"Damn, I was hoping you'd be in a wheelchair."
I give Harvey a deadpan expression. "Gee, thanks."
"It would have been dramatic," he pointed out with his usual, dorky grin as he opened the passenger door for me.
It felt nice to have the fresh air on my face again. I missed being out in the sun, feeling the warmth on my skin, hearing the wind pass my ears.
After Harvey shut the door, I rest back into the seat, my eyes closing. I am feeling much better but still tired from everything.
"Are you sure you're going to be alright on your own?" he asked with a frown on his face. "I can reschedule my dentist appointment."
"I'm not going to repeat the sleeping pill situation, trust me," I assured him, sticking my finger in between my skin and the bandage, scratching. My left wrist is sprained. I must wear a bandage for a few days and it's been itchy as hell. "I have a date with Netflix. Don't worry about me."
"I really don't have a good feeling about leaving you alone..." he trailed off. "You know they haven't found him, right?"
"Yeah, I heard," I replied with a sigh. "He cleared his apartment out."
"That's why I'm worried." he frowned. "That's it, I'm cancelling my appointment."
"Don't," I told him. "Just come over after. I will be fine on my own."
"What if he comes back, Grace?" he argued, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "He said he would."
"Harvey," I reached out and gently touched his arm. "I'll be okay."
He blew out a breath of air as he shook his head. Silence lapsed between us as he continued to drive. I was about to turn the radio up, when he spoke again.
"He didn't come to see you, did he?" Harvey asked quietly.
I had been trying (and failing) not to think about Hayden and the fact that he hadn't come to see me while I was in hospital. I understand why, I just want a chance to apologise for everything and to thank him for what he did.
"No," I replied softly, looking out the window at the blur of trees and road signs.
Pulling my hand over to his, Harvey gave it a squeeze. I blink back the tears that have been threatening to spill, trying to redirect my thoughts to something else.
As we turn onto my street, Harvey's voice brought me back to reality.
"Grace..." he trailed off.
I whip my head forward to see Hayden's sleek Ute parked out the front of my house with the passenger side window still cracked. My heart began to thump loudly as I crane my neck, trying to see him.
Standing there, with dark-washed jeans and a grey shirt, holding a bouquet of red roses, stood Hayden. He greeted me with his adorable, dimpled smile as I tumble out of the car.
"Thank you for the ride, Harvey," I said breathlessly.
"Hey, at least you won't be alone," he grinned.
"Have fun at the dentist!" I called, before shutting the door, not missing him cringe.
I took off at a run towards Hayden, my still-slightly-sore muscles protesting. He placed the roses on the outdoor table, just in time, before I threw myself into his arms. I wrap my legs around his waist as he stumbled back, his arms tightening around me.
After squeezing him tightly, I pull back and begin planting a series of kisses all over his face. He let out a chuckle, his familiar, minty breath washing over me.
"Someone happy to see me?" he smirked.
I grin, looping my arms around his neck. "I missed you and I'm so, so sorry for everything. I'm sorry for holding back the truth, I'm sorry for having you locked up-" he interrupted my rambled apology by pressing his warm lips to mine.
"I didn't want to know and you respected that. I get why you didn't tell me, you knew I would react badly. And I did."
"We both could have handled the situation a little better," I agreed, still breathless as I stare down at the handsome boy in front of me.
"Let's forget about it," he told me with his dimpled smile on full display. "I can't stay mad at you because I miss you too much."
"Aw, look at you being cheesy," I smiled, running my hands through his messy hair.
"And you know what else?" he continued.
"Hmm?" I asked, hardly paying attention as I was too distracted staring at his bright eyes, tousled hair and perfectly smooth skin.
"I think I'm in love with you, too."
I think I stopped breathing. My eyes widen as I stare at him.
"What?"
"You heard me," he grinned, readjusting my legs around his waist as he did.
"I wanted to hear you say it again," I smirked.
My cheeks felt warm as I gaze into his eyes. He gently lowered me to my feet, before lightly flicking my nose.
"You drive me crazy, Grace Connaway."
Reaching out and tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear, he smiled at me. He leaned in close, pressing his lips to my ear.
"Cute bald patch."
My eyes snapped opened as I glowered at him. "Thanks for ruining the moment."
"Couldn't help myself." he laughed with a smile. "Not to ruin the moment again, but I want you to be honest about everything from now on. Don't be scared of how I will react. If you be honest about everything, I'll promise to try and be understanding. Deal?"
"Deal," I agreed. "We will have a conversation about him soon, just not today, okay?"
"Okay." He turned from me and picked up the bouquet of roses.
"They are stunning," I said in awe, my eyes latching onto the bright, red petals. "Did you know that these are my favourite?"
"I remember you telling me once," he said with an adorable smile and a casual shrug. "I listen occasionally."
I roll my eyes, hugging the flowers to me.
"I had to borrow money off my grandparents for the flowers and they made me wash their cars for it, so if that's not dedication, I don't know what is."
"Aw, you're so sweet," I smiled at him, my cheeks beginning to hurt. "Thank you very much. I love them."
I step inside and my eyes instantly travel to the small table where most of the attack happened. Casting my eyes down, I went into the kitchen, to put my flowers into a vase.
As Hayden and I lay back on my bed, sometime later, I spend the rest of the afternoon filling him in about my time in hospital, included Mia's surprising confession. He also told me about his time in lock up and how Carrie visited.
"Come here," he murmured softly.
I crawl onto his chest and lay my cheek on his shirt, hearing his soft, consistent heartbeat.
"Thank you for choosing to forgive me," I whispered.
He tightened his arms around me.
"There was never a choice."
***
"So, I heard something today," Hayden said to me as he gently pushed me forward.
We have ventured to the park a little way from my place today, so I could get out of the house. I am sick of being cooped up in bed. I miss the outdoors too much. Even though I feel fine, I still have sore muscles and bad bruising.
"Hmm?" I mumbled as I continue to swing.
"Harvey told me it's your birthday next week," he continued.
He gave me one last push, before joining me at my side, plopping down onto the swing beside me, brushing his unruly hair from his forehead.
"It is," I agreed as I let my legs swing me back and forth. "I probably won't do anything for it, considering what's happened lately. And I don't really have friends."
He rolled his eyes. "Don't be stupid, of course we're doing something for it."
"Why were you talking to Harvey this morning?" I questioned.
"He rang me."
"Why did he do that?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.
Harvey rang Hayden? Now that's something I never thought would happen.
"Never you mind," he replied mysteriously, giving me a coy smile, his left dimple appearing on his cheek.
"What are you two up to?"
He dragged his fingers across his lips. "Can't say, sorry."
I let out a huff of air as I drag my feet in the soil beneath me. "When's your birthday?"
"I turned 18 in January."
"Oh," I replied, a little sad I missed it. "It feels weird that I didn't even know your birthday."
He shrugged, running a hand through his wind-blown hair. "Just never came up, I suppose."
It has been two days since I arrived home from the hospital. I was going to return to school tomorrow and am dreading every second leading up to it. I've enjoyed my time with Hayden far too much. Having him forgive me and us returning to normal, has lifted my spirits considerably.
My left wrist is still bandaged, due to tearing the ligaments, but it doesn't really hurt unless I put weight on it. My bruising has faded considerably, but are still noticeable. I am fine mentally and somewhat fine physically, so I felt no reason to skip school any longer. It's not worth trying to catch up in school work, considering I already feel behind. We have exams approaching in a few weeks, I need to be ready for them.
"It's kind of perfect that your birthday is the weekend," he said to me with a smile. "We don't have to skip school to celebrate it."
"Why, what are you planning?" I asked him suspiciously.
"Nothing," he grinned and I roll my eyes at him. "You're going to be so surprised with what your mum has planned."
"My mum has something planned?" I asked with genuine surprise.
He shrugged, as if he didn't justsay she did.
"You're being annoying," I huffed.
"I'm always annoying."
"No argument there."
At first, it was a bit awkward when Hayden was over and mum would be home, considering she had him arrested and all. Well, I felt awkward. They handled it pwell. Mum apologised to both Hayden and Heather. It is all smoothed over now, thank God.
He kicked a small rock at me and I let out a laugh. Silence fell between us momentarily and I took the time to tilt my head back and gaze up at the clear, blue sky. I let out a sigh, leaning my head against the chain I am holding.
"I wonder where he is," Hayden murmured.
"Ashton?" I asked, peering over to him.
Hayden and I had the 'talk' about Ashton yesterday. I told him everything. It is all out in the open now and I feel relieved that it is. We've decided to put it in the past and try to move on.
"Mmhmm," he mumbled.
The police have issued a warrant for his arrest but he hasn't been found yet. He must have some idea that they're after him, because he cleared his apartment and no one has seen him since his last day at school, which is also the day he attacked me.
"Who knows," I replied with a sigh. "I hope he's not causing any more trouble."
"Doubtful."
"I'm bummed that the comp got post-poned. The scouts were coming to see you."
"It's a blessing, really," Hayden said to me. "Brennon had benched you anyway. Now if you're feeling okay when it comes around, you'll be able to swim, too."
"Valid point." I replied with a nod. "Any news on who our new swim Coach is?"
"I heard it's a woman and that she's very experienced, but that's about it."
"A woman Coach is exactly what we need," I said with a soft laugh.
"Is it my turn to have a fling with the Coach?" he teased.
"Don't even joke about that," I groaned. "In the past, remember?"
"Right." he nodded with a coy smile. "Mia emailed me some school work we've missed out on and there's a shit load of stuff you need to do."
I let out another groan, scrambling to my feet. I stretch slowly, hearing a few bones in my back crack, before giving Hayden a sad smile.
"We better go get it done."
"I already did mine at home last night," he said breezily. "I can help you with yours though."
I gave him a flat stare. "You're a nerd."
"If you get all your work done, I'll buy you dinner. Pizza?"
Instantly, I perk up. "You know the way to my heart, Mr Cameron."
He let out a laugh, swinging his arm around my shoulder as we began to walk back to my house.
"I think I do, Miss Connaway."