The next day, Hayley and Kenji decided to go to school together. There is nothing to hide anymore, Hayley doesn't care what anyone says. She has the right to be proud of her relationship with Kenji.
Although almost everyone was looking at them as they walk the halls and stairs, Hayley had her head held high. Kenji had her hand in his and it just feels so nice. She glances at him and she can't help but think of how cool her husband is.
Kenji walked her to her classroom and knowing their class, someone ran to report what they saw and now they're peeking through the door.
"Text me if you change plans," Kenji told her.
Hayley nodded and was about to turn around when Kenji grabbed her arm making her face him once more. She raised a brow and that is when he brought his face closer, kissing her forehead. Her classmates squealed and some yelled making her cheeks pink.
"You didn't have to do that!"
"I want to," he
Hayley was on her way to Kenji's usual parking area when a little far away, she saw Eren and Kenji talking so she immediately hid at a pillar. She should not be hiding but she's already behind a pillar so she'll listen. It took a while but she heard everything they talked about. And when she peeked and saw Eren left, she came out. Releasing a sigh, she walk towards Kenji like she had not listened. "Hey!" She greeted Kenji who was looking down. His eyes were lonely, he feels gloomy. "You alright?" "Yeah, all good." Kenji opened the door for her and she got in. She watched from the inside as he turns to the other side to get in. Although Kenji says he is alright, Hayley knows it hurts to lose a friend you've been with for years. Imagine having that one best friend you have had since freshman years and just when you're in the last year of high school, that friend just disappeared. The dreams you've built together, the happy memo
Before taking a step inside the house, Hayley inhaled and exhaled deeply, shaking both her hands. She has a lot to ask and say to Cassandra and she wants to be able to talk about it all tonight.She moved her feet, walked past the living room and headed towards the almost spiraling staircase where she met Cristy. At first, she thought Cristy would stop her but instead, she gave her a smile."Your mother and father are in their office. You might want to knock first before coming in," Cristy told her."Will do," she replied, glancing at the stairs and back to Cristy. "Thank you for not stopping me."Hayley gave Cristy a hug and then she proceeds to climb the staircase. It'll only be a family talk, she reminded herself. Well, she hopes it will be a family talk.Just as she was in front of the huge doors, she knocked. Before they allow her to come in, she already turned the doorknob and pushed the door, letting herself in. She saw how busy her parents
Kenji and Hayley decided to stop by a corner store in which they bought cold canned drinks and chips. Before drinking hers, Hayley rolled her can on her cheek where her mother had slapped her."Does it still hurt?" Kenji asked her as they started driving again."A little," she answers."Do you want to go to the beach?""The beach?" Her brows raised up at him. "At night? Are you serious?""Yes, I am. It's pretty cold so we probably won't go swimming, let's just enjoy the waves crashing on the sand. Maybe it will make you feel better.""That sounds fun," she softly said, smiling at Kenji.And so Kenji drove them to the nearest public beach.When they arrived, the cold wind was blowing making Hayley rub her arms with her hands. Perhaps the beach is a bad idea. But as soon as they both sat down on the sand, with Kenji back hugging her tight, she immediately take it back."Still cold?" he questions.&nb
Three school quarters had passed and graduation is just right around the corner for Hayley, Kenji and their friends. For Hayley, she's been worrying about her parents. Just after that night when she went to confront them both, since then, she has not heard of her parents. It's like overnight, her parents disappeared.Although everything is fine between her and Kenji, there's still that moment when she goes back to that night and wonders if they had cut her off or something. Don't get her wrong. It's actually nice to get away from her toxic parents but... they are still her parents."Are you still worried that they're not coming?"Hayley turned her head to the side and saw Kenji leaning against the rail like her. They're at the rooftop on a chilly night, drinking flavored beer for no reason."Knowing my mother, she's the type who wants an apology first before coming around. Cassandra loves playing the victim. So, I don't know," she answers, dri
As the graduation gets closer, Hayley never once thought that her parents are coming to march with her. But today, just minutes before the marching starts, her parents arrived, making her euphoric. "Mother!" she exclaimed, hugging Cassandra. To her surprise, Cassandra actually hugged her back and her father, Sam, smiled at them. How unusual, she thought, this could be because people were around. "I know we have fought but of course I will still come to your day! Congratulations, my grown lady!" "Does this mean, you forgive me for that night?" Cassandra leaned back slightly and cupped Hayley's face. Then she had a grin plastered on her face. Although her eyes were still lifeless and cruel, Hayley didn't want to ruin the day. "But of course I never planted any hate towards you, my subtle dear!" Then she turned her head to see Sam. "Why don't you join us, my love?" A big smile Sam gave before striding to hug them both. If you didn't know
At a sidewalk near Eleanor's apartment, Jasper kept glancing on his wristwatch, nibbling his lower lip thinking maybe he freakin' came too early. Today, they plan to go and camp somewhere far from the city. According to the damn Mafu, he said it has to be the outskirts of the city or maybe way further. It sounds creepy but Jasper has been liking Eleanor since their junior high school years and it's funny how his feelings never changed. Yes, it broke his heart when Eleanor started dating somebody and then she got pregnant and now has a child but still, his feelings just grew deeper. Eleanor was in love then, too in love. Was she so wrong? Is he wrong to love her? Some moments later, Jasper thought glancing at his watch will not help him so he walked towards the gate. He smile at the guard who knew him and the guard replied with a salute. Jasper climbed the apartment stairs. Once he is in front of the door, he sucks in air and blew it out, raising h
They arrived past midnight at the resort. Everyone was so tired that they just picked whatever room they want and head to bed. As for Hayley, she just went with Kenji. After all, they're mostly sleeping in the same bed at home. In the morning, Hayley woke up moving her hand, searching for Kenji by her side but when she felt no one, she snapped her eyes open. Her forehead creased when there really was no one. With still heavy eyes, she sits up, stretched her arms as she yawns. She looked around and realized that yes, they had a tiring but fun night driving all the way here. Last night, she saw a glimpse of the ocean and the place but it was a little dark. So, she moved and get off of the bed, striding her way towards the sliding door. Outside was a small balcony overlooking the wonderful view of the ocean and the lawn of the resort too. "It looks like camping will have to wait," Hayley mumbles, her eyes sparkling like t
At breakfast, Lily had announced that they will be staying for a couple of days more. It didn't make anyone of them happy not even her cousin Mafu. "Yo! You said you were just leaving that's why we came here!" The annoyance in his voice is very noticeable. "I don't agree with that!" "My friends and I find the resort great so we want to explore it more, Maffriel!" "Why don't we let them be," Greg says, glancing at everyone. "The more we are, the merrier we all will be." But it seems like it will never be merry with the group of girls they have. There seems to be some tension between Hayley and Mika. Then there is Eleanor who seemed to dislike how Lily keeps getting near Jasper. This scene isn't what Mafu had in mind. "How about we vote it out?" Mafu suggested. "No!" Lily shouts. "We are outnumbered. It's not fair!" "That's why you have to go! You had your fun!" "Just let them be, Mafu." Eleanor heavily sighed. From
Under the beautiful blue sky, Eleanor and Jasper walked out of the church sealing their promise in front of a lot of people. Then they went to the reception where the afterparty is held. It was not as grand as my wedding but it was happier. As the party was over, the newlywed made their way to their car after bidding goodbye to us for their honeymoon. Eren and Greg with their girlfriends went home. Mafu and Clarielle-- which I never thought had something-- had gone to enjoy the night. That leaves us, Kenji, Bren and I to do something fun. Bren was entrusted to us after all. "So, what do you like to do, baby Bren?" "I'm not a baby anymore, aunt Hayhay. I'm a big boy now!" This makes me laugh. Bren is just seven an
Hayley's heart was just crushed the moment she heard the name. She felt everything lost in time and even when it was just a second, to her, she was transmitted somewhere dim and slow. Until Clarielle took her hand taking her back to the real world. "I've heard so much about you, sister! Finally, I get to see you in person!" Clarielle continues to get excited. Is this girl really calling her sister? It could have been sweet if Clarielle wasn't Kenji's new girl but she is. Hayley flashes a faint smile. "It's nice to meet you too." It's nice to get slapped like this, words she can't say so she continues to lift the corners of her mouth higher. "Though I'm not so familiar with you, I've heard your name twice." "Oh, right! I'm so
Before they know it, the trip was over. Hayley thought of staying because she fell in love with the ocean and the underwater creatures. She wanted to keep swimming and submerge herself with the ocean. When she's swimming, she feels like she's floating away from her problems, her painful feelings. But the sun always sets and she has to go home. As they board the plane, they all talked about Jasper and Eleanor's wedding. Hayley had almost forgotten about the date. Luckily, they are discussing everything now. "I hope you guys are free during the practice. It won't take long and it's maybe just two or three times," Eleanor stated. "I'm always free," Mafu said, raising his hand. "But I do need a favor to ask. I'll text you the details later in private." "Are you going to steal Eleanor from Jasper?" Greg joked, softly chuckling which earned a glare from Mafu. "That's why Lily doesn't like you!" "Hey, Lily likes me!" "Oh c'mon!
Greg for no reason woke up early and head out to see the morning sun. Surprisingly, he saw Kenji in the lobby with a backpack on. Greg frowned approaching Kenji."Yo! I thought you leave in the evening? What's with the bag?" Greg asked."Change of plans," Kenji told him like it's no big deal that he is leaving. "I have something important to do. I'll hang out next time.""Next time? Yo! You said it the last time but we never saw you then, you piece of trash! Don't give me that I'll hang out next time!""Chill bro!" Kenji tapped his shoulder while chuckling. "I'm staying in the country for good so chill out! Just give me this time.""Does Hayley know that you are leaving e
The night was fantastic, the foods served by the resort are really delicious that Bren really enjoyed. Their surrounding was peacefully harmonizing with everything except Kenji and Hayley. They noticed how the two of them are glaring at each other since they were sitting the opposite sides. Guess their sweetness must have expired, all of their friends thought. To lighten the night, Mafu took grabbed his glass and raised it up. "Cheers to us gathering peacefully!" he cheered. When Greg raised his glass, the rest of them just followed so it's not so awkward for everyone. Hayley had a glass of sparkling wine that she raised and when she brought it down, closer to her lips, Kenji suddenly took her drink and drank it. Everyone ha
"Do you think they're alright?" Eleanor asked the people inside the van. "Hayley was so mad, she is going cut your head off, Mafu.""They will be fine! At least she won't have any other escape!""I feel bad for Hayley," Greg stated. "We are sabotaging her.""Just chill guys! We will know what happens when we see them!" Eren told them.But Eleanor was still worried about her best friend. She is a terrible friend for agreeing with the group's plan to bring back Hayley and Kenji. Although she heard Kenji say that he loves her the same, to Eleanor, Kenji seemed changed."Something weighing your mind?" Jasper noticed her blank stare."Yes. I'm just worried about Hayley," she replied, flashing a smile. "Kenji just feels different. Like he is back to being that unapproachable guy who puts a line you're unable to cross.""It's something understandable. They spent four years apart. Any person would try to change bad habits but I think Kenji is
Hayley froze in where she was. She doesn't even know if she should look back and gaze at the face she misses or pretend to be cool about his sudden reappearance. "Yo! Dude!" Mafu cheered that snapped Hayley back. As Mafu runs to hug Kenji, Hayley took the chance to turn to see her husband. Kenji looked way better than when she first met him. He was brighter, more handsome and his wide smiles were back. Tears were starting to form in the corners of her eyes so she looked away. "Man, you didn't tell me you were coming!" Greg yells. They were crowding around Kenji and so Hayley took this chance to go on ahead. She doesn't know how to face Kenji. Everything about him changed and he didn't seem to mind her too. It will only embarrass her if she acts close when they are not close anymore. At the waiting area, Hayley immediately took off the rings on her finger and put them inside her bag. Why did nobody tell her that Kenji was comi
Time flies so quickly and it has been four years since Kenji disappeared on them. Only one semester left in college and Hayley will be graduating soon. The first two years, she was still hopeful to find Kenji, hopeful that he will return but then as soon as she was on the third year of waiting, that hope she has slowly faded. Whenever Hayley asks about Kenji to the guys, they would tell her they don't know where he is at the moment. They said Kenji never once contacted them too. Even though she thinks they lie, she would not blame them. After all, it was her who hurt their friend. Hayley sighed, looking at the big house in front of her. She is using it as a reference for her next project but the fresh breeze and the sky are just reminding her of the meadow. Four years... it has been four long years but the rings were still on her ring finger. "Your thoughts are flying somewhere again!" When she turned to her right, she saw Eleanor who just returned fr
After Kenji left, Cassandra went to her daughter's room. She sat on her daughter's bed and looked at her peacefully resting. There were tears in the corners of her eyes. "Oh my little flower," she softly cries, flashing a sad smile. "I thought I should grow you with thorns so no one would hurt you. I've forgotten that you can also hurt yourself. Despite that, you have hurt the one you love too. "I am very disappointed in you for hurting someone who truly loved you. I guess you took over from your father. I guess it's my fault too for cutting off your wings. I am truly sorry, Hayley." Cassandra sniffled, wiping her tears gracefully. "Get well soon, my love. Let's hopefully bring back the times we missed because of my fears." After kissing her daughter's cheek, she left the room for her little love to rest. Just as she predicted, her daughter did hurt Kenji and she didn't have to do anything... nothing at all. "This is for the best,"