When Skies Are Grae

It was a gloomy November afternoon, 4:16 to be exact. A steady rain fell from the dark clouds that covered the Georgia horizon. Despite the pouring rain, today is special. My parents are down stairs celebrating their 30th anniversary with a few friends and loved ones. As long as I can remember, they've always enjoyed having a full house. My older brother and I constantly had friends over. My parents have always been quite the hosts.

Over the years, I've become a little barbaric around crowds; I speak very little and attempt to stay to myself. The people down stairs are God-fearing Christians who have judged me since I was a teenager. My father saw me as if I was trying to express myself but my mother was nothing more than ashamed. Apparently, I'm an outcast because I have an 'emo' haircut, wear shirts that promote 'the Devil's music' and have tattoos. The black sheep of the family; the girl who will never make something of herself. Who cares anyways, huh? They're only here a short while longer.

I mozy down the stairs to be with my parents. As I clear the kitchen someone wraps a strong arm around me.
"There's my sweet princess! " my dad squeezes me.
"Happy anniversary, pops." I plant a small kiss on his cheek.

My dad has always been on my side, through thick and thin. He was the one I'd run to at night to scare the monsters out of my closet when I was a child. The one that always helped with homework, came to my dance recitals and cheered me on. He never let me give up when I thought I couldn't go on. My dad is my best friend; my shelter in a fierce rain storm. My hero. My mother on the other hand hasn't been the best. I was supposed to have been her beauty pageant queen who was the captain of the cheer squad. That isn't me. Not once has she supported me in anything I wanted to do. She would've much rathered stay home and medicate herself with alcohol. In those years, nothing has changed.

"Happy anniversary, mom." I give her a hug. She gives me a half smile and simply walks away to pour herself another glass of wine.
"If only Christopher was here, my heart would be full." My mother mumbles to my aunt.

Around 6:30 the crowd begins to leave, as well as my anxiety. At 7, everyone is gone. I take my gift down to them.
"Here. Go out and enjoy yourselves. You two deserve it." I hand the little box to my dad.
He opens it, revealing the gift card from Fazio's within.
"It has $80 on it. Should be enough for a nice dinner and dessert." I smile.
"Of course it will, sweetie. You didn't have to do this, ya know.
I just appreciate you remembering." My dad slides over and gives me a big hug. "Thank you, baby girl. This is very nice of you."

Dad has always been a softie when it comes to gifts. Whether they are home made, bought at the dollar store, or made of the king's gold. It's the thought that counts, he would preach to Chris and I.

"Lauren! Would you like to go out for an anniversary dinner?" My dad belts.
"Where?" She asks, leaning against the door frame, a glass of red wine in her left hand.
"Grae got us a gift card to Fazio's. Ya know, that upscale Italian restaurant on Beltmont Street. What do you say, my love?"
"Fazio's, huh? You done that for us, Grae?" my mom gives me an approving nod.
"Well yeah. How many couples can say they've been married for 30 years." I add.
"Thank you, Grae. As for you Steven, let me find something more suitable to wear." my mother replies, looking at us both.

An hour goes by and I hear mom trotting down the hall, her heels making a clacking sound on the wooden floor with every step.
"Well, look at you Mrs. Justice. You look stunning." Dad boasts as he gazes at his wife.
"We've been married for 30 years for a reason, Steve." Mom jokes, giving herself a twirl. "Are you ready to roll?"
"Yes ma'am." he stands up, "Grae, we shall return later, hun."
"Okay. Have fun! I love y'all." I giggle.
"Love you, sweetie." They both shout as they stroll out the door.

As hours widdled away, I began to worry. Maybe they're watching a movie? I'm sure they would've called by now. I ponder to myself.

Another 2 hours pass and I have the house 100% spotless. I glance at the clock, 11:28pm. Sheesh, they should most likely be back by now. Suddenly, a loud ring breaks my worrisome mind. A phone call, finally!
"Hello?" I answer.
"Is this Holland?" someone asks.
"Ummm... yes. Can I help you?" I awkwardly reply.
"Your parents Steven and Lauren Justice?"
"Yes sir." I get a gut wrenching pain.
"Ma'am, they've been in a horrible accident. With an 18-Wheeler."
"Oh my God!!! Are they-" that's all I could get out.
"Ma'am, I'm sorry... they died on the scene."

Notes

I know, I know... a little much for a first chapter. This is the only way I could find getting around a prologue! I'm sorry.