Hailey's POV:
I woke up in the morning and remembered how Chase
broke down last night.
Getting inside the washroom I hurriedly showered then
changed into my black skirt and white top.
I went downstairs and saw my mother-in-law working
in the kitchen.
"Hi, good morning". I said to her.
"Good morning dear". My mother-in-law said.
I looked around and saw a bowl of cereal and glass of
juice in the tray.
My mother-in-law saw me staring and asked "Hailey
dear do you want to eat cereal?".
"No, I was just looking". I said.
"Oh, this breakfast is for Chase. He has a fever and he
can't come down for breakfast". She said making me
worried.
I want to go to his room and check on him but then I
felt nervous. He might doesn't want to see my face so
early in the morning. After last night he might avoid
because I have seen him crying his eyes out.
But maybe these are all my own assumptions and he
won't get angry at all.
"I'm taking this tray to Chase room. Please turn off the
stove for me". She said and I nodded my head.
If I'll go to see him with the breakfast there will be
fewer chances of him getting angry on me.
"Eva I can't find the file that I put on the bedside table".
My father-in-law yelled from his room.
My mother-in-law rolled her eyes and handed me the
tray.
"Hailey please take this to Chase room and make sure
he eats everything". My mother-in-law said walking to
her room.
I started at her retracting figure and the tray in my
hand. After turning off the stove I made my way
upstairs to Chase room.
I knocked twice but when he didn't open the door I
twisted the knob and went inside to find him asleep on
the bed.
Should I go back downstairs and tell her that he is
asleep or wake him up.
I walked closer and placed the tray on the bedside table
then put the hand on Chase shoulder to wake him up.
But my hand came in contact with his skin and realized
he was burning.
I searched the medical box and found some Advil.
Taking them out I put the Advil on the tray and shook
Chase shoulder.
He groaned and grabbed my hand.
"Chase wake up". I whispered.
He opened his eyes and looked at me.
"Hailey what are you doing here?". He asked me
shutting back his eyes.
"I brought breakfast and medicine for you". I said.
He groaned and turned his back towards me.
"Chase you have a fever. You need to take the
medicines. Please wake up". I said making him turn
back to me.
When he sat up on the bed I realized he was still
shirtless.
"Have anyone ever told you how annoying you are". He
said.
I smiled nervously and mumbled "Many people".
He rubbed his hands on his face in irritation then glared
at me.
"You are stupid too". He said with the roll of his eyes.
I didn't know what should I say to him when he seems
so cranky.
"Um. Breakfast". I said picking up the tray and placing it
on his lap.
He looked at his hands that we're wrapped with
bandage and I averted my eyes.
I hope he doesn't remember anything about last night.
Taking the spoon in my hand I put it near his mouth. He
looked irritated but let me feed him silently.
When he was done eating his cereal I put the two
tablets of Advil in his palm and he gulped them down
with the glass of juice.
I was ready to leave when he took the hold of my wrist
and said "Thank you".
"You're welcome". I said but he didn't let go of my
wrist.
His eyes keep staring at me and his thumb was making
circles on my wrist.
I felt something clenching in my stomach when he
kissed the back of my hand and let go my wrist.
With the beating heart I ran out of his room and went to
my room straight.
I didn't know what happened to me when he kissed my
hand.
But it felt like my heart was racing. I traced my fingers
on my hand where his lips touched. My heartbeat
accelerated and I closed my eyes.
The sensation of his lips on my skin was something
similar to electric current and shivers.
I liked it. No, I really liked it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~xxxxxx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Two days later)
It was a funeral of his granddad and he seemed sad all
day.
We were at home after the burial and the visitors has
been coming for the support and comfort.
Everyone looked sad at the death of Mr.John Edward.
What I heard until now he was a great, husband, dad
and granddad.
People loved him and respected him.
My eyes went to Chase who was sitting alone at the
backyard on the bench.
Giving the cup of tea to Miss Bail our housekeeper I
made my way out in the backyard.
I sat beside Chase on the stool and saw him blinking
back his tears.
"Everything is going to be alright". I said.
He stayed silent for few minutes then said "He will not
be here for me and I'm alone".
I felt the tears brimming in my eyes but I held them
back.
"When my grandma died I thought there will be no one
for me anymore. I will be forever alone but am I alone,
Chase?". I asked him.
He placed his hand on mine and said "No, you're not
alone".
His words warmed my heart and we stayed in the
backyard with our hands intertwined until the evening
approached.
When the stars appeared on the sky I said "Do you
know when someone dies they become star".
"I don't believe that". He said.
"I do". I said.
"See that's my grandma on the left and the center one
is your granddad. On the right of your granddad is your
grandma and that shiny star on the far right is my
mom". I said with smile.
He looked at me in confusion.
"Your mom is alive". He said and my heart dropped.
No one knows that Melanie is my step mom.
"Melanie is my step mom". I told him.
His eyes widened.
"What? But I thought she was your mother". He said.
"She is my mother. I don't think of her as my step
mom. But my mom died while giving birth to me". I said
making him nod.
"Is Emily your step-sister?". He asked me.
"She's my half sister". I said.
"I'm sorry for your mom, Hailey". He said and hugged
me.
I hugged him back as tears rolled down from my eyes
remembering about my mother.
"Everthing will be alright". Chase mumbled while rubbing
my back.
____________________________________
Chapter Seven (2)
Hailey's POV:
The atmosphere of the house was still so mournful after
two weeks. I didn't know the man very well myself but I
was as sad and hurt as family after hearing the news of
his death.
The death of Chase granddad have triggered my old
nightmares again. They are so horrible keeping me every
night awake or if I fell asleep they will come to haunt
me.
I haven't been getting any sleep because of these
terrible nightmares.
Chase and my father-in-law looks a lot better now.
Both of them were most affected by the news of death
as both men were close to him.
In Chase case it looks like his granddad was his best
friend, like mine was my grandma. But the sad thing is
we have both lost them to the death.
I looked up at myself in the mirror and saw dark circles
forming under my eyes. The lack of sleep was clear on
my face. I felt fatigue as I have been sleep deprived
from the week.
I walked to my bed and slumped down on it then picked
up the book I decided to read all night to keep myself
awake.
I have been following this method for three days to keep
myself awake all night by reading the book and washing
my face every time I feel sleepy.
Back home whenever I get these nightmares my father
would buy me the prescribed medicines that helps me to
sleep.
l had stopped taking my medicine and antidepressants
from last year because of improvement in my condition.
Now that I have again started getting these horrible
nightmares I need my medicine to go to sleep and calm
my nerves that made me edgy and scared.
I remember the name of medicines that I should be
taking but I didn't bring the prescription with me and
without that the pharmacy wouldn't let me buy those
medicines.
And if I will ask anyone in the house to give me a
sleeping pill they will ask me questions like why do I
need them to sleep? Or if I'll tell them the truth they
might send me back to my dad and if I went back to my
dad, mom and Emily might kill me this time for meddling
in their family.
I shudder imagining Emily and mom hateful glare if I
ever went back.
Somewhere in between reading the book and thinking
about not falling in sleep I closed my eyes.
The moment I closed my eyes I was asleep.
This dream started differently from my last dream. I saw
the church where I got married with Chase but this time
he was holding me close with the beautiful smile on his
face then he leaned down and mumbled something in
my ear which made me blush.
I looked happy and the guest were staring at us with
smile when suddenly there was a loud scream. I turned
my head to found out that Chase had vanished and
there was puddle of blood on the spot he was standing
earlier. My eyes went to my wedding dress which was
stained in blood and that's when I screamed.
I was harshly pulled out from the dream when I felt
someone shaking me violently.
I opened my eyes and blinked few times to remove the
blurriness. I felt the hands wiping my tears from my
face and eyes making me realize that I must be crying
during the dream. I opened my eyes and found Chase
crouching near my bed only in his pajamas. His eyes
were fixed at me while his right hand was resting on my
jaw. He looked worried and his current state clearly
shows he must be sleeping.
"Hailey are you alright?". He asked me softly making me
close my eyes in a bliss of hearing his voice.
I was so glad that he is perfectly fine and with me.
Without thinking, I pushed the quilt from my body and
flung myself on his arms making him fall on the floor
with me on top him.
He was too shock at my reaction to say and do
anythingg. Hell even I was shock at my own actions but
seeing him alive and healthy made me so happy that I
didn't prolonged on my actions too long.
Our position was so awkward, my lower part was on
cold floor while my head was resting on his chest. His
chest that was very bare.
Oh God! I didn't notice it before flinging myself on him.
My face started to heat up and my eyes moved from his
chest to his face that was in shock and looked comical.
I pulled away from him in the lightening speed and he
sat up on the floor with dazed look on his face.
Did he hit his head on the floor?
I felt so embarrass at my stupid actions and took the
peek of his face again but my traitorous eyes fell on his
chiseled chest again making me blush.
It looked hard and sculptured but when I hugged him he
felt so soft. At the reminder of feeling his skin I felt
tingles running from my hands to my toes.
Then my eyes went to my alarm clock at my bedside
table and I frowned.
What is he doing in my room at three in the morning?
But did I question him? No. Because somewhere in my
mind I was still scared of getting scold from him. I hate
it when he scold at me.
But I love it when he smiles at me which is as rare as
me not doing anything to embarrass myself.
Chase said something that I didn't heard because my
eyes were staring at his lips. They are so pink and
beautiful, the upper lip is thin and the lower one is
plump.
"Hailey are you okay?". He asked me in his husky voice
snapping me out from studying the structure of his lips.
I nodded my head dumbly.
Chase looked hesitant but asked me
"Why were you screaming and crying in your sleep?".
My eyes widened at what he said. I was screaming it
means that's what brought him here in the middle of
the night.
I asked him scared "Did I wake you up because of my
screaming?".
"No, I was awake working on college assignment when I
heard you screaming and came here to check on you".
He replied.
"Oh. It was just a bad dream nothing to worry about". I
said getting up from the floor.
The frown appeared on his face and he looked
concerned when he asked me "Do you want to talk
about it?".
I felt something warm spreading in my heart at his soft
concerned voice making me want to hug him again but I
refrained myself.
I shook my head and said "No. I am fine now. Thanks
for waking me up".
He opened his mouth then closed. It was like he wanted
to question me further but stopped.
"Good night". He mumbled and left the bedroom.
After that I didn't dare to fall asleep and stayed awake.
When it was eight in the morning I got ready for the day
and went downstairs.
On the breakfast fast table Chase kept glancing at me
weirdly which made me extremely uncomfortable during
the whole breakfast. It looks like I have something on
my face which he wants to clean it. (weird I know)
After the breakfast he left for college with Kate. As any
other boring day I started doing my usual tasks.
My father-in-law asked me to continue the school but I
am still scared to step inside the school. The memories
of me getting pushed, beat and laughed on still haunts
me.
I told them that I was home-schooled after fifth
standard and I'll continue my studies in home.
I was never weak in studies, never got a bad grades in
any subject. When I was in school my teachers were
happy with me. But still they never guessed what
happened when the lunchtimes come. They don't know
how Emily's evil friends wait for me in the washroom to
beat me because in lunchtime that's where I hide to
save myself from their abuse.
I shook my head to escape from all the horrible
memories of my past that still lingered in my mind.
~~~~~~
After dinner my father-in-law called me in his study
room and told me that I need to focus on my studies
and he will support me.
I was really glad at his understanding nature.
Around 10:30 pm everyone went to their respective
rooms to sleep. But like last night I stayed up awake in
room reading the book.
When my head lulled from the sleep I quickly got up and
went to the washroom. I splashed the cold water few
times on my face to get rid of the sleep.
Then a thought struck to me that caffeine helps to
prevent sleep, it means I should try drinking coffee. It
might be more effective than these methods.
Slowly, I opened my bedroom door and tiptoed
downstairs and entered in the kitchen.
Pulling out the coffee beans from the cabinet I started
preparing a coffee for myself.
When the coffee was done I poured it in the large mug
and turned around to see a shadow standing near the
wall. I wanted to scream and run out from the kitchen
but I stayed frozen with the coffee mug in my trembling
hand.
The shadow moved closer and my heart jumped in my
chest like a bloody basketball.
I closed my eyes for a split of a second and heard
"Relax Hailey. I didn't mean to scare you".
I opened my eyes and stared at Chase with confusion.
He glanced at the coffee mug in my hand and said
amused "Coffee at midnight".
I didn't know what to tell him so I stayed quiet.
He took the deep breath and said "I know you're having
horrible nightmares from the week. Last night your
scream was louder than other nights and I had to wake
you up".
I was shocked at his words and asked him "How do you
know?".
"Actually, I have been working on my college
assignment late every night. Few weeks ago I heard
your screaming and came to your room but your door
was locked so I didn't know how to wake you up. I
waited outside your room but you stop screaming on
your own". He explained.
I didn't only wake him up yesterday but I have been
disturbing him every night for the whole week. I felt
ashamed and guilty for making him worried about
nothing.
He startled me by taking the coffee mug from my hand
in his hand then he laced his fingers with mine and
dragged me upstairs to his room.
I didn't know what he was doing but I didn't ask him
because my inside was numb from all the sensations I
was feeling at that moment.
When we were inside his room he put the coffee atop of
his bedside table and turned to me.
I thought he will might lecture me to stop disturbing
him every night so before he would do that I said "I
just....ah I am sorry for disturbing you ever night. They
are just stupid nightmares keep coming back every
night. I was...ah trying to stay awake so they won't
come again. I am really sorry please don't be angry at
me".
I felt like crying at the end of the statement. I don't why
I have to embarrass myself in front him every time?
Why I always do something to make him hate me?
I stared at the floor waiting for him to get angry on me
but he surprised me by putting his fingers under my
chin and making me look up.
"I am not angry at you Hailey. I want to help you in
chasing away your nightmares". He said softly.
His words made my stomach clench then butterflies
erupted inside creating a fuzzy feeling.
He cares for me. My husband who I thought will hate
me forever for coming in his life unwelcome was
showing care for me and want to help me in chasing
away my nightmares.
Chase said breaking my thoughts "The dreams must be
horrible forcing you to resist the sleep".
I stayed silent feeling, staring at him with some different
feelings in my heart.
I didn't feel scared from him. I didn't feel like he is
someone who will ever hurt me. He looked like a hero to
me who will save me from all the bad people that lives
in this world.
Tonight he changed my perception about him.
"I have something to help you". He said walking back to
his bedside drawer and pulling something.
I looked at him curiously.
"Come here". He asked me to move closer and I did.
There was a beautiful long chain in his hand with purple
shiny stone locket dangling in the middle.
My confusion must be clear on my face making him
explain.
"When i was five years old my grandma gave this to me
because I felt scared at night and couldn't sleep alone.
She told me if I'll wear it every night I will be protected
and will be able to sleep at night. Because the stone
have power to scare away the monsters. It worked for
me and I stopped feeling scared at night. But l kept this
locket with me because it was especial for me. It is now
yours". He said pulling the locket over my head and
letting it rest on my shirt.
My emotions were flying everywhere after what he
shared with me. I still couldn't believe that he has
giving me something that is so special to him. I
touched the purple stone that was now resting in the
middle of my chest and looked up at him to see him
smiling.
I think in that moment I fell in love with him. I fell in
love with the purity of his heart, with his beautiful smile,
with his kind nature and his handsome face.
I fell in love with all of him.
I tried stopping myself from throwing my arms around
him but I failed and hugged him as I tightly as possible
for my 5"4 figure. My head was resting on his chest and
my arms were around his waist hugging him. I felt him
patting my back and I smiled.
I have never smiled like this before.
I pulled away from him and mumbled "Thank you".
The simple words that came out from my mouth were
breathless.
I turned back and left his room. I entered in my room
and closed the door then slide down on the floor with
my back still pressed on the door.
I smiled and pressed my hand to my mouth before I'll
erupt into giggles or shout to the world that I love
Chase Edward.
I was sure that tonight I'm will not be getting any sleep
and not because of damn nightmares.
But it will because of my sweet husband who I have
fallen in love tonight.
___________________________________
Chapter-Eight
Hailey POV :
The house was in chaos from the morning because
Cameron will be coming back today anytime.
Cameron is younger brother of Chase and he studies in
boarding school in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
He was in the middle of his midterm examination when
his grandad died so he couldn't come home to attend
the funeral. I heard that he was really sad when he
heard about his grandfather death and wanted to come
home on his funereal. But his school administration
didn't allow him to come home.
Now that his examination have ended three days ago
he is coming back home on a month long vacation.
Personally as I have never met the guy so I don't know
much about him. But what I have heard from my
mother-in-law that he is quite immature and a
prankster.
She also told me that Chase and him were never very
close. He doesn't like Kate company much but Allison is
his best friend.
When they were all kids Kate use to hurt him so he
wouldn't play with Chase. I think the twin bond between
Chase and Kate doesn't let anyone come close to both
of them. They were inseparable as a kids.
My mother-in-law has requested me to bake lemon Tart
because it's Cameron favorite dessert. I'm quite good in
baking and the credit for that goes to my grandma.
The alarm of the oven beeped indicating that the lemon
tart was done baking. I slipped my pink color baking
mitten on my hands and pulled out the tray from inside
the oven then set it on the counter to let it cool.
I would have baked chocolate chip cupcakes today if my
mother-in-law didn't request me to bake lemon tart.
Actually chocolate chip cupcakes are Chase favorite.
That I find out when I remember his granddad saying
something about how much Chase like anything with
chocolate.
So last week I baked some cupcakes for him and served
them in the breakfast. He didn't know who made them
and thought it was from some bakery. He kept eating
them while saying how good they taste.
I felt giddy after hearing praises from him. So I kept
making them every morning for him and let myself enjoy
his praising.
When he sees cupcakes on breakfast table his eyes
turns alive and his face morphed into happiness that
only sweet can bring.
I was again daydreaming about Chase and his
handsome face when the sudden noise of someone
clearing throat startled me causing me to jump. My
hand slipped on the hot tray and I hissed in pain.
I turned to catch the culprit who was the cause of this
stupid burn and felt myself frozen on the spot.
It was not because the boy standing in the kitchen was
the most beautiful creature in the world. No, it was
because of the gun that he was holding in his hand,
targeting on my head. His half face was covered with
black cloth except his pretty black eyes and brown hair.
At that moment I was scared out of my witt.
I panicked and looked around the kitchen in the hope of
finding something to at least scare the guy.
But to my utter luck I didn't find a single thing, not even
a butter knife to stab him in the eye.
He suddenly moved closer to me scaring me more.
"Don't come close or I will......". I scratched my brain
for the good threat that will scare him off.
"You'll what?". He asked me sounding amuse.
"I'll throw this hot lemon tart on your face". I said
inching my hand near the lemon tart.
"You've a cruel mind but a very innocent face... that
will deceive people". The stranger said walking closer to
me.
I kept my mouth shut because clearly my threat didn't
effect him.
"And for your information lemon tart is my favorite". The
guy said peeking at the lemon tart then glancing back
at me.
"Not extremely hot, I guess? Do you wanna taste it hot
this time, it will burn your pretty mouth". I said
sarcastically.
"I would love to taste it if you promise to feed me
yourself in my pretty mouth". The stranger said taking
another step closer and blocking my way to ran out
from the kitchen.
"Stop there". I said nervously but he rolled his eyes at
me and took my hand where it was burned.
The small red mark was clear. He traced his finger on it
making me hiss.
Before I would shout for help he asked me "Who are
you?".
I was baffled at his question I mean I have been living
her for months and he is asking me who am I?.
"Well are you not going to answer me?". He asked me.
Instead of answering him I glared at him in anger and
encouraged myself to give him the piece of my mind
when he rudely interrupted me by placing his finger on
my lips.
His thumb ran over my lower lip making me shudder
while his eyes pierced through mine.
"How sad a pretty girl like you is going to die today". He
said and put the gun in the center of my forehead.
I closed my eyes ready to meet my maker. After facing
all the struggle in my life that's how I'm gonna die?.
Because of some stupid burglar
who just wanted to get rid of me.
If I'll die today I will regret not telling Chase how much
I like him. But the positive thing in this situation is that
maybe after all this time I would be finally free and I
could be with my mom in another world.
I waited for the pain but the pain of getting shoot in the
head never come making me open my eyes.
My breath hitched when I opened my eyes and found the
brown hair, black eyed boy so close to my face that I
could clearly see his long lashes and plump lips. The
cover that was hiding his face now laid on floor.
His eyes flickered from my eyes to my lips for
milliseconds.
Suddenly the realization dawned on me that this boy is
none other than Cameron.
"Cameron?". I said his name.
"Oh God! Your face was priceless". He mumbled then
started laughing and wiping imaginary tears.
First thought that came to my mind was that he has
lost his mind.
Then an awesome plan hit me to get my revenge from
him for the stupid prank.
I started fake crying, it was my first time doing but I
just had to imagine the most emotional scene of my
book and that brought the tears in my eyes,
automatically.
Now I got his complete attention.
He was looking at me with a panick face "Hey are you
alright?Why are you crying?".
I didn't reply and continued fake crying some more than
that. The tears did the trick and he started rambling "It
was just a prank, a joke. I'm not going to harm you.
Please stop crying. I'm sorry. Just stop crying pretty
girl".
Cameron looked quite ready to breakdown in front me if
I continued my act but I wasn't expecting him to hug
me.
I froze due to the shock of his hug well if it helps you to
understand my situation better then let me inform you
that I have never received a hug from anyboy except
obviously Chase which happened just two weeks ago.
After few seconds of being stilled as statue he pulled
away and I started laughing.
Now he's the one with priceless face. The confusion
were playing on his face. He looked shock and realized
what I just did with him.
His face turned into the amuse smile while my laughs
turned into giggles.
And that's when his mother entered in the kitchen and
squealed in happiness at the sight of her son.
She hugged him and dragged him out of the kitchen in
the lounge where Chase and Kate is playing video game.
Hearing the commotion my father-in- law also came
out from his study and hugged his son.
I was just looking at the family reunion.
Everyone in the family hugged him and asked him few
questions that he replied with smile.
Then his face turns to me and he asked "So mom who
is this beautiful girl?".
My face exploded in blush at his compliment because no
one have ever called me beautiful not even Chase.
Suddenly everyone was silent and looking at him.
His mom broke the silence by saying
"Cameron I told you that we've a new family member in
our family".
"Yeah mom you said something like that so who's
she?". He asked again frowing this time.
"Cameron actually Chase got married a months ago and
she is Hailey. Your brother's wife". My mother-in-law
said with the smile.
He stared at me in a complete shock and then glanced
at Chase who's jaw was clench in anger like his mother
just insulted him by reminding him about the marriage.
Cameron on the other hand looked hurt (maybe I
imagined it) then a smiled spread out on his face which
look forced.
"I guess congratulations both of you". He said staring at
me with the gaze that made me nervous.
"Hailey, it is nice meeting you and congratulations both
of you". He said.
I nodded my head and mumbled "Thank you".
With that said he went upstairs to his room, probably.
____________________________________
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