Those That Came Before

House Guest

Her warm chocolate brown hair fell at her shoulders, framing her face. A pair of jeans hugging her curves. The old cowboy boots she got her first time in Nashville clicking along the pavement. A plain v-neck white tee shirt hung loose. She had arrived the evening prior, pulling in to Becky's driveway at 9pm exactly. The roads were clear of most traffic. Hadley thanked the many people who got their traveling done early for that. 

She stayed with Becky for the night. The others unaware of her presence at the advice of Becky. She knew Blair would never let the gates open over at the house if she heard it was her trying to buzz in. And Kolby had been sending her calls to voicemail. She didn't blame him though. She outted him to everyone in the bar that night. She wasn't sure she would even forgive her if the roles were reversed. Although, it felt good not to hold that secret anymore. Even though she was holding another one dear to her heart. One that could cut deeper than the fact that Blair had been sleeping with Kolby. One that may be a little more believable. 

Hadley never tried Brantley's cell. He had been very hot and cold in the whole situation, no in between. Mama Becky cleared up what was going on with Blair and Brantley. He had been staying on the bus, mainly going from there to the Dawg house and back. Blair had full control of the home. She didn't entertain the likes of Brantley from the moment she kicked Hadley out of the house until now. Becky still wasn't even sure that Brantley would be a part of the Christmas Eve party that Blair was hosting. But she was going whether her son was going to be there or not. No need to stir the very large pot anymore than it already had been. 

The two women carried a pair of casserole dishes from the trunk of the car to the front steps. Hadley could hear her heart in her ears. She was laser focused on not tripping on the three rock steps to the front porch. She suddenly did not think it was the greatest idea to be the biggest surprise they were getting on Christmas Eve. 

Becky must've noticed because she placed her right hand firmly on Hadley's left arm, giving it a tight squeeze. She smiled at Hadley reassuringly. If anyone knew them well, it was Becky. Hadley trusted her more than she trusted her own mother. Heck, more than any one in the world. Besides Brantley. However mad she was at him. 

Becky knocked on the large oak double doors. There was a scuffle behind them before one opened up. 

"Mama!" Blair cheered, fake of course. She turned her head, her jaw nearly hitting the porch floor. "Hadley. What on God's green Earth are you doing here?" 

"She's my guest!" Becky chirped. She knew Blair wouldn't protest, against her will of course. You never want to upset the mother in law. Who knows what consequences would follow. 

Blair plastered on the biggest smile she could muster and stepped aside, allowing the two to enter the foyer. She shut the door, rolling her eyes before anyone could notice. "Right in the dining room." She gestured. 

Becky lead Hadley toward the noisy dining room. They rounded the stone fireplace that span from floor to ceiling. Hadley's heart went from her ears down to her throat. She wanted to throw up or run away. Or both. They stopped in the open dining room that was an extension to the kitchen. 

"Hey, mama." Kolby smiled warmly, standing up to give her a hug. 

As he came closer, he stopped in his tracks. His eyes met hers. Becky slid to the left, revealing Hadley. She held on to that dear casserole dish with her whole life. Brantley looked away from the conversation he was having with one of their friends. His lips parted, as though he was going to say something. Hadley swallowed hard. It was as if the entire room came to a halt. The buzzing of the holiday cheer ending. She shook her head, realizing it wasn't just her imagination. 

"Merry Christmas." Hadley replied, her tiny voice like a church mouse.