Going Home

Part 11

The next morning Grace purposely avoided the subject of Josh’s parents, leaving it up to him to bring the subject up when he was ready. During breakfast they talk about other things and decide as they have the day off, to go for a run. Getting ready to head out Grace was wondering about what was going on in Josh’s head. He seems less troubled today so she hoped that maybe he’d come to a decision. But sticking with her earlier resolve not to bring it up she didn’t ask him.

Josh had woken to a better day. Sleep had eased some of the tension he was feeling and better still, being able to think clearly had enabled him to come to a decision on what to do about his parents. Even though he knew the hard part was still to come, just eliminating the indecision felt like an enormous relief. And after the turmoil of yesterday the relief felt so good that he didn’t want to do anything to destroy it. As a consequence he didn’t want to talk about it yet and he was grateful Grace didn’t ask.

As they jog along their usual route next to the river Grace glanced up at Josh. He looked serious and wanting to give him something else to think about she said “race you to the bridge” and took off before Josh could even take in what she had said.

Sighing and smiling as she was rapidly moving away from him Josh moved into top gear and chased after her.

Just before Grace reached the bridge she felt Joshs arms go around her and the next thing she knew, she was lying on the grass with Josh on top of her. Smiling up at him she teased “you must be getting slower, I nearly made it this time.”

Josh looked down at her with a stern expression and reprimanded “the only reason you nearly made it this time is that you don’t play fair.”

Grace laughed “well I need some advantage. Your legs are longer than mine.”

Smiling down at her now Josh conceded “true” then looking at her intently he continued “but you know that kind of thing only lands you in trouble.

Feigning innocence Grace asked “oh, what sort of trouble?”

Josh’s smile widened “Grace you know exactly what sort of trouble” and leaning down he kissed her.

After a minute Josh reluctantly lifted his head and looked at her. Touching her face tenderly, his expression going somber and he admited “I’m going to ring them.”

Grace smiled, she was happy he was going to try and sort things out with his parents. To her this seemed the best way for Josh to put the past behind him and reaching up she pulled his head back to hers.

A few minutes later, Josh once again raised his head and grinned. God she knew how to drive him crazy. Quickly getting to his feet before he gave into temptation, he helped Grace up and looking at her warned “well after that you’d better hope you can out run me now, because if I catch you before we get home we’re both going to be in trouble. Laughing, Grace was glad to see a return of his sense of humour and setting off in the direction home, she made sure she kept out of arms reach on the way