company ; gallagher

ix

four – daring kiss

—

Hailie was determined to go to the pool today. Determination filled her after two hours spent with Veronica spilling the beans about what Carl had did for her. Veronica was just as happy as Hailie was when she found out about the pills. The mother and daughter had talked about many personal things going on in their lives that they had never shared before, only because Hailie was too nervous to talk about her feelings.

"You sure you're ready?" Veronica asked, little fear in her voice as Hailie was changing into a new black bathing suit.

"Mom! You're supposed to believe in me!" Hailie scolded from inside the changing room.

Veronica sighed, "I know, baby." Her mind recalling many times where Hailie was too self conscious to even step foot in a changing room, let alone swim half naked at a public pool. Hell, she wouldn't even swim at the Gallagher's. "It's just, you haven't done this in forever, and I don't want –"

The curtains were pulled back, having Hailie walk out in a black bikini doing the catwalk. "Look at me, mom! I look amazing!"

Excitement was clear in Hailie's time of voice, Veronica watched her daughter look in the mirror, finally happy with her looks. "Thank you, Carl." Veronica whispered, "I finally have my daughter back." Hailie was too caught up checking herself out in the changing room mirror to hear Veronica's comment.

—

With brunette hair blowing in the wind and bare feet padding across the cement, Hailie traveled to the Gallagher household. Swinging the door open, she stepped in with her long bare legs showing. She had her new black bikini on covered by a lace bathing suit cover up she borrowed from Veronica.

   The girl closed the door, walking through the living room and into the Gallagher's kitchen, where Fiona and Veronica gossiped. Fiona's eyes met Hailie's, her eyes widening immediately then turning back to Veronica. "No fucking way. No fucking way!" The eldest Gallagher stood up, her eyes engulfing the beautiful image of the new and improved Hailie Ball. "You look amazing."

   The girl smiled sweetly, "Thank you. I worked really hard." Hailie teased, pulling her long hair over her right shoulder, shyly.

   "V, she looks hot!" Fiona exclaimed, adding a small laugh onto the end of her statement. Veronica smiled, getting up from her chair. Hailie thanked Fiona one more time before asking where Carl was. "In his room, most likely sleeping." With that, Hailie was running up the stairs to drag her best friend to the public pool.

   Once the girl was up the stairs, Fiona glanced to Veronica, "Those pills actually work."

   The mom smiled, wiping a single tear from her eye. "I know, it's good to have her back."

   The brunette reached the boy's room, although the door was closed, Hailie strolled right in. The boy was no where in sight, Hailie had checked under his covers, in his closet, but he was no where.

Hailie sulked, her bottom lip pushing out slightly as she took out her phone and called the stupid boy. On the third ring he picked up.

"Where the fuck are you?" Hailie greeted, her tone filled with annoyance.

"Hails, I –" Carl was cut off by someone in the background. "Yo, white boy! You're up!"