This is the sequel to the "My Saving Grace" series; in fact, this tale begins right where Part 8 left off. If you haven't read that series, I'm afraid this one won't make any sense to you. Thank you for all the well-wishes I've received by email while I've been away on this latest hitch. I hope you all enjoy this latest story, and as always, I welcome your comments (both public and private). – CM
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Grace picks up the narrative:
Kevin held me close, for several minutes. I relaxed against my loving brother, molding my body to his and letting him take whatever comfort from me that he needed. Although we shared a deep emotional bond with each other, I hardly needed it to pick up on his feelings right now. Kevin knew he had had no choice but to shoot – and kill – our Uncle Trent, but that didn't mean he wasn't still shaken. There'd been some rough, nightmare-filled nights since then, but I was there for him. I was deeply honored to comfort him.
After a few moments, I reluctantly pulled back from him. I cupped his face in my hands and smiled into his eyes.
"Let's get back to the house, Kev," I said softly.
I could tell from the look on Kevin's face that he understood the subtext as well as my actual words. It wasn't just time to leave the parking lot of the funeral home; it was time to put Trent's death behind him. Our family had already reassured him that he'd done what had to be done, as had the Authorities. Now he had to forgive himself!
Rather than try to crawl back to my seat from where he had pulled me into his lap, I simply stepped out on his side and walked back around to mine. After I'd seated myself and buckled in, Kevin started the car and pointed it towards our parent's house. It wasn't long before he parked his Subaru in the driveway. Neither of us was surprised to see that Mom and Dad's RV was still parked at the curb in front of the house.
As we walked inside, we could hear the two of them talking in the kitchen. I reached out and took Kevin's hand and pulled him towards the stairs. I could tell that even though it was just after 9pm, my brother was exhausted. He didn't need to endure any more "talks," no matter how well-intentioned they might be. Of course, our parents had other plans.
"Grace, Kevin, please come join us in the kitchen," Dad said quietly, but firmly.
"Dad, Kevin is wiped out, can it-"
"I know he is, Honey, and I understand you want to spare him any more lectures," Dad replied. "But your Mother and I will be leaving soon, and we've been talking about your situation. This is something you'll want to hear. And trust me, there won't be any painful lectures."
"Alright, Dad," Kevin said tiredly, squeezing my hand as he did so.
"Kevin, Love, you're so tired-"
"It's okay, Gracie," he said. Then he leaned forward and kissed my cheek. "As long as you're with me, I can face anything!" he whispered, before pulling back.
Kevin followed Dad into the kitchen, gently tugging me along behind him. He wouldn't let go of my hand. I melted just a little inside, as I realized that he meant what he'd just said. God, I love you, Kevin! I said to myself.
Upon reaching the kitchen, we were surprised to see that, in addition to Mom, there was a good chunk of the family present, too. Aunt Lily, Fleur and Elizabeth, Elizabeth's brothers Jeremy and Craig, and our Grandparents were also there, crowding the kitchen table. Kevin lead me to the only free seat, then he stood behind me, resting his hands gently on my shoulders. I didn't waste my time trying to get Kevin to sit and let me stand. He never would've gone along with that.
Looking around the table, I sensed a variety of emotions. The twins, Jeremy and Craig, were still smoldering with barely suppressed rage. I could tell it wasn't directed at anyone here, so I wasn't concerned. Aunt Lily was still deeply sad, but her cringing fear was gone. She sat up straight in her chair with her head held high. Fleur sat like a lioness watching over her cub. Her arm was wrapped firmly around Elizabeth and her expression promised a brutal death to anyone that might want to raise their hand to her. As Kevin took a comfortable stance behind me, I caught Fleur nodding slightly to him; one guardian recognizing another.
For her part, Elizabeth snuggled tightly against her girlfriend's side. Her face was troubled, but not scared or angry. Her mood was difficult to read. Grandma was still very sad, but her face was clear now, and her head was also held high. It was clear that she'd resolved herself to grieve no longer. Grandpa was even more difficult to ready than Elizabeth. His face could've been carved from granite, for all the emotion he displayed.
Like Grandma, our Mom was still a little sad. But, her face was no longer blotchy. Her eyes were clear, and she was even smiling, slightly. Whatever this discussion was going to be about, it clearly wasn't going to be some kind of scream fest. Or at least, not one to do with Kevin and me. I allowed myself to relax a little bit.
"We've all been talking," Mom began. "Our family is going through so many changes..."
Mom paused for a second, before Dad touched her arm. She visibly steeled herself before going on.
"One thing that we've been discussing is what will happen after you, Grace and Kevin, move. We believe that we've come up with a solution that is equitable to you, Kevin, Grace, and will still help get the other issues settled."
I was a little confused. What other issues needed to be solved? What was Mom talking about? Fleur decided to speak just then, answering my unspoken questions.
"Elizabeth and I just can stay in our house any more," she said, her soft French-Canadian accent adding a lilt to her words. "The memories of that night are haunting both of us. It just doesn't feel like our home, now."
"It's the blood," Elizabeth said, with a shudder. "I can't get the stain out..."
She saw the expression on Kevin's face at the same time I did, and hastened to reassure him.
"Oh, Kevin, no!" she exclaimed. "You saved all our lives that night, sweetie! Don't think for even a second that I'm upset with you!! It's just that living there, seeing the place where it happened every single day, I just can't do it. I guess I'm not as strong as I thought I was."
Fleur lowered her face to kiss the top of Elizabeth's head, and squeezed her tightly. Elizabeth closed her eyes and allowed herself to be held, drawing comfort from Fleur's strength.
