Addiction| 18+

19|old friend

Hayley

I swung my legs off the bed, shivering slightly as the morning chill hit me. Grey's side of the bed was empty, the sheets neat and untouched. He'd already left—probably to work, just like he said last night. The quiet made the house feel bigger, and for a moment I lingered in the warmth of our room.

Finally, I pulled on jeans and a hoodie, tucking my hair into a messy bun. My phone buzzed on the dresser. Rebecca.

"Hey—are you free today? Want to meet up?"

I tapped back quickly, a little shaky. We haven't talked since the wedding night and before that not since I cut her off and left.

"Yeah, I think I can. Where do you want to meet?"

"Perfect! Let's meet at this café!" She sends me the address to the coffee shop a couple minutes away.

I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed downstairs. The smell of breakfast lingered faintly in the air, and Miss Green was at the kitchen counter, going through the mail.

"Morning, Ms Green," I said softly.

"Morning, Hayley. Sleep well?" she asked, glancing up with a small smile.

I nodded. "Yeah... um, I'm heading out for a bit. Meeting my cousin Rebecca to catch up."

Miss Green studied me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then she said, "Alright, dear. One of your bodyguards will be accompanying you and taking you there. Don't worry, he won't hover. But it's just to make sure you're safe."

My stomach tightened. Even after all these years, the idea of someone following me felt... strange. Protective, yes, but also oddly constricting. Like a small sense of déjà vu. "Okay," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady.

She gave me a small nod. "Don't forget your jacket! It's a little chilly this morning. Have a good time."

I grabbed my hoodie from the coat rack and tightened the drawstrings, my thoughts tangled between nervousness and anticipation. "Thanks," I said, slipping out the door.

The morning air was crisp as I started down the street, the quiet of the neighborhood settling around me. Even with a bodyguard shadowing me a few steps back, there was a spark of something lighter—anticipation, maybe, or just the comfort of seeing Rebecca again.

I missed her.

When I arrived at the café, Rebecca was already there, sitting in our usual corner, coffee in hand, hair messy but effortlessly so, a familiar smile lighting up her face.

"Hey," I said, sliding into the seat across from her.

"Hayley!" Rebecca said warmly. "I was hoping you'd say yes. How are you?"

I hesitated, still feeling the weight of therapy yesterday and the awareness of being watched. "I... I'm okay," I finally said. "It's been quiet."

Rebecca nodded knowingly. "Sometimes quiet is good," she said. "Or at least... necessary."

I let out a small breath, feeling the knot in my chest loosen just a little. Maybe today would be simple. Maybe today would just be us, talking, laughing, and catching up—even with the shadow of someone keeping an eye out for me.

After some small talk and catching up Rebecca convinced me to go shopping. More like forced. We left the café, the crisp morning air brushing against my cheeks as we walked down the street. The bodyguard followed a few steps behind, quiet and unobtrusive, but I could still feel the awareness of him there. My hands fidgeted with the hem of my hoodie as Rebecca chatted, lively as ever.