Social Anxiety

Chapter 20: The Hootenanny

Tamara's sheepish expression amused Hailey when they ran into each other between classes the following Monday. She seemed nervous about approaching Hailey, but Hailey greeted her with a smile to ease the tensions.

"Sister Hailey, I want you to know Dan was the perfect gentleman, and nothing happened," Tamara said.

"It's okay. I wouldn't have been mad if something had happened. You had my blessing."

"I know, but we only went as friends."

"You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did. I still think you and Dan should be together," Tamara said, earning a sigh from Hailey. Hailey wanted to argue, but her conversation with Mrs. Cynthia and Felicia had her thinking. She had barely slept a wink the previous night. Tamara noticed the hesitation, which strengthened her resolve. "Permission to speak freely, Sister Hailey?" Tamara asked.

"We're not in the military, Tamara."

"Right. Sorry. Have you asked anyone to the Hootenanny yet?"

"No, I haven't," Hailey replied, eyeing Tamara warily. She knew Tamara's intentions, and they made her regret not denying Tamara's request to speak freely.

"Why not?"

"I haven't found anyone."

"Is that the real reason?" Tamara asked, grinning.

"It's..." Hailey began, but she found she couldn't finish. As much as she hated to admit it, Tamara had a point. "No, it isn't the real reason, but you know how I feel about this."

"You're scared. I get that, but look at Sister Felicia and Mistress Shawna. Sister Felicia overcame her fear. You can, too."

"Their situation is different. My parents would never disapprove of me dating Dan. In fact, they've encouraged me to do it."

"Then maybe you should listen to them and your heart. My mom always said regret lasts longer than disappointment. Life is a risk, Sister Hailey. You'll never get what you want if you don't try," Tamara said, reassuringly smiling. "Sometimes, you just have to say fudge it."

"Indeed. Sometimes you have to say—that," Hailey replied, barely containing a laugh. Tamara's oddness got to Hailey. She felt the anxiety slip away and felt an easiness she knew wouldn't last. Hailey realized she needed to seize the moment before it passed. "You're right, Tamara. Thank you."

Hailey said her goodbyes and searched for Dan. She knew where he would be and grabbed him before he entered his classroom. Dan looked at her questioningly. "Hail, what's up?" he asked.

"Will you go to the Hootenanny with me?" Hailey asked. Dan's overjoyed reaction warmed her heart.

"Of course, I will," he said. "I was worried you really weren't going to ask me. Oh, and nothing happened with Tamara."

"I know. She told me, and I trust you guys. But I want you to know I'm still trying to figure out how I feel."

"I understand, and I won't pressure you," Dan said. "We can go as friends."

"No, I'll consider this an actual date, but keep it casual," Hailey said. She didn't think Dan's smile could grow any larger, but he proved her wrong.

***

Meanwhile, Hailey wasn't the only person asking someone to the Hootenanny. Claudia spoke with a guy named Nate Carney. He was in her anatomy class and a fellow physical therapy major. They bonded over muttering dirty jokes under their breath. The only problem was that Claudia asked him out in the campus center. She had no idea about the impending danger until it struck.