How did this happen? It wasn’t supposed to go this way. Sure, Gray knew they would bitch and argue but nothing that bad. For a split second she actually thought he was going to hit her, that is nuts. Liam would never hit her in his life but he was great at scaring her. Now she sat in the hallway of his apartment complex not able to control herself. Gray’s stomach swirled telling her to move fast or she was going to vomit on the floor. She held her mouth tight and ran over to the large flower pot by the elevator. Her stomach seized and flexed letting everything she had ate that day come up and into the pot. Gray wiped her mouth, only smearing the spit around her face more. She made a mental note to tell the apartment staff to get that cleaned. Gray looked back behind her to see her bags spread all over the floor and her little love still peacefully sleeping away. It killed her deep inside. Here was her daughter who knew nothing anger and fighting yet had to sleep in the hallway of a foreign place. Liam was right, she failed as a mother, Spencer deserved so much more. Gray went back over by her sleeping daughter and collapsed on the floor, everything was a fog to her at this point. It felt like she was drunk, except not an ounce of liquor was in her system.

“Gray?” She heard the voice and turned to see Harry standing above her. How long had he been there? She didn’t remember hearing the elevators open at all.

“Jesus Gray what happened,” he asked. His eyes went wide seeing her things placed all over the hall.

“We had a fight, a big fight,” Gray looked up at him with her bloodshot eyes,” go check on him, please. I heard glass break.” She could barely see out of her eyes at this point, the tears were coming down so fast. Gray rested her head against her knees again, not able to pull her head up anymore.

“Hey, get down here now, something happened. Yeah, I don’t know I found her in the hallway and she is barely moving, I have to check on him. No no, take her up to mine.” Harry spoke on the phone fast before kneeling in front of her.

“Gray, listen to me. Niall is coming down now, I’m going to go check on Liam okay? He is going to help you,” Harry pleaded with her. Gray shook her head but didn’t fully understand what he was saying. Her head and brain couldn’t connect with the world right now. All she could think about was the huge explosion they just witnessed. Harry left her and walked into the apartment. Gray was right, glass did break. The huge mirror Liam had hanging on his wall was now shattered into a million pieces across the floor. Liam was sitting on the couch with a towel wrapped around his hand. He stood up fast once his eyes landed on Harry.

“Where is she Harry, is she okay?” The dark clouded eyes he had before had washed away and now they were full of concern.

“She’s fine mate, what the hell happened? How bad is your hand hurt.” Harry forcefully grabbed his arm and pulled away the towel. He sucked in a breathe seeing the injuries Liam had.

“Liam, shit. You have to go the hospital now.” Harry grabbed his phone again ready to call for more backup. Liam brushed past him, trying to head for the door.

“I’m fine, where is she? I need to talk with her.” Harry gripped his shirt with both hands and pushed Liam back. There was no way in hell he was going to her right now. The effects of their blowout was all over both of them and last thing they needed was an encore presentation for the whole complex to see.

“The fuck you are. You are staying here and going to the hospital with me. Niall has her, she is fine. Now get your shit and come with me,” Harry shouted at him forcefully. Liam grabbed his phone and followed Harry out into the hallway. Both of them heard the elevators doors ding shut and for a split second Liam thought about chasing after her.

“No mate, No. You can try to fix this later, time to go.” Harry held tightly to the back of Liam’s shoulders and guided them down the hall. Never did he imagine he would be taking his best mate to the doctor this late at night while the others trying to decipher on what just happened.

----

BREAKING NEWS: Well our little Directioners, we have dirt. The big fat brown kind. As you all know, our golden girl Gray Cameron has been seen around London this week without her man and it seems we know why. Late last night Harry Styles and Liam Payne of One Direction were seen leaving the New London Hospital looking worn down and rugged. It seems Liam is now sporting a new large wrapped up hand, is this an injury by chance? Everyone seems to be keeping mum except the residents of the complex where the band lives. Word on the street is that plenty of shouting came from Liam’s apartment before they left that night. Do we sense a lover’s quarrel? Golden Girl Gray hasn’t been seen yet to console her man lover but we can only assume this is the end of a good thing. Don’t you worry; we will keep you posted here at the Pioneer.

Gray sat on the bed, still unable to put everything together. Niall came just like Harry said and helped her back to his flat but they didn’t talk. There was no point. Niall knew something bad had happened and the boys would just fill him in later. Instead he helped get her and Spencer into Harry’s extra bedroom and gave her some privacy. Her hands still shook with fear and confusion as Gray tried to piece everything together.

“Gray,” Niall said, knocking outside the door. He came in trying to give her a small smile. Gray looked up at him, unable to change her own face.

“I wanted to come see how you were.” He took a seat on the bed next to her, but still left enough space for her own personal bubble.

“Hot freaking mess,” she mumbled back at him. Niall smirked at her again.

“Can you tell me happened? We are all a bit confused right now.”

“We fought, I didn’t meant it to be like that, or the things I said to him. I just wanted him to realize I couldn’t do this anymore, I can’t sit around waiting for him to show up Niall. Maybe when I first met him I could, but right now I want to live a life too and not just some paperweight sitting around in his apartment,” she sighed. Luckily her eyes couldn’t cry anymore otherwise should would become a lake again.

“What did you say to him,” Niall asked her softly.

“Called him a piece of shit, nothing, a deadbeat dad and I slapped him. Pretty much every horrible thing I could think of at that time. We both just snapped. Jesus I’m a horrible person, I have to get out of here.” Gray jumped up and started pacing the room. She didn’t deserve to be around any of them right now. Here they were, the best guys who ever had come into her life and now she just let them all go because she couldn’t control her anger. Gray threw on her coat and started to grab her bags when Niall stopped her.

“Gray stop. You cannot leave right now. The crowd of people is huge since Liam and Harry got back. Pictures of them leaving the hospital are all over the news,” Niall pleaded with her. Gray stopped dead in her tracks and looked at him.

“Hosptial” The words came out in a whisper and she felt the blood drain from her face. She quickly sat down on the bed, afraid she would pass out if she kept standing.

“Liam cut his hand pretty good, Harry took him.” Niall knew that less was better with her right now. Harry made it clear to keep them away from each other right now. Liam had filled him in on the way to the hospital, all of them should be lucky it wasn’t worse.

“I need to see him Niall, I have to apologize I was so mean,” she cried out to him. Niall stood firm on his position by the door.

“Not possible Gray, you two need to stay away from each other. It’s best for everyone at this point, think you’re your daughter.” He was a thinker, using Spencer as a ploy would make Gray listen.

“Niall come on. We are over, I’m seriously. I refuse to do this anymore, I can’t love him anymore. Just let him say good bye to Spencer,” Gray pleaded with him. She spoke the honest truth. Gram was gone forever. It wasn’t fair for anyone to be put through their crap anymore. She was boarding the plane tomorrow and never looking back.

“I’ll take her up. You will stay here. I’m serious, Stay Gray.” He chuckled at his own rhyme and grabbed sleeping Spencer in the carrier. Now he was gone and Gray felt even more alone then before. She needed to apologize to him some way before she left. It wouldn’t be right for her to leave with so many unanswered question. Gray tore through Harry’s flat looking for any kind of paper. She found some in the door in the kitchen and immediately started to write.

Liam-
I want to start by saying that I am sorry. God Liam I am so sorry for hitting you and calling you every bad name I could think of. It was wrong of me, but I’m was just so mad. You knew I wanted to find a place here to leave WITH you, not have you just pick one out. I don’t think you ever noticed it Liam but you always made the choices for us, with everything. Where we ate, were we went. You made me go to your mom’s without even talking to me about it. It always was the Liam Payne show and I was just a contestant in your game. You are a good Dad, an amazing father and I take back what I said. You are welcomed to see her any time that works for you. Just inform my mother when and she will get in touch with me. I will always tell Spencer how much of an amazing man you were. Never will a bad word about you come out of my mouth when she is around.

As for us, there is no us anymore. I tried Liam, you have to know that I tried like no other to keep the spark alive but coming here showed me that is just isn’t possible anymore. We are on two different worlds when it comes to our lives. I’ll never forget the memories we had together, they were perfect. Go on with your life, I hope it is magical. I hope you find the one person you were meant to be with. I will always love you Liam, there will always be a place in my heart but right now it’s time for me to go. I’m leaving my ring and bracelets with you, but will keep your picture book. I want to show Spencer later in life on how much her parents loved each other, man did they love each other back in the day. Good bye Liam.

Gray

By the time Gray was done finishing the words, her body shook again with tears streaming down her face. God they loved each other back then, it was more than just love, it was stronger. Now it was gone forever, just a memory in her brain. She sobbed, wondering where they went wrong. Part of her wondered if it was Spencer. She loved her daughter, more then anything but they way everything played out pushed them apart. If she wouldn’t have gotten pregnant she could of finished the tour with them and stayed in England permanently. Ultimately, it was Gray’s fault. All of this mess started because of her. There was a small part deep down inside her brain that wished she never went backstage way back when. Her life would be dull and boring, but it would be so much better than the heartbreak she had now.

----

“Ladies and Gentleman, please buckle your devices and store any out of place luggage as we began our descend into Chicago.” The voice through the overhead speaker snapped Gray out of her fog. She hadn’t slept since before their blowout back in London. Niall came home shortly after she finished writing with Spencer and tried to console her but Gray blew him off. She needed time, they always say time heals all. Gray needed her blood family, a couple hours at the gym and a fat donut. That would bring her back into her life in no time. Gray snuck out of the apartment earlier than usual just so no one would try to get her to stay and speak with him. The damage with done, it was time for the cut to heal not to be spread open again.

The plane landed swiftly without any issues and Gray got her things together before grabbing Spencer. Her perfect baby had been good the whole trip back, barely making a peep. It was a blessing to Gray, she could just sit and think without having to worry about her daughter’s moods. They traveled through the terminal, Gray kept her eyes down not wanting anyone to notice her before heading down to baggage claim. She saw Mila waiting below looking more pregnant then before. Who knew so much could change in ten days.

“Gray baby, over here,” Mila shouted, getting her attention. Gray hurried over and placed Spencer in her seat on the ground.

“Hey Mila,” her voice meekly stated. Keep strong Gray, you can hold your head higher. The better you act the less questions you get. Mila ignored her for the moment and knelt down.

“Who’s my favorite little lady! You are getting so big,” she cooed to Spencer who was awake.

“That’s my love, now it’s time to berate your mommy with lots of questions.”

“Mommy is just fine Mila, it was a normal trip.” Lies, lies and more lies. Mila stood up slowly and stared her down.

“Cut the act, Lou already called me.” Gray groaned, damn these people and their gossip. He wasn’t even there, how could he know already!

“I’m fine Mila, I promise. Things got a bit out of control but I am better now,” Gray explained. Mila rolled her eyes, she knew Gray was lying out of her teeth.

“Really Mila? You threw up in a planter and Liam got sent to the hospital. Try again.” Gray picked up Spencer and her bags and started moving down the long hallway. Talking about her personal problems in a huge public airport wasn’t a good idea.

“We can talk in the car,” she offered. Mila went to take the rolling suitcase from her, but jumped back when she saw Gray’s hand.

“What the hell Gray! Did you really end it? Where is your ring,” she yelled a bit too long for Gray’s liking. Gray looked down at her empty hand feeling the tears come to her eyes. She swore her hand felt lighter without it.

“It’s done Gray, completely. I left my ring there, it’s not mine.” Gray continued her walk down the hallway leaving Mila standing there.

“Wait! Hey wait for the pregnant lady,” Mila shouted down to her. Gray stopped where she was but didn’t turn around. Her anxiety was kicking in full force and she just wanted to get out there. Mila wobbled down and met her continuing the walk to the car in sheer silence. Gray threw her belongings in before buckling up Spencer and jumped into the passenger seat.

“Ok. Speak.” Mila was sitting next to her but had yet to even turn on the car. God, Gray was never getting out of this.

“We spoke. We fought. We broke up.”

“No shit there detective, explain to me how Liam had to go the emergency room,” Mila spat back to her.

“That I don’t know. He kicked me out of his flat and told me to leave. As soon as the door shut I heard the glass break but didn’t go back to see. Instead, I threw up in the planter like you heard,” Gray explained.

“Well, Louis said he had to get seven stitches across the top of his hand, whatever he did was stupid. How did this whole thing start?” Gray didn’t answer her, she just stared out the window into the parking ramp hoping Mila would drop the subject.

“Gray,” she said, putting her hand on her arm,” you can talk to me, you know that right? I just want to understand what happened and be there for you. I know you are hurting inside, stop trying to block it all out grieve.” Her words were like a flood bank to Gray’s. They immediately started watering but she bit her knuckle not wanting them to come out.

“It was okay the first couple of days, we actually starting talking about the weekend. He thought I would wear one of those poufy dresses, you know like people in pageants do? I told him no, but I didn’t tell him I pretty much picked out my dress already, thankfully I kept that part to myself. He actually made plans with his mom without telling me, but I went along because it was the adult thing to do. After that the switch in him went off again. Can you believe he left me at his moms alone and stranded? It made me so mad but I made it work Mila, I tried so bad,” she sobbed to her. Mila pulled her close, as close as they could get in a small car and Mila’s big belly. Gray cried in her arms letting her tears cover Mila’s coat.

“It’s okay sweetie,” she soothed.

“I was doing okay, being the good little fiancé and stayed as his place the rest of the time. June Cleaver in the flesh. He bought a house Mila, he bought it without me. You knew how much I wanted to help with that and he just didn’t care. Liam came home and I just snapped, we yelled harder than ever. I’ve never been so scared before. The look in his eyes was like a crazy persons. Then I hit him, hard. I don’t know what I was thinking. Then we said so many things we probably both regret. I know I do, I wrote him a letter saying goodbye and gave him his ring back. I just can’t do it anymore Mila. I can’t. I’d rather be alone for the rest of the world.” Mila tried to console her but Gray wouldn’t calm down. Louis kept way too many details out of his call, she didn’t know it was this bad. Through their typical breakups Gray always came back strong, unwilling to talk and to the point of being angry. Now she was a blubbering mess that looked so beat down. Mila patted her head and gently pushed her back into her seat. She didn’t say anything else and started the drive out. She believed Gray this time, it was completely over.

----

Two long weeks went past, Gray was thankful she could take her mind off everything by being with her family and start up more photography around the town. She still had San Franscisco in the back on her mind but didn’t know what to do. Gray wanted a change, she wanted to forget everything that happened in the last two ish years. Chicago just brought it all back to her. Her mom still had pictures of her and Liam hanging in the house even though Gray begged her to take them down. Secretly Gloria wanted them to be together even with everything that happened. Liam didn’t call or even try to contact her. She thought he would care about her daughter but it looked like that was just about big fat lie. He just didn’t care.


“Mom have you seen my camera bag?” Gray just got done shooting the snowfall they had from the night before. Something about snow always made her feel better. It was like a white blanket covering the world letting anyone have a fresh start. That is what she was working on, a fresh start.

“Check the closet,” she yelled from the kitchen. Gray opened it up to see her brand new bag sitting there ready to roll. Christmas was just a few days ago and it went off without a hitch. Gloria bought her a brand new bag for her camera with her full name embroidered on the side. It made her feel like a professional.

“You should see it out there, it’s beautiful,” Gray told her as she walked into the living room to join her family.

“I’m good inside, what about you chickie? You want to go play with mommy in the snow,” Gloria asked Spencer who was laying in her lap.

“You sure you are okay with watching her a bit longer? I want to go get these cards made.”

“Of course dear, I love my little grandbaby. I still don’t know why you are sending out New Year’s cards. You know normal people ship out Christmas cards,” Gloria laughed at her. Gray bent down and gave Spencer a kiss on the head.

“Mom, you should know by now that I am not normal, besides I wasn’t back in time for those.” She kept it short not wanting to bring up the London trip. New Year’s cards were her tradition, something different then everyone else.

“Ain’t that the truth. Go on, we will be fine here watching Ellen.”

Gray took the short drive to Walgreen’s and set herself up on the photo kiosk center. She knew the picture she wanted to use, it was of Spencer a few weeks after she was born. Gray had draped the USA flag and the England flag over her little body, like a token of her heritage. It was mean to be blown up and hung in her house with Him but that time was gone. Instead, it would make a wonderful card. Glass half full kind of thing. Gray threw in her memory card and started scanning through the photos looking for the one. Something caught her eye though, pictures of her sleeping. Who took these? She scooted her chair closer, quickly scanning through them. There had to be a least twenty of them, all sorts of different angles.

Liam.

He took the photos of her while she was in London without her knowledge. She looked like a completely different person then in real life, almost magical. Her hair was fanned out perfectly above her head and a softness came over her face. She wondered if he made her hair look that good or not. Tears felt her eyes, slowly running down her face as she couldn’t take her eyes off the screen. Gray wiped them off quickly and clicked the screen to print them out. Damn him for coming back in to her life. He probably wouldn’t even realize he took them as he hated her now in real life. God, it was just another picture to put in her book of make believe happiness. Nothing was ever that easy like it was in a picture.

“Get your shit together Gray, my god,” she whispered to herself. Gray wiped her face one last time, shaking out her arms and got back to the task as hand, New Year’s cards that didn’t involved Liam Payne what so ever.

----

“Alright Gray, I’m leaving,” Gloria shouted from the hallway.

“Sounds good Mom, have a great New Year’s.” Gray took the liberty of staying in tonight. Both Mila and her mom tried to get her out to have some fun but she just wanted peace. Gray wanted to bring in the new year with just her and her baby, the two of them against anything. Mila seemed to think it was because she was sad though, driving Gray even more crazy. She was okay, not perfect but getting there every day. It was okay to be a single mom, look at Gloria. She took that role and hit it out of the park.

“Alright Spence, you want scary action or mushy romance,” She asked the little one who was kicking her feet like crazy on the couch.

“Scary action it is. Very nice choice I do believe.” Gray threw Con Air, a cult classic on the TV and relaxed. She had her favorite sweats on, a bowl of chips and salsa and enough soda to fill a bathtub. Not healthy what so ever but meh, it was the end of a very long year. The movie had just started when her phone went off.

“Sexy Louis wants to FaceTime with you!”

Gray froze. She hadn’t talked to any of them since she left London in such a hurry. Gray knew she had to man up though, can’t run away from everything. She hit the accept button on her phone and Louis, Niall and Harry popped up.

“Oy Gray Goose! You are alive,” he shouted on the screen. Gray laughed at him remembering her trusty nickname.

“Indeed I am, shouldn’t you all be celebrating still? Isn’t it like one in the morning,” she asked.

“Course it is! Just back from a party we needed to see our favorite girl. Now move the phone to Spencer before anyone gets hurt,” Niall dictated. Gray rolled her eyes and held the phone over Spencer’s awake face. All the boys cooed and laughed at her, making such a fuss. Spencer stared up a the screen with wide eyes.

“Okay enough, you are going to scare the poor thing,” she laughed, putting the phone back on her face.

“Why are you home? Shouldn’t YOU be at a party,” Harry questioned.

“Why boys, I am! Me and Spence with a whole lot of junk food and movies.” All three of them groaned.

“You are just like him! I told you lads, both were going to play this pitty party bullshit until the end of time,” Niall shouted to the guys. Him, like him? Gray wondered what that meant.

“What do you mean him,” she asked. Immediately the three grew quiet.

“No no, don’t play stupid with me. I heard you with my own ears. Harry, start talking.” Even though they were miles apart Gray could still get their way with him.

“Umm.. well. We weren’t supposed to bring him up, forget we even said that,” Harry stuttered to her. Gray watched them exchange looks with each other through the phone display. She knew they meant Liam, who else would they be talking about.

“It’s fine, I understand. I wouldn’t want him to be talking about me either.”

“Bullshit,” Louis coughed, it was a sad attempt at a high schooler move but Gray ignored him.

“Well thanks for checking in boys, I’ll let you get back to your party.” She didn’t want it to sound mean, but the less talk about Liam the better. Besides, sexy Nicholas Cage was waiting.

“No! Wait! Gray are you still moving to San Francisco,” Harry asked quietly. His eyes dodged from side to side, knowing he was put up to this.

“If LEEYUM wants to know he can contact me,” Gray barked back. Typical man, having someone else do his work.

“No! He didn’t ask, we are. What if we want to visit Gray? It would be good to know,” Louis stated, quickly covering up Harry’s mistake. Gray sighed, she needed to tell them the truth. It would let her hang up faster.

“I’m not moving to San Francisco.” The truth came out. She made her decision two days ago and called the man there. San Francisco wasn’t where she was supposed to start her new life. It felt rushed to her, she knew going to California was just an excuse at this point.

“So that means you are staying in Chicago,” Niall asked. She saw the glimmer of hope in all of their eyes.

“I don’t know, for the moment yes but I plan on finding a job somewhere in this world. When I do though, I will tell you all.” She meant it too.

“Fantastic, okay we will let you go love. Get Spencer lots of kisses for us,” Louis cheered. They said their goodbyes and hung up. Gray got settled back into the couch and continue her movie marathon. She left out the one little fact to them though, Gray did apply for more photography jobs all of the country. She knew one would pick her up in an instant.

----

Louis hung up with Gray and put his phone down.

“See, you don’t need to worry.” He looked across the table at Liam. He was there the whole time, he had just fooled Gray completely. Liam begged the boys to Facetime her just so he could hear her voice and check up on his little girl. Gray told him in her letter that he could call her anytime to speak with Spencer but he was a coward. Liam put them in this mess worrying about his career more than his girls. Everytime he tried to call he hung up straight away.

“Thank god,” he breathed out. His knuckles were white from holding the table for so long. It took all his might not to grab the phone and speak to her himself.

“I knew she never would of gone to California, not her scene,” Harry simply stated next to him. He had a point, Liam could never see Gray there to start with. He just had to know the truth if she was staying or going. Thankfully the boys went along with it.

“Mate, I don’t know why you just don’t fly out there and apologize, make it up to her,” Louis asked from the other side.

“I cannot. It’s over Louis, she made that pretty clear. I just want to make sure she has a good life, both of them.”

----

Holy cow.

Gray stared at the screen of her computer, not sure if it was true or not. It was only six days into the new year and things were already looking up for her. Alvin Dailer Publishing, one of the most well known photography companies emailed her back about a job. They were known all over the country, let alone the world. Benefits, full time, move in bonus the whole works. She quickly picked up her phone, calling the man who emailed her.

“Martin Asher’s office, Denise speaking.” Gray’s hands began to sweat.

“Hi, my name is Gray Cameron, Martin requested I call him.”

“One moment, I will page you though.” Gray began to pace as she was forced to listen to the horrible hold music.

“Gray, hello this is Martin.” He had a jolly, low voice that reminded her of the mall Santas around the area.

“Hello.” Stay calm Gray, don’t stutter.

“I just want to say we are very impressed with your work, I cannot believe you didn’t have schooling at all. Did you look over the job offer and proposal I sent you,” he asked.

“I did, before I say yes or no, is that all confirmed?”

“Yes it is. Full benefits for you, and I assume you have a daughter too. She would be included. We don’t like to go by normal office standards here, that’s what makes our company so persuaded by others. We want to work freely and put the effect in and not have to work on deadlines. Our open spot is in our tourist section which definitely could use your help,” he explained. Gray took a moment. She knew she was thinking fast but literally this was the offer of a lifetime. Only an idiot would pass it by.

“Well I do believe you have a deal,” she smiled into the phone.

“Fantastic, I will have Georgina contact you later in the week about the move and such but until then its’ great to have you on the team.” As soon as they hung up Gray went flying down the stairs, her mom needed to hear about this one.

“Mom! Mom where are you! You are never going to believe this,” she shouted through the hall.

“I’m right here my god,” Gloria laughed, coming around the living room corner.

“Mom! I got a job, a real job! They just called me, a job Mom,” Gray spoke quickly to her.

“Whoa, settle down pony. Give me the details.” Gray took a breath and explained it all to her, including the pay and benefits and the trip she would have to make.

“I know it’s far Mom, but you can visit me. You and the girls. I have to do this,” she pleaded with her. It reminded Gray back when she had to beg her mom to use the car in high school.

“I think it sounds fantastic dear. Heck I even know who Alvin Dailer is. I’m just worried about the distance, will you be able to handle that.” Gray knew what she was talking about, it would definitely put a strain on a lot of relationships but she didn’t care. Her new life and dream job were more important than anything else.

“Its fine Mom, we will make it work. I just had to do this, I know I said the same thing about Milwaukee and San Francisco but I know this is it. Its fate, I’m serious,” she told her.

“Well I am excited for you and at the same time I want to ball my eyes out, we will make it work though. When do you move,” Gloria asked, already feeling the tears coming. Gray had been in her life for so long, now she was moving away with her own daughter to start their lives again.

“Three weeks from Friday. I know it’s quick but they had to fill the position fast.” Gloria made a face.

“Mila’s due date is the day after, she is going to kill you.” Gray’s heart dropped, of course she would. She had been there for Spencer and Gray and now she was leaving her best friend.

“I’ll talk to her, but I just have to do this. It’s time to be on my own.”

----

Gray decided to take Mila out for dinner to break in the news. It was better to be in a public setting where Mila couldn’t actually hurt her. She knew there would be some tears, probably some cursing and good food to eat their feelings on.

“Oh my god, wings. I want chicken wings, every flavor,” Mila moaned, her eyes scrolling through the menu. Gray already picked out what she wanted and was just waiting for the perfect time to get the conversation started.

“Mila, I need to talk to you,” Gray breathed out.

“Hold on, I’m trying to pick my sauces. Can’t believe they only let you pick three,” Mila muttered back, not willing to look up at her.

“Mila, it’s important.” The tone must have changed in her voice since Mila looked up at her.

“What? Tell me now what’s going on,” Mila barked out. She knew something was up.

“I got a job. A really good job,” Gray started.

“Shut up! Boring school job or fantastic photography job?”

“AMAZING photography job, everything I would have ever dreamed of.” Mila threw her menu on the table and looked at her.

“Okay, spit it out. If it was this amazing you would be a lot more happier then you are.”

“I have to move.” She started filling her in on the details about her new position. Mila looked truly excited for her, even though she would be moving and they couldn’t see each other whenever they wanted anymore.

“I’m so proud of you G. You deserve this so much. When do you move,” Mila asked. Gray looked down as the date spilled out.

“Shit Gray! I am supposed to give birth then,” Mila cried out, tears brewing in her eyes.

“I know, I know. I am a shit friend for doing this to you and I am so sorry,” Gray said, trying to console her.

“Ugh, this sucks. I wanted you there so badly.”

“I know Mila, and I still can be. We can facetime. I just did it with the boys not that long ago,” Gray pleaded with her. Mila wiped her eyes and looked at her.

“You facetimed with the boys? What boys,” she asked, her attitude immediately changing.

“Oh no, don’t you make that face Mila it’s not what you are thinking. Niall, Harry and Louis and all they wanted was to check up on us.” She knew that look. Mila seemed to be the only one still wanting Liam and Gray to be together again. Gray blamed it on the hormones.

“Hey! Don’t yell at me I didn’t say anything. I just wondered,” Mila smirked at her.

“You can keep smirking all you want, I know what you are thinking, it’s not happening no matter what.” Mila waved her off.

“We will see my dear friend. All I know is that I am going to miss you. Promise we will talk every day,” Mila’s lip shook as she asked. Gray grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight.

“Of course, you are my best friend. Every day and I expect to see your little man every day too.” They smiled at each other knowing that the distance would be there but their friendship would never die.

----

“Alright, you call me for anything. I mean it. I’m always hear for you,” Gloria told her, choking back her tears. The last three weeks flew by as Gray got everything ready for the trip. There was so much more to do when you had a child involved. Sadly, Mila still hadn’t pumped out her little man yet which made Gray sad. She was hoping to be there before she had to leave. The day had come though, it was time to fly out and move on.

“I will Mom, we will talk every day,” Gray told her, meaning every word. They hugged outside the ticket counter not wanting to let go. Her mom was her rock through everything over these last years. Gray didn’t know what she would do without them.

“I love you Gray,” Gloria whispered one more time.

“I love you too much, you are the greatest.” She grabbed her carryon bag and Spencer’s seat before heading through TSA. This was it, she really was leaving and not looking back. She handed her tickets to the TSA worker and smiled.

“Gosh, that’s a long flight, hopefully she will keep calm for you,” he cooed, speaking to Spencer.

“I’m not too worried, she is a good kid.” Normally Gray wasn’t so chatty with everyone, due to the fact that she was in the public eye so much but it was different now. It have been almost two months since their breakup and the fuss was off her. Gray got to be the normal peon again. She collected her belongings from the TSA table and headed off to her gate.

Mila: Enjoy the flight, let me know how it all plays out!

Gray smiled at the text message and quickly sent her one back. Optimistic Mila was the best. She wasted time playing on her phone while Spencer slept in her seat next to her. An hour later, the time was finally here.


“Flight 496 Chicago to London, England is now boarding. Please have your boarding pass ready as come to board, thank you.”

The loud voice of speaker kicked Gray into overdrive as she picked up her bag and Spencer. Finally it was time to start their new lives in London.

Notes

Title Creds: "A Beautiful Mess" by Jason Mraz

Oh the webs Team Gram weaves..


By the way, thanks to you who explained 'ship'. LOL makes sense now. We have three chapters left to go in this story, they will be fast, covering alot of area but just as long, if not longer. Excited to finish them all for you!