Water Under The Bridge • Gracie Abrams

017 Parents

07 Parents

Gracie's POV

"Gracie, I asked if you realized—"

"Got it the first time," I cut in, surprised at how quickly Mom had sussed things out, considering how little time she'd been around.

In that moment, my mind went blank. All I could focus on was the figure crouched in the closet in front of us. I knew what I should say, but a torrent of worst-case scenarios flooded my thoughts. I wasn't prepared to confront something like this. How could I be?

"No, why would you think that?" I frowned, shaking my head.

"Have you noticed how she gazes at you? She was right in front of me all night, with starry eyes, not even Mark paid that much attention."

"Mom I think you are being dramatic," I replied.

My mom's question kept replaying in my head, stirring up a jumble of emotions. Was she onto something, or was it just a passing remark? I couldn't help but wonder if she had sensed the tension between me and Cassie. Her words, weighing heavily on me, nudging me to face the truth I'd been avoiding.

Was it time to admit the truth, she was clearly giving me a chance, or should I keep dodging it, afraid of what it might mean? As I mulled it over, uncertainty clouded my thoughts, leaving me craving clarity in the midst of all the confusion.

"I'm serious. If you have feelings for her, this is not the time to entertain them," she reiterated, her tone firm and resolute.

"Just because you think she 'likes me'," I gestured with my hands to indicate air quotes, "doesn't mean I feel the same way about her or anything," I lied, trying to ease her.

As soon as the words escaped my lips, guilt washed over me, and I quickly glanced towards where Cassie was hiding, silently pleading with my eyes for her to understand that I didn't mean any of it. I hoped she could see through my facade, realizing that I was only saying it to get my mom to drop the topic.

In Jamaica, I realized I'm all in for Cassie, way more than I ever was for Mark. I used to think I'd felt every ounce of excitement with Mark, but god, I was so wrong. Being with Cassie was like a whole new adventure, a rush of feelings that I couldn't even compare to what I felt with Mark. She made me feel alive in a way I never knew was possible.

"I'm just saying, but if it's true..." she sighed, exchanging a glance with Dad. "I don't think she's a good option. First off, she's Mark's sister, which could be a lot to handle. And then there's the drinking... Mark's mentioned how worried he is about her habits."

"I think she's right, honey," Dad chimed in. "I saw her downing nine glasses just today."

"And what if I was? Would you dislike her being with me simply because she drinks?"

They shot each other a look, just like back when I was a kid and picked a different instrument they weren't too keen on.

"Gracie, do you really want to throw it all away over some girl?" Mom wrinkled her nose in disgust. "With Mark, you've got everything! He's got a good rep, adored by the public, and you two make beautiful music together. Don't toss it all aside for her."

"I don't feel the same way with Mark!" I raised my voice. "And I'm not with Cassie. But even if one day I decided to be with someone like her, who drinks, which I think is completely normal, sorry, but I really wouldn't care if you guys like it or not."

It's frustrating how my parents keep pushing me towards Mark, as if he's the only acceptable choice. They don't seem to understand that I don't feel the same way about him as they do. Sure, he has a good reputation and is loved by the public, but that doesn't mean he's the right person for me. They fail to see that I want something different, something that resonates with me on a deeper level. And their constant disapproval of anyone who doesn't fit their mold is suffocating.