by E. S Night
“I’m fine, I want a date with that Colton guy – get it sorted and I'll forgive you.” She pressured me.
“I will, I’ll take the opportunity of the meal to set your date up.” I reached for Riley’s hand.
I sat there for a good hour explaining to them all about my date. I left the sex part out whilst Konrad and my brother where in the room. I couldn’t wait to tell Riley all about it, she is forever telling me about her sexual encounters with different men and now I’d had one of my own. Funnily, though, I thought I’d feel different somehow, changed maybe – but I didn’t. I felt no more of a woman than I did before. The only thing that had changed was my love for Grayson Hale. I don't think it would be possible for me to love him any more than I did right now.
There was a knock on the door. We heard
someone’s footsteps walking into the hallway.
“Hello?” Mum said politely, thinking it was a potential tourist needing a place to stay.
“Hiya, it’s only me.” A voice spoke from around the corner – it was my dad.
I hadn’t seen him since that day we left the hospital – in truth; I think mum probably asked him to give Logan and me some well-needed space.
I walked over to him. “Hi dad.”
“How are the ribs doing?” He looked down at my waist.
I smiled. “I’m feeling a lot a better now.”
He came in for a hug. “Good, I’m glad.”
“Konrad.” My dad spoke, acknowledging my uncle’s presence.
“Arsehole.” Konrad muttered, leaving the room.
“Logan, are you okay?” Dad asked.
My brother continued to reject dad and ignore him. Logan had a hard time when dad left to live in London. I know he’s never forgiven him for leaving us. Konrad’s influence on Logan seems to have been rubbing off on him.
“Kathryn, can I talk to you for a minute?” Dad asked.
“What about Henry? Anything you’ve got to say can be said around this lot.” Mum appeared to be giving dad a hard time.
He hesitated. “Fine, I need a room here.”
“Why? I thought you were staying at the Claremont?” Mum sighed.
“I want to be near Abi and Logan, the Claremont is at the other end of the island, and I can’t expect the kids to go all the way up there.”
“That’s a first – you wanting to be near us.” Logan said under his breath still playing on his computer game.
“Finally! It speaks.” Riley shouted trying to see the funny side of the situation.
“Mum - he’s right just let him stay here, I want him to stay.” I defended dad. I felt sorry for the guy, everyone in the house was against him and you have to admit he had some balls coming back into mum’s territory.
“Okay.” Mum agreed grudgingly. “Come on, I’ll get a room ready.” She signalled him to walk with her.
Riley dragged me up the stairs by my arm, wanting to know the more explicit details from my date last night. She pulled me into the bedroom and threw me on the bed.
“What happened last night with Grayson?” I grunted in pain.
“You know my ribs have only just about healed, right?”
“I’m sorry, I’m just so happy for you!” She smiled, rubbing my back.
“It was the most amazing night I’ve ever had Riles, it was perfect, he was perfect.”
“You know what I mean Abi, did you?” Riley implied not so subtlety.
“Yes, we did and like I said it was perfect.” I insisted flinging my head on the bed.
“Oh, my God! You lost your virginity!” She tried to whisper.
“SSSHHHH! You know whispering doesn’t count if you do it, loudly right?” I made clear, jumping up.
“I still can’t believe it! So, how was it? And stop with the – it was perfect crap – no one’s first time is perfect. It’s painful and awkward and generally not good for anybody.” Riley’s little rant led me to think her first time wasn’t how she had previously portrayed it.
"Riles, believe this when I say it to you, it was awesome. I’m in love with him and I told you before he asked me to meet the parents."
“Oh no! I mean – it’s great you love him and everything but I’ve just remembered I was going to ask you to come and sing at the Brae tonight, it’s karaoke, please! I’ve not seen you sing in like forever.” She pleaded grabbing my hand.
“And - there’s a reason for that, I’m not singing, but you can. I’ll go with Grayson to his parent’s house for something to eat and I’ll be back in town for half past nine to meet you, I promise.”
Riley grinned. “Sounds like a plan! So, what time is Grayson picking you up?”
“Erm... he said five - I’m so nervous, what if they don’t like me?”
“They would be idiots not to fall in love with you.” Riley touched my shoulder.
I felt myself panicking again. “No, I’m talking about if they really don’t like me. Gray’s granddad already doesn’t like me, what if the rest of them don’t?”
“Okay, you need to chill. Just try to have a great time and be yourself. You’ll be fine and they will love you.” Riley ruled.
“I'll try." I smiled.
“Come on you have to get ready, it’s nearly one! We only have four hours; I think I’ll start on
your hair.” Riley yanked me to the dressing table.
I thought I’d take things slow and try to stay calm about the whole thing – maybe take a nap, but no! Riley used up three of my hours messing with my hair, fixing my make-up and squeezing me into a size eight dress – which F.Y.I is too small for me! I stood there looking in the full-length mirror in complete fear of the dress Riley had picked out. It was tight and purple – two things I hated. The dress was a Christmas present from two years ago, from my aunt Linda, who never speaks and doesn’t have a clue what my dress size is! I don’t even know how it was still my wardrobe. It wasn’t the 'girl next door' type of outfit Riley was talking about before.
“Riles, I love the hair and make-up – but this dress, isn’t me. It’s sunny out, so I’m just going to wear this blue dress with my cardigan I think. I’ll keep it smart casual I guess.” I said, pointing to the dress I preferred to wear.
“Yeah, no problem. That dress is more you – would you mind then if I borrowed the purple one for tonight?” Riley made me think I’d just been played.
I laughed. “If you wanted to borrow the dress, you could have just asked you didn’t need to
make me wear it first.”
“Meh! Where would be the fun in that?” I threw pillows at her off my bed. I was play fighting with Riles when the doorbell rang.
“He’s early, what time is it?” I rushed to put the blue dress over my head.
“It’s twenty past four.” Riles said, running out of the room. I could hear Riley downstairs answering the door. I got a move on, gathered my handbag and shoes from the floor, and headed to the landing. Breathing in, I took a second to calm myself and then stepped down the stairs, seeing Grayson in the hallway.
“Wow, Abigail you look beautiful.” He smiled.
Riles grinned. “Doesn’t she! I did her hair and make-up – if I’d have left her to do it on her own she would have looked like a -”
“Riles!” I snapped, wanting her to shut up.
“Well you did an amazing job Riley, she looks stunning.” Grayson couldn’t stop staring at me.
“Did I get the time wrong?” I sighed.
“Erm no, I just have something to do first before we go to my parent’s house, I did text you but when you didn’t answer me, I took a chance and came around early, anyway.”
“It’s fine.” I smirked at him, hearing two sets
of footsteps heading into the hallway.
“Hello Grayson.” My dad spoke.
“Hi Mr Lawson - Mrs Lawson.” Grayson nodded at both my parents.
“Well this is awkward.” Riles jumped in.
“I’m going to meet Grayson’s parents properly t
onight.” I said out of consideration for dad, letting him know what was going on.
My dad seemed irritated by the situation. “Okay.”
“You two have a good time.” Mum said as Grayson led me out of the house.
“Hey! If Grayson’s parents get to sit down with you tonight – why don’t we all have a family dinner tomorrow night? We can get to know Grayson.” Dad called after us, trying to make an effort with my new boyfriend.
“Maybe - because we aren’t a family.” Logan muttered, walking through to the kitchen.
“Erm – I’d love that Mr Lawson, tomorrow is great.” Grayson said, trying to make my dad feel less uncomfortable.
“Don’t forget Abi! Half nine.” Riley yelled from the door.
“I won’t.”
As Grayson and I pulled away from the
driveway, my family watched on. I couldn’t help but wonder was Grayson’s family going to be as messed up as mine – Nah, isn't possible!
Chapter Fifteen
Please, Pass the Salt
“So where are we going first then?” I sensed that something was bothering Grayson, and that was bothering me.
“Nowhere, I need to talk to you before we go in the house.” He mumbled looking straight ahead.
I sighed. “Are you okay? You seem different.”
“I’m fine, it’s just my parents. I’m anxious about how this will go.” Grayson still refused to look at me, keeping his eyes firmly on the road.
“Why? I won’t embarrass you or anything.”
“No, I’m not worried about you Abigail – it’s my family. You know what - I’m just being stupid, it’ll be fine.” Grayson replied, causing me to feel even worse about this evening.
“I don’t get it – what did you want to tell me?” Grayson pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off the ignition. “What are you doing?” I asked, expecting him to explain himself.
Grayson just sat there in silence, staring at the water in the distance. We were only about
five minutes away from his house; something was grating on him. I grabbed his hand from the steering wheel.
“Gray you wanted to do this, it’s okay to be scared but something else is bothering you. You can tell me, you know you can – I love you.”
“Let’s do this; you deserve to know the truth.” He puzzled me even more.
“What does that mean?” I pressed as Grayson started the car again.
He drove us the rest of the way to his house and pulled into the driveway, the wheels displacing the gravel. Grayson still wasn’t speaking, and this made me uneasy, he came around to my side of the car and opened the door. His face was peculiar; he looked as if someone had told him the world would end. Gray grabbed my hand, lifted it to his mouth and kissed it looking into my eyes.
“Grayson what’s wrong?”
“Abi I –” He was just about to speak when we heard a voice coming from the front door.
“Oh good, you’re here!” A woman stormed towards us.
“Hi mum.” Grayson hugged her.
“You must be Abigail, I’ve heard a lot about
you. Sorry I wasn’t able to make it to the hospital – I’ve been so busy with work for the last month. I’m Maria, please come in sweetheart.” She spoke strangely as if she wasn't happy to see me at all. Maria linked my arm pulling me away from Grayson’s touch.
I kept glancing back at Grayson as his mum led me into the house. God! They were wealthy – period. I still wasn’t sure of how Gray’s family made their money, from what I’ve seen already, they seemed to have several businesses. I’m sure Anna’s prolific writing career also helped a lot around here. All his immediate family were standing around the reception area, eating nibbles awaiting our arrival. Some faces I already recognised.
There were seven people in total I could see – Kaleb was standing in the corner of the hallway talking to Isaac and Aidan, Anna’s husband whose idea of acknowledging my entrance was a nod of his head. Anna was busy fiddling with something in the living room.
As I looked closer, she was helping Ella clean a stain out of her dress. Colton was the only one that seemed happy about my arrival as he stood there smiling. I could feel myself choking inside
as Maria let go of my arm. Grayson must have seen this and quickly grabbed my waist, keeping me steady. I had never been around people with this kind of money before and it made me somewhat nervous. How was I supposed to fit in?
As I was considering my next move Anna came out of the living room, marched over to us and hugged me. “Abigail, it’s nice to see you again – don’t let them get to you, I know all of this can seem intimidating.” She confessed, having been through the same experience.
Anna then walked up three steps of their grand staircase and tapped on her wine glass with a knife, harnessing the family’s attention.
“Everyone, this is Abigail Lawson, I hope that you will show her the same kindness you shared with me all those years ago, when I first met you all. She’s a brilliant writer - magical with a pen. Abi is a -” Anna wanted to break the ice on my behalf.
It was clear she had more to say but got interrupted by the butler standing in the doorway.
“Dinner will be served in twenty minutes’ ma-am.” He looked at Maria.
“Thank you, Eric, why don’t we all sit down in
the living room and wait in there. It will give us a chance to get to know Abigail a little better.” Maria spoke, trying to hide her true feelings. What could I have possibly done already to make the mother of my boyfriend hate me, I’ve barely opened my mouth for the few minutes I’ve been inside?
“Come this way Abigail.” Maria grabbed my arm so tightly; it was as if she was deliberately trying to hurt me.
I sat quietly on one of the chairs Maria had led me to, Grayson was quick to take his place, sitting on the arm of my chair – he wasn’t for a second letting me face any of this alone. Everything felt odd, this wasn’t a normal get together, this was something else. I thought half of the room was reluctantly pleased to see me and the other half were trying their hardest not to murder me right in front of everybody.
Grayson reached for my hand leading his mother to begin my interrogation.
“So, Abigail, tell us about yourself? What do you want in the future?” Maria asked.
The room was silent, everyone was eager to hear my responses to her forward questions.
“Erm, I want to be a writer, so university,
eventually. I’m taking a year out to help my family before any more schooling.” For the first time in my life, I doubted myself. It was frightening how quickly they made me feel insecure.
“And then? What will you do after university?” Maria continued.
“I guess, I would have practised writing for three years by then. Hopefully I’ll be able to get something published or maybe write freelance stuff – I’m not sure yet.” I was afraid of their reactions.
“What about a family – do you want one?” She asked leading me to believe there was more to this question than I understood.
“Mum! Stop it.” Grayson leapt in.
I didn’t want her to think she had got to me. “Yes, I want a family, if you mean children – I want them.”
“That’s a shame then isn’t it Grayson.” She scoffed.
Kaleb intervened. “I think that’s enough talk for a little while, don’t you Maria.”
Unfortunately, it didn’t stop Maria’s tirade – she was hell-bent on getting to the heart of the situation. “No, it’s not. The food isn’t even ready yet. Abigail, do you see yourself with Grayson for
the rest of your life?” She continued to disrespect me.
Anna appeared angry at Maria's behaviour. “How can she possibly answer that?”
“Well I don’t know Anna; maybe because I want to be certain that the person my son is ruining our entire family for is dedicated to at least returning his love for a long period.” She yelled as her
voice went louder and louder.
“I don’t understand what’s happening – Grayson?” I said turning around to face him.
Isaac interrupted. “Of course, you don’t understand because he hasn’t told you anything.
You two are just running around town in a bloody daydream – none of you understand the ramifications this has on any of us. This relationship can’t happen and I for one am sick of pretending it can. I don't know why we haven't handled this already!”
“What are you all talking about? Handled this how!” I screamed.
“So, you haven’t told her anything, have you? Well, that's a good start. We might not need to do anything rash if you agree to end this now.” Maria stared at Grayson.
Grayson’s face was getting redder and
redder. “Stop! This needs to stop. It’s my life and I decide what happens in it. You all can’t dictate orders like they are supposed to mean something and you sure as hell can’t talk to Abigail like this. The next person who opens their mouth towards this woman will get their throat ripped out. Am I clear?” I’ve never heard Grayson speak that way before and to his own family – what the hell was going on?
Isaac lunged forward as if he meant to hurt his brother but Kaleb stopped him before they did something both would regret.
“Never talk to us like that again.” Kaleb ordered Grayson.
“Then none of you dare speak again, we love each other, I love her more than anything in this world; it’s about time you all start to make your peace with that.”
“It’s not only us you’re hurting son, you’re hurting Abigail. She has a right to know what she’s got herself into.” Kaleb insisted.
Maria sighed. “No. He will not tell her anything. It's too much of a risk.”
