Spencer called me. “Grace.â€? He breathed in relief when I answered. “You know I really didn’t mean to do that. I was … um, caught in the moment. I’m sorry.â€?

I whispered so my parents wouldn’t hear me, “How many times are you gonna do that to me?â€?

“None, unless you want me to.”

“You seem to have dramatic mood swings.â€? State a fact, nothing more.

“I’m sorry.â€?

“I—“

“OH MY GOD !â€?

“Who is that?â€? Spencer asked. “Someone in the background?â€?

My mother I tried to say but nothing came out. I hung up on him and I stared at my mom as she burst into tears.

“My Grace, baby. Oh I’m so sorry, if you stopped talking because of Abby, I’m sorry. Please, talk … talk to me.â€? I stayed silent as her tears flowed heavily and she sank to my bedroom floor.

My dad came running in. “Teresa, what’s wrong?â€? he asked my mother but he looked at me with the dead phone and my blank stare. “She wasn’t talking, Teresa. Come on now; let’s make some tea.â€? My dad eyed me as he led my mom from the room. Had he heard too?