Her Dad's Best Friend

Shadows of the Past

It had been a couple of days since Jordan and I had that run-in with Chris. I thought things would settle down after that, that Chris would finally get the message and stay away. Jordan hadn't said much about it since, but I knew he was still on edge. I was too, though I tried to act like everything was normal. For Aiden's sake.

I grabbed Aiden's little jacket and bundled him up in his car seat, his chubby hands reaching for his toy as he giggled. I smiled down at him, brushing my fingers through his soft hair before buckling him in securely. We needed a few things from the store, nothing major, just a quick trip. I glanced out the window, scanning the street as a strange sense of unease crept over me. Maybe it was just my nerves playing tricks on me.

"Alright, buddy, ready to go?" I asked Aiden, who just babbled in response, clearly in his own world.

We headed out to the car, the cool breeze hitting my skin as I carried Aiden to the backseat and secured him in. As I drove toward the store, I kept glancing in the rearview mirror, an uncomfortable feeling sitting in the pit of my stomach. I hadn't seen Chris since that night, and I hoped with everything in me that I wouldn't have to see him again.

I pulled into the grocery store parking lot, parking the car as close to the entrance as I could. Grabbing the diaper bag, I unbuckled Aiden and carried him into the store, balancing the bag on my shoulder as I placed him in the shopping cart.

We moved through the aisles quickly, Aiden cooing and playing with his toy while I grabbed what we needed. The entire time, that feeling of being watched wouldn't go away. I pushed the thought aside, trying to focus on the task at hand. After all, Chris wouldn't be stupid enough to follow me here... right?

I paid for the groceries and headed back to the car, securing Aiden in his seat before loading the bags into the trunk. Just as I closed it, I heard footsteps behind me, slow and deliberate.

A chill ran down my spine, and I turned around, my heart stopping when I saw him. Chris.

He stood just a few feet away, that same sneer plastered on his face, his eyes filled with malice. My breath caught in my throat, and I instinctively moved to shield Aiden, my body tensing.

"Hailey," Chris said, his voice cold and mocking. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

"What the hell do you want, Chris?" I spat, trying to keep my voice steady, though fear was coursing through me.

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "What, you think you can just move on? Play house with your new man, like I never existed?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, he lunged at me. His fist connected with my jaw, sending me stumbling back against the car. Pain exploded through my face, and I gasped, barely able to process what was happening.

"Chris, stop!" I screamed, but he didn't. He grabbed me by the hair, slamming me against the side of the car. I fought back, kicking and scratching, but he was too strong. Panic surged through me as I thought of Aiden, still strapped in his car seat, witnessing everything.

"Shut up!" Chris growled, his hand gripping my throat as he shoved me to the ground. I hit the pavement hard, pain radiating through my body as I struggled to breathe.

Everything was a blur—his fists, the sound of his voice yelling, the way my head spun from the force of his blows. I thought I was going to black out, the pain too much to bear, when I heard distant voices. The sound of people shouting, footsteps running.

Suddenly, Chris was yanked off me, and I heard someone scream for help. My vision blurred as I tried to sit up, gasping for air, my body trembling from the shock.

An ambulance siren wailed in the distance, and I barely registered the flashing lights. People were crowding around, but all I could think about was Aiden. I forced myself to crawl toward the car, my hands shaking as I reached for the door.

"Ma'am, stay still! Help is on the way!" a voice called out, but I ignored them, opening the door to check on Aiden. He was crying, his face red and wet with tears, but he was okay. That was all that mattered.

Moments later, I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, gently pulling me away from the car. Paramedics. They were asking me questions, but everything was fuzzy, the pain making it hard to concentrate.

"Jordan," I gasped, grabbing the paramedic's sleeve. "Call Jordan... and my dad."

The paramedic nodded, pulling out his phone as I lay back, staring up at the sky, my body aching. The world spun around me as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

I don't know how long it was before Jordan arrived, but when I saw him running toward me, his face pale with worry, a wave of relief washed over me. He dropped to his knees beside me, his hands gently cupping my face.

"Hailey, oh my God, are you okay?!" His voice cracked with fear, and I could see the anger in his eyes as he looked around, probably searching for Chris.

I tried to smile, but it hurt too much. "I'm... I'm okay," I whispered, reaching for his hand. "Aiden... he's okay too."

Jordan glanced back at the car, where one of the paramedics was comforting Aiden. "Thank God," he muttered, his jaw clenched tightly.

My dad arrived moments later, his face grim as he spoke with the police. He glanced at me, his expression torn between worry and rage. I could see it in his eyes—he wanted to kill Chris for what he'd done.

"Hailey, we'll get you to the hospital, okay?" Jordan said, his hand running soothingly through my hair. "I'm right here."

I nodded weakly, the adrenaline fading and leaving me exhausted. As they loaded me into the ambulance, I looked at Jordan one last time before closing my eyes, trusting him to keep me safe.