𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 ~ 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐡

12. Flirtatious

"AWE, thank you, thank you!" Rebekah smiled as she shook the hand of Chloe's mother, "And as always, it's marvelous seeing you again!"

Chloe and Hayley were both seated at the top of the staircase as they heard Rebekah greeting Mr and Mrs Delanoy. Hayley turned to Chloe, "Are you like, hiding from them?"

Chloe chuckled, "Nah, I opened the door for them when they came in. Rebekah loves chatting with them so I let her take her time, it's wholesome, ya know?"

Hayley smiled, "I wish I could communicate like that."

"Hey," Chloe called, "You know my parents have adored you since the first time they met you. Go on down and say hi while I clean up any mess left behind in my bedroom then I'll be there, alright?"

"No, no, not when she's there stealing all the spotlight." Hayley declined.

"Don't make me do this." Chloe teased.

"Do what?"

Chloe stood up, "Oi, mum, Hayley says hi as well!"

Hayley stood up, quick to act, "Good evening, Lainey!" Fuck I called her by the first name! Hayley panicked in her head.

Lainey gestured for Hayley, "Hi sweetheart, come on down!"

Hayley smiled at Chloe as she went down, "Hey, remind me to kill you later, okay?"

As she heard Chloe laugh behind her, Hayley was prepping herself for small talk. Being that she hadn't had loving parents of her own, she never knew how to accept the kindness and affection from other parents.

Hayley's own mother left shortly after she was born.  She never understood it, though she couldn't blame the woman for wanting to leave Angelo but why not take her own daughter with her? Why leave her own blood to be raised by this devil of a man? Questions that remained unanswered stayed roaming in that wicked mind of Hayley's.

Once Hayley was downstairs, she noticed Rebekah talking with Chloe's father about movies.

"Oh I saw that one in theaters! I jumped the whole time, it was fuckin' terrifying." Rebekah was standing next the television as if she were giving a presentation.

Hayley turned her head and put on a smile for Lainey who welcomed her with open arms, "Hi, love, how have you been, lately?" She embraced Hayley into a tight, warm hug, one only a mother could give.

"I've... been managing." Hayley chuckled. She wouldn't dare lie and say good but she also wasn't going to tell her the complete truth: awful.

The realization of Chloe buying medication for her mother struck through Hayley's mind and as she gently pulled out of the hug to look Lainey in the eyes, she asked with sincerity, "And how are things with you? Have you been well, lately?"

"I've been fabulous, honey, things have been nice here at home." Lainey assured with a smile. She has to be lying, Hayley thought, but what else could she expect? People don't often tell the full truth when asked in simplicity about how they are.

Hayley took a deep breath in, "That's great," She began, "It's important you take care of yourself, I'm happy to know you do." She smiled back before going in for a second hug. She needed it.

Hayley's hug with Lainey was short-lived as she heard Rebekah chime in, "Lainey! My goodness, I realized I never gave you a hug when you came in!"

Hayley was bewildered as she scooted aside, quietly mouthing out, "What the hell was that for?!"

Rebekah shushed her before making herself cozy in the embrace. Hayley tutted to herself, that cunt, she knows what she's doing.

Hayley spun to head back to the couch when she heard Chloe come back down, "I'm hungry, I haven't eaten anything yet."