Hayley
They walked together hand in hand in the pouring rain until they reached her house.
“Thanks for the amazing night.” Lewis said sincerely. She smiled weakly; she was tired out from all the dancing. He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her tightly before he left. She watched him as he walked away and then turned back in a swift movement. He ran back to her, picked her up and swung her around.
“I'm sorry; I just couldn't let you go yet.” He whispered. She couldn't help but smiling.
“At least come inside and get dry before you leave.” Hayley offered.
“Okay, just to get dry.”
“And maybe some hot chocolate if that's not pushing it?” She smiled guiltily, she knew that he, like she did, had a weakness for chocolate, it was like their own personal kryptonite. He chuckled softly to himself.
They sat silently in the lounge on the large leather couches. She lit a few candles, it was so romantic.
“What happened today?” She asked curiously.
“What do you mean?” He asked while sipping his hot chocolate.
“When I came to surprise you, your mom, she was, well, screaming at you.” He nearly choked on his drink.
“Oh, you saw that huh?” He looked down, avoiding eye contact with her.
“Yeah, I did, you don't have to tell me about it if you don't want to.” She tried to lighten the mood a little and bit down on her lip. He sighed loudly.
“My mom and I got into a fight this afternoon, because she insulted you. I told her that I had had enough and I realised how wrong I was to fight with her.”
“Insult me? Why?” She asked, slightly horrified.
“She thinks you’ve changed me. My mom told me that I wasn’t her son. I, I can't lose you so, I fought back.” He admitted, he looked into her green eyes, she felt absolutely awful.
“You shouldn't have fought with her, maybe I have changed you?”
“No, but you haven’t, you see, she’s sick. She says things she doesn’t really mean. You are my passion now.”
“I totally understand. I think you need to talk to your mom, apologise maybe?” she urged. He sighed and sucked back the last bit of his hot chocolate.
“Okay, but do me a favour?”
“Anything.” She said slowly.
“Come with me, I need you there with me.” She was so astonished and yet so flattered that he had asked her to come with him for support.
“I'm going to walk Lewis home.” Hayley yelled upstairs. She grabbed her coat and tied it tightly over her waist and pulled on her gum-boots.
“Loving the Wellies, Babe.” Lewis said in his sexy English accent. She picked up an umbrella and pulled him out the door. They walked in silence most of the way back, the quiet sound of rain hitting the umbrella and their trudging in the water puddles. As they got to the old bridge he spoke,
“I'm so nervous...” Lewis’ voice gave her a fright. She gasped loudly and put her hand to her chest.
“You gave me such a fright!” Hayley’s answer seemed to respond to his puzzled look.
“Sorry.” His words were very few. She could tell he was scared; maybe it was the thought of how his mom was going to react? She reached out and took his hand. He was cold, icy. He definitely was not well at all. She squeezed his hand softly to try and comfort him.
“Don't worry, Babe,” Hayley said softly, “it will be okay, I promise.”
“How do you know that? I can't lose you! Not now!” His eyes turned to a navy blue, he looked dull, sick. There was so much sorrow and resentment in his eyes. Hayley hated seeing him like this.
Just then his mother appeared at the front door, a warm glow emanated out of the house onto the porch. She ran out across the lawn and grabbed her son like she hadn't seen him in years.
“My boy! My precious boy. I was so worried about you! I thought you weren't coming home! Are you okay? Are you hurt?” She cupped her hands on Lewis’ face.
“Mom, I'm fine, and I was just down the road with her,” he gestured towards Hayley, she felt so uncomfortable in her own skin, she wished she could have just evaporated right there and then. As if she was the cause for Ms Parker’s son to leave.
“And what happened to being mad at me?” Lewis continued.
“I was never mad at you, I just want you to make the right choice,” she sneered at Hayley, “clearly you haven't broken up with her, and so I'm guessing you chose her over your dear mother.” Hayley didn't understand, she had always liked his mom, and she was sure his mom liked her too.
“Mum, that's enough!” Lewis’ voice crushed the silence in between the few exchanged glances.
“What is your problem?! You have never had a problem with Hayley and now all of a sudden you can't stand her? I don't understand.”
