Randomly dedicated to emily125564

Grace's P.O.V

"So how's the new job?" I asked as I handed her a glass of orange juice.

Nora made a face before taking a sip.

"My supervisor's a pain in the butt. She looks for a every little thing to criticize. I think I'm ready to quit," she huffed.

"You never quit, remember? She can't be that bad Nora. Give it another three months. Things will get better,"

Nora rolled her eyes at me.

"Still only seeing the bright side of things, Missy?"

I gave her a small smile in response.

"People are going to walk all over you Grace. You can't always be a goody two shoes. You can't let people take advantage of you," Nora replied.

"No one's taking advantage of me," my response came out sounding way more defensive than I intended.

"I didn't say anyone was,"
Nora's eyes settled on mine. Her gaze intense.
"But if someone was, you'd tell me, right?"

I nodded a yes.

"Enjoying the married life? You two are definitely the couple to model after according to mom," Nora smiled.

I didn't smile back. Mom knew nothing.

"Oh, yeah it's great. Everything I dreamt it would be,"

Liar, liar pants on fire,
Your nose long like a telephone wire.

Nora nodded. I knew she was thinking about her fiance Robin.
They're scheduled to tie the knot in December.

"You make it look so easy Grace. I hope my marriage life is as smooth as yours,"

"It's not that easy. It's a lot of work. Takes a lot of effort and love,"

And tears, I wanted to say as well, but didn't.

Nora nodded in agreement.

Just then, her eyes lit up. I knew that look all too well. She had an idea.

"Omg! I know what color I want my bridesmaids' dresses to be! Grace you'll love-" she stopped abruptly.
Guess she saw the look of horror on my face.

"What is it?"

"You just threw juice on the rug," I couldn't keep the whine out of my voice.

"Oh come on Grace. It's just juice I'm sure hubby wouldn't mind," she replied. She wiggled her eyebrows at me, but I didn't crack a grin.

"How are you so sure? Do you live here!?" I shouted.

Nora winced, but I didn't care.

I ran to the kitchen and grabbed a cloth and returned to wipe up the remaining liquid.

Nora was silent. I could feel her eyes on me. Those intelligent eyes.

After a while she spoke,

"How long?" I let her question hang.

"Everything you dreamt it would be?"

I still wouldn't respond.

"You lied," she said softly.

I had my back to her on the floor. My vision fogging up with tears.

"I don't know what you're talking about Nora. Everything is fine," I said as evenly as I could.

"You're still in denial? Why are you protecting him?"
Again I didn't respond.

Suddenly, I could feel Nora's hands on my back. Swiftly, she pulled up my sweater to expose my body.

Her sharp intake of breath said everything.

She knew what I knew deep down inside.
My marriage wasn't fine.
My strongholds of denial were finally shattering.