Going Home

Part 44

Josh looked at Grace the next morning as she sat on the dirt bike. His expression was concerned. “You sure you’re going to be okay?”

Putting on her helmet Grace nodded, she hadn’t told Josh that although she hasn’t ridden for years, growing up with three brothers she had a go at everything they did including riding motorbikes. So pretending to be unsure she said “don’t worry I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it.”

But Josh was still looking worried as they start out.

However within minutes Josh laughed as he realised Grace had obviously done this before. He made a mental note to make her pay for that little omission.

After about ten minutes riding Josh signaled to Grace to pull up and turned off his bike. They were at one of the spots he used to escape to when he was a kid. There was a huge tree on the bank of a creek. Unfortunately it was now nothing but a dry bed with the water long since dried up.

As Grace took off her helmet she looked around. It was a beautiful spot but she had no idea why Josh had brought her there. He was very vague when she’d asked him and she didn’t understand why.

Still sitting on his bike Josh removed his helmet and stared off to the left.

He appeared lost in his thoughts. Watching him Grace wondered why he looked so grim all of a sudden and getting off her bike she walked over to him. The fact that she got close enough to lay a hand on his arm without him even noticing, told her that something big had a hold on him.

As her touch pulled him back to the present he turned his head. His expression was bleak.  “Tell me” Grace said.

Pointing back to where he was looking Josh said “just over that next rise….” But then he stopped, he couldn’t say it.

Looking at him Grace asked “Gavin?”

Josh nodded and looked down at the bike.

Lifting her hand and rubbing his back Grace could feel tears burning her eyes and as he reached out and pulls her close, holding her tight, she realised she wasn’t the only one crying. Josh’s grip on her was so tight Grace had trouble breathing after a while but she didn’t care she could feel the tension in his body.

Finally stirring Josh lifted his head.

 Looking at him for a minute Grace pulled his head towards her and kisses him. Not a kiss to stir him to passion but a sweet kiss to comfort him. Then stepping back and grabbing his hand she said “let’s walk over there.”

Josh just looked at her frowning. He didn’t want to go any closer just being this close hurt enough.

Seeing the look Grace sighed and tried again “Josh I think you need to face it, then it won’t have the power to hurt you anymore.”

Still unsure Josh looked at her for moment then lifting his leg over the bike stood next to her. Putting his arm around her shoulders he kissed her and resigned, said “let’s do it then.”