Chapter thirty-one
____________________________________
Hailey's POV:
I started laughing like a full belly laugh clutching my
stomach and I'm sure I would be rolling on the grass
too if I hadn't controlled myself at a right time.
"Ethan it's the best prank you ever played on me ". I
said still laughing lightly. But he gave me the deadpan
look which made me little uneasy and stopped laughing
completely.
"Ethan Please Don't tell me you're serious". Now
probably my face look pale loosening every ounce of
color.
"I'm dead serious Hailey". He said with all seriousness.
After hearing him I don't know what came to me. I
slapped him on the left cheek, not so hard but hard
enough to knock some senses into his dumb brain.
"Ouch Hailey. It's not a nice way to reject someone".
Ethan said while glaring at me. I was glaring back at
him.
"Mommy why you slapped uncle Ethan? Did he say the
bad word you told me not to use ?". Noah asked me
with the toothy grin.
Now I looked at Ethan for a support to tell these little
devils something, and he was still busy massaging his
cheek. I think I hit him little to hard than I have first
thought. Then I used my brain to make a lie for these
curious kids waiting for my answer .
"Uh.... Noah there was a ....a fly on your uncle's Ethan
cheek. I just slapped his cheek to make it fly away. Now
go play ". I shooed them.
"Ethan are sure? I mean are you hundred percent sure
its love not the crush or other kind of love like brotherly
love you know". I asked him with the curious look,
waiting for his answer.
"Hailey you're so going to regret this". He said with the
face that says he's ready to take revenge by tickling the
hell out of me. So you see I know that look very well.
"Oh... I think I'm in trouble". I got up and started
running from him. And he's on my heels running like a
predator.
We ran and ran rounds and rounds, even Noah, Sammy
and fuzzy is helping Ethan in catching me by blocking
every way. Traitors they're taking sides now ganging up
on little me. When I hid behind the tree to catch my
breath Ethan sneak up on me from behind, picking me
up in his arms and spinning me around like sack of
potatoes.
I felt dizzy and begged him to stop this nonsense while
Noah and Sammy was clapping and laughing like a
crazy at my misery. Finally, Ethan stopped spinning me
and dropped me on the grass. We were both breathing
heavily and grinning like a idiot. Noah and Sammy also
dropped themselves beside us with the biggest toothy
grins on their faces.
"C'mon I'll drop you guys". Ethan said while standing
up and offering me his hand.
I took his hand in mine for a support and got up dusting
a grass from my jeans. I glanced down at Noah and
Sammy and told them to fetch fuzzy who's trailing on
the jogging track with its nose up. When they went far
enough that now they won't be able to hear our
conversation. I turned to Ethan again.
"Ethan Please don't take it personally because you know
how I'm and you know how you're. I really like you even
I think I love you but as a brother". I said with a slight
tumble in my voice.
Ethan sighed after hearing me and said nothing so I
continued with my speech.
"I think there is definitely some girl out here who is
dying to meet you and made only for you to love.
Unfortunately I'm not that girl. I can only be your friend
nothing more because that's I'm made for". I said with
the confidence and surety.
Ethan ran his hands through his hairs and asked "How
can you say I don't love you?".
I moved towards him and placed my hand on his chest
where his heart was beating beneath my palm. "Ethan
do you notice your heart is still beating at the same
pace even after my hand is placed just above it ".
Ethan gave me the most confused look like I'm speaking
to him in some foreign language. I laughed and rolled
my eyes. I explained him "Ethan sometimes you're the
most gullible guy. Let me tell you if you're in love with
me as you say you're, your heart would be beating like
a Ferrari right now at my touch and you'll feel sparks at
every touch of mine. But you're same there're no sparks
no wild beating of heart".
He looked defeated now and asked me "Oh so you feel
sparks with Chase and your heart beats like a Ferrari
when you're with him... huh".
Now my face flushed with blush and retreating my hand
back from his chest I said "Shut up Ethan. Don't tease
me now I'm your senior here in love experience so you
listen me like a good boy. I'm mean maybe you just
have crush on me but you don't love me like that you
don't want to spend your whole life with me. C'mon
now let's go".
Ethan sighed and said "I think you're right but I was so
jealous when I saw your ex husband and thought that
maybe I'm in love with you that's why I'm feeling
jealously".
I shook my head at his dumb explanation and started
teasing him by saying "Ethan Please if someday you
found fuzzy liking someone else and you get jealous
would you think you're in love with him all these time".
"No... fuzzy will never like someone more than me". He
said with the confidence. And I rolled my eyes thinking
he's such a child sometimes.
We picked Sammy and Noah in our arms, depositing
them in a backseat after strapping them tightly in their
seats. While fuzzy hop in the backseat eagerly settling in
the middle.
Ethan dropped me off at my house and winked at me
while driving away.
I went inside my house and started with my daily
routine work. At almost five o'clock I remembered that I
didn't gave my answer to Chase after. I dialed his
number and.he picked it up on the third ring.
"Hello...uh how are you?" . I asked him.
"Hi.... I'm good". His answer was neutral looks like he's
not interested in talking .
"So I just called you to tell this that Noah and I are up
for the plan of spending Christmas in cabin". I just said
what I wanted to tell him without prolonging it any
longer.
"Ah.... yeah. Then I'll pick you up tomorrow at 8 in the
morning ". He said like he have planned it all out
already.
"Okay then see you tomorrow. Bye". I bid him goodbye.
"Bye". With this he ended the call.
Then I pulled the duffel bag out of my closet, stuffing
my and Noah's warmest clothes, some toiletries and
lastly my camera I zipped it up and placed it in my
closet.
I told mom and dad about my plan for Christmas. Mom
was happy and excited for me, dad looked little angry at
the idea of me spending my Christmas with him. But
then me and Noah both gave our best puppy dog look
which made him surrender to our wish.
____________________________________
Chase POV:
After the park incident I came straight to my hotel
room. My stomach was grumbling loudly because I
haven't had breakfast. I called room service and asked
them to send some coffee and scrambled eggs with
toasts.
After filling my stomach. I realized that I was still
thinking about that guy and Hailey. Jealousy is still
eating my heart out. I cursed myself for not staying
there for more few minutes and hearing Hailey's
answer.
Then I picked my laptop and started at the list of my
emails I received today to distract myself from thinking
about Hailey and that guy. Replying too few important
emails. I called Allison for some help,she picked it up on
first ring.
"Hey Al. How are you and kids? " I asked Allison.
"I'm good and kids too. And they have been asking for
there uncle Chase from the start of the Christmas
month because your gifts are very special for them and
expensive too". She said everything like I'm the most
foolish person, well I accept that my gifts are expensive
for the kids but what Chris and Susan are my niece and
nephew and I cherish them.
"Al not again okay. I'm sorry for giving Susan a pony
but she liked it". I explained myself hundredth time.
"Okay. But tell me bro where are you?. I called you last
night, you weren't picking so I panicked and called your
office. Your secretary told me that you're out of city".
She said to me like that's the weirdest thing she ever
heard.
"I....uhh yeah I'm out of city and I won't be attending
Christmas dinner. Please, Al do me a favor and stop
mom from bugging me to come. I can't come this
year?". I begged her.
"Okay. Chase but at least tell me where you're hiding?".
She pleaded me.
"Al I'm in Oakland trying to redeem my family and
correct my mistake but I don't think so I will be able
to". I said lightly, and she gasped.
"Oh.... Chase you have no idea how happy I'm right
now. And believe me Hailey will forgive you". She said
to me in a promising voice.
"I hope so Al. I hope so ". I answered with the little
difficulty.
"You have lost her once Chase. Do not lose her again.
Do whatever you need to do to make her yours". She
said to me more like a command.
I bid her goodbye and thought about what she said to
me. She is right I lost her once because of the
circumstances my mother created, now I can't lose her
again to some teenage boy. Nah..no never. I'm not
gonna lose her again. I will do everything in my power
to make her mine.
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard my phone
ringing like a crazy. I glanced at the caller id and saw
that its Hailey. My eyes widened in fear and suddenly
my throat dry like a Sahara desert.
Why is she calling me?. Then the thought popped in my
head that maybe she's calling me to cut all the ties
with me or because she's angry I kissed her last night
without her consent. I thought of not receiving it to
escape from the rejection.
At the third ring I picked up my phone with the courage
to hear whatever she needs to say .
Hello...uh how are you?". She asked me and sounds
little nervous.
"Hi.... I'm good". My answer was so simple .
" I just called you to tell this that Noah and I are up for
the plan of spending Christmas in cabin". I sighed with
relief after hearing her and thanked God again and
again.
"Ah.... yeah. Then I'll pick you up tomorrow at 8 in the
morning". I said collecting myself and containing my
happiness inside.
"Okay then see you tomorrow. Bye". She said to me.
"Bye". And with this I ended the call.
I jumped in my room with the joy. One thought was
circulating in my mind that I'm going to use this chance
fully to make her mine. I want my family back and my
lovely wife.
With the determination running through my body I made
the plan for tomorrow.
____________________________________
Chapter thirty-two
(Day before Christmas)
Hailey POV:
I woke up groaning in protests like spoil kid on the
school-day. Opening my eyes, I found Noah hovering
above my lying form and grinning crazily.
"Noah baby why are you up so early? And why were you
shaking?". I asked him with frown on my face while my
eyes were closing on their own.
"Mommy I woke up because your phone was ringing
loudly. And see its 6a.m.". While pointing at our room
wall clock. I opened my eyes and picked up my phone
from the bedside table. I checked it and groaned seeing
that it was my alarm that woke Noah up.
"Yes baby that was my alarm". I said pulling Noah in
my arms and cuddling with him.
"Mommy we need to get ready". Noah said while
hugging me.
"I know but I'm lazy and I want to cuddle with you". I
said while tightening my hold on him.
"Mommy. I'm very excited. This is my first Christmas
with dad. I love him and you". He said and gave me the
sloppy kiss.
"I know you are excited me too. And I love you a lot". I
said while kissing his forehead.
After staying in the bed for few more minutes I finally
decided to leave the warmth of the bed, picking Noah up
and placing him on my hip I made my way to the
washroom. I helped Noah in changing his clothes then I
worked on myself by freshening up and changing into
appropriate clothes.
Ugh I'm not a morning person anymore and Chase
called me last night, saying that there's a slight change
in plan, and he'll pick us at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. so
we could stop and have breakfast together. I said yes
because let's face it I'm as excited as Noah or maybe
even more.
We're waiting here in the lounge for Chase to come. I
don't have a heart to wake my parents up and disturb
their sleep just for telling them that I'm leaving. I have
written the short note for them, telling that I'm leaving
and stick it on the fridge with some magnets. I placed
their gifts on the kitchen counter because on Christmas I
wouldn't be here to give them and its not like Christmas
is too far, it's actually tomorrow.
I heard the sound of car pulling outside my house so I
hurriedly got up and peeked from the lounge window. I
saw Chase stepping out of the car so I picked up the
duffel bag and took Noah's hand in mine. We made our
way out of the house. Noah was already running
towards Chase while I was making way slowly towards
the car because of bags. Chase leaned down and
scooped Noah in his arms then showered his face with
kisses and making him giggle.
I reached to the car I mumbled an awkward "Hi".
Chase put Noah down on his feet then pulled me in a
side hug and placed a chaste kiss on my left cheek.
I was shocked at his sudden affection looking wide-eyed
at him. I think he was shocked himself too. His ears
turned pink while my face felt hot too.
Chase broke the awkward silence and said "Let's get in
the car".
I nodded my head still in a daze.
When we were settled in the car, Chase drove us to the
very cosy and cute cafe where we had breakfast.
After the three hours of drive we finally reached our
destination.
The cute not so small wooden cabin was nestled
between snow covered trees. Surrounded by the long
mountains covered in snow shining like a white velvet
blanket. And the light fog forming on the mountains was
giving the illusion of clouds near them.
Beautiful". I didn't even realized that I have said it
aloud until I heard Chase saying "it is". While his eyes
were on me. I blushed beetroot, pulling Noah to me and
mumbling "let's go and see inside".
Chase unlocked the cabin door, and we moved inside. I
gasped looking at the inside of the cabin,a very stylish
kitchen with Grey and black cabinets and the lounge
walls were painted in plain light Grey color contrasting
perfectly with black L-Shape leather couches and
printed curtains. There was an LCD fixed on the wall in
front of couches while on the left wall there was a
fireplace made up of dark Grey stones. Then I saw the
stairs leading on the upper floor so me and Noah
eagerly followed the stairs.
I gasped looking at the very large and beautiful room. In
the middle of the room king-size bed was situated,
covered in pure white bed sheet. The wooden walls were
painted in light mint and white color giving the sense of
freshness with few frames of paintings hanging on the
wall. And the pure white chiffon curtains hanging on the
glass door was blocking the complete view of balcony
making me curious. I slide the glass door wide open and
moved outside, standing in the balcony looking out I felt
peace and took the deep breath in the slight chilly air
filling my lungs.
"So do you like it". Chase said startling me because of
his sudden presence.
"Uh.... Yeah its really beautiful I really like it". I said
with the smile on my face.
We were staring at each other when Noah suddenly
came running and announced that he wants to go
outside to look around. Chase agreed and placed our
bags in the room, picking Noah up in his arms he ran
downstairs telling me to follow.
I followed him outside, he took us in the woods and
showed us the frozen lake near the cabin. I stare at
them while Chase and Noah played there, chasing each
other, running around and laughing. After that we
collected some woods for the fireplace and came back
to the cabin when we felt hungry.
When we were back to the cabin I took Noah upstairs in
the washroom and cleaned him. I shooed him out when
he was done and use the washroom. While using it I
admired the washroom, the wide mirror on the brown
color wall giving me the complete look of wild hears. I
styled my hairs in the ponytail and turned around to see
the long bathtub located under the electronic shower
hidden by the glass sliding door giving the washroom
more luxurious look.
When I came downstairs I saw Noah sitting on the
stools while leaning on the kitchen counter. Then the
whiff of the cheese made my stomach grumbled and I
looked at Chase, he's standing near the stove grilling
something.
"What are you doing?". I asked looking at him surprise.
"I...Uh I'm making grilled cheese sandwiches for us on
Noah's demand and because its quick". He said while
flipping sandwiches like pro.
"But how do you know how to cook?". I asked him still
in surprise because when we used to live in a same
house I never saw him cooking except making coffee
sometimes.
"I... I learned it from YouTube when I moved out". He
said while giving me the side glance.
This news is a shock to me because no one ever told
me that he moved out, not Allison and Cameron when
we chat. Not even uncle William who calls me every
week to ask about Noah and me.
"You moved out. Why?". I asked him confused that why
would he move out ever after kicking me out.
"Hailey I'll tell you everything but it's not a right time".
He said while glance at Noah who's watching us.
I nodded my head in a silent agreement and set on the
stool. Chase served us with some grilled cheese
sandwiches, and we eat in the silence.
After eating his food, Noah run to Chase and clutched
his leg. He asked, "Daddy where is a Christmas tree?"
Chase made a face like he's thinking while was staring
at him curiously waiting for the answer.
"Son, I forget about a Christmas tree". He said while
glancing down at Noah's pouting face with mischievous
eyes.
"Daddy how can you forget Christmas tree? There's no
meaning of good Christmas without a Christmas tree".
Noah said giving me glance with sad face.
"We can arrange something buddy come along". Chase
said picking up Noah and placing him on his shoulders
taking him somewhere.
I picked the plates and utensils used during making
sandwiches and washed them. I heard the excited laugh
of Noah and saw Chase carrying a tree and placing it in
the corner of the lounge.
Then he placed the white large box which have ever
kind of Christmas decoration. Noah clapped excitedly
and hugged Chase legs.
"Mommy come help us in decorations". Noah said
looking at me with the happy smile on his face.
We started decorating tree by placing all the ornaments
and lastly covering it with the lights. We decorated
house with the lights and some Santa caps while
wearing one ourselves.
As the evening approached we stayed busy in the
decoration. When we were done and tired we relax on
the couch.
"Mommy I'm hungry". Noah said while leaning on me.
I looked at Chase, and he said I can make whatever I
want. I went to the kitchen and looked inside the fridge
and found it stocked with every kind of thing. I was
really surprised at first then I decided to make spaghetti
with meatballs while Chase was making Noah watch
some cartoons so he won't sleep.
After half an hour I was done making dinner. I arranged
everything on the counter and called them. Chase came
with Noah in his arms.
They both sit on the stools and filled their plates. Chase
took the bite and moaned "Hailey it's really good".
Noah also copied his dad and said the same thing.
While I was just blushing and eating quietly after
mumbling thank you.
After eating, I took Noah upstairs to the room, brushed
his teeth changing him into his night attire. When I
placed him on the bed he was out like a light. I thought
looking at Noah my poor baby got so tired today.
I went downstairs and saw Chase cleaning the kitchen.
"You don't have to clean the kitchen". I said to him.
"No it's no problem. I can see you were busy with Noah
and maybe tired too ". He said to me.
"I'm not tired". I said suddenly.
"I'm not that tired". I corrected myself while Chase was
giving me amused smile, making my cheeks little warm.
"I have made a coffee. Would like to have some?". He
asked me while pulling two mugs out of the kitchen
cabinet.
"Uh...sure". I replied to him with little nervousness.
"C'mon lets sit in the lounge". Chase said while moving
with the tray in hand.
We set near the fireplace on the same couch. Chase
handed me my mug and I took the sip from it. I closed
my eyes,sighing loudly at the taste of coffee.
"Is it that good?". Chase asked me while staring at my
face.
"It's perfect". I said still enjoying my coffee.
"So? How your life has been in last three years?". He
asked me like he is really interested in my life.
"Uh....there's nothing special. After you sent me back I
continued my studies. Now I just need two years to
graduate to become a psychologist". I told him taking
sips of the coffee.
"Psychologist...huh why?". He asked me curiously while
drinking his coffee.
"Yeah, Psychologist because I want to help people who
went through some horrible accidents in life and want to
finish their life. Because depression is the darkest and
deepest hole which sucks you in slowly". I said while
glancing at the fire in fireplace.
"Were you in depression Hailey after our split?". He
asked me concerned.
"I'm tired. Goodnight". I said standing up.
I was not ready to answer him. I don't want him to
know how weak I was when he sent me away with our
son.
He has no right to know how much he had hurt me and
made me cry in last three years.
But now I'm a strong girl, single mother and living a
happy life without his presence in my life so what's the
point in sharing my past with him.
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