Tears of Rain (Hayes Grier FanFic)

Chapter Thirty-One

-Tessa's POV-

Hayes Grier is holding my hand...

Let that sink in for a moment.

How many girls get to think that? What, maybe one before me?

It's noon and he's pulling me through the streets toward the boardwalk. We had gotten really sidetracked looking at all the different shops and things. And Hayes wanted to show me some of his favorite places.

For instance, his favorite bench in the park, which had a great view of the lake, it was nice. He later showed me his favorite store, street, and ice cream shop...

"And this is my favor-" He said as we approached the ice cream shop before cutting himself off. It was where Madison had kissed him. And I had cowardly stormed off.

"Umm... It's not... I guess I-"

"Hayes, it's fine." I cut him off, hearing the embarrassment in his voice. "We should come get some ice cream later."

"Really?" He asked blindly, as if stunned by my comment.

"Of course. It's just an ice cream shop, and besides, they have really good ice cream." I said before we walked off and headed toward the boardwalk.

"Tessa?" He asks, awakening me from my thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"Here's you're band, for the rides and stuff." He says holding up a blue string of sticky paper.

I stick out my wrist. Taking it with his hand, he softly wraps the bracelet around my wrist and connects the two ends. "Good?" He asks and I nod.

"What do you want to do first?" I ask as he takes my hand, sending chills through my body.

"Um, how about some games?" He suggests pointing over to one of the games.

I sigh. "Oh Hayes, you know those things are a scam, I wouldn't waste your time or money."

He smirks. "I know. But isn't that the best way to impress a girl?"

I blush. "Depends. If you can win or not."

A large grin grows on his face. Grabbing my hand, he leads me over to the first stand. A extremely large man standing in the front.

"Step right up! You two looking for some big prizes?! Hey man, you lookin' to win your lucky lady a prize?" He chants as we step up.

"Well she's not technically mine, but yes, I do plan on doing so." He replies, giving me half a smile. I feel my face burning up, half happiness and half guilt.

"Just gotta hit them three little pins down in order to win. Now normally I give you only two balls but I'll give you three for the lucky lady here." The man says handing Hayes the balls.

Glancing at me, Hayes concentrates as he launches the first ball. But completely missing the pyramid of pins.

"Ow! Try again son!" The man cheers.

Grimacing, he adjusts his stance and gets a harder grip on the ball. Once again launching it through the air, it whizzes past the pyramid by at least a foot.

"God dar-" Hayes mumbles.

"One last try kid, don't disappoint your lady friend."

Hayes frowns, but sighs.

He thinks he's going to disappoint me.

"Hayes." I say as he holds up the last ball.

"Yeah?"

I smile. "You can do it, I know you can."

A smile grows on his face as he turns and throws the ball as hard as he can. Sailing through the air, the ball crashes into the pyramid dead on!

But only knocks down two.

"Sorry kid. Better luck next time." The man says collecting the balls from the floor.

"I'm sorry Tessa." Hayes says stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Hey it's fine. It's just a-"

"Hey. I wasn't done." The heavy-set man calls just before we walk away.

"Yeah?" I ask.

Reaching up, he grabs the largest stuffed polar bear from its place hanging above the chairs and holds it out to us. "Nice job kid, this things a scam anyway." He whispers followed by a wink.

Hayes slowly takes the bear from his arms. "Thanks man." The man nodding as he turns back to face me.

"Told you it was a scam." I say.

"Shut up." He smirks, stuffing the the polar bear into my arms.

"I love it. It has a great story to go along with it." I say pulling the bear into a tight embrace, nuzzling my face into it.

Hayes sighs.

"Do you wish I would do this to you?" I ask.

He smiles. "Kinda."

Smiling, I step forward and wrap my arms around him and press my face into his shoulder, the bear squished between us. Hayes wrapping his arms softly around my waist and resting his chin upon the bear.

"All in good time Hayes, all in good time." I mumble into him.

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~Got nothin to say but :D

| Natalie Richards |