Chapped {h.g}

{22}

February 21st

  McKenna. Are you serious? Hayes' "girl friend" is Mckenna. I mean, I don't care, but why'd it have to be McKenna.

  I know what you're probably wondering. What happened to McKenna and I, anyway? And even if you're not wondering, I'm going to tell you. Let's just say the girl code never meant anything to her. I question, were McKenna and I really even friends? I don't know, but I've moved on. I grew up. And I've forgiven. Let's just see if she has, too.

  All of us soon were piled into the car; Nash and I up front and Hayes and McKenna in the back.

"Hi, Jordyn", Hayes said as he put his hand on my shoulder.

"Jordyn", McKenna said, snickering, "haven't seen you in quite some time".

I sighed and faced the front. "This is going to be a long trip", I mumbled to myself.

***
We soon arrived at our camping spot hours later. I'm sure we could've been here earlier but McKenna had to have an iced coffee.

I stepped out of the car, needing fresh air. Nash came towards me and side hugged me. "You okay, babe?" I looked at him and smiled. "Yeah, just a little car sick".
"Here. Come take a seat". Nash unfolded the chair and set it by the two tents that were yet to be put up.

"Who on earth had the idea to go camping in February? Like c'mon", McKenna had whined.

"I told you that you didn't have to go, Ken" Hayes told her.

"I know, Haysie, but you really wanted me to and I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Besides, who would you have spent time with if I wasn't here?"

"I have my brother and Jordyn. Like old times". Nash and I looked at each other and smiled.

"Well then ... why am I here? I'm obviously not wanted". she frowned.

"McKenna, I didn't say-". Hayes began to say, but I interrupted.

"You are wanted here, McKenna. That's why I had asked Hayes to bring you on this trip so we could catch up". I glanced at Hayes.

"Oh okay. Well, thanks, I guess". I smiled and turned toward the boy
"How about we put these tents up before it starts to get dark?"

The tents were up and the fire was going, so now we all could relax.

Hayes was giggling as he started to say something. "I remember, and I feel bad for saying this ... Jordyn, but I remember we were like in ninth grade or something and your bag fell over on the floor and your ...  feminine products fell out". He was still giggling.

  "C'mon, Hayes. You're really immature", but we were still laughing.

  "Yeah, that was kind of embarrassing" I giggled a little.

  "I'm sorry for bringing it up again" Hayes said quietly. I shrugged my shoulders.

  "It was forever ago. I look back and realize it never really mattered". I said.

  "I got one", McKenna said laughing. We all smiled. "Okay. I remember Jordyn tried so hard in high school to fit in and to get Hayes to like her. She had like this huge crush on you, Hayes. She always asked me like what you about her and if you actually liked her" she was still laughing. We were not. "She even wore my clothes, remember that, Jordyn? Because you wanted to look like me so Hayes would like you".

  It was silent except for the sound of McKenna cackling. We all just looked at her. She soon stopped and stared back at us.

  "What?", she's the one who had acted offended because we weren't laughing. If anything, I'm the one who should be offended, but it's not worth it. "It's not like it matters anymore".

  "But it wasn't funny. We're telling funny stories from when we were younger, but your story reminded me, once again, why I never answered your Facebook messages after high school".

  She gasped. "You're seriously holding a grudge against me? You're so immature, Jordyn!".

  "I'm not fighting with you. And I'm definitely not ruining this trip for Nash and Hayes. I am married, have a child, and a job that I love. My life is going great at the moment. I have grown up and forgave you for the many things that you've done; stuff a true friend would never do. I made my decision after I had Ash that I will not affiliate with people who bring me down and make me feel like nothing. And you, McKenna are one of those people. I let you walk all over me for half of my life, and I will not tolerate it anymore. Either you mature or don't bother talking to me again". I told her sternly. I looked over to see Hayes and Nash looking back at me with surprise in their eyes.

  "Well ... I'll find a way to get back home in the morning", McKenna said before making her way to the tent.

  "Proud of you, baby" Nash said, kissing my forehead. Hayes was looking at the ground.

  "I'm umm... I'm sorry she said that, Jordyn" Hayes spoke.

  "I'm so glad high school is over" I said back.

  "Yeah... me too"

  "Why are you with her, man?", Nash asked Hayes.

  "I ... I don't know, man".

  "You don't actually like her, do you?", he spoke quietly. It's dark, but I'm pretty sure a tear slipped down Hayes' cheek. His face was illuminated by the fire.

  "You have everything I ever wanted, Nash" I was right about the year. I could hear Hayes' voice breaking. Nash looked at me with confusion.

  "What're you talking about?"

  "I'm trying to make it work with McKenna. I want what you have".

  "It'll come soon, Hayes. I just don't think McKenna do the right one for you, bro".

  "No, I don't either", Hayes kept looking at me. He then put his head in his hands. "You just don't understand", he mumbled.

  It broke my heart to see Hayes like this. "Then help me to understand".

  "I can't tell you", Hayes said.

  "What? Hayes, I'm trying to help you. Please let me understand".

  "Listen closely. You have everything I ever wanted".

  Nash looked at me sadly and then back at Hayes. He rubbed his hand through his hair. "Hayes, I'm sorry, I just don't understand-"

  "You have her!" Hayes yelled, still crying.

  "What?", Nash said. I looked up at the sky and a tear slipped.

  "You have Jordyn and a home with Jordyn and a baby with Jordyn".

  "You can have all this, too, Hayes. You just l have to find the right person".

  "What is not getting though your head, Nash? I don't want any person, I want Jordyn! She is everything! I want a home with Jordyn. I want a baby with Jordyn; multiple! And I want Jordyn. I always wanted this. But you have her".