Max and Hailey: A second chance

The Reception

Max's P.O.V

I felt my face go pale as ice when my dad asked us what we were doing in the room together. How would he have known anyway?

"What are you talking about?" Hailey asked trying to act like she didn't know what he was talking about but was failing.

"Who said we were together in an unlocked room?" I asked trying to back Hailey up.

"Honey, it's just us. You don't have to lie to us. We used to be young like you two." Mother said with a soft laugh.

"We have pulled that move too many times to count. At school, the pool house, and yes even here. Probably the same room you two were in, but that is just a guess. I couldn't see the exact room you went into Max, but it was one of those rooms." Dad added before taking another sip of his wine. Hailey looked at me side-eyed and I squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"I just wanted to speak with Hailey in private, that is all," I said giving in without telling all the details. My dad took another sip of his wine eyeing us before placing his glass back down.

"It's okay, I already know that you two like each other. You don't need to hide it from me. You might want to be more careful though so that Henry doesn't figure it out yet. I will need some time to get him to be open to it." Dad said with a shrug.

"Wait, what?" Hailey asked in shock. "How could you possibly know- I mean think that?" she said trying to correct herself.

"It's okay Hailey. I have already spoken about this with David. He understands now." Mother said to her and tapped her free hand. "I know my son very well and I can see how he acts differently when you are in the room or when your name is mentioned. Despite the rough first meeting you two had, I could see the spark. I recognize it from the spark we had when we first met." She said smiling at Dad as she leaned into him.

"Okay, so if I were to say that you were right, you would both be okay with it?" I asked questioningly.

"Yes," they both said in unison. I looked at Hailey to see what she thought about this, and she nodded her head softly.

"Okay fine, you are right. I don't know how you have figured this out. Do you really think you could convince her family to be okay with it?" I asked.

"Convince us to be okay with what?" Henry asked appearing right next to Hailey. She quickly let go of my hand and stared down at the table. I tried my best not to glare at him. I was still not over the fact that he has hit Hailey.

"He was just asking if you guys would be okay with us moving next door," Dad answered saving the day thankfully.

"Oh, of course! We are family after all. Unfortunately, I have some things to take care of, Mayor stuff, so I must leave early. I will see you three tomorrow morning when you start to move in. Hailey, I will see you at home." Henry said acting calm, but I could tell that when he was talking directly to Hailey, he was not feeling calm at all.

"Yes, father. I will see you when you get home" Hailey said getting up from the chair and giving him a kiss on the cheek before he turned and walked away. She sat down slowly and took a big sip of water that was on the table.

"Well, that felt very awkward. Are you ok Hailey? You seem nervous." Dad asked her.

"No, she isn't," I replied answering for her. "He slapped-" I started to say but quickly stopped myself. My parents looked at me in shock and Hailey looked at me frightened that I just let it slip.

"That bright mark on your cheek," Mother started to say in shock, "that mark was from Henry? He slapped you?" She asked in a soft but concerned voice so no one else would hear.

"Yes," Hailey said with a sigh and nod. My dad looked furious.

"That Bastard!" my dad said angrily. "He is out of control now." He said standing up, causing attention to be drawn to us.

"David, baby, please sit down. You are causing a scene. This will not help." My mother said grabbing his hand and pulling him back into his seat. It took my dad a couple of seconds to cool down.

"How long has it been going on this time?" he asked sternly. Hailey grabbed my hand and rested our intertwined hands on the table. She took a deep breath before telling him everything that she told me.