Chapter Forty Five-1

------------------ "You didn't have to, either," I said to her, thinking back to when she helped me with Hayden. She gave me a weak smile as I walked to the door. As my hand was on the door knob, I looked over my shoulder at her. "I still don't like you." She rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Mia." As I walked out of her room, I was surprised at the genuine smile on my face. ----------------- "Damn, I was hoping you'd be in a wheelchair." I give Harvey a deadpan expression. "Gee, thanks." "It would have been dramatic," he points out with his usual, dorky grin as he opens the passenger door for me. It feels 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 shuts 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 all right on your own?" he asks with a frown on his face. "I can reschedule my dentist appointment." "I'm not going to have a repeat of the sleeping pill situation, trust me," I assure him, sticking my finger in between my skin and bandage, scratching. My left wrist is sprained. I have to wear a bandage for a few days and it's been itchy as hell. "I have a date with Netflix and Nutella. Don't worry about me." "I really don't have a good feeling about leaving you alone..." he trails off. "You know they haven't found him, right?" "Yeah, I heard," I reply with a sigh. "He cleared his apartment out." "That's why I'm worried," he frowns. "That's it, I'm cancelling my appointment." "Don't. Just come over after. I will be fine on my own." "What if he comes back, Grace?" he argues, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "He said he would." "Harvey, I'll be okay." He blows out a breath of air as he shakes his head. Silence lapses between us as he continues to drive. "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, but I'm dying for a chance to apologise for everything and to thank him for what he did. "No," I reply softly, looking out the window at the blur of trees and road signs. Pulling my hand over to his, Harvey gives it a squeeze. I b 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 drags me back to reality. "Grace..." 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 thumps 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, stands Hayden. He greets me with his adorable, dimpled smile as I tumble out of the car. "Thank you for the ride, Harvey," I say breathlessly. "Hey, at least you won't be alone," he grins. "Have fun at the dentist!" I call, before shutting the door, not missing him cringe. I bolt towards Hayden, my still-slightly-sore muscles protesting. He places the roses on the outdoor table, just in time, before I throw myself into his arms. I wrap my legs around his waist as he stumbles back, his arms tightening around me. After squeezing him tightly, I pull back and plant a series of kisses over his face. He chuckles warmly, his familiar minty breath washing over me. "Someone happy to see me?" he smirks. I beam, 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 interrupts my rambled apology by pressing his 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 agree, still breathless as I stare down at the handsome boy in front of me. "Let's just forget about it. I can't stay mad at you because I miss you too much." "Aw, look at you being cheesy," I smile, running my hands through his messy hair. "And you know what else?" he continues. "Hmm?" I ask, hardly paying attention as I am too distracted staring at his bright eyes, tousled hair and perfectly smooth skin. "I think I'm in love with you, too." I stop breathing. "What?" "You heard me," he grins, readjusting my legs around his waist as he does. "I wanted to hear you say it again," I smirk. My cheeks felt warm as I gaze into his eyes. He gently lowers me to my feet, before lightly flicking my nose. "You make me crazy, Grace Connaway." Reaching out and tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear, he smiles at me. He leans in close, pressing his lips to my ear. "Cute bald patch." My eyes snap open and I glower at him. "Thanks for ruining the moment." "Couldn't help myself," he laughs 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 agree. "We will have a conversation about him soon, just not today, okay?" "Okay." He turns from me and picks up the bouquet of roses. "They are stunning," I say 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 says 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 smile at him, my cheeks beginning to hurt. "Thank you very much. I love them."