perfect times → EMMETT CULLEN ✓

n i n e

CHAPTER NINE
❝ attention ❞

     HAYDEN AND PAUL spent quite a bit of time at the diner in Forks, before retreating to the girl's house. The tan boy insisted on swimming at La Push, even through the harsh cold of the outdoors. Hayden, on the other hand, absolutely refused to do anything of the sort. Thankfully, she had already started feeling better from the day before; but not well enough to spend her time outdoors.

Instead, she suggested that they take to the comforts of her house, where they could find a good movie to rent. And while Paul sat on the couch, flipping through lists of movies, Hayden moved into the kitchen to make some popcorn. However, when she walked in, she was surprised to see her mother sipping on a cup of coffee near the island. The girl swallowed back her questions, and moved right to the cabinets.

"Who's the boy in the living room?" Her mother asks, pulling her tousled hair into a ponytail.

"He's a friend," Hayden says in a clipped tone, grabbing a bowl as she places the popcorn in the microwave.

"Listen- I know you're upset about yesterday, but I-" Amberley begins, but is cut off as Hayden turns to glare at her.

"But you have an excuse, right?" The girl raises an eyebrow, her tone as cold as ice. "I don't want to hear it, nor do I want you to preach about why I shouldn't be upset. It's fine, you have work, I understand."

"We didn't mean to fall asleep," Amberley continues, ignoring Hayden's previous comments. "We were relaxing, Hayden. It was a rare time that we could have a break from everything, and it just slipped away."

"Oh, I don't want to hear it!" Her daughter snaps, running her fingers through her hair. "Every time you open your mouth, you lie to me. At least try to fulfill your promises. Otherwise, you shouldn't be a parent!"

"Hayden, you don't know how hard it is for us," she closes her eyes, shaking her head as her voice stays calm. "I try, your father tries. Sometimes it's just hard to balance with our jobs, each other, and you."

By now, Hayden's blood was boiling with pure anger. She clenched her fist so hard that her nails pierced her palms, and her face grew red hot.

"If you wanted a break from me," Hayden grits out, staring her dead in the eyes as she continues. "All you had to do was ask."

As the microwave finishes the popcorn, Hayden yanks it out, dumping its contents into the bowl. Her mother reached out to grab her arm, but Hayden jerked away, making her way back into the living room. Paul waited on her, already knowing everything that had been going on. But instead of talking about it, he decided to close his mouth and select a movie.