Page 45 of Blinded By Love

My mom and I haven’t made plans, which reminds me to call her tomorrow about it.

“No. Not that I know-”

“Good, so then you’re coming with us.”

I can’t help but look at Hayden, who is just staring at the TV, watching Eddie cursing at the store lady.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

Natalia rolls her eyes at me and shakes her head lightly as if I’m crazy. “You’re coming.”

Twenty-Two

Jaclyn

“Don’t forget to call your mom on Christmas. She’ll get pissed if you forget about her,” Calvin says as he helps me bring my bags to the front door.

Natalia, Chris, and Hayden should be here soon.

I managed to do well on my exams which is a relief because I was sweating bricks because of them. I’m not great when it comes to tests because I just always seem to have a hard time when it comes to that.

Calvin and my mom didn’t care much about letting me stay with Natalia and Hayden’s family for the holidays. Calvin was happy that I was making friends and going out more. My mom wasn’t that happy because she is used to spending Christmas with me but I felt like doing something different for a change. She understood eventually and let me go.

The doorbell rings, making me look at the door. I don’t know why I feel so nervous as I wipe the sweat off my palms on my sweatpants.

The drive to Utah is about 12 hours and we’re hoping to arrive there by dinner time. Natalia said that’s why we should leave super early so that we can get there in time for her mom’s cooking.

Calvin opens the door revealing Hayden. I can’t help but let my eyes roam down his body. He’s wearing a dark brown sweater and then gray sweatpants that make him look a little too good. He has the hood up on his sweater making him look restless.

“Hi,” I say with a small smile.

It’s been a week since I was at Natalia’s house for movie night. Hayden hasn’t said or done anything to me. He is keeping his space from me and I can’t help but wonder why.

I hate that I think I did something wrong even though he is the one that touched me and said how I am tempting and irresistible to him. In that moment he almost made me feel special and wanted.

But every time I would hang out with the group, he would kind of turn his shoulder and ignore me. It made me feel empty and like I didn't belong.

That little girl’s heart inside me, broke a little bit.

But I can’t just forget about how Hayden hates me and wants to make me hurt. He said that from the beginning.

But his actions towards me made me think otherwise.

It’s all so confusing.

“Hi,” he raises an eyebrow. “Ready?”

I’m about to nod but Calvin cuts me off and says, “I don’t think we've properly met. I’m Calvin, Jaclyn’s uncle.”

Hayden offered his hand to Calvin which he shook. “Hayden. I saw you at the hospital. Sorry for not properly introducing myself.”

Calvin shook his head. “It’s not a problem. So you guys are going up to your folks' house?”

“Yes. Going to stay there for the entire break,” Hayden replies.

“Well, make sure you take care of her. Don’t want her mom to cut my head off,” Calvin jokes with a laugh and Hayden smiles lightly while nodding his head.

“Calvin. It’s not-”

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