The Host Club

Fighting Over Hadlie

Haden left early that morning, leaving me behind with Kris who made me blueberry pancakes and catered to my every need despite my objections.

And after I got dressed we walked to the host club together. It wasn't a far walk, but Kris offered to give me a piggy back ride.

"Better not." I said quietly, people around us. "Someone might suspect something."

When we reached the top of the stairs Beth bellowed up after us, grabbing me arm and pulling me over to her. "Have you heard what everyone's saying?" She whispered harshly.

I shook my head and looked to Kris. "About what?"

"Haden told Amber he had a girlfriend. I guess something happened this morning with him and one of her friends..."

"What?" I asked a bit confused, nervousness creeping into my belly. "Who's his girlfriend?"

The host club door was pushed open roughly from behind us, a small group of girls coming out.

"I can't believe Haden's dating a girl from another school." One said.

"I can't believe he's dating such an ugly girl." Another said with a laugh.

"Why wouldn't he find a girl that's in his class, or at least his school?"

They nearly bumped us in the hall as they descended down the stairs. My eyes turned to Beth, "fill me in on what happened?"

"A girl asked him out, thinking he was Kris...." She said softly.

I put my hand up to her, "I'm sorry- I have to-"

The door slammed open, Haden storming out quickly, passing us and going down the stairs.

I side glanced at Kris who was about to dash after him, "I got this." I said quietly as I ran down the stairs after him.

"Haden?" I yelled. "Wait up."

"Go away, Hadlie. Shouldn't you be hanging out with your girlfriend?" He muttered over his shoulder at me.

I finally fell in step with him, "what happened?" I asked, looking up at his hard face.

"Nothing of your concern." He muttered. "Don't even worry about it. Just petty shit about my relationship." He growled.

"What relationship?"

"I'm dating a girl that goes to another school." He looked at me for a second, his gaze irritated. "Amber got a picture of me with her. And after one of her friends asked me out, thought I was Kris and then said-" he laughed bitterly- "and I quote "whatever, you're both the same anyway. So what do you say? Be my man candy."

My mouth fell open, "what kind of bi-"

"Hadlie." Amber muttered as she stopped in front of Haden, her gaze drifting from me to him. "Haden."

"Amber." He muttered, "are you enjoying telling people about business that doesn't concern you?"

"I am." She said with a faint smile.

"I sense some sexual tension." I muttered. It hurt to say let alone think about. "I'll just..." I began to back away.

Amber laughed, "in my dreams." She muttered, "Haden's never put out." She glared at him, "ever. That's the one thing that's different between him and his brother."

"Good to know?" I asked, shrugging because I didn't know what else to do.

"Hadlie, don't go." Haden said softly, peering at me out if the corner of his eye.