Splinters: Part One

Part One | 39

"Where are they? I can go get 'em," I offered.

He shook his head. "I'll get them. My mom won't want you to see her like the way she is right now."

I waited as Grady trotted down his stair case, calling for his mom. Their muffled conversation was short and quiet. I tried my best not to try and eavesdrop as I thought about Grady's family. He hadn't told me a whole bunch about his parents' situation, but I had a feeling either his dad wanted the divorce or he just up and left. 

I do know that Grady's dad is kind of pretty well-off with a steady job that has him traveling for days to weeks on end and a large house on the other side of Rhode Island. Grady's mom has most custody, but he'll go and visit his dad from time to time. From how he says it, I'm not sure he really enjoys spending time with him.

Taking me out of my thoughts, Grady hustled back upstairs, grinning as he waved the batteries in front of me. "Moment of truth."

I smirked, waiting as he placed the batteries into their positions. When he was finished, he replaced the cap and sat the scale down, pressing ON a second time. Succeeding, he kicked off his shoes and nodded at me.

I stood up and went towards him. "Well, Grady Nicholson, three months ago, you were one hundred and sixty-two pounds. Three months later you are one fifty-eight... one hundred and forty-six pounds!"

Grady threw his arms in the air in victory.

"You did it, Gray!" I exclaimed. "You lost more than ten pounds!"

He patted his belly. "I even watched what I ate six days out of the week!"

I smiled as he hopped off the scale and ran out of the bathroom calling "Mom, Mom!" It was the best moment I have ever had with Grady. I had never seen him so happy and accomplished, and that's exactly how he should feel! He worked so hard the past three months. 

Just then, my phone started ringing in my bag. Opening it, I stuck my hand inside and felt around for my phone. Once I had it, I answered, already knowing it was Melissa.

"Hey."

"Hey, sweetie. You comin' home soon?"

I looked down the stairs, waiting for Grady. "I should be. Grady made three miles today!"

"That's great! Tell him I'm proud."

"Okay." I pressed my lips together; knowing I probably won't tell him that. 

Suddenly, I heard Grady hopping up the stairs. Entering the bathroom, I covered the mouthpiece as Melissa told me what we were going to eat. "Hey, Gray, I've gotta go."

He nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Brayden."

I patted his back. "You deserve this," I whispered. 

He smiled, nodding again. I took that as my opportunity to leave after telling Melissa I'd be home in ten minutes. Trotting down the stairs, I said goodbye to Grady's mother loudly.

"Goodbye, Brayden! Thank you for doing this with Grady!" she said, her voice sounding slightly hoarse.

I decided to save her the embarrassment and not go into the kitchen. I felt bad for Grady's mom. She's a great lady. I don't know their situation, but she's a good person. She probably doesn't deserve this.

Leaving through Grady's front door, I hopped down the porch stairs and went towards my car. Unhooking my cinch-up bag from my shoulder, I threw it in the backseat and started the car. The drive home was quiet since I don't listen to music. It always distracted me for some strange reason.