Finding Grace

Hello Eleanor

"Hello Eleanor." Amara greeted her mother-in-law as she opened the front door.

"What do I owe for this visit?" She asked her with a gentle and warm smile.

Eleanor wrapped Amara in a warm and loving embrace.

Amara was quite fond of Eleanor and Eleanor was quite fond of her as well.

She often thought to herself what it would have been like to have met her at a different time in her life. You could tell that there was so much more to this woman, but she was just a shell of what she could be. Of what she used to be.

Amara had seen the pictures of Eleanor when she was young. Blue eyes, Raven hair, she was and still is, absolutely stunning. She won almost everything she entered. From Beauty pageants to science fairs. Amara found herself wondering how such an established young woman gave up her life for a man she barley sees herself.

"I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by, take you ladies out to lunch. Maybe do some shopping together. It could be so much fun! Have a girls day. Us and Grace" She told her as she released her from her embrace. "Where is?" She began to ask but she could hear Grace running towards them.

"Grandma!" Grace greeted her. She had heard Eleanors voice and couldn't wait to see her grandma.

Throwing her arms around the woman whose face lit up at the sight of her beloved granddaughter. There was so much love between them.

"How are you, my little honey bee?" Eleanor endearingly called her.

"We're having a tea party!" Grace happily exclaimed.

"Oh how fun sweetheart!" Eleanor beamed at her.

"Join us, Grandma!" Grace begged as she dragged Eleanor by the hand into the atrium where they were currently having their tea party.

Roberta began to clean up her cup and plate when Eleanor stopped her.

"Please stay." She spoke softly as she reached out to Gently, put her hand on top of Roberta's.

"We are the three most important women in my granddaughter's life, and you have every right to stay. Please do not leave on my account."

"Are you sure Mrs. Williamson?" Roberta asked quietly.

"Of course, dear." Eleanor told her, squeezing her hand tightly to convey sincerity before letting go and promptly finding her place.

They enjoyed lotus tea and lavender macaroons while laughing at the funny accents all of them tried to use.

Each woman making sure to encourage Grace's imagination and letting it run wild. Even Eleanor joined in on making funny faces and goofing off with them.

This was the side of Eleanor that Amara adored. The side that was a mother who loved her children and grandchildren.

Though it was a bit obvious that Grace was Eleanor's favorite.

Her spunk and charisma reminded her of herself and even of Amara when she first came into the family.

Amara was actually quite close with her mother-in-law.

She had her doubts about Amara's intentions at first, but it was soon obvious that she truly loved Grant.

Amara soon became the daughter that Eleanor always wanted.

Considering she already had a daughter, that probably said a lot in itself.

They had bonded over so much, but Eleanor, too, was a trophy wife and was always all about keeping up with appearances.

Behind closed doors like they are now, they got to see the real Elly. As Amara fondly referred to her as when behind said closed doors.

Only a few were allowed to call her by that nickname.

Their closeness is why Grant had blown up at her.

Eleanor tried to stay out of it as best she could, but she just couldn't stand seeing Amara like that anymore.

Unfortunately, though, her saying something to Grant only made it worse for Amara and also made it to where they were no longer able to speak to each other.

Which made Amara wonder,

"Does he know you're here?"

It was quiet for a moment. Eleanor stared blankly into her tea.

"Yes . . . . Harold had a long talk with him, and he got that very stubborn son of mine to see the light."

Amara knew there was a lot that Eleanor was keeping out, but she knew all too well that it was best not to ask.

Harold had a way about him.

At 75, he was 20 years Eleanor's senior, and still a force to be reckoned with. He was still a large part of the firm and had a strong hand in many affairs. It'd been joked that he should run for mayor with how many hands he was already shaking.

Fit as a fiddle and constantly doing sports. You can't tell how old he really was.

You couldn't tell that Eleanor was in her 50's, though, either. Both loved to eat healthy, work out, and neither minded their occasional trip to their favorite surgeon.

Harold looked to be about 50, while Eleanor was mistaken for Grace's aunt on a constant.

It had taken a little convincing on Eleanor's part, but she had gotten Amara to agree to letting them go out to dinner.

Nothing fancy was what she had promised her.

Letting Grace decide, they ended up going to an arcade-style restaurant. Mainly serving burgers, pizzas, and nachos.

Years ago, Amara would have never thought she'd see Eleanor in a place like this. Knowing her like this and having these moments was something Amara treasured dearly.

Grace had such a blast playing games with her grandmother. Amara was enjoying herself as well, watching them play.

Amara adored the time she got to spend with Grace and Eleanor.

Though she knew she could never really trust her. Eleanor was the queen of keeping up with appearances, and Amara knew quite well that she expected her to do just the same. She may hurt for Amara, but Amara still had her place.

Eleanor stood by her duties and expected Amara to do the same, no matter what the circumstances were.

Amara found out that one for truth later that night when Eleanor's driver pulled up to drop them off.