Stella lets me in.

I head up to Grace’s room, Knocking on her door, “Hey, Grace? Can we talk?”

Silence.

“Grace, let me in. I can’t help you if you block me out. I care deeply about you and I want to make sure you’re okay,” I say, shifting my weight back and forth.

I hear some shuffling, then silence.

The door opens until it’s just ajar.

 “Thank god,” I whisper.

I look back at Stella, who has been waiting and watching downstairs. She gives me a thumbs up and walks away.

I take in a deep breath, then let it out slowly, before walking into Grace’s room. Looking around, the blinds are closed, and the lights are off. It’s not completely dark, as a bit of the sunset is pushing through the blinds.

“Do you mind if I sit on your bed?” I say, slowly walking towards the bed while trying to not trip.

Patting the bed to make sure nothing is in the way, I carefully sit down.

“I’m sorry,” Grace says looking down.

Turning towards Grace, I notice she has been crying. I quickly hold her gently in my arms.

“Oh no, what happened?” I say, giving her a tight squeeze. 

“I’m sooo sorry!” Grace says, curling herself into a ball.

“Shhh… It’s okay. Let’s calm down first and talk about it later” I squeeze her a little a couple more times to help with pressure she may be holding in.

“Okay…” she says, in a weak whisper.

We sit like that for an hour. She gently pulls back from my arms.

“Brad is harassing me,” Grace says, taking in a deep breath.

“Are you…” I say.

She holds a hand up.

“Let me finish. He does not like the fact that I dumped him. He would rather dump me and brag about it but that didn’t happen. Sooo” she takes a deep breath “He’s been going around and calling me names and telling others at school stuff that never happened. I don’t want to drag you in this. So, I can’t risk dating you or being around you right now.” Grace says determined.

“Wait wait” I say while anger creeps up “You think I would date you for status?”

“It’s not about status” Grace says, wiggling out of my arms.

“That’s what you’re making it sound. Plus, it doesn’t matter, you think I’ve waited years just to be told that I can never be with you because a dumbass hurt you. NEVER!!! I love every part of you no matter how much you get hurt, I’ll always be here to support you and help you. Believe in that!” I say holding on to the tip of her chin, showing her how serious I am.

She begins to tear up, I go in to hold her again.

“Please don’t cry, you are beautiful and strong.” I say holding her with desperation. 

Grace cries even harder.