HAZE (On Hold)

Part 59

Hailee sits down on the field and catches her breath while downing some fluids following a training session.

"What's going on between you and Jade? It's pretty obvious to everyone that you're avoiding each other and it's throwing off the chemistry of the team."

Hailee turns to face her Cardinal teammates, Jordan and Alana. "I'm sorry, it's personal."

"Does it have anything to do with your black eye?" Hailee nods.

"Haze, we need everyone on the same page if we stand a chance of beating Tennessee on Friday, talk to each other and sort it out, okay?"

Hailee nods, "Thanks, guys."

Hailee looks down the line and sees her roommate watching her closely. She stands up and makes her way over to Jade and sits down beside her.

"Apparently, we need to talk."

"I know I already got a lecture and told to start communicating with you. But, I'm really not sure what to say, everything is still a mess in my head. It's not every day that you find out that your best friend is in love with you or is happy you and your girlfriend broke up."

"I understand that it puts you in a difficult situation, which is why I've done my very best to not act on my feelings, but I'm done denying them. I love you, Jade and if you would allow me to, I would give you the world and as for being happy that you and Storm broke up that isn't entirely the case and you know it. Not to mention, I seem to recall that you were the one to break up with her and you were also the one to initiate the kiss between us, not me."

Hailee stands up and looks down at Jade, "When you are ready and able to talk, I'll be waiting."

Hailee fights the tears as she makes her way over to the bench to change out of her cleats before collecting her stuff and then walking towards her car.

She goes for a short drive to clear her head before returning to the apartment and finding some bags by the door.

Jade comes out of her bedroom carrying a box of stuff and sets it down, "I'm going to crash at a friend's until the end of the term."

"That isn't necessary, I never told you that you had to leave and I don't want you to leave."

"I can't think while I'm still under the same roof as you, I need space to sort out everything."

"You know if this is just your way of saying you don't feel anything towards me or if it's because of my scars or other issues, just tell me straight out; I'm a big girl I can take it."

"It's nothing to do with your scars or personal issues; I know the real Hailee Zane underneath all of that and care about you deeply; I'm just .... scared, I guess."

"Scared?" Jade nods her head.

"Okay, considering how much time I've spent talking with a shrink over the last few years, I feel pretty confident in saying that the best way to get beyond being scared of something is to face it head-on - so what are you scared of, Jade?"

Jade looks at her with tears rolling down her cheeks and Hailee walks over to her and pulls her into her allowing her friend to cry on her shoulder.

"Jade, if you need space to think, I will give you as much space as I can; but, please, don't move out."

She hears Jade mumble an "Okay," and releases her hold on her. "I don't know about you but I'm starving, is it okay with you if I heat us up some food?"

Jade nods before collecting her box and carrying it back into her room and then returning her bags to her room as well before joining Hailee to eat.