You’re Walking?!

The following morning Grace woke up to the gentle light streaming through her window. She rubbed her eyes, and stretched lazily, contemplating whether to relax in bed for a little while or not, but her mind suddenly went back to the conversation she had with Mr Brandon the previous night and sat up straight in bed. It was a huge task that needed no delay.

The wheelchair beside her bed caught her attention but decided she wouldn't be needing it anymore, especially if she was to go through with her plan to convince Charles to return back to Kindergarten.

She had managed to walk a few steps yesterday, and was determined to rely on her own two feet starting from today. With a deep breath, she swung her legs out of bed and gingerly put weight on her injured ankle.

"I can do this," she said to herself.

She took slow, careful steps across the room, using nearby furniture for support. It was difficult at first, her ankle protesting with each movement, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through the discomfort,

She hobbled into the bathroom, leaning heavily on the walls for support, then quickly had her bath, her mind already racing with ideas on how to approach the daunting task ahead.

A few minutes later, after getting dressed, she emerged from her room feeling a little more confident as she moved more fluidly.

"Good morning, Mr Fitz," she greeted the butler, whom she saw in the living room.

Mr Fitz's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Grace without the wheelchair for the first time.

"Miss Fowler, you're walking?!"

Grace nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment as she moved confidently across the room, grateful for her progres and responded with a vibrant smile. "Yes, I decided to give it a try today. It's not easy, but I'm getting there."

Mr Fitz couldn't help but ask in relief, "So you're not crippled?"

"Of course not," Grace laughed. "I only sprained my ankle the day I came home with Mr Brandon. But he insisted I must use the wheelchair so I had no choice."

"I knew it. Mr Brandon would know better than employ someone that was handicapped to take care of his son."

He gave Grace an appreciative glance, impressed with her new look. "Well, I must say, you're doing remarkably well."

"Thank you, Mr. Fitz," Grace said. Although he said nothing about her dressing, she knew from his gaze that he was also referring to it.

She was wearing one of the clothes Jace had asked the tailors to make for her. It was a pants suit in a sophisticated shade of navy blue.

The trousers were perfectly fitted, elongating her legs, while the blazer accentuated her silhouette. With a silk blouse peeking out from under the jacket and a pair of elegant loafers, Grace exuded confidence and professionalism.

Even she had been surprised at her transformation when she looked into the mirror this morning.

"Is Mr Brandon awake?"

"Yes, Miss Fowler. But he left very early this morning for the company."

"0h, I see," Grace said, relieved to hear that Jace had already left for the company.

"That means I can have my breakfast with peace of mind," she mumbled to herself.

Although they had spoken at length last night and some of the tension she had around him dissipated, she was still not completely comfortable when eating on the same dining table with him.

"Did you say something, Miss Fowler?" Mr Fitz asked.

"No," she denied. "Can I ask you for a favour?"

"Go on," Mr Fitz said, wondering what her request would be. He prayed it would not be something troublesome, after all, Mr Brandon had instructed him this morning before leaving for work to make sure he treats her well, so that she can sincerely take care of Charles.

"Can you not call me, Ms Fowler? I would prefer just Grace, if you don't mind."

After a brief pause, Mr Fitz shrugged. As you wish… Grace," he added. "So what's the favor you want to ask for?"

Grace frowned slightly. "I just said it."

"Is that it? Just to change the way I address you?" Mr. Fitz asked in disbelief.

"Mm-hmm," Grace nodded.

"I can tell you're a kind person and not difficult to work with, so why all the formality?"

"I wouldn't say that about myself," Mr Fitz said with a straight face and quickly turned around, excusing himself, but wasn't aware of the slight blush that crept up his ears.

"Where is Charles? Is he not up yet?" Grace asked again, causing Mr Fitz to stop by the door.

"He is awake and was here with his father, but later went back to his room probably to get something," he said over his shoulders.

As she waited for Charles to return, Grace paced back and forth, mentally rehearsing her approach. She knew it wasn't going to be easy, but she was determined to try.

She had already given her word to Mr Brandon and she was not one to go back on her promise.

Not long after, Charles appeared and his face lit up in a bright smile as he saw her already in the living room.

Charles flashed a card, he had already written his greeting on and Grace smiled warmly in acknowledgement.

"Hey, sweetheart, good morning to you too. How was your night?"

"Fine," Charles nodded after scribbling down his reply.

"Can we have breakfast now?"

Charles nodded, then it suddenly dawned on him that Grace was not in her wheelchair and he looked around.

Grace slowly stood up while giving Charles a sweet smile. "I can walk now," she announced and Charles's eyes widened in astonishment.

Soon his surprise was replaced by a soft smile and his little hand found its way into Grace's bigger one.

He gently pulled her forward, his movements careful and deliberate, stopping once in a while to check on Grace's comfort as he led her to the dining table.