5 years ago

Hayden's PoV

Today was the day. I'll remember it for as long as I live. So many times in my life I'd prayed for this day to come around; for college to be over and for me to be free, but now it was here, I wished it wasn't. It meant the end of my freedom, the fact I could see my friends every day and mess about during free classes, the fact my day finished at three in the afternoon, I could get into trouble without real fear of proper consequences - I mean what was detention really? That doesn't exist in the adult world, the real world, the working world.

My dad had prepped me since I was sixteen, told me that the day after college had finished I'd be working for him, learning the tricks of the trade and being taught every game changer that would mean I'd be able to take over the family business when I was older. It didn't matter that I'd told him countless times that I didn't want to. None of that mattered to him. He had his plan and I had to stick to it, no matter what.

I sighed heavily into my locker as I threw the last of my things into my rucksack, realising once again that this was the end of an era. As much as I had hated parts of my college life, looking back it actually wasn't as bad as I'd thought it was. Now it was on to bigger things. My friends would be moving on, as would I. Would we still talk? Meet up and have a laugh? Would we all change as we grew and hate each other? Would we outgrow the need for each other? There was only one person in my friendship group I knew that wouldn't apply to...

"Hayden, you're grinning to yourself again." A shadow appeared by my side as I chuckled, knowing I'd been caught out again. My best friend Zeke, or Zee as he preferred, patted my shoulder sympathetically. "You're going to have to tell her today, man. It's D-Day." I shook my head, the smile faltering ever so slightly as I looked over to him, his optimistic grin lightening my mood. He ran his hand through his fade as he quickly checked around him to make sure she wasn't there.

"Zee, you know I can't-"

"Can't or won't?" He interrupted me, surprising me. I furrowed my brows at him as I waited to hear what else he had to say. "Man, you have been pining after this girl for years. Today is literally the last day of college. We all know she's heading into the city for her PA job literally next week. What the hell are you waiting for?" He folded his arms defiantly - or triumphantly - as he nodded his head at me to say he was done. Another sigh escaped my lips as it was my turn to answer the same question I'd been fighting with myself over.

"You know I can't. My dad. He said getting distracted wouldn't be good for me or the business." I looked down at my shoes, knowing it was a lame excuse that a preteen would use, fearing what their dad had to say. The thing was, we were all we had and I felt bad letting him down. He needed me as much as I needed him, despite our weird relationship. Zee let out one flat laugh before he responded, knowing I wasn't going to like what i was going to hear.

"And how were you made? Test tube? Witch? Your dad fell in love once too. He had your mum and he was happy. I know he lost her, you both did and it sucked, but it's better to love and lose right?" I scoffed and rolled my eyes. I tried to cover up the feeling in my chest, the crushing reality of the situation and his truth, by acting like a dick. He knew it all too well though, we'd been friends since we were four.

"You sound fucking ridiculous." I turned away from him, shutting my locker and along with it a chapter of my life.

"Dude, I have four sisters. You know damn well that I'm right. All they ever whine about is how this girl didn't tell her the truth and that guy didn't let her know straight away." He rolled his eyes dramatically, making a smile creep onto my face once again.

"You actually listen?" I teased, elbowing him in the arm. With a tut he turned back to me, his face serious for one second.

"If it makes me a better man, yes." He'd stunned me with his response and for once, I was left speechless. My brain whirred with things to say but came up empty like a failed casino machine. We stood together in an uncomfortable silence, my mind telling me he was right and that I needed to chase my dreams but my heart was hurting, fear had taken over that if I did this and upset my father, everything would be worse. I could end up losing them all.

"Hayden! Zee!" The beautiful and bubbly brunette I'd had a crush on through the entire of college ran up to the two of us, throwing her arms around us with an excited squeak. Her big green eyes stared up at me and once again, I was automatically lost in them, my body becoming warm and fuzzy at her mere touch. "We made it to the end of college and we passed!" She waved her results in our faces and I chuckled. It was like watching a child on Christmas morning.

"Congrats Skye." Zee wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Are you coming to the party tonight?" I held my breath in anticipation but it was short lived. Skye sadly shook her head, glancing down at her watch.

"I'm sorry Zee, I've got to pack. I'm on the first train in the morning to the city. I need to move into my apartment before work starts on Monday." It felt like my world was crashing down around me. The one person I had always envisioned being in my life was leaving so soon, without time for me to work out my thoughts or feelings and let her know. If I said it now it'd be a mess, I'd probably screw up and embarrass myself. It's not like she's hinted to me that she likes me either, this could all be a waste of time. My heart hammered in my chest.

"Skye?" I barely managed to say it with the nerves that were beating up my body right now. From the outside I looked calm and collected but inside it felt like I was on fire and everyone was running around, screaming and not really able to help. Once again her eyes met mine and I smiled without thinking.

"Yeah, Hayden?" Her voice was soft and inquisitive but something in her eyes was screaming at me, telling me she'd be broken too if I missed my chance. Maybe she felt the same?

"I- erm- I..." I couldn't do it. My life had been set in stone for me, there was no way I'd be able to break the rules without severe consequences on me and her. I couldn't do that to her. "I hope you stay in touch. And I hope you enjoy your new job." She pulled me in for a hug I wasn't expecting. Just as she let go, I sensed a small sadness from her.

"Thanks guys. Speak soon!" Skye turned on her heels and headed out of college for the last time. Out of my life. I hung my head in shame as I silently threw my bag over my shoulder and trudged out too, the new chapter of my life beginning in such a depressing way.