The Player and the Played

34. Losing A Boyfriend, Gaining A Bestfriend

Hailey's POV

I didn't want to get up. Everything was just so annoying. My knee was stinging, my hair was wet and made me looked like a drenched rat and my eyes were puffy and red. My head hurt and I felt a little woozy. I wanted to stay where I was and stay there forever. That was, until a familiar voice called out to me. I stayed where I was, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. Unfortunately, he didn't leave like I thought he would and I heard a car door opening and then footsteps.

"Here, I'll help you up," Reese said, extending his hand.

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice breaking a little. He was the last person I wanted to see. He reminded me so much of Tyler except for the fact that is fallen even harder for Tyler.

"To help you. And to explain some things. Besides, I was your best friend a few years back. I think I could make you feel better," he said sincerely.

"No, What are you doing in this town, near my school?"

"I came to surprise Lana and ask her out but I'll do it tomorrow. You're soaked and you've been crying. I'll give you a ride."

"Thanks. I mean it," I said as I sat in his car, feeling kind of guilty of getting it all wet.

"No problem. You wanna talk?"

"Not really. You won't get it."

"Hailey, i May not have met you for a few years but before that I got you. Trust me, if you're anything similar to the Hailey I knew, I'd get it."

"You bet on me. Guess what? So did Tyler. That's it. End of fucking story."

"I didn't bet on you. And I doubt Tyler did either."

"I literally heard you boasting about it. And he literally admitted it."

"Let me guess. Some jealous ex or some guy 'friend' of yours prompted it?"

"Well, Yeah, what's your point. Doesn't change the fact that he's an asshole."

"Did you let him explain?"

"No..."

"So how do you know he did it?"

"He said he did."

"And did he hesitate and also say that it wasn't like that?"

"Well, yeah, but isn't that the douchebag excuse?"

"Not with Tyler. He really did love you. He looked at you like you were the most beautiful thing he had seen."

"No he didn't. And if he did, it was fake."

"It isn't possible to fake something like that. And I recognised it because that's how I used to look at you."

"You know, since you're so fucking experienced when it comes to this, Hey don't we talk about what happened three years ago?"

"It was a misunderstanding. I didn't mean to say that. It was a dumb dare and I was drunk. Austin told me to say it and I was drunk and I just agreed. I didn't know you were there. Had I known, I'd have acted so differently."

"Oh, Yeah? Well that doesn't make any sense. Why didn't you tell me this when I confronted you about it? Or when we met recently?"

"Well, i wasn't sure about exactly what had happened and you didn't really give me a chance to explain. Later, I got over it and when we met at the fair, I didn't want to cause any unnecessary drama. You were happy, I was happy. I didn't ever want to do it in front of Lana because she'd feel hurt...she did love Austin once. That's also why I punched Austin when I realised you two were dating. I'd thought he was drunk when he made me say it but he wasn't. He's an asshole."

"Give me a second," I said, trying to process all this information. "So you didn't bet on me and Austin was just an asshole? But why would he break us up and Lana's heart?"

"You blind buffoon, he was in love with you. And so was I, once. And so is Tyler, right now. Which is why, you need to let him explain because this is probably a misunderstanding."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Talk to him today."

"Can I still have ice cream and a movie marathon because I'm sad?"

"Yes, dummy. But you won't be sad if you confront him. Just do it tomorrow, okay? The faster you do it, the faster you'll be together and you'll stop moping and everyone will be happy."

"I do not mope!"

"Oh yeah? Then why the ice cream and movies? That's moping after a breakup and it's very cliche. I don't know why I supported this."

"It's the fun part of a breakup. Jeesh, let me be!"

"Whatever. We're here. So, bye?" He asked, looking a little hopeful.

"Get your ass inside. You're still my best friend," I told him.

The minute I opened the door, Reese flopped onto my couch.

"Ooh, It's my favourite couch!" he exclaimed like a five year old. Then, turning to the couch he said, "Dod you miss me?"

"Jesus Christ Reese, you're eighteen," I said.

"Reese is here?" Bianca asked me, raising one eyebrow skeptically.

"Yeah. We're good, though."

"Oh, hi Reese!" she said, this time talking to him.

"Bianca! You've definitely grown. You were such a tiny kid when I last saw you!"

"Oh, please, I was never a tiny kid."

"Yeah you were," I reminded her. "You used to play with Barbie and Ken dolls and make them marry each other and shit."

"May I remind you that they were yours first?" she replied in a sugar sweet voice. Damn, she was good.

"Whatever. We're here to binge on movies and eat ice cream. You wanna join?" I said.

"Sure. But you're telling me why later."

"Damn, you're trusting. Hailey should really learn from you," Reese told Bianca, throwing me a pointed look.

"Oh, Whatever. You're so salty. I'm going to get the DVDs from my room," I said, heading up.

Though it is sad to admit, the first thing I did was check the room opposite mine. What was worse was the unanticipated wave of sadness on seeing the lights out.

A/N
Anddddd next chapter in progress