Hayley stayed in the car once we reached the hotel. Sarah hopped out, thanking us both for the meal, and informed her daughter that she wanted an update when she had one. Hayley gave her mother a small smile, and told her she'd call her once things made more sense.
The car journey from the hotel to home was silent. Even the radio was turned off. I could see in the corner of my eye Hayley looking out of the window, but would catch her glancing over in my direction every few minutes. I could also see that she was twisting the ends of her hair, a habit I knew all too well Hayley did when she was nervous. Once we reached the house, Hayley jumped out of the car and headed to the front door without hesitation. I wasn't far behind. As soon as the door was closed behind us, Hayley spoke up.
'So, are we going to talk about what the hell that was?'
I flinched. I have never heard Hayley be that emotional, especially towards her.
'I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have just left like that. Especially when it was my first time meeting your mum, I was just so overwhelmed and I didn't know what else to do. I'm sorry, Hayles. I really am so sorry' I spoke quickly.
'You were... overwhelmed' Hayley pulled her hair into a bobble and tied it up, sighing as she finished, 'I was also overwhelmed' she admitted, 'I broke down to my mom when you left'
'You... you what? Why were you overwhelmed?'
Hayley hesitated, her lips moving like she was imitating a gold fish. She took a step forward, and I could see from her gaze alone that she was speaking to me with her eyes, checking that it was okay for her to come closer, to invade my personal space this way. She grasped both of my hands, and squeezed them tightly as she took a deep breath.
'I love you' The room stayed silent. You would have been able to hear a pin drop. We just looked at each other, 'I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. Ever since that stupid party where you were there with Nicole, and you were stood in the kitchen, looking cute as hell might I add... We both know that I was flirting with you that night. At least I was until Nicole appeared and I realised you were spoken for...' I smirked at the memory, 'You became so important to me in such a short amount of time, Ree, and I told myself that I would never tell you this. I told myself that I would keep this to myself, and I would just be that supportive best friend who was always there when you needed someone. And I was... I am. But I am also falling in love with you.' Hayley paused, her eyes looking at every part of my face, looking for an answer or any sign of hesitation in what she was telling me. "'I always said that I don't have a dream girl, but I only said that to keep my feelings for you hidden, because you are my dream girl. You, and no one else, Ree'
I stood still, my hands still in Hayley's. I could feel the blood racing through my veins listening to each individual word. She loved me. Hayley... loved me. In more than a best friend way. In the same way that I loved her.
'Say something' Hayley whispered, 'Please'
'I remember that... I told you... the last time you were here we... I kissed you.'
Hayley responded with a nod of her head. She did know, and she had tried so hard to forget about it, she'd tried so hard to forget the feelings she got whenever she thought about that night, or the next morning, and every agonising day since then when the girl she loved would even mention another females name. Until the picture came up, and she knew she'd given away her true feelings as soon as she'd opened her mouth.
'I've been falling in love with you since we met too...' I responded, 'I'm sorry I forgot we... that I told you...' before I could finish, Hayley pushed her lips against my own, pulling me close in to her by her waist.
'I changed my mind.' Hayley mumbled against my lips, 'No more talking. Just, this.'
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed her again. This time more passionately as I had nothing to lose. As of now, in my mind at least, I had the girl I wanted. I could feel Hayley's hands moving from their locked position on my waist, and her fingers began to draw patterns on my skin, under my sweater, slowly and gently. One of her hands moved up to my face and moved a stray piece of hair out of the way, tucking it behind my ear. Eventually we broke apart, eyes still closed, just taking in the moment.
Even though I couldn't see it, I could feel Hayley smiling in front of me, her hand was cupping my face and her thumb stroking my cheek. Her lips then connected with the end of my nose. Hayley smiled and opened her eyes.
"What now?" she asked, as I rested my forehead on her shoulder, nuzzling my face into her neck. Eventually, I lifted up my head and sighed happily, "I don't know but fucking hell, I wasn't expecting this to happen when you said you were visiting" I chuckled, "I'd like to... you know... be with you. Properly. No games, no just being friends. I want to introduce you to everyone as my girlfriend, and I've wanted that for so long"
My eyes scanned over Hayley as I spoke, waiting for a response. I could see the hopeful glint in her eye and the butterflies in my stomach were back. I bit her lip and then smiled. Taking hold of Hayley's hand and entwining our fingers, swinging our arms gently and looking down at the ground, shyly.
"I'd like that"
