Hayley's POV
5:45 pm
Kat: Hey, Hayles! Are we still on for tonight?
Fuck. I totally forgot about the dinner. What was I supposed to tell Kat and Jeremy? I couldn't tell them that Chad and I broke up because they'd want to know why, and if I told them that I was sneaking behind Chad's back with Taylor, they'd be disappointed in me. I don't think I could handle that. But I couldn't lie to their faces either.
I guess I know what I have to do now.
Yeah, we'll be there.
I pressed the 'send' button and sat my phone down on the coffee table, only to have it vibrate a few minutes later.
Kat: Awesome! See you then :)
// two and a half hours later //
I took a look at myself in the bathroom mirror and fixed my hair, making sure I looked presentable before I left the house. When I was somewhat satisfied with how I looked, I made my way down the stairs and out the front door, locking it behind me.
"You can do this, Hayles," I told myself as I got into my car, although a small part of me doubted that was true. I knew there was a good chance that this night would end in disaster.
But I didn't have to go. I know I promised, but I could pretend to be sick or say that Chad's sick, and tell them that we couldn't make it. That seems like a pretty good idea. Maybe I should've thought of it before I pulled out the driveway.
xx
"Hayles!" Jeremy yelled as he squeezed the life out of me. Seriously. Who knew he could be so strong?
I let out a long breath when he released me then chuckled. "Good to see you too, Jerm," I told him as I fixed my skirt.
"Well you know, It's always a pleasure to see me." I rolled my eyes. "Where's Chad?"
And there it was, the question I did not want to answer.
I nervously bit my lip. "Yeah, about that..."
"Hayley!"
We both directed our attention to the stairs, watching as Kat ran down them with open arms. Her smile grew wider as she got closer, and she pulled me into a warm hug once she reached us. "It's been forever!" She exclaimed. "We really need to catch up. I bet a lot's happened in the last few months."
I forced a smile. "Yeah.."
More than you know.
"Anyway, you're just in time! Dinner is almost ready." She took my arm and lead me into the kitchen, Jeremy following behind us. "I hope you and Chad are hungry because I prepared a lot of food."
"Actually... Chad's not with me. He's not coming."
A concerned look took over Kat's face. "Why not? Is he ill?"
I shook my head. "No, he's fine. Well, he was the last time I saw him."
"What do you mean the last time you saw him?" Jeremy asked, and when I didn't respond, he sighed. "What is it that you're not telling us? Did something happen between you two?"
I looked down and let out a shaky breath before answering. "We, uh, we broke up."
There was a short silence. I knew that was the last thing they expected to hear. It was the last thing I wanted to tell them.
"Oh gosh, Hayley, I'm so sorry," Kat told me, breaking the silence. Jeremy nodded in agreement, and the next thing I knew, they both had their arms wrapped around me.
I pulled away from their embrace. "I don't deserve your comfort.
"Hayles-"
"No." I shook my head, backing away as Jeremy took a step towards me. "I hurt him, I lied to him...I went behind his back and I- I cheated on him." Their eyes widened. "I cheated on Chad...with Taylor."
***
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