hard | daniel seavey

chapter forty-nine

Two Weeks Later

   Guitars and drums and all types of musical instruments lined the store as I walked around, waiting for the man to come back out. I had ordered Daniel's Christmas present a couple of weeks ago and was finally able to pick up, the day before he came home. We kept our promise and talked on the phone every night. It was hard, of course, but we were making things work the best we could. He was currently in Houston for their last show before Christmas break.

   As I stood at the front of the store, I noticed the familiar red haired girl pass through one of the isles. I had to do a double take to make sure it was her. She had a camera hanging off her neck and was scanning through the keyboard section. I hesitated, really giving it thought, before walking over.

   "Stacey?" I said in more of a question. She turned towards me, her face dropping.

   "Hi, Madison." She said blantaly. She crossed her arms and avoided eye contact with me.

    "H-how are you?" Even though she tried to call me out on the radio station that one day and basically dropped our friendship because of my relationship with Daniel, I couldn't help but be nice to her. She was my first girl friend out here. And besides her conniving schemes, there was still a part of me that wished we were still friends.

   "I'm fine. Just looking at getting my boyfriend something for Christmas." She picked at her nails and turned towards the keyboards.

   "Go for the Yamaha. They're cheap, light weighted, and have the best sound." I suggest and pointed to one. It made me think of the night Daniel taught me how to play the piano, the engraved keys and his hands guiding mine flooding my memories. I smiled to myself, getting more excited to see him.

  "I'll look into them, thanks." Her phone began ringing, the most haunting name flashing on her phone. The only thing was that it was followed by a heart.

  "You're dating Aaron?" I asked as she declined the phone call. She hesitated before nodding. "That's how you knew he proposed?"

   "He told me everything. You guys have quite the history." She acted as if it wasn't a big deal. I could care less that she was with Aaron, but I was scared. Scared that he would do the same thing to her.

   "Stacey, I know you don't like me, but please be careful with him." I pleaded, finally catching her eye. "I don't know what all he told you, but I'm sure he didn't tell you everything."

   "What is that supposed to mean?" She immediately got defensive, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.

    "He's a manipulator, an addict... He hit me once, Stacey." The words brought tears to my eyes. I hated thinking about that day. Every time it came into my mind, I couldn't help but breakdown. Her eyes softened a bit, but she still held her guard up. The man came out from the back, holding the case with Daniel's present in it.

   "I guess that's your cue to go." Stacey said and turned around a bit.

   "Please, just be careful. Aaron may not be who you think he is." I warned her sincerely. She gave me a weak smile before turning and walking away. I breathed deeply, collecting myself before walking back over to the man.

    He opened the case, revealing the sleek instrument. I smiled to myself, just knowing Daniel was going to love it. I paid for it before leaving and making my way to Daniel's house. I was going to leave it there that way I wouldn't have to drag it around with me Christmas day. We made plans to stay the night at his parent's and then do our own gift exchange later that day.

   As I set the instrument in it's stand, my phone buzzed from my bag. I looked at it and smiled at the message.

    Daniel: I can't wait to see you, less than 24 hours Pretty Girl:)