Fing Perfect - S01 E61

Story 4 months ago

Fing Perfect - S01 E61

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 61

It took a week to get everything fully unpacked in Grace's new house. She'd lived in her previous home since she was a young child, so she had no idea how much work moving would be. The new house still felt alien to her, but she knew it would become her home in time. With her mother's pictures displayed in almost every room, it felt like her spirit moved with them.

Although it took longer than Grace had anticipated, she was finally able to feel safe with the thought that Will was locked up and unable to hurt her anymore. Things were going back to normal, so it was time to finally return back to school and to her old routine.

Since her therapist recommended going back to school on Friday so she could get a feel for it again before the weekend, that's what she did. It felt a bit silly to go back for one day and then gone for the next two, but it did feel comforting. Returning felt scary to Grace for some reason, likely because she just hadn't been there in so long.

But even if the first day back was uncomfortable and strange, she had some... 'plans' to look forward to that evening.

The thought sent shivers down Grace's spine as she finished getting ready that Friday morning. She stared at herself in the mirror, making sure her makeup and hair were perfect. After all, she'd be seeing some faces she hadn't seen in a while...plus one she had.

"Come on, Grace, we gotta go!" her father called up the stairs.

"Coming!" she called back, looking in the mirror one last time before running out to go down the stairs.

Although Jeanette usually picked her up, her father would be taking her that day. Since the new house was farther from school, her and her dad decided that it would be a good time to buy her a car of her own to take. They'd go searching around that weekend, and Grace would be lying if she said she wasn't excited.

She'd never had much of a desire for her own car since she wasn't one to go out that often. If she ever needed to, she could borrow her dad's SUV, but now she had more reasons to get her own.

"Are you excited?" Grace's father asked as they drove off to school.

"A little," Grace replied.

"Nervous?"

"For sure."

He chuckled a little. "Well, I'm so proud of you for doing so well. I know you're going to get back into your schedule just fine."

Grace smiled. She was so fortunate to have a father like her's – supportive, patient, and loving. Her entire network of support had been pivotal in getting back on track. She felt so lucky to have one.

They finally pulled up to the school and Grace stared at the building she hadn't seen in over a month. She took a deep breath, and her father squeezed her hand encouragingly.

"Go get 'em, Grace," he said.

"Thanks, dad," she said, regarding him with a smile before opening the car door to get out.

"Oh, and Grace?" her dad called once more after she hopped out. She held the door open and looked back at him, confused.

"Don't forget to call me before you go over there tonight," he said.

Grace flushed when she realized what he was talking about. "I got it, Dad."

"And make sure you be safe. Remember that talk we had the other night-"

"Oh my god, Dad! Goodbye!"

She heard him laughing as she slammed the door shut, running towards the entrance of the school as if she was escaping from her utter embarrassment.

Story continues below

Grace entered the school, seeing the rush of student near the front doors as they waited for the first warning bell. The honor student's mouth went dry as she felt as though she was being watched by everyone. It was nerve-wrecking being back after such a long absence – especially when she had a reputation.

She texted Jeanette and Megan to see where they were at, promptly receiving responses that they were almost at the school.

Before she could even put her phone down and move to a place to wait for her friends, she caught the eye of a familiar figure standing against the wall a little ways down the hallway.

"Dana," she blurted out.

The pretty blonde broke into a wide smile, one that was more genuine than Grace had ever seen before. The cheerleader hurried over to her.

"Grace! You're back!" she squealed, pulling her into a massive hug.

Grace awkwardly returned the embrace, patting Dana's back. "Yeah, yeah."

Dana pulled back, still smiling like an idiot. "You should've told me you were coming today! You wanted it to be a surprise, didn't you?"

"Yeah, sure," Grace replied sarcastically, but she could've fight off a smile.

Dana had texted her often during her absence, but the cheerleader still didn't know the details of what had happened. She had been surprisingly delicate about the situation, not prying too much, but still being there for support. She offered to come over several times, but Grace hadn't been comfortable seeing anyone outside of her family or Cal. She didn't want to have to tell them about the incident for fear of re-living it.

"I heard you still got the highest scores in the grade on the midterms," Dana said.

"Yeah, and I've still been doing school work online since I've been gone," Grace replied. She sort of needed to if she didn't want to be way behind once she returned to school.

"That's so like you," Dana teased. "But you won't have any real competition anymore."

Grace raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Did you hear? Sarah transferred to a different school."

Grace was surprised. She hadn't even thought about her old enemy since all the drama with Cal happened. The girl had been laying low since getting reprimanded by the administration – she must've wanted an escape from the bad reputation she earned. Well, whatever. Grace honestly hoped she got the help she needed.

"But seriously, are you doing okay?" Dana asked, her tone suddenly becoming more somber. Her blue eyes bore into Grace's, and her expression was laced with obvious concern.

Grace hadn't realized how much the blonde cared about her, but she found out when Dana formed a vital part of her support network during the whole incident. Even if she couldn't be there for her in person, she always checked in on her over text.

In spite of all the time she spent getting on Grace's nerves and being nosy...Dana was a true friend.

"Yes," Grace answered. "I'm doing a lot better...thank you."

"Good," Dana said with a small smile.

"And I know I've kept you in the dark about everything," Grace continued. "Would you be able to have lunch sometime next week so we can talk?"

Dana pulled her into yet another hug, this time more tender. "Of course."

When they separated, Grace felt her phone vibrate and saw a text from Jeanette saying that her and Megan had arrived.