𝙬𝙬𝙜𝙘𝙙

The tone that Grace takes makes Norman nervous, eyes widening a little behind large glasses. He swallows back a breath as she speaks, telling him how she wasn't going to bring it up but she also wasn't going to lie. She tells him how it's in his best interest to help her avoid the Santos parents. And when she asked if he agreed to that thinking he almost couldn't stop the way his head nodded in quick bobs. He quickly finds himself forcing a breath out as his voice cracks with a reply, "Y-yeah, I agree."

He looks over his shoulder to where Mary is still with her parents, their eyes meet and he offers her a gentle smile then looks back to Grace. He debates for a minute if he wants to say more on all of it, but he can't stop himself from doing so even if he wanted to, "I, uh, the next day..." his brow furrows some, "I told Mary I love her." He relaxes his features almost as quickly as they tensed, straightening a bit, "And I do, Grace. I love Mary and I want to do anything I can to keep her happy. Her parents finding out about that? It..." he trails off, licking over his lips and breath shakily leaving, "It would come between us a-and neither of us want that."

Norman is nervous, and Grace doesn't blame him. Though she rarely thinks of herself as someone who's intimidating, she also knows that she's very firm with her boundaries. Her friends are important, yes, but her own beliefs are just as important. Perhaps even more so. So, as he presses on, explains what came next, Grace does her best to school her features into something unreadable. (The shock, however, is still evident in the way her brows raise high on her forehead.)

Lips press into a tight line, and Grace rocks back on her heels, hands coming to link behind her. "I see," she states evenly. Breathing out through her nose, Grace tilts her head just so. "While I'm... happy for you," she explains, "I'm not sure why I need to know this information." It conflicts with what she knows, what she believes to be true. Love is merely a concept, something no one their age will ever truly understand. Mary and Norman are happy, yes, but is it the kind of happy that extends beyond high school? She can't say for sure. Teeth grit, her head shakes. "I am happy for you," she repeats, ensuring the message doesn't get lost in her confusion.

Mary's eyes lit up as Grace expressed her idea, unable to stop the giggle that spills from her lips. "You know, I think that's a great idea!" she teased with a wrinkle of her nose, adjusting her position. "And I just... I want to thank you for being supportive about Norman. I promise we didn't do anything other than kiss at midnight, but I know... I hold it holds a lot of judgment to spend the night at a boy's house." Even if it was also technically Bonnie's house too.

She's quiet as she listens to Mary, and Grace can feel the initial panic beginning to melt. She doesn't often struggle with her own beliefs, but there's something so genuine about her best friend that makes Grace a little more... accommodating, than usual. She trusts Mary to be smart, too, and there's no reason for Grace to give her the cold shoulder when she knows the other girl is earnestly telling the truth. So, her head tilts as she nods. "I just want you to be happy and safe, and I trust you when you say you were responsible about it. Therefore, I have no reason to be angry, or upset. I understand the trepidation in telling your parents, too. So, if I can help you," she reaches out, puts a hand over Mary's to give it a reassuring squeeze, "I will."

Great, he thinks sarcastically to himself. He knew enough about Grace that Norman wasn't eager to be in her presence more than he had tto be. Yes, she was Mary's best friend, but she was also a prude in a way that made him anxious. It felt like no matter what he or Mary did... there'd be judgement of some kind. At least more on his side than Mary. Norman was the corrupter of the relationship if there was logic to it all, but the truth of that was he wasn't. Norman was an anxious mess when it came to Mary. He never wanted to put pressure on her or make her feel like she had to do anything, but... Mary never felt that way. He knew it too because she was the one to initiate anything. She held his hand first, hugged him first, kissed him first.

"Can't wait," he manages to say only to pause as Grace sidesteps and moves to stand beside him. He gives her father a nod then glances to Mary where she's smiling as she speaks to her mother. Norman is almost certain Grace is about to walk away when instead she leans a bit closer and mentions Mary speaking to her. How she knew about New Years. It made Norman's eyes widen a little, breath hitching nervously in his chest. He turns his head to look at Grace, lips parting and quiet response coming out, "What did she say?"

She notices the shift in Norman's demeanor when she mentions New Years -- how Grace had talked to Mary, how she knew. Or, well, the implication that she knew. Lips twisted to the side, Grace takes another look around to make sure no one is eavesdropping before she presses on. "Your house," she states, brow raised with an accusation. (She knew that nothing had happened, of course -- Mary swore by it. And she believed her best friend, because Mary had no reason to lie to her. However, getting tangled in this mess? It was the last thing she wanted.)

So, her hands smooth out the front of her dress, and Grace turns to face him head on. "I told her I wouldn't approach her parents with the information," she starts, "but I also told her I wouldn't lie. So, for her sake, I'm playing the avoidance game with Mr. and Mrs. Santos. And I believe it's in your best interest to help me with that game." She pauses, eyes narrowing up at him. "Wouldn't you agree?"

there was a sense of relief that filled mary's chest when grace insisted that it didn't sound that scandalous. maybe mary was conjuring up problems in her head before they even started. that was possible, right? maybe she was overreacting. ms. fokker was in attendance and it was completely innocent, even if she spent the night. she was overreacting, surely.

still, a frown tugged at mary's lips as grace explained the loophole, her head dipping and leaning in a little closer with a confused furrow to her brow. " wait, what do you mean? never ask you? " she inquired. " how would you . . . omit the truth? "

Grace's brain begins to whir as her plan comes to life. (She's not sure when she became this type of person -- one that schemes and sneaks -- but she doesn't think too hard about it. As far as she's concerned, it's being resourceful. Plus, if she can avoid hurting her best friend by doing... whatever it is she plans on doing, it's a win in the end. All for the benefit of Mary.)

So, leaning down, Grace begins to explain. "If we make it so your Mom and I are never left alone, then she can't talk to me. And if she can't talk to me, she won't ask me about the lock-in. Therefore," she pats the table top in a sign of victory, "I don't have to lie to her and say you were there. It's literally air tight."

He listens as Grace explains how this could be good for him and how pleased it probably makes Mary. He tries not to stick to the part about it doing him some good. He knows exactly what Grace is trying to say without saying it and he does his best not to show that frustration on his face. Instead he curls his hands at his sides, short nails digging crescent shapes into his palms. He wants to tell her that he knows all that, but that he's fine. He doesn't need church to have some good come his way, but again he bites it back giving her the chance to ask a question he hates.

is this going to be a regular occurrence for you?

No. The word is on the tip of his tongue and he has to clamp down on it with his teeth to keep it from escaping. He doesn't like this place or the views or the way religion is pushed onto people, but this is Mary's sanctuary. She finds peace in this and it is part of her... and Norman, well, he loved Mary. He wasn't going to tell her no if she asked him to come with-- did he want to make it a habit? No, but he wasn't going to say no. "It'll be as regular as Mary wants it to be," was his response.

He's quiet for a long while -- maybe in self reflection, Grace thinks. She doesn't know Norman very well beyond what Mary says about him, and Grace does trust her best friend. Still, the silence is unnerving. Grace is sure it can show on her face, the way her eyes goes a little wide as she stares at him.

When he does speak, her smile is just as tight lipped as before. As regular as Mary wants it to be. It's not exactly promising, but -- it'll do for now, she thinks. Grace nods, hands clasped in front of her. "Well, Mary and I are very attentive when it comes to services, so if you'll be coming along with her," her head tilts as she examines him, "I suppose you'll be seeing more of me, too."

Clearing her throat, she steps to the side, lets her father past before she's swinging around to stand next to Normal. Eyes cut to Mary, where she's talking with her mother, before she leans in. "She did talk to me, by the way. About... New Years."

zoey is looking up from her phone.   it wasn't a good morning,  she had woken up too early for whatever this is.   there's a reason why she never really works opening shifts,  but she was covering for another supervisor.   dumb mistake on her part,  however.     “  mornin',  ”     with a half contained groan she looks down at the flyers.   does nora really want something like that hung up in beanies?   she sure as hell didn't care,  but the manager might think otherwise.

furrowing her brow as she secures her phone into the pocket of her apron.   forcing her best       i totally wanna be here smile.     “  how about this?   i'll let you put up your flyers if you buy something first,  how about that?  ”     there's a pause as she starts a new tab on the register,     “  so what can i get you?  ”

The woman behind the counter is polite, at least. And, Grace supposes she has a point -- a paying customer is much better than a grifter. "I think I can do that!" She starts, though as Grace looks up and over the menu, she starts to panic. She doesn't drink coffee, and most of the options look like they're overloaded with sugar. Lips twist in confusion, and Grace's hands anxiously tap against the top of her pile of flyers as she leans in.

"Do you have anything that's caffeine and sugar free? I'm not allowed to have either of them -- my parents always say that helping others and doing good deeds is nature's sugar rush." Though most people would assume she's joking, she is not. Her tone is cheery, but her eyes are serious. Very serious. Instead, she shifts, pausing in thought. "Can I get a cup of hot water, maybe? I'll pay for it!"

closed: @chastetm where: church 🧍

Norman had promised Mary that he'd go to church with her in the new year. Not all the time, but a few times. Her parents had seem glad about it too. They had no real idea how not into this scene Norman was or that he was actually an atheist, but what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Just like how they didn't need to know Mary spent the night at his house during New Year's Eve. They hadn't done anything beyond share a short kiss to celebrate the turn of the year, but it was the implications of the situation that made him nervous if they ever found out.

He was trying not to think about it throughout the service as he sat beside Mary, but he couldn't help feeling as though Grace was looking at him every so often. He knew Mary had told Grace in order to get her to cover for her, but Norman had been so uncertain about that. Grace? Grace tell a lie? She... man, he didn't know about all that, but he trusted Mary. What made him exceptionally more nervous was after service ended and they were leaving the church, eyes catching Grace's again. He swallowed and murmured under his breath to Mary that he'd be back, the girl only acknowledging it slightly before she was forced back into listening to the conversation she was in with her parents and some other church goers. Norman stepped away from her and towards where Grace was, coming to a stop a bit off from her but close enough that he could speak directly towards her, "If you're waiting for me to burst into flames for being here... I think we've passed the point of that occurring."

Of all the webs to tangle herself in, Grace did not expect this one. Mary is her friend -- her best friend -- and in that sense, she wants to be able to help her. To ensure that she won't get in trouble for things that, essentially, do not matter. However, lying? To adults? It's easier said than done, and the thought of aiding in their mission made Grace's stomach turn with guilt. She didn't hate Norman, of course -- if he made Mary happy, that's all that mattered. However, she could sense the lingering distaste with the way her eyes kept cutting to Norman, then to Mary, and their parents.

Once the crowds start shuffling, Grace anticipates the way Norman approaches her. His words are a little alarming, and she shakes her head, dismisses his concerns. "On the contrary, Norman, I'm glad to see you here. I think it'll do you some good, and I'm sure Mary will be pleased that you're willing to attend with her." Her smile is oddly genuine despite the slightly condescending tone to her voice. "Is this going to be a regular occurrence for you?"

" no! i know lying is bad! " mary was quick to assure with a light little start to her seated position and a frown tugging at her features. she could feel the anxiety creeping from her chest to her throat, threatening to strangle her. but she knew that she had to keep her story straight, or else her parents might make her break up with norman. the thought alone caused a pained tug in her chest.

" i just -- " she closed her eyes and released a quiet sigh before long lashes blinked open, desperation firm in her gaze. " i spent new years eve with norman and his mom. i - i know my mom and dad would have flipped if they thought i spent the night with norman, but i didn't do anything bad! we just hung out with his mom and watched the ball drop! i didn't even share a bed with, but i -- i told my parents that i was going to the lock-in so they wouldn't be mad . . . "

Grace is silent as Mary tells her story. Parts of it make sense, certainly -- she knew that Mary and Norman were together. And while she's happy for her friends, of course, there's always worry in the back of Grace's mind. She can't let Mary get too tangled up in her whirlwind romance -- she needs to be safe. Happiness and responsibility can go hand in hand.

The tears tug at Grace's heart strings, but her morals are conflicted. "Your evening didn't even sound that scandalous," she starts, head shaking. "I'm not sure why your parents would care about you spending time with Norman in his house if his mother was there -- clearly nothing unsavory can happen. And they wouldn't happen! You're a very responsible girl, Mary." A hand reaches out to rest on Mary's shoulder, and Grace sighs, lips twisting with confusion. "What if I make it so your mother can never ask me, hmm? That way it's not a lie, necessarily, but rather," her free hand gestures in the air, "an omission of the truth?"

who: mary & grace ( @chastetm ) where: the santos residence

there was an inkling of guilt eating away at the back of mary's mind. she had lied to her parents about where she was spending new year's eve. and it wasn't like she did anything wrong! it was just the implications that she was spending the night with her boyfriend that would have had them shutting down without listening to her. but it had been a great night, one spent with norman and his mom. she had made dinner and they had watched the new years program on television. she had even insisted on curling up on the couch to sleep that night!

" hey grace? " mary asked quietly where they sat on her bed, highlighter gently tapping against the bible verse they had been studying for sunday school discussions. " can i ask you a favor? if my parents ask about the lock in . . . i was there, yeah? can you . . . can you tell them that i was there and that we had a good time? "

though it may be shocking to some, grace chasity doesn't have many friends. mary, however, was a god send. literally. they'd known each other since they were young, sharing church activities and going to camp together. grace often found herself spending downtime with mary, studying and preparing for school and ccd.

the question her friend asks, however, has grace's brows furrowing low on her head. she turns, putting down her pencil to give her friend her full attention. (she had noticed mary's absence, but figured she was spending the evening with her family. grace's parents insisted she go to the lock in, as she did every year, and as they did before her. ) lips press together, and grace's head begins to shake. "mary, you're my best friend," she starts to explain, "but you know how i feel about lying. you know how uncomfortable it makes me." a thought bubbles, then, and grace's head tilts. "why would i need to lie, anyways? are you saying you weren't with your parents?"