When We Meet Again

Chapter 36 | Pillow Therapy

Hailey's POV

"I'm fine mom," I coughed out.

The person I was addressing seemed to be in a conundrum. "Are you sure? I can stay and look after you,"

"No it's alright, I'm-" but I'm interrupted by a fit of sneezing. When I open my eyes, the edge of the tissue box comes into view.

"Nothing to worry about, just a few sneezes." I cajoled, my mother's face looking more and more anxious.

It's afternoon. She had stayed home almost half the day looking after me. Thankfully I had somehow convinced her that I didn't need a doctor. And now; I was trying to convince her that she needed to go to work.

"Mom, go. I'll be fine," I said, although it probably sounded like 'Mum, gho. Ibeefine,'

"You don't sound fine." she said looking skeptical.

Suddenly a knock sounded at the door. My room door.

"Lee? What's wrong?" came Tasha's voice as she walked into the room.

"Guys? Why are you here?" I asked, eyes widening. "It's just a cold."

"Are you sure about that?" came Sharon's steely voice, following Tasha's.

I gulped.

I was caught in the crossfire of both wanting and not wanting to look Sharon in the eye. I decided her shoulder was a better option.

"Mom don't leave me." I whine.

Well, at least I tried to, it came out more like a weak protest.

"Looks like there's some bad blood to sort out here. I've got to head to work honey. I know you're in good hands." she wiggled her fingers goodbye before Sharon interrupted her.

"First of all Mrs Thompson, did you realize your daughter hasn't been at school for the past three days?"

I groaned.

My mother gave me a look of surprise.

"Ron-"

"You need to realize that your daughter is important too," Sharon continued. "I know you've been busy, but she needs you."

My mother just stared at me, stock-still.

"Sharon don't-" I start, my eyes on my mother, knowing what she was about to reveal.

"Max just decided he wants nothing to do with her." Sharon concluded.

"What?" My mother's eyes widened, glancing at Sharon before looking at me for an affirmation.

I scowled, but nodded my head. "Look, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm over it. I'm over him."

"Honey, last time-"

"THIS ISN'T LIKE LAST TIME OKAY?" I yell. "I am sick and tired of talking about that stupid, idiotic boy who I always fall for. It's over. I'm not going to cry for that idiot again."

My monologue was interrupted by a fit of sneezing, completely ruining it's effect.

I then turned my gaze to Sharon. "I know you're looking out for me, but what you did was wrong. It's up to me who I tell or don't tell this to. If I want to keep this from my mother I can. I should be allowed to do this-" a fit of coughing pauses me. "I am allowed to choose Sharon. Don't take that right away from me."

Sharon, uncharacteristically conceeds. "Alright. Fine," she sighed. "I'm sorry for that."

"And I'm sorry for not telling you I had a blog."