That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 13

"Hayden Price, tell me this instant what is going on."

My mom made me sit in the living room while she stood with her hands folded across her chest. She was one of the nicest people in town, but when it was needed, she knew how to discipline like no other. "Mom, everything is fine. I promise."

"How dare you sit there and lie to my face? Why did you interrupt me at dinner?"

I needed to play this carefully. "I didn't want Brad knowing my business. Whether I am with someone or not."

She raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to believe that? You two share everything together, and I mean everything. Are you with her or not, Hayden?"

I looked at her. "Mom, why do you need to know all this? My knee is better. Dad might even come to Thanksgiving."

That got her attention. With eyebrows raised and a surprised look on her face, she asked, "What? He's coming?"

I hoped she stayed off topic. "Yeah, I told him how well things were going with football and I told him he should try to come to Thanksgiving. He said he would try but things were busy at work."

She thought about that for a minute. "Well, that would be nice if he could make it."

I got up slowly and headed for the stairs.

"What are you afraid of?"

That question took me by surprise. "What?"

"Why are you holding on to this secret so tight, that you are lying to me and your best friend?"

My chest ached at her question. I never really lied to my mom before. "Mom, please. Don't ask me anymore questions."

I could tell she was hurt. She walked up to me and fixed my collar as she said, "Hayden, I know how crazy and upside down everything has gotten lately. With football, the injury and your dad...It's a lot. But you can't push away the people who love you while you deal with this. If you do, then you're at risk of losing them."

She kissed me on the cheek before going upstairs. I felt terrible about all of this. But what was I going to do? It felt like I was choosing Gabby over them. But I wasn't. I was protecting her secret and it wasn't mine to share. I needed to think about everything so I decided to go for a drive to Bonfire Pointe.

There were never many people at this time of night on a weekday. I got out of the car and walked along the trail I usually take to meet Gabby. My thoughts immediately went to her. It's been a few days since we've spent time together. With the occasional texting and note passing, I was counting the days until Thanksgiving. Her worrying about her dad knowing was getting stronger and stronger. It made me wonder what she thought her father was really capable of. And what he would do if he found out.

I had everything planned for Thanksgiving. We would meet in Savannah. It was about a two hour drive so it wasn't too bad. I was able to find a hotel on the beach that wasn't too expensive. I think she would like the beach.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Taking it out, I read the text from Gabby:

I miss you.

I miss you, too. Where are you staying tonight? Telling her I missed her was a big understatement. I wanted her here with me.

At a friend's. I need to get off the phone but I'll see you tomorrow at school.

Okay, goodnight.

Goodnight, Golden Boy.

She told me when she doesn't stay at the motel, she usually stays with friends from her old school since her dad doesn't want her in the house. I had no idea who they were and it worried me. As much as getting that text from her made me feel good, I had a feeling things were going to get a lot worse.