The ride home was entirely silent and awkward, Ryan pulled in front of the house and I got out immediately.I unlocked the door with the spare key, and everywhere was silent, I began making my way to the staircase.“Hailey,” I heard Ryan call behind me, I stopped in my tracks and my hands clutched on my backpack, turning around to stare at him.“I'm going to my apartment,” He told me when my gaze settled on me and I nodded.“Okay,” I muttered, he was standing at the doorway, so, he just turned around and closed the door behind him.A weary sigh escaped my lips, staring at the closed door. I stood there for a while until I heard the sound of his car.I chewed on my lips, feeling awful for what between us at the park. Likewise, I turned around and resumed my steps on the staircase.I got to my room and closed the door behind me with a slight thud, I trudge my way towards my bed.I dropped my backpack on the bed and made my way to my bathroom.A good bath will ease my mind a bit.~~The
“Wrong,” Another squashed paper entering into the waste bin I had dragged close to my seat in class.Everyone was on break, and I was the only one, well, not only me, three more students were still in class who had refused to go to the cafeteria and decided to glue their butts on their seats.I was trying to summarize the book, titled,' Anthony and Cleopatra,' by Shakespeare.This crazy assignment was caused by two silly girls in our class. This happened when Mrs. Hudson, our literature coordinator came into our class unexpectedly this morning and saw Zoe reading the book, 'Anthony and Cleopatra,' Mrs. Hudson saw the book on her desk and was quite intrigued she was reading the book.Mrs. Hudson collected the book from her and remarked the book, showing it to the whole class, thinking that the rest of us were reading familiar with the book.I also had it too, but refused to go through it, since none of the teachers hadn't spoken much about it.Mrs. Hudson was telling us about the book,
After my swimming training, Aiden asked me to meet with him in his apartment, which I did. If I want to forget about what transpired between Ryan and me, then I need to find an alternative.Here, I am, standing in front of my boyfriend's room, he was living in a rented apartment which wasn't far from his college.I knocked on the door, then after a few seconds the door opened, and I stared face to face with my shirtless boyfriend, he looked hot but not as hot as Ryan.'Hailey, get a hold of yourself, no Ryan, remember,' I sighed inwardly while smiling at my boyfriend.“Hey babe,” He greeted, gazing at me.“Hey, “I smiled at him, and he opened the door wider and moved away from the door path for me to get inside.I walked inside dropped my bag on one of the sofa seats and made my way to the kitchen, after getting a glass of water, I walked back into the living room.“How are you doing, Hailey?” He asked, and I nodded at him.“Fine,” I gulped the water and sat beside him.“You've been bu
I got home feeling so irritated and agitated, and I purposely waited at the bus stop, Aiden had dropped me so, I could miss dinner at home.It was already late by the time I got home, the lights were out, but I still saw a reflection of light blinking in the living room, gazing towards the living room, I froze on my spot seeing Ryan watching a movie on the big flat-screen TV in the living room.'He's back!' I thought, gawking at him, as he stared at the television screen, unaware, there was someone behind him staring at him.Then, suddenly, my legs began moving closer to him.“Ryan,” I muttered softly, and he turned his face over his shoulder to stare at who had called. Immediately his gaze fell on me, I saw his eyes flicker through me.“Hey,” He greeted while I walked closer to him, his eyes trailing along with my steps.“Hey,”“How are you doing?” I asked him, my voice a bit raspy as I stared at him.“I'm fine,”“Do you mind watching this movie with me?” He asked, gesturing to the te
Ryan's POV.Hailey and I kept on talking, we just had a normal conversation without letting the pull of attraction between us come to light.Now, we were watching the movie and Hailey was sitting pretty close to me, her smell was intoxicating me, but I had to control myself.I've been thinking countlessly about what happened to us at the park, she let me have a taste of her, and she thinks that will be the last of it or just a one-time thing as she puts it.Last my foot…Her head suddenly slip to my shoulder and I lowered my gaze to stare at her and noticed she was asleep.I stared at her more closely, and she looked so, innocent, and peaceful in her sleep.Her chest heaved up and down in a steady manner and her soft pink lips were parted while I felt a slight breath that escaped her lips.I don't know what she did to me, I don't know how she managed to get me wrapped around her fingers.There are times I would want to shut her out of my mind, try to stop thinking about her, I even th
I dragged my feet lazily to the kitchen, to look for what to eat, Mum had informed me when I came back from school earlier that my stepdad had gone on a very great business trip.I opened the fridge and grabbed a peach can drink, then I walked to the counter, I brought out my phone and sent a message to Dad asking how he was doing.“Hailey,”I dropped my phone on the counter and turned around to see mum. She was dressed in a vermilion bias-cut dress. A black purse in her hands and matching black sandal heels.I arched my brow at her questioningly," You are going somewhere?”“Yes, I have a dinner meeting with some of my friends tonight,” Mum informed me.“Ohh!” I muttered, staring at her, before I opened my can of drink and began drinking it.“Sorry, I'm not making dinner tonight, I slept off,” She told me.“No, it's not a problem, I can cook,” I smiled at her, and she beamed at me.“Okay darling, I'll be taking my leave then,” She notified, and I wagged my brows at her and nodded in r
The roaring and rumbling sounds of the thunder and the flashing of light from the lightning scared the shit out of me. It was raining heavily at midnight, no one would be expecting it would fall tonight, and I couldn't get any ounce of sleep.I kept tossing side by side on my bed, everything was frustrating, the thunder roared, and I jolted on my bed, the wheezing sound from the wind made it sound scarier.I dug my fingers into the bedsheets, clutching them tight and mumbling some prayers to myself.Furthermore, I wished I had fallen asleep before the rain started, I wonder how Ryan will be doing in his room, maybe he's asleep while I'm scared as hell here.The thunder rumbled, and it felt like I was having the most horrible nightmare in my life, I've always been the type who freaked out since childhood when the thunder roared and strikes.I couldn't take it anymore, I was already shivering in my bed. I removed the duvets covering my body and jumped to my feet. The cold contact from t
My eyes opened slowly when I heard the soft sound of snores, and I noticed I was resting my head on something hard but warm. I moved and noticed an arm around my shoulder.I shot my eyes open, realizing I was still in Ryan's room, my head was on Ryan's heaving chest while his arm held me protectively.Furthermore, I froze for a while trying to listen if the rain was still falling, but I didn't hear a sound and everywhere felt so cool.Then a warm smile appeared on my lips, realizing how I had a peaceful night with Ryan, I slept off without realizing“Ryan!” I muttered facing him, we needed to prepare for school but everywhere was still a bit dark and I wondered if I was the one who woke up a bit too early, but I still needed to check the time to be assured.We've been having shorter days and longer nights, which could be deceiving. I stretched my hand to the bed lamp beside his bed and switched it on, then glanced around his room, to see if I would see a wall clock, but I didn't see a
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