“Whatever, Chase. I’ll do what I want,” she said with attitude.
“Fine, don’t come over after school today,” I said, knowing that would piss her off.
“You’re breaking up with me over her?”
“No. I just don’t like your attitude today.”
“Come on, baby, don’t be mad.”
“I’ll see you later,” I said.
“No, don’t go,” she whined.
“I have class. Mr. Thompkins is going to have an army out looking for me.”
“I don’t want the other girls seeing us fight. Make it like we’re happy. Kiss me goodbye.”
“You have issues.” I kissed her cheek.
“I love you,” she said, smiling.
“I love you, too,” I replied out of habit, but I truly did love Carrie. She was my first love. We had been together for so long that we’d started to get on each other’s nerves. Carrie kissed my cheek back. Hailey looked over at us.
“Why don’t you invite Hailey to the party Friday night?”
“Does the coach have you on drugs?”
“You can be a nice person. I know the real you.”
“Chase, it’s never going to happen.”
“Well then, I’ll do it.”
“Don’t you dare. I’ll be the laughing stock of the school.”
I ignored her and walked over to Hailey’s table. She had a book in her hand. “That’s a pretty good book you’re reading,” I said, trying to get her attention.
“You’ve read it?”
“Yes. Listen, do you want to go to a party with all of us on Friday night?”
Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched the interaction between me and Hailey. They were waiting for her answer. Her facial expression changed. She was angry and she stood up. “If you think it’s a joke, it’s not funny. You’re just like the rest of them. I wouldn’t go to a party with you or your friends for a million dollars.” She picked up her book and backpack and then stormed away.
Carrie started laughing. “You should have left the loser alone. I warned you.”
I stood there perplexed. I didn’t understand. What went down?
“P, I’m out of here.”
“Hold on, I’m coming.” He ran to catch up to me. “Dude, what was all that about?” he asked.
“Carrie picks on that girl. It’s not right. The shit she does reflects on me.”
“I told you to leave her.”
“It’s not that easy. I have feelings for her. When it’s good between us… it’s good. She’s different with me.”
“That’s not true. I’ve seen you fight. Chase, dude, do you like Hailey?”
“What do you mean?” Why would he ask me this question?
“Like her? Want to date her? Why do you always protect her?”
“I don’t know. It’s instinct. Like her? I have a girlfriend. I don’t cheat.”
“I think you like her,” he teased.
I felt the need to protect her from my bitch girlfriend… that’s all.
“I think you’re lying to yourself,” he continued.
“I have a question.” I knew I was going to regret this. “Do you think Hailey’s fat?”
“I wouldn’t say fat, like, obese. She’s just not a stick model.”
“So why does Carrie torment her?’
“Maybe she sees what I see.”
“What’s that?” I was being defensive.
“That you like Hailey, and she may be threatened by her.”
“It’s more than that, but I’ll never know why. Hailey is beautiful on the inside and out,” I blurted out.
“How do you know that?”
“P, remember that day I followed Hailey out to the hallway during gym class?”
“Yes.”
“Well, she was crying. I wiped her tears from her eyes. I wanted to kiss her. Don’t tell anyone.”
“I wouldn’t, but that would be bad, not just for you but for Hailey, too. Carrie would go ballistic, and she would make her life a living hell. Dude, you are my best friend since birth. Don’t do this. Get over it. Leave Hailey alone to deal with her own issues. It’s obvious from the scene in the cafeteria that she doesn’t want your help. You have an image to protect, and as much as I hate Carrie, you need to just stay with her, because she will destroy you. You are at the top of your game for scouts right now.”
I was listening to what P was saying, and he was right. That could bring bad consequences. I had to make the best decisions for everyone involved.
“You’re right. Come on, let’s get back to class. We’ve been gone long enough.”
I never thought about Hailey again after that day… Well… I didn’t tell anyone about it…
***
Present Day
I place the plates on the dining room table. Hailey gets up to get me another beer from the fridge.
“Sit down. You’re my guest. But thank you.” I smile.
Dinner in the dining room is more relaxing. I sit across from Hailey and just stare at her. There is so much I want to say, but I can’t get it out. I don’t know where to start.
She takes me from my thoughts. “Do you always eat so healthy?” she asks, picking up her fork.
“Because I play sports, I have to eat right and exercise. I spend crazy amounts of hours at the gym. I also run the track a lot.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. I exercise, but it’s because I have to. I had no choice but to change my habits. I gain weight just looking at food.”
I feel so sorry for her. I can’t imagine how she feels. “Hailey, I’m so sorry…”
“Chase, don’t. It’s not your fault.”
“It is. I couldn’t stop it. There’s something I have to tell you.” She looks confused, but I need to tell her the truth if I am planning on moving forward with her.
CHAPTER 16
Hailey
CHASE LOOKS rather serious. What could he possibly have to tell me? If it is anything related to my past, I’m not sure I want to know about it. Although my secret crush has grown up, he still has that look that attracted me to him. I can’t help but stare at him. He is so adorable, but in a manly way.
“Chase, don’t. I don’t know if I can handle what you’re about to say. I want to forget about what happened so long ago.”