Refuge

Chapter 11: Hallie's Plan

Hey guys!

So sorry it's been so long since I last updated! With my actual book that I'm submitting to publishers, school, and club volleyball taking allot of my time, it's been hard to squeeze Refuge into my schedule. 

But never fear! I haven't forgotten about my baby story! I couldn't ever not finish my first attempt at writing a book!

In this chapter, you'll get an inside look into Hallie! Her POV will shed some light on who she is as a person and her relationship with her brother! 

I hope you like it!

-A

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“So, what’s going on between you and my brother? And don’t even think about lying to me. I totally know your tell.”

I glance up from my cold cereal. Hallie sits next to me at the bar counter as I revise my paper, doing her own homework as well. It’s Sunday afternoon and Hayden is no where to be found. He left right after we got back, not saying anything to anyone about where he was going or how long he’d be there. Hallie thinks he’s at Tess’. I really hope not. 

“Where did that come from?” I ask as I swallow a bite of cereal. 

Hallie shrugs and looks back at her paper, tapping her pencil to some unknown beat. “I don’t know, maybe from when I noticed you two all during church and how he was so protective towards you with Tyler?” 

I sit back and put my pen down, frowning. “I was kind of hoping you wouldn’t have noticed.”

Hallie chuckles and flicks me on the nose, making me frown. “How could I not notice?”

“Are we just acting differently since...?” I trail off, not sure how to phrase it.

“Since the Halloween party?” Hallie supplies for me. 

I nod. “Yeah. It’s just, things kind of changed that night. I mean we did-” I cut myself off, glancing at Hallie to see if she noticed that I almost let spill what had happened between Hayden and I.

Her eyes narrow. “What did you two do?” 

Ah, apparently not. 

“Nothing like what you’re thinking! There was no clothing removed if that’s what you’re getting at!” I hastily say, raising my hands up in defense. 

“Then what did happen?!” 

I sigh and spoon around my cereal before I admit begrudgingly. “We slept together that night.”

“WHAT?!” Hallie shouts, throwing her pencil down and turning and glaring at me. “What do you mean, when you say you two slept together?”

“We just slept in the same bed, that's all!” I assure her. “His reasoning was that I shouldn’t have been left alone after something like that happened.”

Hallie snorts. “And what was your reason?”

I shrug and spoon around my cereal some more. “I honestly don’t remember. I was totally in shock for most of the night. The only thing I can recall is that...” I trail off, my cheeks heating up in embarrasment. 

“What?” Hallie presses me. 

I sigh and lean my head down into my folded arms on the counter. “We basically cuddled all night. That’s the only thing I remember.”