Renegade Revival

Chapter 19: Leaving in the Morning

Hayley's POV

It was cold; effortlessly, I tugged the blankets closer to me, them easily sliding over my body. I cuddled deeper into them with a sigh. I waited for a strong arm to wrap around my waist. It never occurred.

I blinked my eyes open to stare into Taylor's. I was greeted by an empty space with covers pushed away from the messy pillows. I sat up and covered my bare body as I looked around the room. There was no signs of Taylor. His clothes, that were once in a pile next to mine, were gone. I heaved a sigh as I managed to force myself out of bed to throw on an old t-shirt and a robe.

I walked into the living room, the room being dim. The sun wasn't out; it was held captive by the dark clouds that gave what seemed like an endless rain. There was still no signs of Taylor. He had left.

"Not that kind of guy, huh?" I muttered under my breath with anger, tears filling my eyes. I sat down on the couch, holding back my tears as I held myself. The goosebumps that once had subsided came back, cold anger running through my veins.

The tears eventually became too much and fell down my face as I stared down at my hands that stayed in my lap. I got up and walked to his room where I had broken into soft sobs. I wasn't sure why, but Taylor's absence hurt me so much.

Because you love him, I thought to myself. It was true. I did love him.

I looked over at the table that was next me and saw my blue notebook with a folded piece of paper on top of it, my name written in Taylor's cliche-looking cursive. I picked up the note and unfolded it.

Hayley--

I'm sorry I left you alone. Trust me, it hurt to do it. Veronica called and wanted to hang out with me today. I couldn't refuse it. I was forced into it, basically. (I hate that brat so much.) I'm so sorry, rebel.

I love you,

York

"You had a choice, damn you!" I growled as I crumpled up the note and tossed it across the room, fresh tears escaping down my face. I began hurting again, as if my heart really did shatter like glass. With that, I sobbed into the pillows, hating that I put my trust in Taylor. I couldn't help it. He was the only one I trusted with anything.

I looked up at the notebook that remained on the table, tears still sliding down my face. I picked it up and turned onto my back as I opened it, finding his handwriting filling a space.

Hey Renegade,

I'm sorry I had to leave. I love you, honestly. And I hate the fact that I have to sneak behind both of your backs to keep you both happy. The truth is, I lied to Veronica the day I found out you were alive. She asked me if I was going to leave her for you and I said no. That I wanted her. I don't know why I Iied. It just slipped.

I love you more than anything and I promise I'll do anything you want me to do to make this up.

Stiff

I heaved a sigh as I closed the book and got out of bed again. I got in my clothes, put the notebook in my bag and left Taylor's house to go to mine. I didn't want to talk to him today. I didn't want to see him today. I was too upset. I was too heartbroken.