"Grace."
My eyes felt heavy. I am so tired...
"Grace."
I can feel someone tugging on my arm, but opening my eyes is so difficult...
"You're annoying even when you sleep," the person huffed.
Realising who's voice that was, made me wake with a start. Bright, green eyes stared back at me. Hayden flicked my forehead.
"Ouch," I snapped, smacking his hand away. "What did you do that for?"
He shrugged, offering me a gorgeous lope-sided smile, making a dimple appear on his left cheek. "Couldn't resist."
"Behave," Heather scolded him, effectively snapping me out of my drool-fest. "Take the poor girl home, she's exhausted."
"Oh, I'm okay," I said through a yawn. "I can walk."
"I told you she is annoying," he said to his mum with a shrug.
"Hayden!" she exclaimed, looking embarrassed about the way he spoke of me.
I am honestly so used to it by now, I hardly even recognise that he is insulting me anymore.
"What? It's true."
"Shut up," I laughed, pushing myself to my feet.
"Do you want to stay for dinner Grace?"
"Mum," Hayden groaned. "Stop. She doesn't want to stay for dinner. Now she's going to feel awkward."
"I'm not," I interjected, but they both ignored me.
"I was just being polite!"
"I am really tired," I admitted, intervening between the two. "Thank you for the offer. I definitely will stay for dinner next time," I smiled and flickered my eyes to Hayden, who just stared at me like I am on drugs. I grinned. I love messing with him. "Thank for you letting me stay."
"Any time!" Heather assured me. "And don't be silly, Hayden will take you home."
Hayden shook his head at Heather, before he went to collect his keys. I followed him through the kitchen and out to the front door, grabbing my own gym bag on the way, my heart rate beginning to accelerate.
I trail wordlessly behind him as we went out to the garage. I let out a whistle at the Ute that sat before me. It is jet black, with black wheels and dark, tinted windows.
"Wow, nice car." I commented as I slid into the passenger seat.
The interior smelt new. I run my fingers over the leather seats. When he turned the key, a deep rumble could be heard.
"Exhaust?"
"You know it."
"Nice," I replied with an impressed nod.
The dashboard lit up and everything is red. Suddenly, deafening music could be heard. Hayden quickly turned the volume down, sending me a sheepish look.
"This is the ultimate boy's car," I commented, my eyes scanning around the Ute as he slowly reversed out of the driveway. "How did you score this?"
"It was my dad's," is all he said.
With the conclusive tone his voice held, I felt I couldn't ask any more on the topic. I nodded, continuing to gaze around the car. I had been so absorbed in checking out the car, I hadn't felt any anxiety yet.
As soon as the wheels hit the bitumen road, he planted his foot, sending me lurching forward. The tires screeched and the exhaust sounded like it exploded. I was almost tempted to slap my hands to my ears.
"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, gripping the dashboard.
He had one hand lazily on the wheel, the other on the gear stick. He glanced at me, a boyish smirk on his face. His eyes were lit up. I could tell he loved driving this car. His expression was excited. I gaped at him, completely mesmerised.
He slowed down at the intersection and I grinned. This is the first time I felt like I was having fun being in a car. Ironically, driving fast and dangerously, seemed to rectify my anxiety.
"You're such a boy," I laughed as he tore from the intersection, the wheels screaming.
He grinned and my lips parted as I stared at him. His smile was beautiful. I couldn't comprehend seeing Hayden beside me, so relaxed and carefree. It is a side to him that I didn't know he had.
He turned the music up and the seat underneath me vibrated. The doors began to rattle, with the intensity of the sound. I shook my head at him, a carefree smile on my face.
It took us over ten minutes to get to my house because he couldn't hear me over the music, taking the long route, instead of the back streets. Every time I went to turn it down, he stopped me. I rolled my eyes.
Eventually, I successfully gained control of the music and hastily lowered the volume, afraid my eardrums were going to burst any second. "Turn left! Quick!"
He suddenly stomped on the break and the car literally slid around the corner. I flew sideways, hitting the door.
"Ow," I muttered, rubbing my arm, sending a glare in his direction. "Do you always drive like this?"
"It's the only way to drive," he smirked.
He pulled to an abrupt stop out the front of my house and I threw my hands out, so my face didn't smash into the dashboard.
"Jesus!" I exclaimed.
He let out a laugh and I froze, dragging my eyes to him. He doubled over, slapping the wheel as he laughed loudly.
Hayden Cameron is laughing. A shiver ran down my spine as I listen to him.
Why the hell did his smile and laugh make my insides melt? Why did it make me feel like I had feelings for him?
Maybe I'm confused because the Coach pulled my heart from my chest and stomped on it today.
"That was so funny," he choked out. "Your face!"
"Shut up!" I retorted hotly. "You drive like a maniac! How do you still have your license?"
"Skill."
"Pfft!"
"Are you going to sit here all night or are you going to get out?" he questioned after he sobered up.
"I just love spending time with you," I sighed dramatically. "I don't want this magical evening to end."
"I'm going to punch you."
I rolled my eyes. "You would not."
"Would so."
Silence fell between us. I moved closer to him, running my fingers over the handbrake, tantalisingly slow.
"I'm waiting for my goodnight kiss," I murmured quietly, chewing my lip.
His mouth fell open. I attempted to keep a straight face, but it is hard. His cheeks turned a dark red. His mouth opened and closed a few times.
I snorted with laughter. "Oh my God."
His cheeks burned crimson and he shook his head at me. "Okay, that was a good one."
I smirked. "Thanks for the ride and the toasted sandwich."
He grinned and I faulted my movement, my eyes training on his lips. "I'm good, aren't I?"
"Oh yes," I found myself saying, my eyes not moving from his lips.
I blinked suddenly. I need to get out. I hauled my bag with me and stepped outside the car.
"Try not to hit anyone or anything on your way home." I said sarcastically, leaning on the door frame.
"No promises," he grinned wickedly.
"See you tomorrow," I laughed, shaking my head, before shutting the door.
I stepped back hastily as he peeled from the curb with lightning speed. I doubt he even checked his mirrors, before doing so. I could hear his Ute all the way down the street. I shook my head as I made my way back inside.
I can't believe I went to Hayden's house and had fun?
I guess that isn't the weirdest thing that happened to me today.
***
As I walk to school the next morning, I feel much better.
I crashed at 8pm last night and slept soundly until 6am this morning. I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to conquer today.
I had two missions. One, to train hard and better myself, to keep proving my worth to the team. The second, is to confront Harvey and settle the stupid fight we were having. I am sick of walking on eggshells and having him avoid me.
I made it to the end of my street, when I heard it. My eyebrows flew up as I saw the black Ute skid around the corner. I watch as he stopped before me.
"Get in," he said, his voice monotone.
I had barely put the seat belt clip into the buckle, before I was sent back into my seat. I shook my head at him and gripped the seat.
"Hold on," he said, before stamping on the accelerator, after we had to give way.
I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped for dear life as we flew around the corner. We were at school in mere minutes.
I leap out of the car, holding my hand to my chest. "I am never getting in the car with you again."
He rolled his eyes, stepping out of the car. He slid his sunglasses into his hair, shrugging his bag onto his shoulder.
"Don't be so dramatic."
"Hey!" I called out as he began to stride away from me. I jog so that we fell in step. "Why did you pick me up?"
He shrugged. "Thought it might save you from being late."
"I was late, like, once."
He frowned, giving me a sidelong glance. "Once?"
"Give or take," I shrugged as we walked towards the gym.
"Your attendance hasn't been the best, so I thought I would make sure you were going to be here."
"Admit it, you wanted to spend more time with me," I taunted.
"Definitely not."
"This is the part of the story where you fall in love with me. I can feel it."
"Get over yourself, would ya'?" he said with a laugh.
We pushed the locker room door open and everyone turned their heads to us. Mia's face paled as she stared between us.
Ashton's eyes latched onto mine and I gave him a cold stare back, before throwing my gym bag onto the seat.
As I slid out of my shorts, Hayden brushed past me, our arms touching. I glanced at him, but he wasn't looking at me. Instead, he was looking at Mike. I saw his lips move as he asked Mia if we arrived together.
We all fell into line and I watch as Hayden moved into his usual position. I straightened my spine and lifted my chin, ignoring the stares the rest of the team were shooting my way. Once I step inside this locker room, swimming is my main concern. Nothing else.
Ashton didn't say much before our practice today. I stroll past him and he stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
"A word, Miss Connaway?"
I sighed and stepped back. "Yes, sir?"
"About yesterday-"
I held my hand in a stop signal. "Respectfully sir, if this is not swimming based, I'm not interested."
"Grace-"
"No," I snapped, narrowing my eyes into slits. "You made it perfectly clear that you don't want to be with me. I'm being mature and moving on. I suggest you do the same."
"Seriously?"
"From now on, the only time you pull me aside is to speak to me about swimming and only swimming, got it?"
He let out a sigh, looking frustrated. "If that's how you feel."
"It is." I said firmly, before striding out to the pool.
I hastily place my goggles onto my face and dive into the water.
I'm going to pretend nothing happened between us.
***
My eyes fell on the back of Harvey.
He was piling books into his locker. I let out a deep breath, before marching over to him.
"Hi."
He turned his back to me. I grabbed his arm and yanked him back.
"Excuse me," I snapped, glaring at him. "I am a person and you will treat me like one."
"You're right, you are a person," he replied, his tone clipped and cold. "Just not a very good one."
I reached out and slapped his chest. "This asshole act doesn't suit you. Drop it, now."
"Why?" he asked, leaning against the locker. "Why do you want to go back to being friends? Considering you lied to me and obviously don't share stuff going on in your life with me."
"When I told you I wasn't seeing Ashton; I was telling the truth."
"Yeah, looked like it."
"Speak to me with attitude one more time," I warned, jabbing my finger towards him.
He held his hands up in a "don't fire" signal, which only annoyed me more.
I let out an annoyed sigh. "Look, we made out. It happened right after the thing with Mia. That was it. I didn't lie to you. We were not seeing each other. I thought it was over and that it was a once-off thing, and then the other day, we ran into each other out of school and it all happened really fast. We never slept with each other, if that's what you think. I'm telling you, it really is over now. I promise."
"You promise?" he echoed. "That's a serious commitment, you sure you mean it?"
"Yes. I mean it."
He let out a breath, his face losing some of the coldness it was holding. "I was really angry with you."
"I know, I got that loud and clear." I said through gritted teeth. "I'm sorry. I was a bad best friend."
"You were."
"Harvey!"
"Sorry," he said, a small smile on his face. I felt myself physically relax as relief washed through me. There was his small, warm smile that I loved. I had missed seeing it every day. "Couldn't help it."
"Can we just get over this, already? I miss you too much."
"I miss you, too."
I grab his shirt and tug him towards me. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him tightly.
"Don't ever leave me again."
His arms tightened around my torso.
"You make it hard to stay mad at you."
"You did well," I said, my voice muffled as my face was buried into his shoulder.
"I want you to talk to me about things, even if you think I'm going to disapprove."
"I will, only if you don't overreact and start ignoring me."
"Okay, deal." he said, pulling back and thrusting his hand toward me.
Reaching out, I shook his hand.
"Best friends, no matter what?" I asked.
"No matter what." He smiled, before pulling me into another hug.