𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 ~ 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐡

15. Enough Is As Good As A Feast

DEEPENING into the night, Hayley was feeling more and more drowsy. The feeling of sleep tugging at her eyelids was profound, yet unsatisfied by the impeccable amount of disquietude from her call with Angelo.

Hayley glanced at the time on her phone,

2:13

She saw as she counted in her head how many hours of sleep she could manage before six if she went to bed now. Not enough. Four hours of sleep wouldn't suffice for whatever is to come at home with her father and Robert.

Chloe sat down next to Hayley on the couch,  "You look like you could use one of these." She said as she took out a small plastic bag from her pocket.

Hayley, with her eyelids partially shut, glanced over and saw what looked like mini fruit gummies. Her eyes widened, "What are you doing with edibles?"

"You wanna say that any louder?" Chloe retorted as she glanced over to the kitchen where Rebekah was baking cookies. "Unless you want her to call the rehabilitation center on us, I'd recommend lowering the volume."

Hayley took a gummy from the bag, "You think she really would?"

Chloe snorted, "Wouldn't put it past her. She gets all high and mighty when it comes to this shit as you're well aware, but she's really just being overprotective."

"More like over-cunty." Hayley spoke as she chewed.

Chloe turned her head, "Look, why don't you head up and crash, she's baking in there and won't be going to sleep anytime soon, so you can sleep in my room."

Hayley let out a huff, attempting to subside her worries that would come into play in four hours. Whatever new deal awaited her at home wasn't a good one, for she had a spiking feeling from both her chest and gut making it known.

She headed up to Chloe's room, seeking solace from the air's quietness upstairs. She cracked open the window by the bed to immerse herself within all that the breeze of the night had to offer. Despite her anxiety poking at her, it wasn't long before her exhaustion finally claimed her for the remainder of the night.

~~~

4:45 am

Hayley awoke effortlessly from her phone's incessant buzzing, feeling as if she hadn't slept at all. She began to feel an uneasy sickness in her stomach, one that forced her to sit up and have a sip of water.

She knew this feeling. Too well. The burning anxiety mixed-hatred of having zero choice but to obey her father as commanded. Her fears were his victory every time.

It was silent throughout the house; the morning air was still dark, only a tinge of light blue peeking up in the far horizon. She got out of the bed and went into the bathroom to clean up a little before getting ready. 

Hayley took some water into her hands and splashed it over her face. Immediately, it felt refreshing. After a few more splashes and a quick rinse of mouth wash, she gathered the few things she had brought and headed downstairs quietly.

The whole house was silent and dim, Hayley was cautious not to wake anyone on her way down. When in the living room, she noticed it was empty. Where did Chloe go? She thought to herself.

She peeked into the kitchen and then down the hallway. There was a guest room that had a fold out couch along with a mini television, "Must still be asleep." Hayley said under her breath.

She turned around to head back to the front door only to be jumpscared by Rebekah, standing less than 10 feet behind Hayley.

Hayley immediately clasped her hands over her mouth, preventing a gasp as she then scolded the blonde girl through clenched teeth, "What the hell is your damn problem?!"