The Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham

the flu?” Ian approaches the subject lightly.
    “Yeah,” Grace whispers softly before taking Ian’s hand.
    “He didn’t have the fuckin’ flu, babe. He had my dad’s fist marks all over his face. We’re not allowed to go to school if we look like this.”
    Grace’s mother and father were caring and loving individuals who did everything they could for their family, and would never lay a hand on one of their children. She is shocked and saddened by what Ian has just told her. The only thing she can think to do is to leap onto his lap, hug, kiss, and comfort him. He does not give her much more information about his home life and once again tells her, “I don’t want to talk about it. But, now you know why I have to leave Ocean View.”
    Ian and Grace sit on the porch for hours that night talking. Every now and then, he gives her more knowledge about his family, but they are tidbits. What she hears horrifies her. Not only does Ian’s father beat him and Brandon, but he also beats little Bailey, and Ian’s mother. Ian’s father is an alcoholic and his mother has severe depression. His mother does nothing to better their situation. Grace senses that Ian has resentment toward his mother because of this, but also feels like he must protect her from his father. Ian explains to Grace that this is the main reason he must leave. He needs to get away from his father.
    Grace’s feelings on Ian moving to Los Angeles change in this moment. She understands better why he must break free, but she cannot bear losing him or leaving her family. While Grace admires Ian for being so strong, mentally and physically, Ian expresses that he appreciates that he can be honest with her. Their relationship changes that night, forever.

Chapter 6

 
    Ian lies with his head on Grace’s stomach. Entwining their fingers together, they lie in silence on her bed. They have been this way for hours and he wishes they could stay like this forever. Only an occasional “I love you” is shared between them. Thunder cracks in the sky and startles Grace. Ian chuckles and pulls her closer to his body. The rhythmic sound of the rain tapping against the rooftop and her comforting presence lures him into a state of pure relaxation, soothing his soul.
    “I love the sound of the rain,” she says, as she traces the lines on his knuckle with the tip of her finger.
    Ian raises his head to look into her eyes and smiles. “And I love you.”
    Climbing on top of her, he lowers his lips to her neck. Grace lets out a heavy sigh that blows through his hair. Ian trails kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, and stops inches away from her lips. “Do you know that I love you, Gracie?”
    “Yeah, I do, without a doubt.”
    He kisses her. “I know you love me too, and it’s freaking amazing,” he says. “You know what I love?”
    She smiles at him. “Me?”
    He laughs. “Besides you. It’s something you do to me.”
    She looks at him, puzzled. “What?”
    “I love those soft, sweet kisses you give me on the cheek. It’s hands-down one of the best things you do to me.”
    Grace brushes Ian’s long auburn hair out of his face and slowly leans into him. Her breath hits his cheek and the tip of her nose brushes his skin. She gives him a very soft, sweet kiss on his cheek.
    “Ah yeah, babe. That’s it. That’s what I love. It’s so sweet and tells me that you love me without any words.” He reaches for her face and cups her chin in between his thumb and forefinger.
    He pulls her face to his and sucks on her bottom lip. Gradually, he eases his tongue between her two lips and finds her eagerly awaiting his kiss.
    “Do you know what I love, Ian?” she asks. Her words are a jumbled mess between Ian’s kisses.
    “What, baby?” he asks, within a breath.
    “I love kissing you. I could spend the rest of my life kissing only you. You’re the best kisser in the entire world.”
    Ian gives her more of what she desires and slides his tongue back into her