ty will never be able to do,” Grace paused, stumbling over her words momentarily as she tried to put together a coherent sentence that would make sense to him, “It’s just…hard.” Grace dropped her gaze to the floor again, staring at it like she was quite content to watch mold grow on it, “I’ll never see him again… Never be able to communicate with him like I can with you. And after I got stuck in that mirror, I’m afraid that when I finally am able to pass successfully into the afterlife, I will have a severed connection from everybody else. That doesn’t bother me though. I just wish I could see Ty again, you know?” Grace pinched the bridge of her nose harshly.

“It probably sounds stupid to you, but I feel out of place without him here. He used to be constantly around me… and now…” Grace shook her head and once more put her head in her open palms, biting her lip to keep any more tears from slipping out of her defenses.

[Spritz]

Colton hesitantly began to move forward, the white plastic bag still clutched in his fingers, bulging with boxes and bottles, cans and wrappers. He then wondered how he had ever left it to look this way, self conciously taking a glance around him and narrowing his eyes at the mess that still remained. It was cluttered, even his clothing scattered all over the place, jeans and shirts thrown leisurly over the tables and lamp shades- right now Colton didn't want to think about why they had come off in the first place. Giving a slight shake of his head, he let the bag drop out of his fingers and onto the carpet below.

Golden sunlight streamed through the window, though it seemed out of place and like it didn't belong in the dingy interior of the house. He shrugged when Grace said she didn't bite- but found no humor in himself, nor her voice to spark a smile. Smile's were way over-rated to begin with. They could be fake, and yet no body would even notice. Sometimes, a smile was all you could create to trick people, to make it appear that you were happy. So now, Colton stood tall, unsmiling and serious, his eyes holding a slight expression of hurt in their depths. It seemed that way, it seemed like she wanted to hold everything deep inside of her- where it would pain her the rest of her life.

As Grace started to talk, Colton didn't speak. He kept very quiet, his expression melting and changing each time she added more and more to the story- her story- Ty's story. What could it have been like? A millenia of waiting, watching, remembering her husband, her child. She was right, he wouldn't know what it was like. After all, she had had the experience of a family, a lover. He hadn't. Not genuinley.
"I'm sorry... and I wish I could say something that actually mattered." Looking down at the floor, Colton spoke very quietly, his voice wavering. "I wouldn't know what it's like."

[Guest]

[ 72 lines, according to Microsoft Word O_O I'm sorry if it's all fluff Dx But I like it. ]

Grace shook her head and let a few stray tears slip. They were the only ones, though. She hated herself for how weak she was, but she couldn’t help it. All she wanted was to have what she had back. She wanted Ty and her beautiful newborn baby; the one she’d been forced to abandon. And she’d never gotten to see her grow up to be a beautiful woman, wife, or mother. She never knew if she was actually a grandmother right now (she suspected she was more than just a “grandmother,” probably with a couple of great’s added in the mix) or if she was simply the end of the line. It was very likely her child died, as well, seeing as she had no mother to feed her or care for her. And even if she did, Grace knew her daughter wouldn’t have turned out the way she would’ve if Grace and Ty had raised her together. They would’ve been happy. Grace knew they would’ve been.

Wiping away the stray tears, Grace nodded, her voice cracking slightly when she next spoke, “I know you wouldn’t, that’s why I feel bad about burdening you with these things.” Grace stared ahead of her at the wall for some time, doing her best to ignore the smell of sex, drugs, and alcohol from the room around her. Well, maybe not drugs but…you get the point. Grace let herself calm down by simply looking around and examining small oddities that wouldn’t affect her in any way by knowing it even existed. Which made Grace wonder why God had given her a second chance at existence. Why God had let her get married and then murdered, leaving her baby out in the cold for some other wretched woman to take her under her wing.

Grace knew she shouldn’t react that way to another woman caring for her baby, because it would be the best, but Grace had so badly wanted to be a mother. She’d dreamed of having a big family of her own ever since she was little; probably around the age of 5 had she first met Ty and planned their whole future out for them, but at the time Ty hadn’t seemed to be interested in the least. Then again, neither of them knew they’d end up a married couple. And neither of them knew it wouldn’t last more than three years. Grace smiled faintly at the memory of Grace and Ty skipping stones when they were in the grade that would be equivalent to the third grade in this time, out by the lake behind Grace’s father’s mansion, which had been the mansion Grace’s father had willed to Ty and her once they were married and expecting a child of their own.

And after that, the memories faded to Ty building a swing on the branches of a willow tree when she was six-months-pregnant, big enough for the both of them. And that’s where they’d spent every evening together. They discussed life: what to name the baby if it was a girl, or if it was a boy; where they’d enroll the child in school when the time came; how they’d manage to get by and if they’d ever have any more children. The best times of Grace’s life were spent on that swing, her head on Ty’s shoulder and his arm around hers. She remembered the glint of the sunlight on the water’s surface as they swung back and forth at a leisurely pace and talked about nonsensical things that only time would be able to unravel.

Yet fate had a cruel way of twisting plans around. Grace looked at Colton a moment before shaking her head dejectedly, upset with herself and only herself, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring you into these things. It’s not right.” Grace stared at the ring in her palm and debated whether she should get rid of it or not. She had a strong attachment to it, but she knew if she kept it she might never be able to get on with her life. She may never get past this trial, might never fully open up to Colton and give him a friendship based on truth and stability. After all, Grace was currently far from stable.

Grace hung the ring loosely on her index finger, inwardly pondering if she should even bother to put it on her finger again. Grace knew she wanted to move on, but the large emerald that was currently settled neatly on her finger, slipping to the base of her index finger, held too many memories for her to get over. And again, if she threw it away, she’d regret it forever, but if she kept it… She’d also regret it forever. There was no easy decision.

Suddenly speaking out, Grace said, “Why does God do these things to people?” Grace didn’t bother to look up at him. No, instead, she kept her eyes trained on the gold band that held the emerald in place, admiring its exotic beauty while she awaited Colton’s reply, though she really didn't expect for him to know, nor did she think it was right to force him to even try. He probably wouldn't know, and it was more of a retorical statement than anything else, but she knew she had a chance of getting an answer from him. He seemed more willing to answer her questions and be there for her than she'd first expected. After all, he was a skater boy who went around putting grafitti on public buildings. Either way, if he answered or not, she was glad he was there for her. It was all he could do, and it was all she needed from him: an ear lended to her to listen, even though he may not or may never understand her thoughts or reasoning. All she needed from him was all he could give: his companionship and an open mind, heart, and (more importantly) ears.

[Spritz]

Colton sighed heavily, after Grace had finished speaking. He had patiently listened the whole while, making sure to not inturupt her despite what he had wanted to say. When she fell silent, he took the oportunity to move forward, rounding the side of the couch and sitting down near Grace, looking intently at her face. She seemed miserable- but he could see why. In her hands, the emerald ring rested, gleaming and shining in the warm, golden sunlight that streamed through the window, illuminating her features and seeming to make her skin glow. Even now, in her torment she seemed graceful, living up to her name and what Colton thought of her. She was tough, but everybody sometimes needed to spill out their guts to somebody... turns out Colton was the one it would have to be. He didn't actually mind it however, liking that she trusted him enough to confide in him; at least for a little while.

"Listen to me." Leaning forward, he took Grace's hand in his, even if it was only a comforting gesture. "You should be happy Grace, happy. I know it seems hard to imagine right now, and if it counts, I do understand. Probably not as much as you would like, but at least I know what you mean." Giving a sigh, he tried to think of the words he would need to say; as speaking, comforting others wasn't really his strong point. "Look." Taking the ring out of her hand, he momentarily glanced downwards and rolled it in his fingers, before his lucid, brilliant blue eyes glanced up once again to meet Grace's. "This was Ty's ring. Think about him, think about how much he loved you. Think about how lucky he was, how happy he had been. Think about your little girl, and how much her mother loved her. You were lucky Grace, it was you." He sighed, hoping it would make sense. At least in his head it did, but it didn't seem to be working out all to well. Placing the ring back into her palm, he continued to hold her hand.

"Your daughter had a beautiful, caring mothing. You tried your best, and it wasn't your fault for what happened. You had good reason to leave her, leave Ty. Do you think either of them would want to see you like this? See you crying, miserable, wishing they were here? They lived their lives the to the fullest, and I expect you'll do the same. That's what they would want. You changed their lives forever." Giving a shrug, Colton glanced away from Grace. He didn't know what else to say. It wasn't turning out the way he had hoped, but now he let her hand go. Gesturing the ring, he raised an eyebrow and looked at her once again.

"It's your ultimate desision. If you and Ty had switched places, would you want him to be miserable the rest of his life? Think about that." Closing her fingers around the ring, he pushed himself up off of the couch and moved back to collecting the trash that was strewn around the room.

[Guest]

Grace listened to him with rapt attention, but she had not been expecting him to hold her hand. Despite what she originally thought, he seemed more capable of being there for her and saying just the right things at just the right time. It reminded her of Ty, in a way, but the more she thought about it, and the more he talked, she realized how right he really was: Ty wouldn’t want her to be depressed and mourning over something that could never again be achieved. He’d always told her to shoot for the stars, and once she was in reach, to sing the heavens themselves into her command.

A faint smile touched Grace’s lips as she remembered his deep yet melodious voice telling her that. It seemed like yesterday, but as Colton continued to talk (although some women may think of it more as a lecture, Grace thought it was motivational and encouraging), she realized that it wasn’t good to dwell in the past about things that were over and done with. Grace listened until he stopped speaking, then nodded numbly before opening her fingers slightly and staring at the emerald glitter of the ring’s precious jewel, and Grace nodded a more defined nod as she decided.

The ring would always be of sentimental value, yes. But not wearing it did not necessarily mean ‘getting rid of it.’ Now that Colton pointed it out, Grace saw that she did indeed want to move on from the past, no matter how fond the memories of old times had been to her heart. This was her second chance at life, and whether her baby had made it or not, she was being given another opening to make things right. She was given another life to live, to find love, to start all over again. Though she knew only Colton could see her, and that greatly limited her chances at finding love, and she could only communicate with Colton, she decided if she was to ever fall for him, she’d be content. Even if he never liked her the way she could possibly like him, it would be enough. She knew now that he would be there for her, through thick and thin.

After that motivational speech, after only knowing each other a little over two days, he’d spoken words that Grace found meaningful, and could tell that Colton meant every last breath spent saying those things to be a good thing and to give her the encouraging push she needed to get on with her life. But no, it wasn’t going to be all that easy. It would definitely take time for her to adjust to this idea of leaving Ty physically behind, though never emotionally or mentally, and transitioning herself into what lay ahead. It wouldn’t take a few days, a few weeks, or a few months for her to heal. Perhaps a few months, but it could be even longer than that. Grace knew now that Colton would be there for her, no matter how many years or simply days they took enjoyment from.

It was her second chance at life. And she needed to use it in a way that would’ve made Ty proud. Taking in a deep breath, Grace looked around, “It looks like you could use some help,” she said happily, though her tone still had a twinge of loss in it. But either way, Grace would overcome her loss somehow, and right now, cleaning up this filthy house would be one way to get her mind off of things for a while. So, Grace started to pick up random trash items and put them into the trash bag, slipping the ring into her pocket before doing so.

[Spritz]

It would seem that Colton's short lecture had done a small bit of good, as Grace's posture seemed to straighten after he had left. He continued to pick up whatever else he saw around the room, working in one corner and continuing to plunge each of the items deep into the plastic bag. Colton's thoughts wandered, and he soon became unaware of Grace, or whatever she was doing. It felt nice to actually be doing something, instead of lying around in the mess and watching something stupid on the television.

Falling to his knees, he reached under the small table near the couch and pulled out yet another beer bottle. It wasn't that he got drunk every night, but he had had his share of beer whenever it came around. Some of those times what he did hadn't turned out to be good. Taking a sniff from the bottle's open top, he cringed and stuffed it into the now expanding garbage bag. It smelt slightly sour, the way all beer smelt. He wasn't even sure why he drank it in the first place. But now that he had started, it was hard to stop.

Alot of the mess had been caused by his most recent party, in which he hadn't even elected for. It was a surprise when he stumble through the door. Even that night hadn't ended without him unconcious on the marble slab of a couch.
Giving a muffled sigh, he broke out of his thoughts and used one of his cleanest fingers to brush a strand of honeyblonde hair out of his eyes. Only then was he aware of Grace beside him, helping him clean up the wretched mess.

His hand immedietly shot out, to where his fingers gripped around her wrist so he would catch her attention.

"You dont have to help me."

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