Grace (story)

Characters:

Grace Love – 16-year-old servant after being sold to Mr. Howard by her own family
Joshua Love – Grace’s father who made the choice to sell her.
Madison Love – Grace’s mother.
Marie Love – Grace’s sister.

Jacob Howard – Grace’s owner. Craftsman.

Paul Harbor – owner of the town’s main store. Alice Harbor’s husband.
Alice Harbor – Paul Harbor’s wife.
Josephine Harbor – The Harbors’ 18-year-old daughter.

Harold Perez – husband to Lucy.
Lucy Perez – Harold’s wife.
Leon Perez – their 17-year-old son
Jess Perez - their 19-year-old son










Chapter One



A small, sixteen-year-old girl stood outside of Paul Harbor’s store. Her arms were crossed over her breasts as she stared at the rickety sign uncertainly. This was a problem she also noticed about herself as did those around her: she would often anticipate possible dangers and be unable to face even the most common of things. She tried to push her feet on, through the door and into safety, but she just couldn’t do it.
“Grace? Come on in Honey, nothings gonna fall.” The young girl—Grace—saw Mrs. Harbor standing in the door, looking at her sympathetically. She hesitated for a moment, and then hurried inside. Mrs. Alice Harbor greeted her with a touch to her back and gently guided her to where Paul sat, playing with his pen. He looked up at the sight of Grace as she huddled close to his wife.
He often worried about this young girl. He had never been close to her family, but when their house collapsed he had been sad. The sadness had changed to disappointment when her family had sold their daughter to help pay for the home. The new house stood outside of town, and though Grace thought it was obvious, it was, the fact that she never dared even go near that side of town was no secret.
Still, her father came by every once in a while for lumber and meat for the family. The ‘family’, was it really even complete without little Grace?
He shook the thoughts away and smiled at the small teenager as she came up to the counter, shaking. He always expected her nowadays on Friday, and so did Alice. It frightened Grace to come in the store, so his wife stayed just this one evening of the week to help. The whole town had sympathy on Grace.
“Hello there kiddo.” He grinned lightheartedly. She greeted him in a hushed whisper and put a tiny smile on her face. Alice stayed close to her side.
“You want the usual Grace?” Paul’s eyes fell gently on her. At last, she stopped shaking and just stood for a moment, thinking.
“No. I think that Mr. Roads is getting sick of chicken and celery. Maybe some pork, eggs, and beans? It would be a nice change for me too.” He nodded, and then with a grin slipped back into the storage room to pick up the items.

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Jess Perez swept out of his home once his folks had fallen to sleep. He was cautious even though he had pondered his excuses thoroughly. His feet thudded quietly against the dirt ground and stared at the town as it came into view. The church steeple was the first thing he noticed. The wooden sides, not yet painted, and the cross placed carefully on the roof.
He couldn't help but wonder when the new meetinghouse would be done. It had been worked on for weeks now, and it was coming along nicely, in fact, people were already listening to sermons inside. All that needed to be down was the back porch and the paint on the outside.
"Well now, hello there Jess." The tall man turned sharply to see Paul Harbor standing behind him, a smile brimming on his calm face. Jess let his shoulders fall as he realized that this man wouldn't think anything of him. Just a kind greeting and then he would go home.
"Hello Paul." He breathed, hiding the relief in his voice. The last thing he needed was his father and mother nagging him about why he was sneaking out at night. The older man spoke up just as Jess began to think of the trouble: "I have to go now Champ, see you tomorrow at services!"
"Bye." Was all Jess managed, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Paul Harbor turned happily, not suspecting a thing, then headed away toward home after closing up the store. He was anxious to get home to his wife--Alison--and his eighteen year old daughter Josephine.
After a moment, things began to clear in Jess's mind. He shook his head and he began to walk again, his long legs clearing the distance swiftly. It was worth being alert to see her, even if it was just for a few moments. This time, he didn't take the time to gaze at scenery; he wanted every moment he could get with her.
His heart rate had increased by the time her small cottage began to come into view. A smile had been placed on his joyful face. Everything was always worth it once he got there.
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