Ian's POV
The way Hailey was talking made it seem as if she thought I didn't know Red well enough. Yes, I may have known her from her past, but doesn't that mean I know her best? I knew all the darkness she had to overcome as she was living it. I knew there were more years apart than together, but those were important years. Hailey knows the version of Red that she has allowed her to see. I am glad Red had Hailey, but it doesn't make her a better friend. After everything Hailey had been through, along with the news we received this morning, I wasn't going to be the one to argue about this.
The mood had definitely gone downhill as we approached the elevator, stepping inside with Abi in tow. The stroller was easy to push inside, being small and lightweight. Abi waved as she saw her reflection in the gold elevator doors. It was then that I noticed Hailey's saddened face in her reflection. Pushing whatever stupid, proud feelings I had about who knew Red best, I decided I would do my best to comfort her for the rest of the day. I won't let my stupid pride get the better of me again.
"How about you go in with Abi and I go get us some food?" I asked her, holding the elevator doors open as she pushed the stroller out this time.
"We can order something," she offered, letting me see that although I had upset her, she didn't want me to leave.
"Even better." I smiled at her, not wanting to disappoint her. Besides, I had promised Christin I would be by Hailey's side today.
Hailey was changing Abi's diaper while I ordered some food. I couldn't help thinking about how wonderful of a mother she would be when the time came. The thought only caused me to wonder if she would be the mother of my children. Is that kind of future in store for us? I gave myself a mental slap in the face, getting way too ahead of myself. Right now, I just need to convince her that I am truly getting over Red. I know she needs to believe that I won't be leaving her to try to fulfill some fantasy that will never happen.
She's never fallen in love, well, except for Daniel. Although she broke it off the moment she realized she had. My hope is to get Hailey past this fear so that the same thing doesn't happen to me. I want to fall in love with Hailey and have her fall in love with me. However, I don't want her to freak out on me and ditch me the way she did Dan. That would be devastating. I am not sure Hailey realizes it, but I am already putting my heart on the line for her. She isn't the only one with the possibility of being hurt. Hailey could thrust me into an even deeper depression than the one I was in before I started this whole adventure with her. I call it an adventure because anything else would be a poor descriptor.
Hailey is a wild ride, an unpredictable rollercoaster, one I am barely accustomed to but highly enjoying. If she can open her heart to me, I know I will do my best to never disappoint her. She's what I have wanted- what I refused to lose. Forget it, I am going to say it. She's the girl I am going to make mine forever. Starting today, everything I do will be to convince Hailey to fall for me. From now on, every move I take, I will take with Hailey in mind. Every word I utter will be careful and thought out so hopefully she can fall for me just as hard as I am falling for her.
Hailey put on a Disney movie to play in the background as she grabbed Abi's toys. She began to show Abi how to play with a few of them, saying yay anytime Abi got it right. Abi would giggle and try to clap with Hailey when she did.
"You're going to be so smart! Just like your mommy and daddy. No doubt about it." She booped Abi's nose just as the doorbell rang.
Our food arrived, and we all ate together. Abi ended up wearing most of her food. As soon as we had finished cleaning her off, Lucas had arrived, seeming more like himself.
"You look better," Hailey immediately said without a second thought.
"How are you holding up?" I asked, knowing the best way to show I was truly over Liv would be to become friends with Lucas.
"I am not, but Lisa and Davis helped calm me down more. Thanks for watching her, Hails," he said, taking Abi, who was practically leaping out of Hailey's arms, towards him.
She smiled happily, slapping Lucas' cheeks before opening her mouth to kiss him. She loved him so much, and it was clear he loved her, too. For Abi and Red's sake, I hope he can do what's right when she tells him the news about the baby.
"Any time." Hailey patted Abi on the back, gaining her attention to wave goodbye.
"Do me a favor and pretend you don't know about it. I want to see how long it will take her to tell me herself," Lucas added, probably having the same view as Hailey. Only I knew with certainty that it would take a lot for her to say anything to any of us about it.
"Of course. I won't say a word," Hailey answered with a soft nod. Lucas' eyes met mine next, unspokenly asking me the same.
"I really don't think she's going to say anything unless we bring it up. But I won't say a word to her about it. Don't worry," I assured him.
"Thanks."
We watched them head down the hall and towards the elevator before Hailey closed the door with a heavy sigh. We were both worried, but I was trying to keep Hailey from falling into any dark pits today. Within seconds, I grabbed her, turning her and holding her close against my chest. I kissed her forehead, not wanting to get myself worked up the way I did before my suggested walk.
"I think I need a nap after all of that. What about you?" She asked, swirling her finger over my chest.
"Is this your way of asking me to bed?" I asked, trying to tease her and lighten the mood.
"Maybe." She poked back, exciting me the slightest. But I knew she shouldn't be doing anything of the sort, after what happened last night. I won't let myself give in, at least not until she's spoken with a therapist or something. I am not a professional in mental health or know the effects of sexual assault. Once she's spoken to someone, then I will do whatever, whenever she wants.
I followed her to the room, watching her change into some joggers and a plain t-shirt. She tied her hair on top of her head in a bun I now knew to be called the pineapple. I learned from the videos I watched that she does this to prevent her curls from getting frizzier while she sleeps. She always looks beautiful, but this look is utter perfection to me. I like seeing her relaxed and comfy as she nuzzles up close. Her cold toes squeezed between my legs, searching for warmth.
"Jesus, how are your feet so cold?" I teased her, making her smirk and dig them deeper between my thighs.
"I don't know. Cold feet, warm heart." She shrugged a bit, nuzzling her head on my chest and getting comfy.
"I believe it." I squeezed her, knowing she had the kindest heart of all. She hummed in response, already deeply relaxed. Her exhaustion took her over, letting her fall asleep so quickly. I held her close as her breathing slowed, letting me know she had fallen asleep.
"I'm going to take care of you, Hailey. I promise." I kissed the top of her head gently, careful not to wake her. "I think I am falling in love with you."
I fell asleep with her, holding her tight even in my dreams. She was all I saw and all I could think about. Her small movements woke me as she headed for the bathroom quietly. She bumped her hip on the door as she walked by it, covering her mouth so she wouldn't be loud. She thought I was sleeping.
"You okay?" I smirked at her, teasing her for her clumsiness.
"I thought you were asleep." She pouted, seeming upset that her efforts were for nothing.
"I was." I nodded, seeing her roll her eyes at my unhelpful comment. It only made my smile widen further.
"I'm going to the bathroom. Don't go anywhere," she told me as she closed the door behind her. I wonder what she has in mind that she doesn't want me to move.