“Goodbye,” I said as I took off for the door. I didn’t wait for her to respond, because she probably wouldn’t. The tears were flowing so hard out of my eyes that I could barely see anything in front of me.
Jackson and Kennedy met me in the yard and took my things as I climbed into the car. Once everyone was inside, I laid my head down on Jackson’s lap and cried.
I cried because I got my closure, I cried because of Momma’s hug, I cried because my dad would never change, I cried because I was finally moving on with my life, but most of all I cried because of all of the love I felt around me.
“I love you.” I said to everyone in the car; because I wanted them all to know how much they meant to me. I’d never hide my true feelings for them, ever.
Every single person in the car told me they loved me too, and they meant it. I was truly blessed beyond measure.
“I’m free.” I laughed, though my eyes were still clouded with tears.
“YEAH!” Kennedy hollered. “Free Bitches.”
I laughed and snorted at her words.
“Say it Grace.” She gave my leg a little shove.
What the heck?
“FREE BITCHES!” I yelled out and the car erupted into laughter.
So long old life, and hello new, fabulous, one hundred percent, better life.
“I love you Grace.” Jackson said into my ear, and kissed my cheek.
“I love you too.”
I watched as Oklahoma slowly faded into the distance. Silently, I said a little goodbye. You can take the girl out of Oklahoma, but you can never take the Oklahoma out of the girl.
THE END
Epilogue
Grace
I spent Christmas morning at home with Aunt Darcy, her boyfriend Paul, and Paul’s daughter Carly. It was a wonderful morning. Nothing like any other Christmas that I’d ever had. It was the first time I’d met Carly, and we hit it off right away. She was a very sweet girl, just like Darcy had said. I could see the two of us becoming great friends. Both of us girls cried when we watched Paul propose to Darcy right there by the Christmas tree. She said yes of course, and I was thrilled for her. She deserved such wonderful happiness. It got me thinking that maybe I’d need to look for another place to live. Who knew how long it would be before she decided to sell her home. It was something for me to think about anyway.
We continued opening presents for what felt like hours before having a great big breakfast that I helped Aunt Darcy fix. Kennedy showed up just in time to steal a muffin, and to pick me up. I was spending Christmas night at her house with her family. I couldn’t wait.
“You should see all the presents under our tree.” Kennedy said as we walked up the steps to her house. “Mom said that we had to wait for you to get here before we could open them.” She rolled her eyes.
“You guys didn’t have to wait on me.”
“Oh yes,” she proclaimed. “You’re a part of this family and we don’t open presents until the whole family is here. So move your feet.”
I laughed as she pushed me through the front door. Jackson picked me up and spun me around before both feet had even made it inside.
“I’ve missed you.” He kissed my cheek.
“You just saw me last night.” I replied, and kissed him lightly on the lips.
I suddenly realized that they were acting kind of weird. I felt like Jackson and Kennedy had some big secret that they were keeping from me, and that they were making hand signals or something behind my back.
It was weird. There was definitely something off.
Jackson tugged me along to the living room, where the rest of the family was sitting with big cheesy grins on their faces.
Yep, something was up.
I searched the room for some kind of a clue as to what was going on, but found nothing.
Except…
Under the tree were no presents. Kennedy had said just moments ago that there were tons of presents under the tree.
I squinted my eyes in her direction. “You little liar. What’s going on?”
She just smiled but didn’t say a word. Tucker walked into the room and swooped me up for a giant bear hug.
“They have a big surprise for you, but I’m not supposed to tell you.” Tucker whispered in my ear. He really was a little rebel, but I loved that about him.
“Merry Christmas Tucker.” I whispered back.
“Merry Christmas Gracie.” He said loudly.
“I can’t wait any longer.” Nick jumped up from his lazy chair. He handed me a manila folder, kissed my cheek, and said, “Merry Christmas Gracie. We love you.”
Just melt my heart like butter why don’t ya?
“Open it,” Kennedy bounced in excitement.
I sat down on the couch and slowly opened the envelope. There was a sheet of paper and a key inside.
I read the paper to myself not once, but twice. It couldn’t be real. How was this possible? My eyes were wide as I scanned the room. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about what they had just done for me. I was speechless.
“Read it out loud Grace.” Kennedy said to me.
“Miss Grace Dearman,” I sniffled. “We have reviewed your application, and are pleased to announce your acceptance to Aurora Lane University for the 2016 spring semester. How did you guys know I applied? And how did you make it happen?” I cried.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head? It’s done and you’ve got a bright future ahead of you. The year of two thousand sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen will be paid in full.”
“Four years.” I jumped off the couch and nearly tackled Nick off his chair. “Thank you so much.” I cried into his shoulder.
“You’re welcome.”
I hugged Claire too, and told her how wonderful she was. Their generous gift was beyond words.
“We gotta go shopping now, roomie.” Kennedy pulled me to her side.
“Roomie?” I looked at her confused.
“The key silly. We have our own place. You and me are going to be partying it up.” She knocked my hip against hers.
“No parties for me, but YAY to being roomies.” I clapped.
“And this is why we love her.” Claire said to Nick. They were talking about me. They thought I was a good influence for Kennedy, but truthfully she was a good girl all on her own.
“Come on, college student. I have a present for you.” Jackson took my hand and led me out of the room. Tucker whistled at us as we left making me blush.
“Can you believe it Jackson? I’m going to school.” An enormous smile was plastered on my face.
“Yes I can, and you’re gonna do great.” He said sweetly. “Merry Christmas.”
He handed me small red box.
“We weren’t supposed to buy gifts. I told you that.”
“This is a different kind of gift, and I didn’t buy it.” He brushed a lock of hair from my face. “Open it.”
I lifted the top off the beautiful red velvet box. “It’s beautiful.”
There was a small silver ring covered in a vine design.
“It was my Grandmother’s ring. It’s simple and beautiful, just like you.” He took the ring out of the box. “I was hoping that you would wear it as a promise ring.”
“A promise ring?” I asked.
“It will always remind you of my promises to you. My promise to always protect you, my promise to be your friend when you need one, and my promise to love you forever.”
“I’m a lucky girl.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his lips.
“Yes you are.” He kissed me back. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Freedom is an amazing feeling, but freedom and love is above and beyond.
Acknowledgements
Can you believe it? This book is finally finished, and I feel like it has taken me forever. I’ve never more prouder of myself, because of the struggles with this book. This is the third time that I have come back to this story, and now it’s finally finished. I can’t believe. I guess 3rd time really is the charm. I hope you all loved it as much as me. Grace is pretty spectacular and I have wanted to tell her story for so long now.