Stay

by Ivy Kovacs

  - I’m sorry. – He sighed. – I shouldn’t have overreacted when Ma... she appeared. – He corrected.

  - I told you I was fine... I still would be if I would’ve known you didn’t put yourself in danger last night while I was puking my guts out. – I growled in frustration.

  - I wasn’t in danger. I’ve dealt with Jack many times before. We’re guys. We get drunk and we fight, then we forget anything happened the next day. – He shrugged.

  - Guys are stupid. –

  He chuckled softly. - We are. – He agreed and stroked my thighs with his bruised hand. – You knocked yourself out. –

  - I’m very ashamed of that... – My cheeks flushed red and he laughed again.

  - You were cute. Very cute. –

  I blushed even more and hid my face behind the thick hair that fell over my shoulders but he tucked it behind my ears. – I love you. So much. – His ocean blue eyes and crooked smile greeted me again.

  - I love you too. I’m sorry for getting drunk. -

  - It was funny until I found that guy in here. –

  - Let’s not mention it to Seb okay? – I proposed and he nodded in agreement. I lay back on his chest and slept for another hour before we woke up and helped Max clean up the mess that was downstairs. They joked about the fight they had last night, saying it was refreshing to kick someone’s ass again. I mentioned the idea of taking boxing classes but they laughed at it. I guess they liked when they had a proper fighting partner. Masochistics.

  Sneaking into my room was easier than I thought. Seb didn’t comment on the band-aid on my head, and by the time I’d meet him again, I’d take it down and lie that I’d burnt myself with my curling iron. Hopefully, I could pull it off and get away with it.

  thirty-nine

  The upcoming months were a lot better than I thought they would be. Time flew by with Dylan, as always, and we were doing great.

  Dom and I had a trustworthy and loyal friendship that made my life whole. When we had small disagreements with Dylan I could always talk to him about it and he could do the same about Jules. It sucked every time he left to Louisiana to meet her. School was monotonous without him around. My boyfriend stepped in, of course, trying to make the days more interesting.

  Grandma started hanging out more and more with her friends whom she had neglected because of me. I was her main priority and now that she was alone again, she could focus on her hobbies and what actually made her happy.

  Seb and Rebecca made sure I had everything I needed for school. Even though I hadn’t been accepted to Florida Atlantic University yet, they started looking for apartments near the campus. I didn’t want to move to an apartment all alone but they wouldn’t let me move to a frat-house.

  I would find a job and leave for school early anyway. I had everything planned out already, I just needed the acceptance letter...

  I started working at the local coffee shop near our house so I could save some money and buy myself a car before I’d leave in June. Dylan was more than happy to help choosing me a car, but his expectations didn’t meet mine. He was into estate cars but I liked the SUVs.

  Our promenade dance was supposed to be held in March but Mr. Walker’s wife passed away so the school decided to ditch the idea. It wouldn’t be fair towards Mr. Walker and his moron son, Ben.

  So, we only had a few weeks left until graduation. We’d written our finals last week and I studied extremely hard for them.

  The more I thought about going back to Florida, the more I wanted to go. I hadn’t been to mom’s grave since I’d moved... Well, Sebastian flew back to Florida with me on April 14th so I could pay my respect. It was only the two of us because I didn’t want anyone else to be there. Besides, it was a quick trip: we landed in the morning and flew back in the afternoon. It was hard to be there... to see her name carved into the marble headstone. I cried a lot even though I was trying to hold myself together. It was even harder when we visited the cliff where the accident happened. Images flickered in my mind from that day. Images I wished I could erase so I wouldn’t have to relive them again and again. But I kept myself together the best I could, said my prayers and left some candles and flowers by the road. I died on that cliff... at least a part of me did. I felt utterly alone and I thought there was no hope for redemption. I felt helpless even though everyone around me was trying to help.

  It got better when I found my new friends and Dylan. When my heart stopped, I changed again. This time I felt closer to my pre-accident self than I did before. I wasn’t completely the same, but I had some personality traits that I lost after my mom died. I was happy with who I was now. I felt like I was healed enough to take on the world and start my adult life.

  One day I went home from school and found a letter on the counter that said my name on it. I opened it eagerly and read through each line.

  - What is it? – Sebastian asked curiously.

  - I got accepted to FAU. – I responded speechlessly. I couldn’t believe my eyes so I re-read the letter.

  Welcome to Florida Atlantic University. I am very excited about the prospect of you joining our team. Please acknowledge acceptance of this position as presented in this letter by signing and returning this letter to me.

  - That’s amazing, Grace! – Seb cheered. – Becca, Lily! – He yelled enthusiastically. – Grace got into to FAU! –

  - Congrats, Grace! – Lily rushed in from the living room and hugged me tightly.

  - I knew you’d get in! – Rebecca cheered happily. – We’ve already found a great apartment near the campus. – She started babbling.

  - Becca. She just read the letter. Stop pestering her. – Sebastian said glaring at my aunt.

  - It’s okay, Seb. Thank you for helping me, Aunt Bex. – I gave her a soft smile and she returned it then she stuck her tongue out towards Seb. He rolled his eyes.

  - This calls for a celebration. – He said grabbing his phone. – How about I go get some donuts from Krispy Kreme? –

  - Sounds appetizing. – Rebecca answered and he grabbed his keys.

  I spent that evening looking at apartments and cars. I was so excited to get accepted to the college I’d always wanted to go to. Obviously, I imagined it the way things used to be: me living at home with my mom and attending college while working a part-time job to help her out. I knew how much she’d wanted me to work a job related to art so getting accepted to the Graphic Design course made me feel blessed.

  I couldn’t keep a straight face at school the next day. Dylan knew something was up as soon as he saw me get out of the car. – What’s up? –

  - I was up all night. – I complained. I truly was. I was browsing for apartments until 1 am. – Looking at apartments. – I added.

  - What? – He said. – You got in? – His forehead creased with curiosity and I grinned happily while nodding. He beamed his perfect smile and picked me up from the ground. – Congratulations! That’s amazing! – He was still smiling when he placed me back on my feet.

  I stood on my toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to myself and kissed him deeply. His hands automatically folded around my waist. I wasn’t one to make out in front of everyone but I couldn’t care less now.

  - Why did I get that? – He whispered when I pulled away.

  - Because I’m hoping you’ll come with me. – I admitted. – Did you get your letter yet? – I looked at him but he shook his head.

  - I’m sure it’s going to arrive sooner or later. – He shrugged. – I asked them to send it to Max’s place instead of my mom's. –

  - Tell me as soon as you get it. – I demanded and he chuckled softly, nodding once.

  My aunt and uncle bought the apartment behind my back. Seb was into real-estate so this seemed like a good opportunity to them. When I got home I found the contract on my bed with a pen, waiting to be signed. I grabbed the paper and knocked on Seb’s office door.

  - Yeah? – He called. He was sitting at his desk, typing on his laptop and he had
paper stacks next to him. He looked busy.

  - I can come back later. – I apologized but his eyes spotted the contract in my hand.

  - I see you’ve found the contracts. – He added and motioned towards the seat across him. I sat down and looked at the papers.

  - I’m still not sure I should do this. I can’t let you buy me a condo. – I shook my head disapprovingly. My guilt kicked in.

  - I promised your mother that I’d provide your necessities, this being one of them. You know we own houses here and there. It’s not a big deal. – He explained and closed his laptop.

  - It is a huge deal, Seb. You bought me an apartment! –

  - We did. – He corrected. – We bought it together with Rebecca and mom. You’ll use your heritage and your college fund for university. You’re working after school to buy yourself a car and you’ll be working in Florida to keep everything up. It’s the least we could do. Plus, it’s almost the same price as the frat-houses you looked at. –

  - I still feel guilty. You’ve given me too much already. – I sighed.

  - Grace... – He began and looked into my eyes. – You’re an orphan thanks to my brother. The least I can do is help my goddaughter with whatever I can. And this is something I can help you with. So please let me help. – His eyes were begging.

  - I don’t know... –

  - Think about it this way: if we ever come to visit, you can host us at your apartment. – He said playfully.

  - It’s too much, Sebastian. You’ve already bought me a phone and a laptop for school. I don’t want to use your money. –

  - Fine... I’m going to tell you something because you are old enough to understand. – He said calmly and leaned back in his chair. – When you and your mom moved to Florida she wouldn’t let us help her financially. I already owned a condo there but she wouldn’t move in there with you. So after you left, we started an account for you. Just like we did for Lily. – He paused for a second. - You’re not just my niece, Grace. You’re my goddaughter. You were always like a daughter to me. -

  - Your mother agreed to it because she wanted the best for you. The money we used for your house is from the money we saved up on your account. –

  - Why didn’t you tell me this before? – I asked after a minute of consideration. I was trying to comprehend the new information I was given.

  - I wanted to but Becca said you’d freak out and wouldn’t accept it. – He looked at me and I studied his face quietly. She was right. How could I take their money when I couldn’t give back anything to them?

  - I can’t accept it, Uncle Seb. – I shook my head.

  - It is your money. – He prompted.

  - No, it’s yours and if I would take it, I could never pay you back! – I raised my voice a tad bit.

  - You give us everything by existing. You survived two lethal accidents. Do you know how hard that was for us? Seeing you suffer for months when you moved here... – His jaw clenched and unclenched.

  - I’m sorry... – I muttered under my breath. I knew my actions would have consequences. I ruined their lives.

  - You have nothing to be sorry about. You’re the strongest person I know, besides your mother. You deserve this, Grace. – He prodded. – Let me help you. –

  - I have to think about it... – I inhaled, filling my lungs with oxygen then exhaled slowly.

  - Let me know when you’ve decided. – He nodded re-opening his laptop. – But it needs to be signed in a week. Whether you sign it or I do. – That meant that if I wasn’t going to own it, he would and he would want me to move there anyway... He was very sly.

  I exited his office meeting my godmother’s gaze. Her hopeful eyes searched for the answer to her unpronounced question. I gave her a slight smile and walked into my room. She’d know my answer in a minute anyway.

  I couldn’t think straight as I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I knew Sebastian would find a way to coax me into moving there. I was the least worried about the look of the condo. I trusted my uncle’s opinion and he’d probably chosen one that was modern and well furnished. Maybe if Dylan would get into the same university we could move in together... My mind trailed off and started thinking about Dylan.

  I grabbed my phone to text him but at that exact moment a text popped up on my screen.

  Hey beautiful.

  Hi. I responded curtly.

  What’s up? He replied immediately.

  I wondered what to text back then typed in my message. Can you come over?

  Be there in 15. He sent the message and I locked my phone. He was going to take Seb’s side anyway. I knew for a fact...

  About fifteen minutes later he entered my bedroom, wearing a hoodie and shorts. – What’s up? – He closed the door behind himself.

  I scooted up on my bed and sat cross-legged. – Seb told me he made me a bank account when I was a child... now he bought me a house in Boca and he’s waiting for me to sign the contract. – I shortened the story.

  - But that’s great! You were looking for an apartment anyway. – His face lit up.

  - Yeah, I was, but I don’t want to use their money for such a big investment. –

  - But it’s your money. – He added.

  - I know but still! – I grumbled. – I don’t want to use them... I couldn’t pay it back. –

  - They are your family, Grace. – He said in a low voice and placed his hand on my thigh. – I still use my dad’s money, do you know that? - I shook my head. –He sends money monthly to my account. – He admitted. – I have my college fund saved up thanks to my mother but I use my dad’s money for everything else. That’s how I keep up my car and buy food. –

  - But that’s different... they are your parents. – I sighed.

  - Sebastian and Rebecca are your parents now. – He added quietly. – You know what I mean. –

  - Won’t I be self-indulgent if I accept it? – I looked into his eyes, eager to get a yes as an answer but he shook his head.

  - It’s your money that they saved up for you. How else are you supposed to start a life? –

  - I hate that you’re right... – I mumbled and rolled my eyes.

  - Is that all you were worried about? – He chuckled.

  - Yeah... –

  - Well, sign that contract then. – He prompted. – I can’t wait to have a girlfriend who owns an apartment. – He smirked.

  - You’re such a dork. – I rolled my eyes again. I grabbed the paper and signed my name on it before I would change my mind.

  - Will you invite me to your house? – His hand slid up on my thigh and my body shuddered.

  - I... – I stuttered. – I should give this to Seb. – I mumbled and he laughed.

  - I’ll say hi. – He stood up from my bed and escorted me to his office.

  - Uncle Seb? – I said knocking on the door and entered. – I signed the papers. – I stated unsurely.

  - What made you change your... – He asked and noticed Dylan walk in behind me. – Oh. Well, thank you, Dylan. – He chuckled.

  - You’re welcome. – He chuckled with him.

  - I’ll send the papers over to Liz tomorrow. – Seb took them from me and I nodded.

  - Thank you... so much. Seriously. – I looked into his eyes that matched mine. Sometimes I wondered if he was my dad because we shared so many similarities. I was just as organized and precise as him, not to mention our eyes and body structure. Lily looked nothing like him. When someone saw us on the street, they thought I was his daughter not Lily.

  - Okay, stop thanking me and give me a hug instead. – He stood up from his chair and I wrapped my arms him. We rarely hugged so it felt nice. - Are you staying over? – He asked looking towards Dylan when he let go of me.

  - I don’t know. Am I staying? – He looked at me for an answer. I nodded and smiled at him. – Then I am. – He answered.

  - Alright. There’s pizza in the oven if you’re hungry. – He commented and sat back down to work. He was really over-working himself.<
br />
  - Thanks. – Dylan smiled and we walked out, letting him concentrate on his work again.

  We got ready for bed and ate dinner before lying down on my bed. - I love you. – I whispered lying on his chest.

  - I love you too. – He muttered under his breath.

  - I hope you get into FAU. – I admitted but he was already deep asleep.

  The next morning we went to school together. Dylan was supposed to meet Daniel in the afternoon so I talked to Deb and we agreed on going shopping. I needed a dress for graduation.

  - So any news from Florida? – She asked as she parked down in front of the mall.

  - I got accepted. – I answered with a big smile.

  - I knew you’d get in! You worked so hard on this! – Her face lit up. She received her letter from Columbia two weeks ago and Nathan received his last week. She was head over heels for that boy.

  - I already have my apartment. I’m just waiting for Dylan’s letter to arrive. I hope he gets in. – I sighed uneasily.

  - I’m sure he will. But let’s not talk about boys. Let’s shop because I need heels for my dress. – She moaned towing me inside the mall.

  An hour and 20 pairs of shoes later Debby found the perfect heels for her dress. I tried on a few but my mind was settled on the flats. I could barely stand in heels, let alone walk in them. I survived four months without a trip to the ER and I didn’t want to break my ankle by a hazardous choice of shoes.

  - Do you know how you’ll wear your hair? – She asked from outside the dressing room while I fought to zip the dress on my back.

  - Nope. My aunt will probably help me out with the makeup and the hair. – I pulled the curtain and showed her the dress. This was the third dress I tried on.

  - Cute but not that cute. – She commented. – Try these ones. – She handed me another pile of dresses and I went back to the dressing room to try them on. A few of them didn’t fit right on my hips or on my chest. I tried on a baby blue dress that had a bow on the back and it fitted like a glove. Like it was made for my body.

  - Wow... – Debby’s voice broke. – You’re stunning, Grace. – Her eyes lingered on the dress.