Haylee’s POV
Our flight had been relatively smooth, but I was dreading going home. I didn’t want to run into anyone from my old high school or my father. I hadn’t told Dan about me being bullied in high school. Once we reached the airport in my home town, I darted into the bathroom to change. I slipped into my dark skinny jeans, a dark rock style t-shirt and a pair of dark sunglasses. I finished off the look with my combat boots and my black coat and hat. I tucked my llama hat into my suitcase and left the bathroom. “Whoa, what’s all the black for, love? Are we going to a funeral?” He joked.
“Perhaps mine if I see anyone I know.” I stated simply. Dan gave me a slightly confused and frightened look. “It’s nothing.” I shrugged. I could tell he still wasn’t convinced, but he just gathered our bags and we headed for a taxi. The car pulled up in front of my old house less than twenty minutes later and I felt like I was going to be sick. I hadn’t realized that my mom had moved back to the very house we’d left behind the day we’d left my dad.
“You alright, love?” Dan asked, a hand resting on my shoulder.
“Yeah, just great.” I breathed, sliding out of the car. I sulked as we walked to the front door. I was happy to be seeing my mom, but not if it meant having to be in this house. “Do we have to stay here? Can’t we just visit and get a hotel?” I begged. Dan just smiled and shook his head, ringing the doorbell.
“Daniel! Haylee! Oh, it’s so good to see you!” My mom cried, giving us both hugs. I returned her hug happily and pulled away a second later. “Come in, come in! It’s freezing out here.”
We stepped into the house and I felt like running or throwing up. “When did you move back here?” I asked, swallowing hard to keep from being sick.
My mom thought for a moment, then began to speak. “About two months ago. I know that it had a few bad memories in it, but when the people who moved in after us put it up for sale, I couldn’t resist. When they saw I had lived here before, they gave me a cheaper price on it and I took it! I’ve had some remodeling done.” My mom ushered us through the house, showing off all of the remodeling she’d done. Finally, she showed Dan and I our room, saying that she was sure we wouldn’t mind sharing. I blushed at that and scrambled to explain that we weren’t like that, and that we were waiting, but that yes, we would be okay with sharing a room.
I grabbed some sweats out of my suitcase and quickly dressed for bed. Jetlag had begun to set in and I was feeling exhausted. I turned around and instantly felt myself blush. Dan was shirtless. I’d seen him shirtless before, but still he was so fit. I couldn’t help but really finally notice just how much of a toll the last few months had taken on him. He’d been so concerned with me and my wellbeing that he’d been neglecting himself. He’d barely eaten or slept and it was noticeable. He was thinner and paler than he had been and I felt horrible. It was all my fault and I wanted to make it stop. I couldn’t help the tears that began to fall and as I choked back a small sob, Dan turned, concern flooding his face. “Haylee, love, what is it?”
“I’m so sorry-!” I sobbed. Dan walked over and wrapped his arms around me, just holding me close.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. You’ve done nothing wrong.” He whispered.
“Yes I have! If you didn’t have to be so worried about me then maybe you wouldn’t be so unwell!” I cried.
“Haylee, I’m not sick!” He laughed. “Trust me, I’m fine. I’ve been to the doctors. She said I’m healthy! I’m just under stress from the videos and radio show and of course I’m worried about you, but I’m fine. I promise.” He stated, staring into my eyes. I calmed down, believing him.
