I got home past 8 in the evening with my mum sitting expectantly like she was waiting for someone as she glued her eyes on the big smart television flat screen in the living room while her arms folded resting on her boobs, her cleavages showed slightly from the V-neck gown she was wearing.“Hey, mum!” I greeted, notifying my arrival whilst making my way towards the staircase.“Hailey!” She called out heavily, making me stop in my tracks, I turned slowly facing her as she stared at me.“Yes mum,” I answered as she began making her way towards me as I gawked at her wondering what was wrong.“Where have you been all day? I tried your phone, but it wasn't going through,” She fretted worriedly, her forehead creasing with concerns while I sighed.“I'm fine mum, I was with my boyfriend today after school,” I paused, taking in her amused look when her lips curled up in a bemusing smile.“Hmm okay, just be careful,” She hinted while I chuckled rolling my eyes.“It's nothing mum! We were just h
I was beyond shocked seeing Ryan rooted to his spot without moving an inch as his hazel eyes flickered through my almost nude body, thank goodness, I was wearing a tube bra, but the annoying thing was that I was putting on G-string pants which barely covered my ass.“Don't you know how to knock?” I fired at him, quickly grabbing my towel to wrap protectively around my body as I glared at him.Without saying anything, Ryan turned around slowly, and I thought he was leaving just like that without even saying a 'sorry' for barging into my room like a nuisance evading one's privacy.To my surprise, Ryan closed the door behind him as my heart skipped a bit.'What is he doing?' I asked myself, staring at him suspiciously as he turned around to face me.“I'm here to apologize,” He finally spoke, a slight scoff escaped my mouth making me fold my arms over my chest as I began to stride closer to him, cautiously taking my steps toward him, like he was a predator.“Apologize?” I asked him, standi
Walking hurriedly in the school's hallway knowing I was a bit late to school because I slept later than usual thinking and replaying about what Ryan had spurted out of his mouth to me last night, I couldn't just brush it off easily.Mum was the one who dropped me off a few moments earlier, and Ryan… well, he left home earlier than I expected.I heard a loud distance noise, which was like cheering someone up when I darted my gaze forward and saw some students gather and shouting, I saw other students who were not among the crowds, running towards the direction of the clustered students to know what was going on.“Sandra, I, guess it's a fight!” Two girls scooted past me running towards the direction of the other students as I got curious myself, disregarding my anxious state of being late to class this time around, but who cares?'Let me just take a sneak peek at what is going on,' I told myself, drawing near to the crowded teenagers who were 'oohing' and cheering whatever stuff that w
HAILEY's POV.I ran my hands through my tangled and messed up hair, a languid yawn escaping my lips as I walked down the stairs cautiously.Felt quite thirsty for a cup of milk, which was one of the reasons I had to force myself to stand up from bed and make my way to the kitchen.I drew nigh to the kitchen when an enticing aroma swept me off my feet and made my mouth water as a low growl erupted from my tummy.I entered the kitchen to see mum and my stepdad laughing and pointing turning spoons at each other, with aprons tied around their body.They looked so cute together…Duh! Whatever… It's her life and she's free to do whatever she wants with it.“Morning,” I interrupted them, walking further to the kitchen, here for the mission I wanted to accomplish and get back to my room immediately.“Hailey, you're up?” My mum chimed in.'No, I'm down,' I just nodded, not daring to say such a sarcastic word as I strutted over to the fridge.I don't know what came over me, but the way I'm achi
HAILEY's POV.I was preparing noodles for my dinner since it was already getting late at night.Aiden had left immediately, Ryan, had gone to his room, saying he didn't like the way Aiden approached him.I tried to calm him down, telling him, Ryan was the grouchy and arrogant type but Aiden being the puffed-up asshole he is like Ryan left in annoyance.Honestly, I don't even understand men and their behaviors.Putting the spices into the noodles in the pot, I lowered the cooking temperature of the gas and turned around to pick carrots, I didn't use a finish on the counter and eat.I jolted back startled and fear almost gripped me before I realized it was Ryan who was leaning in the doorway in a white single and black shorts that reached below his knee.“You are still around?” I asked him nervously, walking over to the counter to pick the half carrot I used.“Yeah!” He answered with a shrug as he gazed at me.“Uhm! How long have you been watching me, standing over?” I questioned him cur
Hailey's POV.The weekend was quick to roll fast by, I walked out of the house, planning on walking to the nearest bus stop and board on a bus to take me to school when Ryan parked his car in front of me and horned.I froze at my spot seeing him as he flashed me a charming smile.'No! No!!' I tried to compose myself as my hands tightened on my bag strap.I've tried to shut him out of my head after our encounter in the kitchen, and there he was in my front.Furthermore, I breathed out, squinting my eyes past him, and decided to ignore him as I walked quickly and got on the street.“Hailey!” He called after me as I nervously bit my lower lips, I kept on walking, not answering him when I realized his car trailing behind me.Suddenly, the blaring sound of the horn nearly burst my eardrums, I turned around and faced him with a glare.“What?” I fired annoyingly at him, a nasty smirk curled up his lips while I stared awkwardly at him.“Get in the car, Hailey,” He ordered, making me roll my e
'I'm thinking about you, right now,' Aiden texted me while I grinned like a Cheshire cat.I pressed my lips together and leaned my back on the headboard, and typed quickly on my phone. 'Hmm! What are you thinking about me?' I asked him, smacking my lips together when my door opened suddenly.I shot my gaze up with a frown and was ready to lash out at anyone who entered my room without knocking. I thought I stopped breathing for a while, Ryan just walked into my room shirtless and closed the door behind him, and turned around to face me.Furthermore, I gasped staring at his abs down, down to his… Oh, Gosh!He was so fucking hot, he had virgin pacs now for crying out loud! I quickly averted my gaze away from his body.“Don't you know how to knock?” I asked him, blushing slightly while staring at my phone, trying to ignore him and his eye tempting body.“I'm not used to it,” He answered proudly like the jerk he is, while I snapped my gaze to his face instead, trying my best to avoid star
“I'm not interested,” I replied flatly and Aiden's message popped up, and I decided to use that chance to ignore Ryan, who was still staring at me.He continued massaging my legs while I tried to focus on replying to Aiden, but my mind was clouded.' Let's have a video call,' Aiden texted, I widened my eyes and coughed when he began to call me. Ryan stared curiously and coldly at me, “Is that your boyfriend?” He asked as I gazed at him.“Yeah!” I answered curtly, his jaw twitched, and he looked deplorable.I sighed, thinking whether to accept the call or not, Ryan looked hurt, and now he tried being sane with me, I shouldn't skip that opportunity.Who knows when he will go all grumpy again.Biting my lips nervously, I declined the call and quickly texted Aiden.'Uhm! My mum just entered my room, and we're talking, let's just chat,' I lied, clicking on the send icon and heaved out.He read the message immediately and began typing…'Okay,' He replied.“Aren't you picking the call?” Ryan
Hailey's POV.I sat nervously in front of my vanity mirror, my heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. It was my graduation day, marking the end of years of hard work and dedication. I glanced at the clock on the wall, counting down the minutes until the ceremony would begin.I was in my room at Ryan's house, and my makeup artist, Sarah, meticulously applied the final touches to my makeup, highlighting my natural beauty. I watched Sarah work with a mix of nerves and awe. "You're amazing at this, Sarah," I said, admiring my reflection."Thank you, Hailey! You're already stunning, so it makes my job easier," Sarah replied with a smile, adjusting my hair to fall in loose waves around my shoulders.My mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead. I couldn't wait to see my parents in the audience, proud smiles on their faces. Despite the recent misunderstandings in my family, I hoped today would be a day of celebration and unity.As Sarah finished the final touches, I stood up from m
Hailey's POV.I wanted to leave but I turned back to Mom again, I couldn't shake off the lingering questions in my mind. I went to her room and sat down, sat down with my Mom, and the words I had been holding back spilled out."Mom, what if Dad wanted you back?" I asked quietly, my gaze searching my Mom's eyes for any sign of hope or regret.Mom's expression turned somber as she considered the question. "Hailey, your dad has every right to move on and find happiness. I've caused him so much pain and heartache. I don't deserve his love anymore."My heart ached at my mom's words. "But Mom, don't you want to try to make things right? To be a family again?"Mom sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of regret. "I wish things were different, Hailey. I wish I hadn't made the choices I did. But I can't change the past, and I can't expect your dad to forgive me for betraying him and you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of my mom's remorse. "Mom, you're not unworthy
Hailey's POV.The air was heavy with anticipation and tension in Ryan's house. It had been a week since the dramatic confrontation that led to Uncle Elijah considering reconciling with his estranged wife. I couldn't shake off the somber atmosphere that seemed to linger in every room.One evening, as I sat by the window in Ryan's room, staring at the moonlit sky, Ryan entered with a troubled expression. He sat down beside me, and without a word, I knew something was bothering him."What's wrong, Ryan?" I asked softly, turning to look at him.Ryan sighed heavily. "I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened. Dad is still unsure about Mom coming back. It's like we're walking on eggshells around here."I nodded, understanding his concern. "I've been feeling the same way. But you know what's been on my mind more? My Mom. She's been so quiet and withdrawn since that night."Ryan frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. "Do you think she regrets leaving your Dad?"My gaze
Ryan's POV.When Dad returned to the sitting room, we stopped talking about Hailey and I love, we focused on Dad again, but at least, I was relieved. There was no secret in Hailey and I loved life again, we were free.I stood in the middle of the living room, my heart heavy with the tension that crackled between Hailey and my parents. They sat across from each other, their expressions a stark contrast.My Mom looked at Dad with a mixture of regret and apology in her eyes. She knew she had hurt him deeply, and her gaze reflected her remorse. On the other hand, Dad's eyes were filled with annoyance and a hint of bitterness. He couldn't shake off the pain of the past, the wounds that had never fully healed.The room felt suffocating, the silence broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. I shifted uncomfortably, wishing I could disappear or at least bridge the chasm that had grown between my parents. I never knew forgiveness would be that difficult."Mom, Dad," I finally spoke,
Hailey's POV.I watched as Uncle Elijah's jaw tightened slightly, but he remained silent, waiting to hear me out."I understand that things have been difficult, and mistakes have been made," I continued, my voice gaining strength. "But holding onto anger and resentment will only hurt us in the long run. We need to find a way to move forward together."Aunty Rebecca scoffed. "Move forward? After everything that has happened?"I nodded. "Yes, even after everything. Because deep down, I know that we all care about each other. Uncle Elijah," she turned to him, "I know you still love your wife, despite everything, she birth to your son after all. And Aunty Rebecca," I faced her next, "I know you regret some of the decisions you've made."Uncle Elijah sighed heavily, his gaze shifting to Aunty Rebecca. "It's not that simple, Hailey," he murmured, his voice filled with pain."But it can be," I insisted, my eyes brimming with conviction. "If we're willing to open our hearts to forgiveness and
Hailey's Pov.The drive back home was nothing like when we were going to the restaurant, it was lively with Ryan's Mom, who was making some hilarious jokes just for the family to laugh, and at some points, I cracked up a laugh.I was beginning to feel that maybe Ryan's Mom wasn't that bad, maybe she just wanted peace and love among us all, but everything changed when we got home and met Mom. Aunty Rebecca changed from the sweet she was a second ago and changed to something I didn't know. I had to double-check her if she was the same person or if someone else was supposed to be her.Aunty Rebecca's voice cut through the sitting room immediately we entered and met Mom sitting there, her words laced with contempt as she directed her insults at my Mom once again. "I don't know why you're even here, trying to pretend like you belong. You're nothing but a husband snatcher, a gold digger!" She was harsh with her words. I palmed my face in frustration, oh no! Not again!My mom bristled at the
Hailey's POV.I sat on the stairs of the school, my backpack slung over one shoulder, my eyes scanning the parking lot for any sign of Ryan's car. He had promised to pick me up after my final exam, but as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that he wouldn't make it. I sighed, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding. Ryan often got caught up in his family's business recently, especially when his Dad needed him.Just as I was about to call Shirley for a ride, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hey, Hailey! Need a lift?" Micah grinned, leaning against his car with a casual charm.I smiled gratefully. "Yes, please. Thanks, Micah."When he was driving us towards my house, Micah turned on the radio, filling the car with upbeat music. "So, how was your exam?" he asked, glancing at me.I shrugged. "It was okay, I guess. Just glad it's over."Micah nodded, understanding the relief of finishing exams. "Any plans for the summer?"My mind wandered to the beach trips and lazy days I ha
Hailey's POV.My eyes fluttered open as the soft morning light filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. It was Monday, the beginning of my final exams, and a mix of excitement and nervousness filled my thoughts. I stretched lazily in bed, feeling the weight of the upcoming challenges ahead. I had no exam that day, til the morrow I was going to the library with Shirley to read.As I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, memories from the previous weeks flooded my mind. The incident in the chemistry lab still lingered, the sting of Brielle's insincere apology and the scar in my hand serving as constant reminders. But today, I vowed to focus on my exams and push aside any distractions. I must graduate in a few months.I swung my legs out of bed and padded over to my desk. The stack of textbooks and notes seemed to mock me, reminding me that every hard word would begin to reflect today.As I flipped open my biology textbook, my phone buzzed with a message from
Ryan's POV.Mom came again as usual to cause trouble, but I couldn't let her in, Hailey was still healing from the turmoil that her last visit caused and I couldn't help but stop her from entering, I was sick of always letting her in only to cause Harley more pain."Ryan, what are you doing?" She asked me unbelievably."I'm stopping you from entering, Mom. You will only go in there are cause more pain to people who don't deserve it. You have been doing that for days now and I have been foolishly letting you in over and all over again, but not today. You should leave immediately." I wanted to close the door but she stopped me."Are you chasing your mother away from her house Ryan? What had that woman turned you to? I didn't bring you up to be disrespectful to me, I don't know that my child would be cruel to me." She was using a guilt trick on me, and I knew it. I still spoke with her though."Mom. If you were Hailey's Mom, I'm sure you would have killed yourself by now, if you see the