Trigger - Part 1

CHAPTER 19 - Find Him

"Thank you for coming on such short notice Hon, come in!" Her voice sounds faint as she stretches her arms out. I move forward and put mine around her body and feel her warmth against me.

"Of course Grace anytime." I let go and walk towards the kitchen.
I place my handbag on the bar stool and take a seat at the island counter.

"I really do appreciate you coming over to help me, Sage dear. Shane was supposed to but you know him."

I watch her as she walks over to the kettle and starts preparing two cups.
"It's not a problem at all Grace... It feels like it has been a while since I came over. I am sorry I have been so quiet." I say looking down at the counter.

I look up at a sudden silhouette moving in front of me and see it's Grace placing a cup of tea down.

"Sage, don't you go apologizing for anything, you hear me. It hasn't been easy for any of us but we all manage on our own terms."

I look at Grace and see her hazel eyes fill up. She quickly wipes them and takes a seat on the chair opposite me.

"Where is Shane?" I ask.
"Who knows anymore." Her eyes roll back while she takes a deep breath.

"So, where are the photos we need to look at?" I ask, trying to change the subject.
Her eyes lighten up as she takes a quick sip and gets up quickly. "Come."

I copy her and we walk into the lounge. I see a box on the coffee table and she sits on the couch in front of it while reaching into the box, pulling a few photos out.

"I was thinking we could use these and make them into a banner. And these we can use and make some sort of collage that spells out Happy Birthday Devan. What do you think?"

I take a couple of photos and my heart starts to ache seeing his smile.

Devan...

"Sage?"
Startled, I look up and see Grace's eyes searching for a reply.

"Are you okay dear?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, don't know where I drifted off too."

Her smile lights up her eyes but I can see it's just a mask.

Grace and I simultaneously look around quickly at the direction of the sound of a throat being cleared.
I see Shane leaning against the doorframe dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt.

"Shane..." I whisper and see Grace stand up and walk over to Shane. She leans in and kisses him on the cheek.

"Hello darling." She says quietly.
"Mom. Sage..." Shane kisses her cheek while keeping his eyes on me.

I stand up and brush my dress down.
"Do you want to help us choose a few photos for your brother's birthday?" Grace asks.
"I'd love to but I'm actually heading out again. Just going to grab a few things and I'll be on my way."

"Okay dear, I'll see you later then."

Shane keeps his gaze on me and then turns around and disappears upstairs.

"Boys... never know if they're coming or going." Grace says as she walks towards the couch.
"Excuse me dear." She gets up at a sudden ring coming from the kitchen.
I take my seat again.

He looks different...
Like a good different though...

Maybe he stopped drinking.

Well I'm happy if that's the case...
Grace needs him. He needs her...

I take a breath and look at a photo of myself, Devan and Shane holding onto each other at one of Grace's famous Lunch gatherings.