Randomly dedicated to PrincessPea15, LadyLuv.V, mariano_il_mio_amore, TeresaLace

Grace's P.O.V

I slid into the passenger seat and strapped on my seat belt silently. Jeremy started the car and then backed out of the parking lot. I sent a wave at Nora and Robin. Only Robin returned it. Nora's gaze was icy as she stared me straight in the eyes. She wasn't a fan of my decision, but I didn't expect her to be.

Flashback

"Tell me that you're not actually thinking about going with him Grace,"

"Nora I know you want to protect me. That's all you've ever wanted to do. I appreciate that, but understand where I'm coming from. Regardless of everything, this is still my husband. Nobody understands what I'm going through right now better than him. He knows me and all my ways. He's seen me in all my moods. This is hard on him as well -"

"So what? You're going to brush all the crap he did aside and go flying back to him? Grace come on. This is Jeremy were talking about. He's hurt you so many times -"

"Don't you think I know that?! I know what he's capable of,"

Nora took a step closer to me and lowered her voice.

"What if he starts hurting you again. I won't be around to save you. You can't trust him. Please let's just go home. You need to rest,"

I took a moment to look back at Jeremy. His hands were in his pocket, shoulders squared, head down. Nora had the right to be so concerned. I've seen this man go from calm to riled up in a matter of minutes. I've heard him utter the sweetest of words and the nastiest of comments all from the same mouth. His hands have both touched me in love and anger. There was no forgetting that. But maybe he'd made a point. In the midst of all this panic and uncertainty, there was this part of me that longed for my husband. It's clear to see that he has a longing for me as well. I want more than ever to just be in his presence as we both navigate this scary time together. No I'm not just going to fly back into his arms because I'm feeling scared or lonely at the moment. No I'm not going to pretend like everything's perfect between us, but he was honest about his intentions and I'll hold him to his word. We both need each other right now.

"You're right Nora. I don't trust him completely, but this is something I need to do. Please don't be upset," I replied .

"Grace please," she begged.

"I'll pass by the house for a few things. We'll see each other tomorrow morning okay?"

My words were meant to encourage her, but Nora just sighed in defeat.

"It's your funeral not mine," she muttered before turning away from me.

"If you lay one finger on her Jeremy I swear to God I'll kill you. She may be forgiving, but I'm not as lenient," Nora treated Jeremy to a cold scowl.

"She'll come back to you unharmed. I promise," Jeremy replied.

"I don't need your stinking promise," Nora grumbled before marching out of the hospital.

Present

We were now on the highway drifting among other Sunday evening drivers. It was 5:30 p.m now and the whole road was coated in the last bit of sunlight before night's cloak descended.
We drove in complete silence. I passed the time staring out the window while thinking of Levi. I was grateful that he'd started to accept formula recently. It gave me one less thing to worry about.

Jeremy drove unto Nora and Robin's street and pulled up in front of their house. I unbuckled my seat belt and slipped out of the car. I quicky unlocked the front door and made my way to my room. I grabbed some clothes for myself and Levi and placed it in a bag. I threw in some other items as well and then made my way back outside. Locking the door, I walked backed over to the car. Jeremy's eyes watched me as I approached.

"All set," I stated as I placed the bag in the back and settled myself in the seat.

"Alright. You hungry?" He asked and started the vehicle.

"Starving. KFC drive through?" I offered.

Jeremy's lips spread into a smile.

"Sounds good,"

****

"You don't do the dishes?" I asked peering into the sink that was filled with used utensils. The sink reeked, causing my nose to wrinkle in distaste.

Jeremey looked at me sheepishly.

"I sorta went to be early last night and neglected cleaning up. Sorry for the mess,"

The house was just as I'd left it five weeks ago except for the addition of dirty laundry and dishes scattered here and there.

"You weren't always the neatest I'll give you that, but tell me, why can't you just place your dirty clothes in the hamper?" I quizzed as my gaze landed on each shirt and boxer congregated in a random pile.

Jeremy's eyes followed mine as they made their way around the room.

"The hamper's too far away?," he offered in response with a shrug and an embarrassed expression.

"That's a lame excuse and you know it," I said with a playful roll of the eyes.

Jeremy placed our boxes of food on the counter and I waited for his reply.

"You're right. It's a bad habit. You used to always scold me for it,"

"Oh so you actually heard those?" I asked in mocked surprise.

"Of course. I just never bothered to listen -"

"Hmm,"

"- Until now of course. The habit ends today," he concluded confidently. And to emphasize his statement he started plucking clothes from the floor one by one.

"If I'd known that you'd be here I would have cleaned up for you Grace, not showcase the pig sty I've made of the house," he added with a light chuckle.

"Living alone has got you comfortable," I said.

"Living alone is lonely,"

"You're managing,"

"It doesn't mean that I enjoy it. Doesn't mean that I don't miss you Grace."

Jeremy had made his way across the kitchen, his arms full of clothes. He was staring at me intensely awaiting my response to his statement.

"I'll get started on the dishes," I uttered in an effort to shift the conversation.

"You don't have to Grace. I'll -"

"Nope," I interrupted, "I'll take care of it."

Jeremy just nodded, his eyes still glued to me.

Staring. He's always been a starer. Quick with the gaze
I thought to myself.

I turned to the sink, ready to declutter. In two minutes time I stole a glance at Jeremy. He was leaning against a counter, hands still pilled with clothes, eyes still in my direction. Finished with scrubbing the dishes, I turned on the pipe to begin rinsing. Again, I glanced at Jeremy, but he had left without a sound.