The Boy Across The Street

Don't go

Days got crazy. My mom and her boyfriend left to Cancun, Hayes doesn't come to school anymore, I've been seeing Aaron in the streets lately, I'm home alone and it kind of scary, Hayes and I barely even see each other, and tomorrow is my big spring break party. At this point in life hit me hard. Jackie,Cameron and I were walking to our cars because the school day ended. "So party theme is Hawaiian?" Cameron asked me. "Yeah for tomorrow" I responded. "But babe don't forget today we are just making a bonfire at Stephanie's to celebrate a little bit early." Jackie said as she smiled at Cameron. "How would I forget anything if you're part of it." Cameron smiled and kissed Jackie. I smiled and looked away. Ugh third wheeling. The thing I used to do a lot with a friend back home in Tennessee but, still not used to it. I do miss Hayes coming to school. He would always be someone I would talk to during lunch and he would walk with me to classes. You know the normal thing a couple does at school. I haven't been able to seen him in a long time because he's been getting ready for tour. He's been rehearsing stuff, packing, etc. We finally made it to our cars that we parked next to each other. "So you guys would be there at six?" I asked unlocking my car. "Yeah anything you need us to bring other than the supplies for the s'mores?" Jackie asked opening the car door to Cameron's car. "No I got the drinks and brownies." "Okay cool Stephanie we will see you soon" Jackie said getting in the car. Cameron backed away and went their direction. I got in my car and made my way home. When I got home I looked across the street to see if Hayes was there but the house looked completely empty. I sighed and walked inside my house. I watched a movie on Netflix and fell asleep. I didn't wake up until 5:30 pm. "Shoot" I mumbled as I got up from the couch. I went upstairs and changed into my light washed high waisted shorts and my white crop top. I put on my white converse and quickly put my hair half up and half down style. I ran back downstairs out to the back yard. Everything looked decent for tonight and tomorrow. The pool looked clear. The chairs, tables, lights, fireplace, looked great for tomorrow's party. I sat on one of the long chairs. My phone vibrated and saw that Hayes' name popped out on my notifications. "I'll be there in a few :)" Hayes message read. I smiled knowing I'll be able to see Hayes again. I looked at the time and it was 5:45 pm. The doorbell rang and I immediately got up and went to the door. I opened the door to see Aaron. "Hey" Aaron said with a smile. My mouth opened and nothing came out. "You're supposed to say hey back." He chuckled. "Uh.. Right... Aaron what's... Up?" I asked worried. I shut the door behind me. Just about three weeks ago Hayes told me to stay away from him and that's what I've been doing when I've seen him in the streets. I was so worried if Hayes caught me talking to him. "Heh I know we haven't talked in a long ass time I was wondering if we can talk... because there's obviously things we need to get straight... And I want you to hear my side of the story. Because you know... Maybe Hayes would lie to you or something." Aaron said. My face expression changed from all nice and worried to what just happen and defensive. "Why would Hayes lie to me? I mean we are a couple we have nothing to hide about." I said crossing my arms. Aaron shrugged and looked at me. "Maybe if we go to the forest and talk about it more... Maybe you'll understand." Aaron's words made me confused. "I would... But I'm about to have a bonfire-"
"No invite?" Aaron said. "Oh... I-"
"don't worry it's fine." Aaron said putting his hands up. We both smiled at each other. Aaron made me feel guilty and even though Hayes said not to be close to him I felt like inviting him over to the party would be the right thing. Plus it isn't going to be just us so, maybe after all Hayes wouldn't even know. "Well I better get going before your company comes..." Aaron said taking two steps back. "Yeah. But before you go... Um." I paused. "Yeah?" Aaron asked waiting for me to function. " I'm having a party tomorrow... You know for spring break...it's Hawaiian party, I was wondering if you would want to come" I said playing with my hair.I always play with my hair when I get nervous. Aaron gave me a smirked and looked at me head to toe. "I'll think about it..." Aaron said walking away. "You look cute by the way playing your hair." After Aaron's phrase I knew it was a mistake. I turned around to enter my house. Before I could reach the doorknob a car hunk. "Please don't be Hayes" I whispered. I turned around to see Cameron's silver jeep. Jackie was in the passenger seat. I sighed of relief. Cameron and Jackie got off the car. "Why was he here?" Was the first thing Jackie said. "Can I explain later just please don't tell Hayes." I said feeling guilty because I still haven't even decided if I was going to tell Hayes or not. "No problemo" Cameron said as they walked in the house. "Yeah don't worry about it sorry we're here late." Jackie said as she set some stuff on the table. "Late?" I asked Jackie. I turned around to look at the time. It was 6:15 pm. "Where's Hayes I thought he would be the one right on time." Cameron said. Everyone expect Hayes was here. I was making s'mores with Jackie and Cameron. I was third wheeling again. Thirty minutes went by. Then another thirty minutes go by and next thing you know it's already 8 o'clock. "It's eight o'clock do you still want us to stay? Maybe Hayes would show up..." Jackie asked. I shook my head looking at her then at the fire. "It's okay I don't think he'll come." I whispered. "We can stay a little bit longer it's not that late." Cameron said. "No it's fine... I have to wake up early tomorrow to get more stuff for the party." I looked at them and smiled. "I'll be fine." I whispered. Jackie and Cameron got up. "Okay well... We will see you tomorrow." Jackie said. I walked them out to the front door. Right after they left I went back out in the fire. I sat on a long chair to think. Why didn't Hayes come? He said he was almost home and he never showed up. I started to get worried. I took out my phone and called him. No one answered. I called again to try but my doorbell rang. I hung up on the call and walked to my front door. I open the door to find Aaron. "Oh...hey" I said disappointed thinking it was Hayes I looked down. "Disappointed to see me?" Aaron asked. I looked up. "Oh... No come in Aaron." I let him enter to the living room. "Why are you so down?" Aaron asked as he sat down. I sat next to him. "I'm not." "Stephanie you are." "No I'm not Aaron why do you say that?" "I know you are. Look you got tears in your eyes. What's wrong?" Aaron asked. I looked down knowing I was about to cry. Aaron pulled me into a hug. I hugged Aaron back. "Does it have to do with Hayes?" Aaron asked. I nodded my head. I sighed. "I'm just scared of... Of losing him." I said backing away from him. "I haven't seen him in forever and he was supposed to come today but-" "he didn't..." Aaron whispered. I shook my head. "He texted me saying he was almost here and he never came." I frowned. "I thought maybe something bad happen..." Aaron smiled at me. "You really care about him." I looked up at Aaron and laughed a little to brighten up my mood. "Yeah" I paused. "But, I don't even know if he loves me as much as he used to." I looked back down. The doorbell rang. "I should go get that" I said as I got up and opened the door. I looked up to see Hayes I froze. "Is everything okay?" Aaron asked from the living room and started to walk toward the front door. "Who's that?" Hayes asked. I turned around and Aaron was already behind me. "What are you doing at my girlfriend's house?" Hayes rose his voice and grabbed Aaron. "Hayes stop he just got here." I said trying to get Hayes' hand away from Aaron. "Fine I'll go." Aaron said pushing Hayes away from him. Aaron looked back at me. "I'll see you tomorrow." Aaron left and Hayes looked at me. "We need to talk." I looked back at Hayes. "Obviously we do." I said upset walking back inside. Hayes followed me. "I thought I told you to not to get close to him." Hayes said. I sat down on the couch and looked up at him. "Hayes that was a one time thing he came to comfort me because you didn't come. I was scared if something bad happen to you." I stopped. I looked away from Hayes. Tears started to form in my eyes. When I finally get to see Hayes bad things just happen. In two days Hayes starts tour and I'm not going to be able to see him in a long time. "Stephanie..." Hayes whispered. He got closer to me and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry" I whispered as I hugged him back. "No don't be sorry. It's my fault for not having enough time." Hayes said as he hugged me tighter. "I love you" Hayes kissed me on the top of my head. "I love you too." He pulled away from me. "I also have to confront something." He said. "And that is?" "Stephanie I invited Jordan over to the party..." I looked at Hayes. I didn't want to get back to the argument. "Oh" I said under my breath. "You're not mad are you?" Hayes asked pulling me towards him. I shook my head. "I um..." I paused and got away from him. "You invited Aaron. I know. That's the only reason why I invited Jordan but, if you're not okay with it I'll tell her we canceled." Hayes said. "How'd you even know I invited..." I paused and shook my head. "It's okay. Let's... I need to sleep I have to wake up early tomorrow. I'm picking up Evelyn and Matt from the airport." I forced a smile. "I just got here do I have to go?" Hayes smirked. I grabbed His Hand and lead him to the front door. "Bye Hayes." I smiled and gave him a kiss. "I really don't want to be home alone." Hayes said as He turned to look at the house. I sighed. "Fine. Stay but I have to wake up early tomorrow." I smiled as I closed the door to outside. Hayes kissed me again. Next thing you know we were making out. I pulled away from him and laughed. "Stop I have to go to bed." Hayes smiled back at me. "Good night Hayes." I smiled as I walked toward my room. Hayes stayed in the guest room. The next morning I woke up at 5. I got my jean shorts and my pastle pink shirt and put my converse on. I got out of my room and went to the guests room to find Hayes peacefully sleeping on the bed. I slowly climbed on the bed with him. He turned around so he would be facing towards me. He slowly opens his eyes and shuts them again with a smile. "Why are you all dressed for?" He asked with a husky voice. "I'm going to the airport I need to pick Evelyn and Matt up I'll be back in an hour or two okay?" I said as I played with his hair. "I'm going with you." Hayes said as he started to get up from the bed. "No it's fine I have to go now or I'll be late and knowing Evelyn and Matt their going to get mad so stay here and get some rest." I said as I stood up. "Babe, I'm not a girl I'm just going to go across the street to get a different shirt for now." Hayes started to walk towards the front door. "Okay..." I sighed. "Don't take long I need you back in fifteen minutes please." I murmured. Hayes smiled at me and walked across the street. I laid on the sofa. Everytime I blinked my eyes would get heavier. I slowly drifted to sleep. "Stephanie wake up we are going to be really late." I was waken up by Hayes gently moving me. "What time is it?" I asked Hayes as I got up. "5:35 let's go." Hayes got up and walked outside. "Shit..." I mumbled to myself got my phone and walked to my car. When I got there Hayes was already in the drivers seat. "I'm driving you're not even fully awake yet." I giggled and gave Hayes my keys. "Thanks." I smiled and got toward the car.
*skip car ride* Hayes and I waited for Evelyn and Matt outside in the parking lot. While we waited four different girls came up to Hayes for pictures. They didn't even notice me which gave me wonder if they were just ignoring me or if they didn't know who I was. Evelyn and Matt came towards us giving Hayes and I a hug. "Thanks for picking us up." Evelyn said as she hugged me. "you're staying over till my parents come and then moving two houses away from mine it's no big deal" I said breaking the hug. "What's up shorty." Matt said as he pulled me into a hug. "Hi Matt." I smiled. "Here let me help you guys with your bags." Hayes said grabbing Evelyn's bag. On our way Hayes and I talked about the big party we are having. We got to my house and started to fix last minutes things for the party. I got upstairs and grabbed my Hawaiian Victoria secret swimsuit on and went downstairs to find Hayes, Evelyn and Matt in their Hawaiian swimwear. "Wow you guys look cute." I smiled looking at everyone. Time passes by so slow that next thing I know my house started to get filled up with people. There were people in the pool swimming, people dancing, people talking, people eating, people making out. It was crazy. I stood back to see everyone. "Who would have known that a homeschooled girl could make a nice ass party." A familiar voice came from behind me. I turned around to see Matt. "I didn't think so much people would come." I said in shock. "It's a highschool party even people you didn't even invite show up." Matt said looking as some girl in the pool. I turned back to look at Matt and gave him a small shove. "Hey you shouldn't be watching out for me i'm single unlike like Hayes he's your boyfriend. Anyways talking about Hayes where is he?" Matt asked. I shrugged.
"It's a party we don't always have to be together." I said. "Whatever, I'm going out for a second I'll be back soon." Matt said with a small push and went his way. I rolled my eyes and went my way. Matt was right as I walked around my party I saw people that I haven't even seen before. I walked towards the pool where Jack G, another close friend of Hayes going on tour, and Evelyn talking. Dang this girl just moving in today and already pulling guys. They both looked at me. "Oh this is Stephanie I don't know if you've meet her before." Evelyn said standing up. Jack stood up and smiled at me. "Hayes' girlfriend he's been talking about you a lot during practice would you be coming with us for tour?" "I don't know maybe just on weekdays." I smiled back. "Maybe when you come you can bring Evelyn she's chill." Jack said looking at Evelyn. I turned to look at Evelyn. She was blushing. I giggled "nice meeting you Jack." I turned around and saw Matt enter the backyard with Aaron. I walked toward Aaron. "You actually came?" I asked Aaron. "Why wouldn't I come?" Aaron asked. "Well I thought with what happen between you and Hay-"
"I'm not worried about Hayes." Aaron said with a smirk. Matt laughed.
"Well shit... Anyways Aaron and I got you a small gift. This way please."
Aaron and Matt lead me to my kitchen. There on top of the table was a bottle of tequila. I looked at Matt.
"Where the fuck did you get this!" I yelled. I got the bottle and started to look for a spot to hide it. "Relax Stephanie you're not going to get caught. You're parents are not coming back till April. You'll be finished by then." Matt said so calmly. "Matt I don't drink you don't either how the hell did you even get the bottle?!"
"Okay Stephanie if you don't want to get caught keep your voice down. And Matt didn't get the bottle I did. I bought it as a party gift." Aaron said trying to calm me down.
"Aaron you're underage to even buy tequila how did you even get it?"
"I know people."
It was quiet for a few seconds. I turned to look at Matt. "Get back out to the party Matt I need to talk to Aaron alone." I looked down as Matt left to the backyard. "Just don't do anything Hayes wouldn't like." Matt yelled from outside.
"What am I trouble? Stephanie we aren't in the first grade I know how to be a responsible drinker I've drank before." Aaron said.
"Isn't this why you almost got in trouble by the cops during Thanksgiving? And I helped you so you wouldn't get caught. I helped you so you could learn from your mistake. Aaron I thought you were sober. You promised me you were going to stop."
"Okay and I guess I broke that promise because when you left to Tennessee that's when I started to drink again. I don't know if it's you, I don't know what it is but, whenever you're here I can be sober but when you're not here I can't help it." Aaron made things quite. "Look I'm sorry Stephanie I didn't want to make you upset in any shape or form." Aaron said as he pulled me towards him. I tried getting away from him. "Well you did. So let me go Aaron."' I finally got away from him and started to walk back to the party. "I only did it because of Matt he wanted to..." Aaron sighed. I turn to look at him. "And you're going to help him? Aaron by the end of the party I need that thing gone. You really don't understand that I actually care about you." Aaron's eyes got a little watery, he started to blush, I made him speechless. I open the door to the backyard and went to look for Matt through the party. I was passing by crowds of people and didn't see him. I found Jordan with Hayes. It was just both of them. In a corner talking. I didn't want to think too much about it and I just let it be because I knew Hayes wouldn't do anything.But I had a feeling I should go talk to them to see what's up. I went close by the pool where Evelyn was still talking to Jack. "Evelyn have you seen-" I got caught off because I got pushed towards the pool. My back hit the water first. I quickly came up to the surface to get some oxygen. I open my eyes to see Matt. "Looking for me?" Matt asked as he got closer to me in the pool. "You're such a jerk get away!" I splashed him some water. "Aw Stephanie this is a pool party you can't get mad at me for just trying to have some fun." Matt laughed getting closer to me. I pushed him away from me "Matt I need to talk to you." I got out of the pool and got a towel that was near by. Matt followed me inside. "You're not really mad are you?" Matt said drying off his hair. "I'm not mad that you pushed me into the pool."
"Then why are you mad?"
"Matt why'd you want to start drinking?"
"Aaron told you? Where is he? He said he wasn't going to say anything." Matt said with an angry tone and started walking toward the front door so he can look for Aaron.
"Hey! No, stop. Matt!" I yelled at him as I pulled him back. "He's gone already and if someone should be getting mad it should be me!" I pulled Matt one last time and let go. I gave up. Matt turned around and looked at me with confusion.
"Why should you be mad?" Matt asked. He was still angry and I was able to hear it. It was quiet for a second and he studied me. He finally started calm down when he actually found out I was serious. "Matt, you know how I feel about these things.This is what ruined my family and you know how I feel about this. That's why I'm mad with you." There was a long pause. Matt stormed out of the house and went to the party. I sighed. What could I do? He asked me why I was mad and I told him the truth. "Ugh!" I stomped my foot and started pacing back and fourth. I didn't know if I was more mad or upset. I just didn't want Matt to go through what my dad had to go through. Falling into that addiction was tough to get out. Time passed and people started to leave. The place started to get less crowded. I made my way out. I saw Jackie and Cameron ready to go. We said our goodbyes. I found Evelyn talking to Jack on the long chairs. I know where this is going. I was looking for Hayes. I barely even got to see him at the party and tomorrow he will be leaving to tour. I passed by Jack and Evelyn but someone pulled me into a hug. I hugged them back when I noticed who it was. "Look sorry, you know-"
"Stephanie you don't have to say sorry I get it you just don't want me to fall into the same situation my uncle did. I get it." Matt said. I smiled at him. "Okay I'll see you later I need to look for my boyfriend."
I started to walk toward Hayes. He was now with two girls Jordan and a new girl that barely moved from Ohio. Her name was Bridget. As I got closer Hayes saw me and he smiled.
"There goes my lost girl" Hayes said opening his arms for a hug. I hugged him. I couldn't believe he was leaving me tomorrow. I was happy for him leaving and doing what makes him happy but, he makes me happy and I didn't want to get in his way. We broke the hug and I turned to look at Jordan and she had her bitch face.
"Oh this is Bridget she's from Ohio and guess what? She's going to tour with us" Hayes said smiling and all excited. I turn and looked at Bridget she had a perfect tan and she was the perfect height and her really curly hair fell perfectly. Her dark green eyes looked straight to my hazel eyes. She smiled and stretched her hand toward me.
"Hey Stephanie it's nice meeting you"
I gave her a shy smile and shook her hand.
"Nice meeting you... I hoped you enjoyed the party"
"Yeah it was nice and thanks Hayes for giving me company for most of the time in the party."
Bridget smirked at Hayes. I looked at Jordan and her mouth dropped. I looked at Hayes and his face got serious. "I guess I'll see you two in tour?" Bridget said. She gave Hayes and Jordan a hug. She looked at me and smiled. There was a silence. "Well the party is over... so I better get going?" Jordan said awkwardly. She turned around and left.
The vibe wasn't good between Hayes and I. Everything was quite. "Stephanie..." Hayes whispered. "I don't want to know...I have to go now..." I looked at Hayes' crystal blue eyes and I saw how water started to form. I quickly turned around and started to walk inside. On my way inside Matt stopped me.
"Stephanie are you okay?"
His brown eyes studied my hazel eyes.
"I'm fine." I said holding in my tears. I tried my best that my voice wouldn't crack. I got inside the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of Tequila. And ran upstairs to my room. I locked my room and sat on the floor. I stared at the bottle. Everything just came to me. Matt trying to drink, Hayes talking to other girl, Hayes leaving me tomorrow. My fingers touched the bottle again. The glass was cold from sitting out. My tears slowly started to fall down my cheeks. I opened the bottle and the smell of Tequila hit my nose. All the bad memories from my dad hit me.Reminded me of the all the times he came back home drunk. More tears started to fall. I took a shot without even thinking. The toxic hit me. It quickly traveled through my body. My throat burned. I took another one and this one helped me get rid of some of the pain. I looked at the bottle again. It made think of my dad again. I poured another cup with Tequila.
Hayes' POV:
I froze. I didn't want to leave like this. I started to walk inside. Before I even got to the door Matt came out. He looked mad. Evelyn quickly started to get to me before Matt. "Whatever he says don't get offended." She said getting in front of me.
"What the hell did you do this time?" Matt yelled.
"Matt stop! Let him explain you don't even know what's going on." Evelyn yelled back. Jackie G started to walk toward us. "He hurt Stephanie again like he always does..." Matt seem hurt.
"Matt I promise you I need to talk to her."
"Why so you can fuck things up like you usually do?"
"Matt, dude, let him fix things with her before he leaves to tour." Jack said.
"Please Matt it's better for them to talk about it then her overthinking stuff" Evelyn said.
Matt was thinking for a few seconds. Those few seconds felt like hours.
"I'm not liking how you're treating her. I'm not like how she's constantly crying because of something you've done." Matt said. Those words stung me I even got goose bumps. His words made me feel guilty. This made me need to talk to her.
"I don't even know if you make her happy." Matt said looking straight at me.
"Matt you can't say that." Evelyn defended me.
"No... he might be right. I might not make her happy but that is why I need to talk to her." I said. Jack looked at me. He could tell tears wanted to form. "Matt please let them talk about it... I know she wants him... it's late... it's 3am let them talk before he leaves." Evelyn said grabbing Matt's shoulder.
Stephanie's POV:
The fourth shot made me feel a little dizzy. I was done. I got up and grabbed the bottle. I stumbled into my bathroom and put it under the sink. I stumbled my way to my bed. All my tears were gone but, I was still hurt. My eyes were still puffy. I decided to lay down because my stomach started hurting. I started to look around my dark room. Thoughts started to appear. I couldn't believe that was how I spent The day before he left to the tour like that.
Hayes' POV:
I opened her room door. There she was her back facing toward the door. "Stephanie are you awake?" I closed the door behind me and took two steps forward. She turned around and looked at me. "Come here." She whispered faintly. I climbed onto her bed. Her eyes were puffy. "Stephanie I'm so sorry." I placed my hand gently on her cheek. "Hayes..." she whispered. Her breath smelled like alcohol. I looked at her confused. She sat up next to me. "did you drink?" I asked. She broke into tears. I pulled her against me. I rubbed her back while she cried on my shoulder. "I didn't want to drink Hayes..." her voice cracked. I knew Stephanie was hurt. She broke the hug and her hazel eyes looked straight at mine. She leaned in and kissed me. I kissed her back. She kissed me like this would be the last time she would. Then I remembered I would be leaving tomorrow for tour. My heart sunk. We broke the kiss. I looked at her eyes and I knew she was tired. "Stephanie get some rest." Stephanie laid down. It hit me that I wouldn't be able to see her as often now. I stroked her hair. We had a quiet moment but, it was a good quiet. 20 minutes passed and I knew she should been asleep by now. I kissed her head before I tried crawling out of her bed. It was time for me to head home to have all my luggages backed. I cracked the door open. Until she turned around. "Hayes... don't go yet." Stephanie's said as she turned around. "Please don't go yet... please stay with me."
Stephanie's POV:
I saw Hayes leave and I didn't want him to go yet.
He climbed back on my bed. He laid down and pulled me toward him. "I don't want you to go." I whispered. "I'm right here." He whispered back. His crystal blue eyes looked at Me. "I don't want you to leave me tomorrow... I know you have to go." I said. His hand found its way toward mine. He grabbed my hand And kissed it. "Stephanie come with me and take online school"
"I can't Hayes..."
"Why not?"
I stayed quiet. I shook my head. "I just can't... I don't have time now to change my schedule..."
"I love you Stephanie."
"I love you too Hayes." My voiced cracked. Hayes hold me closer and tighter. He kissed me one more time. This time a little longer. I closed my eyes and all I could hear was Hayes' heartbeat and his breathing. I wanted to stay up as late as I could to spend my time with him but he needed his rest. Hayes fell asleep before me. "Please don't go." I whispered before I fell asleep.

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