Love at first slap?

Chapter 22

He softly pulls his face away from mine. We both just stare at each other awkwardly. Secretly I am so happy right now. But I know Hayes is still hiding the melancholy feelings in his mind. My brother was his friend and of course my brother. And now we are both the kids to poke at and laugh at in school. He is a considered a player because everybody thought he was dating Madison. I stand up to head towards the door but he chases me down and hugs me hard and tight. He apologizes to me for everything. I tell him it's not his fault but I know I wouldn't be so puzzled if he wasn't here. I would just be balling my eyes out without him. I would be with my mom if it wasn't for him. I can't cry right now I just sit and be blissful into my silence and feed into the feeling of depression. I just want everything over. But I must be strong because my brother was her brave soldier. Now I need to stand up and be brave. My dad was at his friends so I don't even know if he is with her right now. She didn't tell anybody except Hayes's mother. Why her? Why didn't she call me? I tell Hayes that I need to call my dad and that I can hardly breath in this tight embrace I am in. He smiles and kindly sits in the bed. I call my dad and he says that he is still with his friend. My mom probably wants nobody to know so I say I love you and hang up. Why doesn't she want anybody to know? She probably has a good reason though. She probably doesn't want to break anybody's hearts more. She doesn't want us to feel sorry but I feel more sorry then any other day of my life.