There she is.
“We paid for you to move into that home, Hayleigh. It’s an investment.”
I shrug, opting for nonchalance. “Then you discuss selling it withhismother because I’m not interested. I’ll be at the family dinner tonight.” I look down and focus on the phone in my hand, hoping she gets the message.
Her clipped heels walk away, and when I can’t hear them anymore, I let out my breath in one long stream. My heart beats too fast in my chest, and tears fill my eyes. I don’t want to be here anymore, but leaving Thea here with them hurts too much to think about. I can’t let her down again.
“Knock, knock.” My head snaps up, but my shoulders relax when I realise it’s Thea.
A genuine smile blooms on my face. This is the first time I’ve seen her since getting back late last night. “Did you miss me?” I say as I blow her a kiss.
She looks behind her, then quickly steps inside and closes the door before spinning round. Her back hits the door, her hands quickly covering her face, and she mumbles. “I tried to call it off. I tried to call the whole thing off.” Her quiet sobs fill the room.
I dart off the bed and wrap my arms around her. “Hey, come on. Why are you crying? What happened?” I guide her to the bed, and we both sit down.
She dries her eyes on my blanket, taking a moment to compose herself, before sitting up straight and shaking her hands out. “Sorry, that was completely irrational.”
Thea always struggled to show her emotions when she was younger; put-up-and-shut-up was more her thing. I place my hand on her knee, patting it. “Showing your feelings isn’t irrational. What happened?”
She takes a deep breath. “I told Rupert that I didn’t want to go through with the wedding. We haven’t even dated Hayleigh. He went straight to his parents, who then rang Mother, and allhell broke loose. Father still isn’t talking to me. It’s making it awkward at work.” Her shoulders drop. “It’s difficult, Hayleigh, being here and working with them every day. They’re family…”
I don’t want to push her any further. If there’s anyone who understands the need to protect themselves, it’s me. Instead, I smile. “Don’t worry about that now. Why don’t we go out today?”
She shakes her head. “I can’t. I have work to do at the office.” She stands and walks to the door, one hand on the handle. She doesn’t turn around as she says. “I do want to, though, come with you, I mean. I just…can’t.” She turns the handle and walks out of the room as sadness sweeps through me.
I need to help her.
My phone dings again, I unlock it, and my heart skips a beat as Nate’s name flashes on the screen. I promised him I wouldn’t run and hide away this time, and I meant it. Cutting Nate off last time was a stupid thing to do and proved only to hurt both of us.
Nate
Archie was crying again last night. He watched The Green Mile and now insists that we adopt a field mouse…
I snigger at the idea of Archie keeping a pet mouse.
Me
Tell Arch I approve of the idea
Me
Is that all you wanted to tell me?
Am I fishing for a compliment or for him to tell me he misses me? Yes, I am, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Three dots appear on the screen.
Nate
No, that isn’t all. I actually wrote a really long message telling you how much I missed you and wanted you back here with me, but then I deleted it because I didn’t want you to think that I was guilt-tripping you
Nate
Did it work? Will you come back now? *praying emoji*
I giggle once more; the feeling inside of me is light and happy. As if my heart is inflating. I don’t feel guilt-tripped at all.
Me
