Hurricane

7: A Clever Plan

I go to the park that evening with a heavy heart. If I was still 16, I would've been crying my eyes out. But, I've gotten stronger.

On my way, I start to think a lot. Like... a lot. Ethan likes someone else, I like Ethan but I also want Ethan to be just... happy.

Hayden probably had a history with the girl named Hailey, and I'm here also moping around with my useless feelings.

Maybe, if I just pretend something, then it will be easier? Or maybe Hayden is the first guy I actually noticed other than Ethan.

Hayden's very handsome, I think as I blush.

With that thought in mind, I walk into the park to see Hayden standing with a canvas hooked on a tree. He's wearing a blazer again, the sleeves lifted up to his elbow, and wearing a pair of jeans that is made for his strong long legs. And He's drawing.

I sigh dreamingly. Why does he seem so much like the guy I used to imagine in my dreams when I was young? The ones that doesn't exist?

When I approach him, we talk a little about the project and we agree to keep the design he was working on and just add my touchings to it.

After that, we end up sitting down in a grass a little far from the lake. The sun will be setting soon.

I look at him to see that he's staring at the lake. His skin is glowing from the orange light of the sunset reflecting on him.

"So, I think it's best if I be honest with you a little more," I start, "I have a feeling you loved Hailey and the reason why you were rude to her was because she didn't love you back. Right?" I exaggerate.

He seems to be pissed off at the mention of this subject because he turns away from the view of the lake to look at me coldly.

"Why are you still going on about that?"
"'Cause I know it's true." Gosh, maybe I have a death wish.
"Mind your own business." He says it in that low husky voice that sends shiver down me. Why am I doing this again?
"I have a suggestion that could benefit us both... I mean...if you're interested you can like... hear me out?"

He looks like he is going to jump into the lake, I almost say 'forget about it' when he speaks up, "Fine, let's hear your suggestion and after that we aren't ever coming back on this subject."

"Okay, so, since you're in love with this girl-"
"Stop saying that." He cuts me off but I ignore him.
"I am in the same situation and I need to get over 'you know who' because that is not happening."
"How's that going to benefit me?" Hayden's eyes widen, "Wait, are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"
"What are you thinking?"
      "I think that you're thinking of us," he points between the two of us, "hooking up?" I gasp loudly.
"Holy hell! Nooooo!" Now my eyes are wide.
"Then what is it?" He laughs.
"We should try to fake date."
"And why should I agree to that?"
"Hailey might notice you, and Ethan might notice me." Okay, now I'm just making excuses because I'm trying to get over Ethan. But, he doesn't need to know that.

He looks like he is going to drown in the lake after jumping off this time.

He sighs. "Look, I'll say this one more time. I don't love that girl, hell I can't even stand her, why is that so hard to understand?" Then I come close to his face, he stops talking. I stare at his eyes, goddamn, they are so blue.

    "Come on, think about me?" I say innocently. "I need to have a life someday?"
"Okay? But-" he starts but gets cut off.
"Okay, I guess we both agree to this decision, now back to drawing" I say as Hayden just stares at me with his mouth open.

I know that something is up between Hailey and Hayden and that I should mind my own business. But, this is honestly just about me wanting to be selfish for once. Am I using him? No!

This is my only way to finally accept what is true. I can never be with Ethan. Or maybe, deep down, I just want Ethan to notice me just once before letting go. But, then guilt hits me because of Hayden. It does seem like I'm using him.
"Okay, fine, if you don't want to do this, I guess I can't force you." I sigh. Hayden then looks at me up and down, and I start to feel self-conscious.
"Actually... Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea." He suddenly smirks. "Right babe?" Now my eyes are wide and I slide away from him a bit.
"Stop it! I get to be the weird one!" I point at him.

He catches my finger and gives me a smile so bright that the sunset almost becomes a sun rise.

"Whatever you have up your sleeves, I hope you're ready for it." He says and I swear I forgot how to breathe.

Damn it! What did I get myself into?

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-x_Stargazers_x 💫