Grace was a young girl, who was born into a recently-turned wealthy and prosperous Christian family. They were God-fearing people. Grace had an elder sister, Juliet, and a brother Johnson. Juliet and Johnson were twins. They were three years older than Grace. While all the three kids were loved by both parents - Hannah and Edward, Juliet could never really be nice to Grace. Juliet always envied Grace for her intelligence, beauty and charm. Grace, though, was a sweetheart, who almost everyone fell in love with. She knew Juliet was never sweet to her, but Grace never reciprocated with anger or hatred. Johnson was an obedient son, and a doting brother. Grace and Johnson were fast friends more than siblings.
At school, all teachers found all the three kids exceptionally gifted and talented. They always wondered how any parent could raise such loving kids. Grace was excellent with her singing and keyboard, while Juliet danced gracefully. Johnson, was great at volleyball.
When Juliet and Johnson were born, Hannah and Edward were in deep distress because they could not make their ends meet, and to be blessed with twins seemed less of a blessing and more of a curse. However, after much struggle, and after the conception of Grace, they started seeing success and happiness knock at their door. Thus, Grace became an obvious favorite. Also, Grace was a very sorted kid, and always obeyed her parents, and did not have huge demands, while Juliet was a little brat. She always wanted the expensive barbies, and branded clothes, and wanted to throw parties for her friends. With a lot of unfulfilled demands, as well as fulfilled dreams, the kids grew up and were now in their teens.
Grace was a sweet sixteen, and Juliet and Johnson were 19. Juliet had opted for Arts, and was learning History and Economics, with great difficulty. As such she was not weak in studies, but her recent outings with some untoward friends had made her less attentive. Her parents were not aware of her friends, but Juliet had fallen prey to some cheap habits like smoking, and drinking. Johnson, despite being a boy, was always careful of not indulging in any bad habits. In fact, at one of their friends' parties, when he saw two of his buddies drinking hard drinks, he immediately made his point clear, that he would not hang out with them any more.
Grace had just completed her tenth, and secured a distinction with 93%. Not only were her parents proud of her, but also happy that Grace, as usual, had been a hardworking girl, and proven her mettle yet again.
When applying to colleges, Grace applied to the same college as Juliet's - Francis College of Arts and Commerce. Juliet tried to dissuade her from taking admission there, saying it was not a great college, but Grace had heard great reviews about it, and was keen on studying there. Another reason to choose that college was because two of her best friends, Avanti and Ridaa, were going to take admission there. Avanti was a Hindu, and Ridaa, a Muslim. The three of them had studied in the same class for over ten years now, and so they hoped to continue studying together even further. The teachers at the school always felt happy that the kids were so clean hearted, as seeing Hindu, Muslim and Christian girls glued together in present times, was a rare thing.
Much to Juliet's disappointment, and Grace's happiness, she got an easy admission to her favorite college. As soon as she got her confirmation of admission, she took out her mobile phone and called her father - "Dad, I got into Francis, and they have offered me a free seat with only a payment of 12,000/-. They would like to meet you, before I make the payment, though. Could you please come over?"
Edward was more than glad to go, and he promised he would reach shortly. Avanti and Ridaa too got their admissions, though they had to pay up the full fee, because they had both secured only 79% and 81% respectively. Grace also called her sister Juliet to give her the news that they would both be in the same college now, but Juliet ignored her call. Grace assumed Juliet would be busy in her class, but actually Juliet was with two of her girlfriends and two boyfriends who were all in a secluded spot in a nearby area, smoking! Juliet was obviously lost in the act, so she decided not to pick up Grace's call.
Post payment of fees, Grace and Edward headed home. Grace went home and hugged her mom, and said, "Mom, I am so happy, Juliet and I would be in the same college. So cool, isn't it?"
Her mother kissed her forehead and nodded. "Grace, you would have anyway got the admission, you got such lovely marks, my baby. Now, the best period of your life is about to begin. And thankfully, you have not just your sister but also your childhood friends for company. Enjoy these golden years till they last, my love!" Grace smiled and nodded. Johnson came running, and came and hugged his little sister, "Gracie, I knew it, you would get through. I am so proud of you. Julie will be happy too, did you tell her?"
"I tried her number, but could not speak with her. I guess she was busy with her class." said Grace.
Juliet entered home, "Yes, I was busy with class. Grace, please remember never to call me during college hours! I don't like distractions!" she said, sternly.
"Oh, so sorry, Julie, I did not mean to disturb you. I only wanted to share the good news with you." Grace said, meekly.
"What good news?"asked Juliet. "Well, you and I would now be in the same college... Ain't that a great thing?" asked Grace, excitedly.
Juliet was more than disappointed, but she could not show it. "Ah, yes, Gracie, that seems like a great thing." she pretended. In her mind, she was quite tensed because now she would have to be extra careful about her outings.
Johnson, who was doing his course in physiotherapy traveled almost thirty kilometers to and from the college. So, he was surely glad for both his sisters, both of whose college was just a few kilometers away from home.
Johnson said, "Dad, this calls for some celebrations. Let us all go for a dinner tonight..." he offered. All of them rejoiced and said, "Of course.."
Juliet loved dinner outings and picnics, because it meant she could dress up, wear make-up and high heels, all of which her college restricted.
The same reasons for which everyone loved Francis College, were the very reasons Juliet despised the college. In short, she hated discipline of any kind.
The family got ready for the dinner. Grace chose a simple frock, which fell till her calf, while Juliet chose to wear a short skirt that fell just above her knee. While Grace looked every bit graceful, Juliet chose style over grace.
At the restaurant, they were given the center-most table. Grace was conscious that they would now be the center of all attention. Just as expected, there was a young man right on the next table who kept gazing at Grace from time to time. Grace got up to use the washroom, and the young man kept looking at her - the grace of her walking, the softness of her eyes, the gentle ways of her actions... When Grace was returning to the table, her eyes met that of the young man's. She was amused by his way of staring, with wide open mouth. Grace laughed at the scene, and made a detour and walked to his table. She stood close to him, and softly whispered, "Shut your mouth close, lest a fly gets in..." and laughed gently. Grace walked back to her table and sat down. The man was now even more eager to know Grace, because after hearing her soft voice, he was sure he had never heard a more soothing voice. From time to time, Grace looked at the young man, and was a little shy as well as conscious.
After a while, Juliet got up to use the washroom. Grace wanted to make sure whether the young man was truly a gentleman or a pervert. She decided to find out by following his eyes, as Juliet walked. She looked at him, and he looked at Juliet for an instant, then looked away. Juliet walked with a slight sway of hips that attracted most men, but not this young man. Grace smiled to herself that there were some decent men in the world, after all.
As Juliet was returning to the table, she saw this young man, and stared at him. But she suddenly felt pangs of jealousy, when she realized that the man was staring at her sister, Grace, and not giving a second look to her! She decided to teach her sister a lesson, and immediately pretended to slip, and let out a cry, "Ouch!" At this opportunity, most people, especially men would grab the chance to be able to touch a hot young lady, but this young man was different. Grace's family members rushed towards Juliet, but this man came and blocked Grace's way, and said, "Hey, you are the prettiest and most charming girl I have ever seen. And your voice is the best I have ever heard.. And..." Grace cut him short, "Thank you for the compliment. You are just kind. Anyway, I must go.." and she went close to Juliet.
Juliet stared at Grace and was annoyed because the good looking young man did not come towards her. Grace said, concerned, "Are you okay, Julie? Looks like your high heels shook your balance.." Juliet got wild, when she saw Edward and Hannah nodding in agreement, "Shut up, Grace. Don't give directions to me!" Edward gave a disapproving look. "Julie, that is not right. Gracie was concerned."Juliet said, "Oh please, when I fell, she did not come to me, and stood talking to some stranger! Cheap Grace!" Hannah yelled, "Juliet, behave!" And Edward, too, said, "Juliet, that is bad behavior!" Juliet felt sick, that neither of her parents believed her, though she was right. Grace felt hurt, and said, "Julie, you have mistaken. I don't even know that man. He was just..." Edward waved his hand, and said, "Grace, forget it. Let us get back to dinner!" They all walked back to the table.
Juliet gave a dirty look to Grace as well as the young man. The young man was still staring at Grace, but Grace did not look at him for a long time, because she did not want any more embarrassment.
Just as they were leaving the dinner table, Grace saw there was a piece of paper on her chair. She had been sitting on it, without realizing. She picked it up, and saw. It read,
"I am sorry for the trouble because of me. But I had to talk to you. Never seen or heard anyone like you before.
Steve."
Grace glanced at him. He was looking at her. She smiled, and nodded. Steve got up, and was about to walk to Grace, but she started to walk away, in fear. Steve followed her till outside the restaurant, but when Grace got into the car, he turned away, disappointed. Just as he was walking slowly to his table, Grace came from behind and tapped his shoulder, "Hey!" He turned and looked at her, and a smile slipped from his lips. Grace said, "I'll call you. Give me your number!" Steve quickly gave his number, and Grace said, "Gotta go! I lied that I have to use the washroom!"
Grace was herself not sure, why she lied. She usually did not lie. But the guy seemed like a decent fellow, and Grace had wanted to talk to him, just like he had wanted to talk to her.
Juliet was fuming from inside because Edward and Hannah did not believe her! She decided she would teach Grace a lesson she would never forget!