Grounded • A Hannie Fanfic

Chapter 8

Annie's POV:
I blink my eyes as I realize how obvious it is. First, she didn't like the news of our relationship, and now she isn't talking to either of us.
I turn to her to try and talk, but Hayden stops me by putting a hand on my shoulder.
"She needs some time. She'll come around." He says, rubbing my shoulder in reassurance. I shut my eyes and sigh. If my friend can't support my relationship, maybe our friendship isn't worth it.
I lay back down to get some more sun. I hear Paige get up and go swimming too, but the waters too cold for me.
Suddenly, I'm lifted off the ground by Hayden. He carries me bridal style to the water and wades in until it's waist deep for him.
"Hayden, I swear, drop me and I'll-" in interrupted as Hayden drops me and I plunge into the cold, salty water. Hayden chuckles as I stand up, covered in water.
"Aww, I'm sorry babe." He says, leaning in for a kiss. I grab his neck and pull him backwards so that we both fall underwater. We both stand up and laugh through the salty taste in our mouths. I wrap my arms around Hayden and press and kiss on his lips.
"I love you." I remind him. He looks at me, happiness glowing from his eyes.
"I love you too."

Hayden's POV:
Hannie and I realize that everyone is packing up, so we head back towards the beach. I help Annie gather her things and get mine together as well. While we wait for everyone else to finish, we sit and watch the sun start to go down. I hold Annie's hand as she leans her head against my shoulder. Then, I hear a scoff. Annie gets up and I look around to see who it was. I notice Jayden roll her eyes and turn around to head to the car. Before I can say anything to Annie, she stops Jayden.
"What's your problem?" She says, walking ahead of me. I throw our bags over my shoulder and catch up with her. Jayden ignores Annie.
"Do you not want us to be happy? What am I doing wrong?" Annie says angrily. Jayden spins around to say something back.
"I liked Hayden and you knew that!" She says, tears brimming her eyes. Annie takes a step back.
"I love him, Annie! I've loved him for years! And you've loved him for, what, a couple days?!" Jayden shouts. Annie says nothing in return, and Jayden stomps off.
"This is my fault.." She says, burying her head in my chest.
"She'll get over it. She's just emotional." I reassure her. She sighs as we slowly get to the car, where we'll have to sit through a car ride with her.
Since we're the last ones to the vehicle, were the last ones to get seats. Hayley claimed passenger, so Paige is in the centre row. Jayden is in the very back.
"Sit with Paige. I'll try and talk to Jayden." I whisper into Annie's ear, and she nods.
I throw the beach bags in the back and get inside the car. Brooke drives away from the beach.
She turns on the music, but there's no obnoxious singing anymore.
"Look, Jayden, I'm-" she cuts me off.
"I don't want to talk to you." She sniffs.
"Jayden, even if you like me, I love Annie, and there's nothing you can do to change that. Whether Annie chose me or not. Your hurting both of us." I say, putting my hand on her shoulder. She pushes my hand away and stares out the window. I sigh and make eye contact with Annie, sharing my head. She looks sadly at Jayden and twists her body forward again.
We just lost one of our best friends.

Annie's POV:
When Brooke drops us off at the apartment, Hayden, Hayley, Paige, and I walk silently to our hotel room. I go with Hayden to his room, and we move onto the balcony for extra privacy.
"Hayden, I made one of my best friends hate me." Annie sobs. I hug her.
"You did nothing wrong."
"Yes I did. I back stabbed her. And then I had the audacity to get mad at her!" She says, tears still streaming down her face.
"As what were you supposed to do? Hide your feelings for me to help her feel better? Let her mood ruin your day?" I defend. She just cries.
"She doesn't deserve you as a friend if she can't let you be happy." I finish off. Annie looks up at me and sniffles, wiping a tear away.
"Thank you Hayden." She whispers.
I hug her tight while she calms down.
"You should get some rest." I tell her, opening the door to my room. We leave and walk over to her room, and she lays down.
"You can stay if you want." She says as I turn to leave. I smile and crawl into bed with her, and wrap my arm around her small waist.
"You're sure your parents won't be upset?" I question.
"Upset about what? Us cuddling asleep?" She point out. She grins as we doze off to sleep.
"Goodnight. Love you."

Shorter chapter today. Hope you're enjoying the story so far :)
-M