Hayley
They stood on the porch, Lewis and his mother throwing harsh comments at each other. Ms Parker, blaming Hayley for everything. She went blank, she felt unwanted and uncared for. Lewis was defending her but she just stood there, like a lifeless soul, a statue, while Ms Parker insulted her. She didn't flinch; she just stood in her place, as if she was frozen. She just wanted the ground beneath her to swallow her whole and never let her out. Their screaming had transformed into a white noise in the background. She could no longer focus on what they were saying; she looked from Lewis to his mother, her head, heavy with thoughts. No longer was she going to hold it in.
“STOP!” She heard herself scream. Lewis and Ms Parker both stared at her with wide eyes, blank expressions and their mouths shut tightly.
“Please,” she whispered as she sniffed back tears, “please just stop.” Lewis reached forward and grabbed her wrist, his big hand wrapped gently around it. He pulled her towards him and held her closer, she burst into tears. The tears stained his shirt. He glanced at his mom; she had an expression on her face which was hard to read.
“I, I'm so sorry.” His mother looked down; a tear trickled down her face. “I can't believe I tried to make him choose. I can't believe I tried to get between them.” She muttered to herself. “Mom, what's got into you lately?” He squeezed Hayley tightly, reassuring her that she was going to be okay.
“It’s all my fault; I'm so sorry my darling. And you,” she touched Hayley’s shoulder to turn her around,
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say all those things.”
“I forgive you.” Hayley replied while wiping away her tears.
“Please, let me make it up to you, come inside, get warm, its freezing out here.” She said opening the front door and walked inside. Lewis grabbed Hayley’s ice cold hand and pulled her inside before she got the chance to reply.
Their house was small but cosy. It had a cheerful mood to it. Warm colours blended together in perfect harmony. It smelled like chocolate-chip cookies and peppermint. His mom went straight to the kitchen. He took off Hayley’s coat and led her to the couch where they sat quietly in each other’s arms. His mother came in carrying a tray with 3 china cups filled with hot tea and biscuits on it. She put it down on the caramel-coloured coffee table right in front on them. She sat in the chair on the opposite side of them. She sat there, her eyes flicking from the tray to them. Lewis leaned forward and took a cup. He handed it to Hayley. She took it to warm up her freezing fingers. They didn't say a single word to each other. There was a sense of awkward silence between them. Everyone was too uncomfortable with the current situation. When finally Lewis spoke,
“I can't choose between my girlfriend and you.” His mother looked at him with shameful eyes and finally spoke,
“I don't expect you to choose, I made a mistake, I can't separate,” she looked at Lewis and Hayley holding each other, so close, so in love. “I can't separate you two. And I'm sorry I tried to, I know that I was wrong. Will you ever forgive me?” Hayley nodded at his mother which made her smile warmly, she looked sincere.
“Mom, can we have some time alone?” He asked cautiously.
“Oh, oh of course.” She got up and left in a hurry. He sighed heavily and pulled Hayley back into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and held her tightly.
“I'm so proud of you.” Hayley whispered, leaning back onto him.
“Ha, thanks. She seems to have taken it okay right? And we’re still okay?”
“More than okay.” She reassured him and herself.
