HAZE (On Hold)

Part 62

Hailee arrives home from Stanford to find the Zane mansion decorated for the holiday season and immediately her thoughts wander back to when her Mom and sister were still around and they used to put up the decorations together. 

Walking inside she is blown away by the amount of colour and lights that surround her. She feels her heart begin to race as she looks at the big Christmas tree and the boxes of decorations stacked around it, with reminders of years gone by. She debates running upstairs and burying her head and body under the covers in hopes of chasing the thoughts and feelings away. 

A lot has happened since the plane crash that took her Mom and Hillary from her and she has managed to move forward, but with the constant reminder of the no longer celebrated birthdays and traditions around Christmas time, it's hard and she feels the effects of her emotions taking over. 

Before she can move from her spot, she hears a voice yell out "HAZE, you're finally home!" She feels a body wrap around her and she holds on tightly while trying to put on her best smile.

"Hey, J.J. where is everyone?" 

"Mom is in the kitchen with Anna and Randy is at work, I think. Where's Jade? I thought she was coming home with you." 

"She'll be here in a few days, she needed to go home." 

"Oh, okay. I was really looking forward to showing her my new dress for the party. I even got shoes with heels to wear, Mom said I couldn't wear my running shoes." 

Hailee smiles and nods, "I had the same conversation with Jade; she told me that I wasn't allowed to wear my running shoes either. But, I guess if it's only for one night I can deal. So, you got a date for the party or you flying solo?" 

J.J. smiles and then looks at her feet, "I have a friend, who's a boy and Mommy asked his Mommy if he could come and be my date." 

"Okay, spill, I need to know everything about this date of yours, starting with his name, age and family background and most importantly what his intentions are." 

"His what?" 

"Does he want to be your friend or boyfriend? Because, if he wants to be your boyfriend then we really need to talk." 

"I don't want a boyfriend, most boys are pretty dumb, but Leo likes soccer, so he's cool." 

"Leo, huh?" 

"Yep. His Mommy is a teacher at my school and his Daddy works in a big building and sits behind a computer all day." 

"Is this Leo in your class?" 

"He's older, but only a year." 

"Well, I guess if this Leo likes soccer and makes you smile then he's okay." 

"Nice to have you home, Hailee." 

Hailee turns to look and smiles when she sees Chelsea and Anna watching their interaction. They share hugs before Anna excuses herself and gets back to work in the kitchen. 

Chelsea notices Hailee looking over at the tree, "J.J. how about you go play in your room for a bit while I speak with Hailee about some adult stuff, okay?" 

J.J. looks at her Mom and does her best pout face, "But..." 

"No buts, off you go!" 

"Fine." 

Hailee chuckles at the sight of J.J. dragging her feet and taking her time leaving the area.