The Surrogate

Making amends

Monday October 24th.

Britta observes Seb thoughtfully as she drinks her coffee. He's barely uttered more than two words since he joined everyone for breakfast - everyone except Hayley that is, whose absence is notable and puzzling.

He looks miserable and tired, as if he's been awake with the baby all night, which he hasn't as Emilia has been with Stefanie overnight.

She exchanges a questioning look with Norbert, the pair of them silently communicating and asking each other, what's wrong with Seb?

She can't say too much right now though, not in a public setting like the hotel restaurant.

Next to her, Stefanie pats Emilia's back, brining up her wind after a morning bottle. She can only imagine that her brother and his ex must have argued last night and that's why he's got a face like a wet weekend and why Hayley hasn't come down to join everyone for breakfast. It's going to be a fun trip to Mexico if things continue like this.

He pokes at his scrambled eggs on toast, his appetite has well and truly deserted him. All he can think about is how on earth he's going to able to face poor Hayley and the fact that she hasn't joined everyone for breakfast is worrying. What's equally as bad is the questioning and accusatory looks he's getting from Britta and Stefanie and even his dad keeps looking his way. How's he going to explain that he's upset Hayley by fucking her and instantly regretting it, giving her the wrong impression that they'll get back together in the process?

He lifts his guilt riddled gaze up from his breakfast and meets the sweet blue eyes of Emilia who's staring his way. Her cute, chubby cheeks and ever growing dusting of fine, sandy blonde hair briefly make him forget how bad he's feeling and he calls to her softly across the table, telling her how she's daddy's sweet angel.

She smiles back at him, causing a collective, "awww," to ripple around the table.

Putting his knife and fork down, he decides to head up to Hayley's room, hoping he can clear the air enough with her that she'll still come with them to Mexico and save him from having to try and explain what he's done to upset her.

He makes a feeble excuse as he gets to his feet, saying that he's suddenly remembered that he hasn't packed one of his Aston Martin t-shirts. It's obvious by Britta's expression that she doesn't believe him but he doesn't care and makes a swift exit, heading straight for Hayley's room.

Minutes later and he's relieved when she opens the door to her room - at least she hasn't already left.

She's not surprised to see him at the door and leaves him to step inside, walking to the bed where she flops down to sit on it in a resigned fashion. This is crazy - last night they'd been taking each other clothes off before having amazing sex, she'd felt like she was on cloud nine and like she was finally starting to get him back. Then he'd left in the middle of the night, bursting her happy bubble and now it feels like they're oceans apart.

He spots her case by the en-suite door, together with a small carry-on case that she takes onboard the plane with her. Unsurprisingly, it looks like she's ready to leave.

"We need to talk," he begins, taking a few steps away from the door to stand and lean against the wall, crossing one foot over the other.

Hayley dusts an imaginary bit of fluff off of the white duvet, she can't look at him as she utters back, "I don't think we do."

"Last night...."

She bitterly cuts him off, "was a mistake, Seb, I know. You made that pretty clear."

"Hales..." he tries again but she's having none of it.

"Don't," she snaps, "just don't." She hadn't wanted him to feel guilty last night but this morning she feels differently, like she's been used, was nothing but a one night stand and it's her own fault for letting it happen.