The Abnormality Of The Normality

'Make sure it's a hush hush situation'

I am taken back by the scenario in front of me. Was he dead? Had she killed him? I stare in shock at his body laying on the ground in front of me, perfectly still. I see Hayley drop the bat where she stood. She hurries towards me and attempts to hug me, but I fight her off. I try to push her away as tears flow like a waterfall down my face. Realising I wasn't budging, she heads through to my studio. I kneel and brush his hair out of his face. As I begin to caress his cheek Hayley returns with a suitcase full of my art equipment and my easel. She takes it out to her car and returns for my portfolio and other paintings. She's outside or a while and I can hear her on the phone to someone, but I can't make out what she is saying so I move closer to the door.

Hayley: ... I know, but... (recipient speaks)

Hayley: But... I.... (recipient speaks again)

Hayley: Look, listen. If I hadn't of hit him, he'd have hurt her (Recipient speaks)

Hayley: (lowering her voice so I was less likely to hear) Okay I get that, but I needed to protect her. She was in danger. (recipient replies)

Hayley: Okay I'll get her now and go straight there. You come and take him to our doctor, make sure it's a hush hush situation. We'll lay low for a while. (recipient replies)

Hayley: okay yeah, love you too, see you then.

I watch as she hangs up the phone. I can't get theidea of her being in love with someone else out of my head but I don't knowwhy. I watch as she walks towards me reaching out to me and this time I don'tresist. I let her hold me whilst I cry because although I am mortified by whathas occurred, I still feel safer than ever in her arms. I allow her to guide usboth to her car. I have just a second to turn back and see Jack using thestairs to get up. He's okay. I get into the car without much argument and sitdazed for the whole journey. I'm not entirely sure when but I find myself falling into a deep sleep.