What I Wish You Knew | ꪜ

Chspter Fifty Five

To everyone,

55. I wish you knew I was at peace.

Hayley's POV

"Hey Dray," he hummed in response.

"Do you think the gymnastics club has a spot for one more?" Although I couldn't see him courtesy of the blindfold he slipped over my eyes I knew for a fact he was possibly staring at me like a gaping fish. There was stillness in the car for a few seconds before he cleared his throat.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Do you want me to look into it?"

I smiled, "Yeah, do that." I won't forget my dreams. I won't forget the person who I always wanted to be. I hope you'll cheer for me beyond the grave dad because I won't give up. Not now. Not ever. "We're here," Drayton said as the car jerked to a stop.

He began to shuffle from beside me and a few seconds later he was out the door and beside me, leading me out of the car. "Don't take off the blindfolds until I say so, okay?" I nodded my head vigorously, "okay."

He lowered his hand down onto my back and led me forward. Since I was only wearing sandals, I could feel the slick ground beneath my feet. It felt like grass. Were we in a field? "Okay, stop. Now take off your blindfold."

Without much hesitation, I pulled the blindfold back. "SURPRISE!" Although this was exactly what I expected, it still didn't lessen the effect of my excitement and shock. I squealed at the sight of all my friends holding up a birthday sign, all adorned in party hats.

Huddled beside a car with a big red bow.

A car?

"And for your final gift. Happy birthday Hayles," dangling from his fingertip were black car keys. Everyone suddenly parted like the Red Sea, giving me a clear view of the car staring back at me. It was a white Honda Civic. A white friggin Honda Civic. "You like it?" Drayton whispered beside my ear.

I slowly pivoted on my heels to face him and paused as tears trickled down my cheeks. Happy tears of course. "I–I love it," I responded, barely able to hold back the sobs threatening to spill from my lips.

"Oh stop it, you big baby! Why are you crying!?" He laughed heartily. This is who my dad was referring to when he said I deserved better. No, I got more than I deserved. I got this amazing brother who would fly to the moon and back if it meant keeping me happy. Not many people are lucky to say that.

But I am.

I crashed into his arms, startling him. "Thank you, Drayton." Thank you for being the person who never left me. No matter how tough things were he always stayed by my side. "You're welcome, little one." I peeled away from his arms and wiped my tears away quickly. "Go check out the car, go on."

He placed the keys in my hands and shoved me forward. Before I could even get the chance to marvel at its beauty, Jenna leaped into my arms and captured me in her tight grip. I cried out in pain as my arms encircled her waist.

"Happy birthday, kiddo. Landon and I helped pick out the car so you better like it." I pulled away from her grasp, "I love it. It's so beautiful." She rolled her eyes, "yeah now you can stop borrowing mine. Now come on, everyone is eager to give the birthday girl their wishes."