Jenalyn: A Splitting Personality (#2) [Complete]

Chapter 32: Hayden

Thursday 10:53 P.M.

"Why did Tyler bring you home?" Harper asks as soon as I slip through the front door at Mama G's house. "You guys were hanging out with Tyler? Since when has Sky hung out with Tyler?"

I knew she'd wait up for me the moment I realized I wasn't going to make it home by curfew. I was supposed to be home at 10, and Harper is usually in bed by 10:30.

Thank goodness Mama G and Harlee are in Vegas for the night. 

Tyler and I decided to just... stop hiding what we have and see what happens though, so... here goes nothing.

"I wasn't hanging out with Sky today." I say as I try to brush past her and head to my room. "I was hanging out at Ty's."

Harper doesn't quite let me through, and even goes as far as to grasp me by the arm to spin me around on my heel. 

"Ty's?" she asks with confusion in her voice. "Why were you over there? We don't even talk to him like that anym-"

I cut Harper off, but stay careful not to snap on her being as she's the only person whose ultimately always on my side.

"Tyler and I got close, okay?" I say before I have a chance to second guess it. I have to really force out this next part- Harper's assumed reaction already making me flinch for what's to come with the rest of the Goldskateers. "We've been seeing each other."

Harper reacts as if the words had slapped her, her eyes narrowing in skepticism. "Seeing him?" she repeats as if she'd heard the words wrong. "You've... been seeing Tyler?? Oh God, Hayden- no!" 

I grow defensive immediately, the mixed look of both disappointment and disgust on Harper's face enough to make my face grow hot. "He already knows about the baby!" I blurt before she has a chance to say anything else. "-he's okay with it all, Harper! And he's already been approved by Mama Gold once!"

Harper's mouth falls agape in disbelief. "For Harlee, Hayden!" she immediately responds. "You think mom would approve of you dating, and mothering your sister's ex's baby?! You think the media would?! C'mon, get real!!"

Harper doesn't scold me often, and I know she's only doing it because she's worried this isn't going to be good enough. She doesn't want me to mess this up either. 

I can make her understand though! Even if I have to lie to do it...

"He already knows it's not his, Harper!" I blurt, "He already knows it's not his, and hasn't walked away! You think just any guy is going to do that? And not make a few bucks off the story once they grow tired of me?! He already knows the family, Harp! He's already in the circle of confidentiality!"

She doesn't say anything, and I know it's because she knows I'm right. A few moments pass of her wanting, but being unable to say anything, before she let's out a long and defeated sigh. "This is crazy, Hayden.." she says as she sighs. "You know this is going to be crazy, right?"