That New Start (a Hayes Grier Imagine)

Part Eightteen

***Laura's POV

I went home with tears pouring down my face. I can't believe that Hayes just broke up with me. I didn't even do anything. He didn't believe me. That upsets me so much. 

When I got home I went right up to my room and cried into my pillow. I stayed like that for about 45 minutes until I calmed down. I lifted my head and sat up on my bed. I looked around and wiped my eyes. I looked at bulletin bored and saw all of the pictures I hung up. I cried some more because just about all of them were of me and Hayes. I laid my head back on my pillow and fell asleep. 

*The Next Day*

I woke up to the sound of my front door closing. I sat up and looked at my phone. I was late. Crap. Why didn't my mom wake me up? Wait, my mom left. She thinks I'm in school. Maybe I'll just stay home. I really want to avoid Hayes after yesterday. Maybe it'll be okay. One day won't hurt me. So I fell back asleep. 

***Hayes's POV

I walked into class and I didn't see Laura. I'm going to make an educated guess and say she stayed home to avoid me. I don't blame her. I mean I don't want to see her either.  I just can't believe she would kiss him and tell me she loves me after I broke up with her. I don't know, I just didn't know she would be like that. I didn't think she was like that. Maybe I'm wrong. Why would she tell me she loves me even after what I did to her? I need to get to the bottom of this. I feel awful breaking up with her, but until I find out the truth I don't want anything to do with Laura. 

After school ended I went on a hunt for Dylan. I saw him walking into the band room. I followed him in. 

"Dylan!" I yelled. He was the only one in there. He turned to look at me. He sighed and rolled his eyes. 

"What do you want, turd face?" He asked. 

"Did Laura kiss you?" 

Dylan stayed quiet and then walked over to me. 

"Hayes, just admit it. Laura doesn't like you. I mean you saw what happened. She just ran to me and kissed me. She has a thing for me. Sorry to break your spirits there." I stare at him. I'm not really sure why I decided to talk to him. Dylan was the real turd face and he's just so annoying. I honestly don't really know what to believe. I should just, look for a sign. The universe will show me what I should do. 

***Laura's POV

My day went on filled with tears. I looked at the clock. 4 pm. The football game was tonight. I'm going to go. I still wanna see Hayes play and watch him. Hayes is my everything whether we are broken up or not. I still care about him. Maybe he'll see me and realize I care. 

I hopped in the shower and got ready. I wore jeans with a school hoodie and my Uggs. I walked down to the school and saw all the football lights. I smiled. I remembered what it was like to be on the field under those lights. 

I went onto the stands and sat by my self. It felt weird. This was the first football game I've ever been to without anybody. And everyone around me was chattering and laughing and I kind of had nothing to do. 

I heard a distant snare drum and I looked over and saw the band marching closer to the field. I longed to be with them. When they marched on, I saw my empty spot, right with the trumpets. How bad would I get in trouble if I ran down there to play, I thought. 

I saw The football team come running on. I spotted Hayes's number and I smiled at myself. I want him to see me but that's highly doubtful. 

The game went on and we were losing the game. We were facing our rivals, so it's important that we win. I kept my eye on Hayes. He was not on his game. What the hell was wrong?

I was watching intently when Tyler came right up in front of me and blocked my view. 

"How fast can you get into uniform and ready to play?" He said out of breath. 

"Well, I need my trumpet which is at home, so 10 minutes?" I said. He nodded. 

"Laura I need you in band. I'm sorry. You're officially off of probation. Permanently." I smiled at hugged Tyler. 

"Thank you so much! You won't regret it!" I shouted. I jumped off the bleachers and ran to my house. I busted into the door and ran to where I left my trumpet. I ran back to the school and inside and into the band room i got my uniform and got in it as fast as possible. I Went outside and didn't really bother marching or staying at attention. I ran up on the bleachers and the whole band cheered and clapped for me. I took my seat next Sarah and warmed up a bit before halftime. 

Then it came. Showtime. I smiled as we marched onto the field. I was so ready. This was the best halftime show I've ever done. This is the best playing I've ever done. The band sounded incredible. I've never heard us sound that good before. Tyler's lucky he has me to carry the band. 

Halftime ended and I went inside to go to the bathroom and then I was going to go back out. I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. 

I looked almost glowing. Is this what band did to me? Made me light up like the sun? But I wasn't as bright. What would make me brighter, is Hayes by my side. My eyes would be lighter, my smile would be bigger, and my stance stronger. He makes me a better person and with him not here, I feel lost. 

I walked out of the bathroom and back to the field to finish the game. We ended up losing the game. Great job, football. 

We went inside to go home. I quickly got out of my uniform and went to the door where Hayes and I went out of the first game. I know that's where he likes to park. I stood there in the clothes I came in with my trumpet in my hand. I saw him at the end of the hallway he stopped me and stopped, the way he did when he saw me with Dylan for the first time. I noticed his helmet in his hand and with that, we began to walk toward me again. I felt my eyes get watery. Hold it in, Laura, he's getting closer. 

He came up to me and stared down at me. 

"I um, got taken off of probation. I'm back in, for real this time." I said. He nodded. 

"That's awesome." Hayes said, keeping a blank face. 

"But I came here originally by myself to watch the game, but Tyler needed me then and there." Hayes gave me a confused look. 

"Why did you come?"

I hesitated for a second, hoping he'll understand. "For you." I said quietly. "I missed you and wanted to see you play." I looked at the floor and stole quick glances at him. He took my hand and my head shot up. 

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I miss you in my arms, and I've been thinking about what you said." He paused. He stepped a little closer. "And... I love you too. Will you forgive me?" The tears poured out. I nodded and he kissed me. 

*20 Years Later*

"So if you're wondering, the band book was thrown away. Tyler decided it was best to let by gones, be by gones. The football oath ended and we were able to be together. And we won that competition too. And that's the end. Kids, that's how I met you father." I finished. Paige, who is 11, clapped her hands and said aww. Kelly, who was 9, smiled, and Trevor who was 5, hardly understood the story. I held Hayes's hand tightly and looked at our kids. This is what I'm thankful for. A family and a home. That new start was a real kick start to the rest of my life, I mean look at me. I married my high school sweet heart. That new start was exactly what I needed.