Chapter 3

She knew she had to go through all of this, but that did not make the experience any less terrifying.

Her hands shook as she tried to take a deep breath and steady herself.

Her heart seemed to burst out of her chest, but her eyes were dry, staring intently at the ground beneath her feet.

Thankfully, her grandma's phone rang.

“Olivia, is that you?” Grandma asked, concern was  in her voice. "All right. We will be there."

Her grandma hung up after another long conversation with her mother before looking back at Alice.

“We have to head out, sweetie. I am sorry. You know your mother is as clumsy as you.”

She was relieved they had gotten that part over with before anything else could happen.

"I understand, Grandma. Mom needs you."

She managed a weak smile.

Her grandma hugged her, then turned and gave Alice a big grin, “You are such a good girl, Alice."

"I'm not a girl anymore!"

She said it almost in jest.

"