CHAPTER 12
HAILEY
It’s been a couple of weeks since Chris and I finally decided to be together. It’s different this time, it’s better. We were kids before and our understanding of love was crooked. We were blind to the mistakes we were making, but we loved with all of our hearts. Regardless of our willingness to make things work, the bad things happening between us were always stronger, leaving us both in despair.
Not today though. Today I’m going home to my apartment where Chris will be waiting with dinner and wine. Yes, I already gave him the key. The realist within me said it was too early, but my heart strongly disagreed. For once, I let the heart have the last word. Things are perfect, and I’m falling in love even more than I thought possible.
I remember Jacob, thinking about how we need to talk to him. I’ve been delaying it, scared it will change things between me and Chris once everyone actually knows about us. I’m also afraid of hurting Jacob. Ellie knows, sure, but she’s keeping her opinion to herself. I know she doesn’t trust Chris. I don’t blame her, since she’s seen me at my worst.
As if he read my mind, at that moment, Jacob texts me.
I haven’t seen you in a while. I think we should talk. Dinner on Friday?
This is my chance— this is the opportunity to come clean. He deserves the truth and Chris and I deserve to go public and be open about our relationship.
Friday sounds good. I’ll meet you at 8 pm.
I arrive at the apartment, a bit worried about delivering the news to Chris. I know he’s been pushing me to talk to Jacob, but I think he’s just as scared as I am. As I’m about to open the doors, I’m surprised to hear laughter coming from the living room. I eagerly open the door to see Ellie and Chris sitting on my couch, drinking wine. The view makes my chest warm. They’re my family, both of them.
“What is this?” I ask through laughter.
“There she is.” Ellie says, and as I walk towards them, Chris gets up and kisses my forehead.
“Hey babe, I’ve missed you,” he whispers. “I invited Ellie to have dinner with us.”
I’m genuinely delighted. Spending so much time with Chris has been like heaven, but I’ve missed my friend.
“You never call anymore bitch,” she says and wraps me in a hug.
“I’m sorry Ellie, I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Yeah, yeah, busy with your new old boyfriend. I get it, don’t you worry. You two deserve some happy time, after everything you’ve been through. I’m happy to hear the whole story. Come, have wine with us and finish the story Chris just started.”
She taps the empty seat next to her and I join them on my comfy and quite luxuriously sized couch.
I always thought the couch was way too big, since it was only ever me and Ellie that spent time here. Now I like the idea of the three of us curling up and talking, and think the size is perfect. We’re older now sure, but we’re not old. We’re still kids at heart and I didn’t realize until now how much I’ve missed having all three of us together, just like in old times.
“So, Chris was just telling me about the night of the fundraiser and how you had a jealousy episode.”
Ellie laughs as I try to find words to explain my silly behavior.
“Stop laughing at me! It’s not my proudest moment, I couldn’t help myself.”
“That’s strange for Little Miss Uptight.”
“I guess we all have our weaknesses. When could I ever resist him?”
Chris is looking at me with the most love in his eyes I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever been looked at this way. I return the look, just as in love as he is.
“Okay you two, this is getting awkward. Enough with the weird eye conversation you’re having. I’m right here.”
“You’re right. Tell me about you, how are you?”
“Actually, I have news myself. I won’t be continuing my master, I’ve decided to drop out.”
“You’re what?” I don’t hide my disapproval as I wait for her to explain herself further.
“Hales, I’ve saved up some money and I can get a bank loan. I’m going to open my own café.”
“Ellie, are you sure…”
She stops me before I can finish. “I know you, Hales. You’ll get all worried that I’m throwing away my future but the truth is, this is what I want. Please, no lectures. I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay. I love you, honey and I support you.”
“I think that’s a great idea, Ellie,” Chris says. “I’ll help you with anything you need.”
“Thanks Chris.” Ellie gives him a genuine smile, one I never expected to see coming from her.
We all raise our wine glasses. “To Ellie’s new café!”
The rest of the evening is filled with laughter and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Once Ellie leaves though, I take a moment to talk to Chris.
“Babe, Jacob texted me.”
Chris leaves the dishes and turns to face me, still standing in the kitchen.
“You don’t have to be worried about this, Hales. He’s part of your life and I understand that. He’s my friend too.”
“I’m glad you think that, because I’m meeting him for dinner on Friday, and I’m going to tell him about us.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, I think it’s best if I do this alone.”
“Okay. I’m a little worried how he’s going to take it.”
“I’d love for him to stay in our lives and be our friend. I also think it’s time for you to talk to Lesley.”
“I will, on Friday.”
“Good. I’m going to take a shower. Want to join me?”
“Hell yeah.” My footsteps are quickly followed by his.
I slip out of my clothes and turn the shower on, letting the warmth calm me and enjoying my body relaxing in response. Not long afterwards, Chris takes me in his arms and starts kissing my neck. We kiss for a while, ready to be lost in each other again. Eager to have him inside of me, I wrap one leg around him and he lifts me up and presses me against the cold tiles.
He’s looking me in the eyes, caressing my cheek as he’s enters me, fulfilling every inch of my being.
“I love you Hales,” he says and has me completely melting in his arms.
“I love you too,” I whisper through moans and short, fast breaths as I feel my climax coming closer. Neither one of us takes too long and we’re there, at the peak of our pleasure. I scream his name as he finds his own release inside of me and his warmth hits the sweet spot that makes me moan.
“I will never get enough of you,” he says, and I smile, knowing that this is what love looks like.