“YOU!” I hissed at the sight of the blonde. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists on my lap and digged nails into my palms. Memories of her flashed before my eyes, they all were indeed heartwarming but when I remember how broken my brother was then when she left, I wanted to go for her throat as I felt when I was ten. She just got lucky that we're in public, or I can't know what I would've done.

The girl gave me a nervous side glance that lingered on my angry face for some seconds, before turning to my shocked brother.

“Jade, what are you doing here?” Haxsel pulled himself together to get out of the shock and asked his ex girlfriend.

Jade's eyes fell down to her fiddling hands. Yeah, how can she ever have the courage to look my brother in the eye after what she has done to him? “I.. I work here.” she said, looking up to point her chin towards the ice cream parlor.

“Oh.” was all my brother responded to that. I saw him swallowing nervously and exchanged a glance with me that proved me, he's wondering about the same thing as I am; what does she want? Because we thought our friendship was all over when she left us.

“How's your boyfriend?” Haxsel asked, looking up at her.

Jade swallowed hard, still trying not to keep the eye contact with my brother. “We broke up.” she said.

I held back the snort that made its way to my lips even though I couldn't keep my inside fire down, just having her in front of my eyes.

Haxsel looked surprised and returned me the look I was giving him.

“Erm... what are you two doing in New York, by the way? I was so surprised to find you.” Jade said, trying to sound ease and friendly, looking at the both of us.

“Summer Vacation.” Haxsel said shortly.

“Oh.” Jade said and turned to me with a smile, “Hailey, you're so grown!” she said as if she hadn't noticed me until now. She was trying to engage us in a conversation but neither of us were interested.

“What do you want?” I heard Haxsel ask impatiently, much to my surprise. From the tone of his voice, I understand that, he don't want to hear any of her sweet comments anymore.

Jade's eyes shot to my brother, she was taken aback with the unexpected reaction from my brother. “Haxsel, please.” she sighed.

“Please what? What exactly do you want? I thought you kicked us out of your entire life as I've done of you.” Haxsel said surprisingly stern.

“Look, I'm sorry for what I did–”

“Oh, are you?” I cut her off, and narrowed my eyes at her as she turned to me, “Sorry for what? That you broke my brother's heart? That you cheated on him? That you never meant to do it? That you regret it? That it accidentally happened? Save your breath, Jade!”

The blonde blinked her eyes as she looked at me, with her mouth slightly open. She swallowed, she didn't looked pleased but pissed, but I don't care. She took a deep breath with eyes closed and then looked at the both of us, “Look, this isn't how I wanted this to go but–”

I cut her off again, “And this isn't how my brother and I wanted our siblings time to go either. We didn't want to bump into the person who brought chaos into my brother's heart!–”

“Honey, it's fine. We're in public.” Haxsel cut me off, trying to calm me down but that's not going to happen as long as she's before my very own eyes.

“No Jonny!” I almost said out loud that caused some people who sat nearby, to turn their heads to us. I didn't felt ashamed as I would've felt but tried to keep my voice low. “She need to know! She need to know the chaos she made! I was the one there to see you suffering and I can't let her go like that!” I told my brother, throwing my hands in the air in pure frustration.

Haxsel didn't say a word but kept on looking at me and I took the chance to continue glaring daggers at Jade. “You know what, Jade, I don't care if it hurts you or not – because either way you deserve it and at least you need to know how it feels to be hurt– but you're the most hypocrite Christian I've ever known. You don't deserve that valuable title until you realize the things you've committed is wrong.”

I was fuming in rage and I felt like I'm not realizing what's it that I'm talking about. I was breathing fast and so my whole body was heating up. If it was my brother in the heating machine when Nott tried to mess around me, now I'm the one in the heating machine for him.

Comparing Nott to Jade, I felt like, it's easier to forgive Nott than her. I have told myself and others that I forgave Nott but it doesn't feel like I've forgiven from my heart and yet, I feel like I can but, never Jade. Never.

Jade inhaled deeply, “Yes I agree, I am hypocrite. But people can change, you know that? People changes.” she said, her voice not friendly as earlier.

“Of course I know that.” I snorted. I've known people who changed and the reason Draco Malfoy became my most favorite Harry Potter character was because of his redemption. So I don't want any more examples than him, even though I know he's fictional. “Look Jade, no one will accept your apology if they can't find the change in you that you claims to have.”

Jade groaned silently, looking up at the sky and turned to my brother, “Haxsel, you know me. You've known me and you can know it!” she said to my brother, as if she's trying to get it support. Pfft.

“Know what? That you're changed?” Haxsel asked uninterested, raising his eyebrow at her. “I only know that you tried to convince Maxell to get my phone number. Why?”

Wait what?

“I wanted to talk to you.” Jade started, briefly glancing at Haxsel and then down at her fiddling hands. “I tried contacting you in your old number but it I think you changed it. I also tried to message you on Instagram and Facebook but I couldn't find you, you blocked my account.” she said.

You blocked my account.

Those words stabbed into my heart. I've had the same experience but the circumstances were different.

Jade continued, “That's when I accidentally bumped into Maxell. I asked him about you but he wouldn't say anything because he's still mad at me, I guess. I asked him for your mobile number but he refused. I begged him at least to tell you that I asked for you. He didn't say anything but shook his head in frustration. But I never thought he would tell you.” she said.

I listened closely, I had no idea about such thing.

“Yeah, he did, because of his normal politeness. And why did you want to talk with me?” Haxsel inquired.

She sighed, “Can I speak with you?”

“We are speaking.”

“Alone, I mean.” Jade corrected, avoiding my eyes. She know I'll be more pissed at such request.

Haxsel looked at me, with a raised eyebrow, silently asking if I'm okay with it. I gave a shrug of my shoulders, telling him I'm fine with it. After all, it's just a private talk.

“Okay,” my brother nodded at Jade and stood up. “Lead the way, but I want to be where I can have my sister in my sight.” he told her.

Jade nodded, “What about there?” she asked, pointing towards the walkway in one end of the parlor, from where we came from, and walked towards there without hearing my brother's approval.

Haxsel reached out his hand to mine over the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. I gave him a small smile that he returned gladly before following Jade. I rested my head on my popped up hands, watching them talk.

Several people who sat in the parlor had noticed my brother leaving with Jade but thankfully went back to their ice creams. I felt a kind a weird and open, sitting alone without a company, without the warmth of my brother, but strange cold.

I watched Jade, the way she was speaking to my brother. She wasn't the chirpy and cheery I remember but just by her sight that was now in front of my eyes told me that I was wrong about her. She looks... broken.

Her face was fully betrayed with all her emotions. She looked miserable and even my brother was looking at her with his valuable concern and sympathy.

I felt a sudden stab in my heart which I really felt and my hand automatically slid over my chest, pressing against my heart. A feeling inside me, which was saying, I was wrong about her, that I shouldn't have shouted at her, that, she doesn't deserve it. The pure hatred in my heart slowly replaced with sympathy towards her.

So who exactly is the hypocrite Christian?

You. My heart judged me.

I saw my brother clasping a hand over her nervously fiddling ones and taking her one hand in his, stocking over her knuckles with his thumb in comfort. She inhaled deeply and nodded her head to something that my brother happened to be saying.

Suddenly, a young lady came before my eyes, carrying a tray in her hands, with our ice creams. Oh gosh, I totally forgot why were we here in the first place. I smiled thankfully at the lady as she set out ice cream bowls on the table.

“Would you mind if I ask you something?” she asked me, hugging the tray close to her.

“Erm, yes?” I answered unassuredly.

“Is that gentleman your brother? The boy talking with the blonde over there?” she asked, jerking her head towards my brother and Jade.

“Um, yes?”

“Is he her boyfriend?”

I gulped. “No, he isn't. Just old friends.” I said with a forced smile. Why is she asking this?

“Oh sorry. I just... have seen her looking at this photo of a boy, looking just like him most of the times when she's free from duties.” the lady said.

That had my eyebrows shot upwards. “Oh. Really? I dunno.” I shook my head politely.

“Nevermind,” the lady smiled sweetly, “It's nothing. Just don't tell her I asked such thing.” she said and quickly left, leaving me confused.

What was that?

If she don't want Jade to find out she asked me such question about her, I prefer, she shouldn't have asked. How can she know she can trust me not to tell Jade? I shook my head, weird, really weird, I kept on saying.

The three flavors of ice cream in the bowl that stood front of eyes was very much tempting. I thought to have at least one spoon but I knew better that, when Haxsel comes back, I'll be halfway through. So I waited, looking from our desserts to my brother, until I saw him coming.

While, Jade walked straight into the parlor and my eyes followed her until she was out of my sight.

“Did you bless the desserts?” my brother asked as he took his seat.

“The honor is yours.” I said and he rolled his eyes over my dramatic answer.

We didn't talk. I didn't ask him what she said, nor did he told me. Maybe I should let go of the behavior of putting my head into everything and learn to respect my brother's private life.

“I shouldn't have talked to her like that, right?” I asked, keeping my eyes fixed on my dessert.

“What... made you think like that?” Haxsel looked up at me from his dessert.

“She looks broken.” I said, looking to the inside parlor counter through one of the windows.

“That she is.” my brother said, making me look at him. “You look miserable.” he said.

“Do you think God would've wanted me to shout at her like that?” I asked him.

“You didn't shout though; and, no, God don't like anything like that from us. But,” Haxsel paused and continued, “It seems Jade now has actually understand that situation she left me in, by what you told her.”

“You think so?”

“That's a brave little sister God has given me, you know, who wouldn't think twice before standing up for her brother.” Haxsel said, a smile wandering in his lips.

Tears spring into the back of my eyes when my brother's warming words fell in my ears. I found no words to say, so I smiled at him.

“Jade indeed regrets leaving me.” Haxsel said suddenly.

“She confessed that?” I asked surprised.

My brother nodded, “She said, he, her current ex, was not her type and never loved her as I did..” he paused and chuckled, “and, after she broke up with him, she wanted me back.”

As much as I'm willing to forgive Jade, I'm not liking this.

Haxsel continued, “She tried all possible ways to connect with me, –except for coming to our house, that was a wise decision anyway– but she failed because I had already blocked her out of my entire life.” he paused.

“And what did she say now?” I asked and immediately regretted, “Sorry, that's your private life.”

“Hey, what?” Haxsel stifled a laugh, backing to the normal Haxsel.

“I should learn to respect your private life.” I said, not from my willing heart but forced.

“Honestly Hailey, I hate when you say something like that. Oh, come off it!” he would've exclaimed if we were in home.

A smile forced it's way to my lips that grew bigger and bigger at his words and I finally giggled. “Okay alright, I take it back.” I raised my hands up in surrender.

“Good girl, I'll give you detention if I ever hear you saying such nonsenses.” my brother threatened me playfully.

“Ooh, what kind of detention?” I asked, challengingly.

“Grounded from chocolates and desserts for two months.”

I pouted like a five year old but couldn't help the trembling of the corner of my lips. That was a nice joke.

“Jade wants to be back with me.” Haxsel said suddenly.

My hand that was bringing the spoonful ice cream automatically stopped and my eyes widened, “Gosh, tell me you're joking. Did she say that?” I asked in disbelief.

“She said she doesn't deserves it but she... wants me? Wants... us? Well yeah, she said that.” Haxsel nodded.

“And what did you say?” I asked him.

“I said I can't.” my brother said and I released the breath I didn't realize was holding. My brother continued, “I can't, honestly. I don't know why, I forgave her but I just can't. It's not that easy as it might be for her.” Haxsel gaze fell to his dessert and I saw pain flickering in his eyes from the past memories.

The scar still stays even if the pain is gone.

Just one look at my brother, I was taken back to my memories of that day I waited for my brother on the veranda of our home with Nicky by my side. It was getting dark and there was no sign of him; we called but he didn't answer the call, which only worried us. I remember crying and praying silently that brother is safe, my heart was half lifeless then. And finally at 10:30 by night, when I saw the headlights of his car outside of our gate, I jumped up to my feet, ready to crash my brother in a hug. But unlike the usual Haxsel, he wasn't even looking at me with his dazzling smile. My spirit fell when I saw it and when he walked up to us after parking his car down, when Mom asked him what's wrong, and when he dropped the heartbreaking news that Jade left him, I wanted nothing but choke her. I remember how he gave me a hopeless and broken smile I've never seen on the lips of Haxsel Houston, before storming off to his room, locking himself in and not getting out until the next night.

Tears spring into my eyes and spilled out. I quickly looked down at my dessert and brought the kerchief out of my pocket, to my eyes.

“Honey?” my brother's concern reached my ears. No Hailey, not now, brace yourself.

I was thankful that I didn't put on my eyeliner, because my tears became uncontrollable and I had to squeeze my eyes fully into the kerchief.

“Please love, don't cry, it's all over now, they all were in the past.” my brother said gently, he must've understand what was I thinking. “I want you to stay strong for me, love, you're my strength.”

“God is.”

“Of course, but you know what? He has given me you as my strength. I know I haven't told this to you before but, if I hadn't had you in my life, I wouldn't have been healed any sooner. You're the healing of God in my life, Hailey, and the answer to my prayers. And it was only for your sake I wanted to bury my past behind me, just for your sake I asked for God's help to help me recover, or else our parents wouldn't have had the old me back. It's all because of you, Hailey, you're the most valuable person in my life after God and,” he paused, reached for my hand and continued, “I love you.”

I was dumbfounded before my brother, I had nothing else to say than, “I love you too.”

My brother smiled warmly at me, “I don't blame you for talking to Jade like that, you know? Because I know how you feel, and I would've done the same to whoever that does anything like that to you, which I pray, would never happen.” Haxsel said, “Now, give me that beautiful smile I love.”

I literally laughed at it, which made Haxsel chuckle as well, “I don't know what will I ever do without you.” he said, looking deep into my eyes.

I squeezed his hand, “You will always have me.” I said. “We better not let our desserts melt along with us.” I added, to lighten up the mood.

Haxsel almost rolled his eyes, “Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.” he chuckled, and we went back to finishing up the desserts.

Once we were finished, I asked Haxsel that I'll go and pay the bill in the counter inside. He asked me why because I've never asked him like that but gave me money from his pocket. I told him that I want to speak with Jade, assuring, I'm only up to good.

I saw the lady who asked me about Jade and my brother, once I paid the bill, and asked her if I can see Jade. She agreed and went inside to call her, and a surprised Jade came out of the kitchen part. I waved my hand at her to come to me and she did, still surprised.

“You.. called for me?” she asked once she came close.

“Yeah, were you busy?” I asked, looking around to see if this is a right place to have a private talk.

“That's fine though, what's it?” she asked, an unpleasant tone in her voice. I don't blame her, I would react like the same too if I were in her place.

“Can we talk, privately?” I asked.

Jade eyed me from head to toe before shrugging her shoulders, “Okay, but not from here.” she said and walked towards where people sat, “If you'll follow me,” she motioned me to follow her.

I hesitated but followed her. She led me to a inside lane path and then into one of the rooms that were there. “Don't worry, this is our resting room. All of us are in our duties now so, no one's going to interrupt us here.” Jade said, seeing me hesitant, and she led me in. “So, what's it?”

I sighed, “I want to apologise; I'm so sorry I talked to you that way, I realize, I shouldn't have said it. I'm so sorry.” I confessed.

Jade was taken by surprise, “Oh. I, uh, didn't... didn't expect you to apologize.” she said nervously, rubbing her arm.

“I was wrong and selfish to say that my brother was the only person who's ever hurt. But when I saw you talking with him, I had this feeling that...” I paused to take a deep breath, “that you were hurt too. I'm sorry, Jade, I shouldn't have talked like that to you. I truly am sorry.”

A sad smile appeared on her face, and I didn't miss the twingle of tears in her eyes, “It's fine Hailey. Somehow I feel like... I deserve it, after what I did to your brother.” she said, unable to look at me. “Did, did Haxsel tell you something?” she asked.

“No, he didn't. I felt I was wrong, Hax didn't tell me to apologise to you, God helped me understand I was wrong because He knows your heart and that you're hurt and don't deserve to be hurt anymore but only loved. And, I accept your apology too.” I said.

“Thanks.” Jade said, “You're so changed, I mean, you talk like a matured girl.” she added with a hearty smile.

“Thank you.” I returned her the smile, “You're so changed too, I mean, your style.” I said, pointing my finger towards her.

Jade chuckled amusedly, “Well, when there's a new trend out, someone's gotta try that out.” she said, light-mooded.

“Maybe that's why I felt like you look beautiful than I remember.” I said.

She waved her hand dismissively, rolling her eyes and smiling, “Talking about that, you're growing up as a gorgeous lady, I can see that; and I think Haxsel will have to scare off every unwanted boys from your back.” she said with her hands in air in action as she says.

This time I rolled my eyes, “I dunno, but if Haxsel is to scare off every boys from my back, oh brother, I'm not going to get anyone sooner.” I said sarcastically.

Jade tilted her head with a lipped smile, and I didn't miss the sister-ness sparkling in her eyes. She placed her both hands on my each shoulders and her hazel green eyes looked deep into my dark brown ones. I was taken aback at her affection, my guilt for hating her increased.

Jade sighed, “If those boys gets scared of Haxsel's scaring offs, then let them be scared and run for their lives. Don't go after them, Hailey, never go after them. But one day, you'll see this person who won't be bothered a least by those scarring offs and will stand up to Haxsel. That man, Hailey, will be the true love of your life. Sooner or later, he will come into your life. Just you wait.” she advised me like the older sister I never had but only had wished for.

Tears ran to fill my eyes and I hugged Jade, thanking her. “I like you now, Jade, as I did once. And I can't believe now I'm wishing if you were my sister.” I said, when she hugged me back. Oh I really wish if I could go to the past and take back what I said to her a few minutes ago outside.

“But your brother says we can't be like how we were. I know I don't deserve him but still, I love your brother and I know I should accept what he said.” Jade's voice broke as she said that.

I felt sorry for her, “I'm sorry about that, Jade. But as you told me, there's someone God has meant for you too. He will come into your life sooner or later. Just you wait.” I said, repeating her words to her.

I heard her chuckle, “You're so kind, Hailey, thank you.”

“Thank God, or else we wouldn't have met today.” I said, pulling back from the long hug.

“Are we in good conditions now?” Jade asked me, much to my surprise.

“Of course,” I said smiling, wiping away my tears, “We are.”

Jade hugged me once again. We exchanged a few more words before I remembered my brother, who'll now be waiting for me impatiently. Jade and I exchanged our phone numbers and promised to keep in touch as she helped me to get outside to Haxsel.

He wasn't impatient as I expected but was surprised to see us coming out together, with Jade having her one arm around my shoulders. Haxsel and Jade exchange a friendly conversation and their phone numbers. And I watched as Haxsel gave her a side hug, which she returned, utterly surprised. I watched them with a strange pain in my heart, the boy and girl who could've been married by now if Jade hadn't left. I hugged Jade once more before we both walked back to where we had parked our car, promising to meet again before we leave New York.

After a few more places we visited to hangout, Haxsel and I rode back to a hotel where Mom and Dad were waiting for us to have a dinner, of which Haxsel told me, is their favorite hotel because they had their first date there. We didn't tell them about Jade because Haxsel told me it's better not to tell them. And I agreed without asking why.

Then following that Saturday, on our parents' wedding anniversary, as told, our graphic blanket arrived at the Canfield's hotel. Haxsel received a phone call just before the worship started in the Jewish community we attended. He asked the deliverer to give the delivery to the man in the counter named Mark, a family friend of Maxel. And when we returned, Haxsel shoved us all to our room and came after with the package. We both gave it our parents who were awestruck at the present and wouldn't stop admiring it.

Days passed and our picnic days enlarged as dad got the permission to take a long break from work. Haxsel's was the only problem but he said he'll try to convince his boss at any cost and however by God's grace, it succeed.

So for the rest of the holidays in New York that will be lasting to the middle of August, we moved to the other part of the state and stayed in a casino of the Canfield's. I was so thankful to Maxel's help, or else we wouldn't have got to stay somewhere like such breathtaking place.

Evelyn's.

The name was written in bronze with such a cute font on front of the casino. I was expecting to see 'Canfield' written instead because that's what I've seen in every building that was owned by the Canfields.

We went inside and I felt like I don't belong here because this was ten times expensive than the hotel we stayed. If the hotel was bathed in lights, the casino looks like it's bathed in gold. I looked around, not being able to stop admiring the beauty. There were several small and large framed photos, which had Bible verse written on them, much to my shock. Because Max and Harry have never been interested in Bible stuffs. The one that I liked the most was a photo of a beautiful baby girl sitting up and smiling so sweetly, wearing a baby pink money-onesi and the Bible verse of Proverbs 31:25 written on its side.

While examining every corner of the entrance hall, my eyes caught on a huge elegantly framed photo of a smiling beautiful woman, hanging on the wall. I walked towards the photo automatically as if I just got enchanted by it with one look. It was her eyes that caught my attention first, which looked so familiar.

I looked into her shining eyes in disbelief. The familiarity I felt from those brown eyes was because, I've seen the same in someone I love so close to my heart; Harry.

My eyes dropped to the writing below,

In memory of our beloved
Late. Ruth Fordham Canfield

I felt a hammer hit my heart. It was Harry's mother, who passed away when he was only three. I felt tears running to the back of my eyes, “Harry's mother.” I whispered to myself. I've always noticed how much he appreciated my mother's affections because he lost his mother even before he could remember. I've never asked him about his mother ever since he told me his mother passed away, when I asked him in the first place. I just didn't want to see the person I always counted on to cheer me up to be gloomy.

I was brought back from my thoughts when my mom called me. I looked one last time at the photo of Harry's beautiful and graciously smiling mother, before walking up to my mom.

We stayed in the casino for the rest of our stay in New York. One day Harry called me from and unknown number and surprised me from London. He said Max told him that we're staying in one of their casinos and wanted to know how I'm managing it.

Haxsel and I also were in touch with Jade, we used to visit her before we moved to here but also kept our touch through FaceTime. We called her at most of the times and for my brother's 24th birthday on 2nd of August, she even send him a leather jacket by courier, along with a gorgeous bracelet for me.

Haxsel and Jade became so close in friendship once again and I asked him if he has fallen for her once again.

“No,” Haxsel told me, “No, no, no. I'm just trying to be a good friend to her. I'm only interested in a friendship with her, not relationship. I think that's what God wants for us.”

“Well, it's just, I can't wait to know who's that lucky girl to conquer my brother's heart.” I told him, winking.

“Well,” he said, picking me up to his lap and hugged close to him, “What I'm curious to know is, to find out who's that lucky boy to win my sister's heart.”

I was surprised at his words.
Rilden was exactly the first one to appear in my head and I went all lost about him for the rest of the days. Meanwhile, Rex twice told me that Rilden will be in stage to play guitar for the worship and I didn't miss it, for two straight Sundays. And that second Sunday was the last time I saw him for worship, and it disappointed me more when Rex told me he won't be able to be in worship sessions anymore because he's going back to America.

One fine day, I stretched on one of the sunbeds lined near the swimming pool with my phone in hand and eyes stuck lost in the picture of Rilden I had cropped off of Naomi's. I don't remember how long have I been lost in his picture but only when I heard a familiar voice behind me, I was back to reality.

“Who's that?”

I jumped out of my skin at the voice of my brother and turned back to see him towering over from behind me. I hugged the screen side of my phone close to my chest.

Uh oh. I'm in trouble.

“Jonny,” I greeted him innocently with a smile and wanted to slap my head; how odd did that sound to greet a person you saw a moment ago?

“Who was that?” Haxsel asked, walking from me to the sunbed that was beside mine, with a lemonade in his hand.

“Um, uh, er... who...?” I stuttered uncomfortably.

Haxsel narrowed his eyes suspiciously at me, “Don't try to fool me, Hailey.” he warned sternly, “Who is that boy?”

I began to sweat and panick. Oh what have you done, Hayline?!

I stumbled over words.

Then like an angel to the rescue in time, dad and mom walked out of our apartment to us, at whose sight my brother mumbled, “This conversation will be continued.”

I gulped. This isn't going to be good.

As promised, at night, Haxsel did continued the conversation, which, for me, had no point of escaping from.

“He looked familiar. Who is he?” my brother asked once when we both were in our room after dinner.

“Familiar?” I gave him a nervous laugh, “How so?”

“Show me that picture please.” my brother asked.

I hesitated.

“Hailey...”

Knowing very well that I can't escape him, especially since he's caught me staring at a pic of a boy, I sighed in defeat and took my phone out of my pocket, showing him Rilden, nervously swallowing the saliva.

He practically snatched the phone from my hand and looked closely, then his eyes widened in realisation. “This is... wait.” he paused and turned to me. And I, literally looked around for a possible escape hole to escape my brother's suspicious stare for the first time in my life.

“But how do you know him?” Haxsel raised his eyebrows. “I'm pretty sure you've never met him.”

So he knows him?

I panicked. Should I tell him? Will he shout at me? Or scold me? I couldn't risk either because I never had it from him, the man I love the most.

I felt like a criminal before his suspicious eyes and as guilt digged deep into my heart, I couldn't stop the tears that began to fill my eyes.

Haxsel might have understand that he's putting me under pressure, so he sighed, running a hand through his hair which seemed to be like I'm making him frustrated.

“Come here,” he lend out his hand towards me, who was standing beside the bed he was sitting.

I didn't take his hand but obeyed and climbed up to the bed. I kept my gaze down, careful not to catch my brother's eyes.

“How do you know him?” my brother repeated his previous question.

“You'll be mad at me if I tell you.” I replied, gazing to aside.

“I promise, I won't.” Haxsel said, clasping a reassuring hand over mine.

I finally met his gaze, “Trust me, honey.” he said, seeing the hesitation in my eyes.

I suck in a deep breath, preparing to meet my fate. I should trust my brother, because he's the first one I've trusted even as a stranger, to save my life.

Then I told him. Everything. From how I saw Rilden when I was in Grandpa's house that day, to how crazily I fell for him. But I spared the part where Naomi told me that they're dating.

I looked at my brother through the tears in my eyes once after I explained him everything, and waited for his response. This is the second time we're in such a tension of a conversation; first it was about Nott and now Rilden.

“I can't believe you fell for someone you don't even know.” Haxsel said and dropped his face to his hands, exhausted from what he heard from little sister, of who he thought was still innocent.

“I'm sorry, I know that sounds so stupid. But that doesn't mean there's no hope.” I told him.

He looked at me, “Hailey, I'm not trying to disappoint you but, –”

“But what?” my voice trembled. I don't want to be hopeless than I already am. I don't want to let go of the last hope I have in my love interest. “Because I don't know him, it's hopeless?”

“Of course, love, I don't want you to hope over something you can't have. I can't watch you ending up broken.” Haxsel said, extremely concerned.

“I can't believe you're the one who's saying this, Jonny.” I shook my head in disbelief. “We have examples before our own eyes, in our lives. Look at dad and mom; they were from two different states but because God wanted them to be together, they met in New York miraculously and ended up together. Look at us!” I said, motioning to myself and him, “How do you think we met?”

“Hailey...” I brother heaved a heavy sigh.

“No Hax, you're forgetting the point!” I said, and my lips began to tremble, “I have hope that one day, sooner or later, I'll meet Rilden. Because the God we serve is the same God who made you and I meet in the woods and gave me a new life. If He can do that, He can do this too.” I defended.

My brother shook his head, “When you say like that, I can't protest but,” he paused and stroked my hair, “He's currently with someone else, if I'm right. With your friend Naomi Norganio.”

I clenched my jaw at the mention of her name, “How did you know that?” I inquired.

“I kind of saw it in her IG story. I'm not certain–”

“It's true,” I hung my lead low, looking at my hands on my lap, “She told me.”

I heard him sigh, “See, that's what I meant by hopeless. He's already–”

“Just a boyfriend, not a husband. It's not hopeless as you say.” I cut him off, stubbornly.

“Hailey...” he sighed for the hundredth time, “I really can't believe you fell for someone you don't even know.” he repeated his previous statement. “Goodness Hailey, I think I'm gonna get grey hair before I'll turn twenty five.”

The corner of my lips trembled as I tried not to smile, “Do you really have to worry about that since we're living in twenty first century, where all kind of hair dye is available?” I asked.

“Did you just say that?” my brother turned to me amusedly in disbelief and tickled my side.

I let out a giggle, being taken by surprise, but shoved his hand away, not interested to laugh now.

Life had been so hard this summer, starting with Emery's news, falling for Rilden and failing hopelessly, a disaster with Nott and finally my stupidness over being hard on Jade at first, which I can't forgive myself yet.

“Hey,” he called me softly when he saw my silent tears falling.

“This summer was dreadful.” I whisper.

“I know.” he said and hugged me to his side, “That's why dad and I planned out this trip mainly.”

I looked up at him, tilting my head.

“I mean, I didn't know this thing with Rilden but, I knew that the news of your friend Emery and your nanny Rosetta had drenched you in sadness of missing them. So, we thought you could have a moment to clear your mind.” Haxsel said.

I hugged him, “Thank you, I had a great time here with you all.” I whispered to him. “But still, I feel like this summer was so cruel to me.”

“Maybe when school starts, you can hang out with Emmy and Harry. You know how it's like to hang out with them, especially someone like Harry, he know how to make people laugh when they don't want to.” Haxsel suggested.

I smiled automatically over his shoulder at the mention of my two best friends. Maybe he's got a point, hanging out with them might help me to clear my head.

Nothing can go wrong in school, right?

I can only hope, that, there won't be an another mess waiting for me there.

—— • ——

A/N: Sorry this chapter is a day late. This one is the longest yet, so I think, it's worth the wait. I could've got this out yesterday itself but got caught up reading my favorite book update that I got yesterday. Sorry.

I can't promise the next chapter in time for the next week but I'll try to make one out in time.

And, please don't hate Hailey for being hard on Jade in the beginning. I just want to make her like a normal person. We all make mistakes, jump into conclusions but only learn from the mistakes as we grow. And besides, she couldn't easily forget what had Jade done to her brother in the past. So, that's it.

And finally, I would really appreciate if you guys couldn't leave me a comment on what you think about my book. It will make my day and will help me to improve my writing.

A special thanks to my two best friends who always makes my day by their lovely comments on my book and for the never ending support of my dear sister who told me she likes Jade more than Haxsel 😒 *Blah Ha Blah*