Page 30 of Hailey Goes to College

“Hailey, wait. It’s not what you think,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I’m going back to the city, Ryan. Just leave me alone,” I say, my voice firm despite the tears spilling down my face. “I can’t do this with you. I won’t be made a fool of again.”

“Hailey, please,” he pleads, but I end the call and block his number, not wanting to hear any more excuses. I slump back in my seat, feeling a mixture of anger, sadness, and relief because at least now he knows I’m not there. As the bus rolls along, my phone buzzes. I look down and finally see Kelsey’s name.

OMG, Hailey. Are you okay? Where are you right now?

On a bus, heading back towards the city. I’ve been checking and I think I’ll have to change buses at least twice to make it back there. I don’t know what to do.

Alright, listen. You have a couple of options. You can either fly home to Phoenix for the next few days, or I can see if I can change my flight to get back to Chicago early. If I can get back, we’ll hole up in a hotel for a few days and explore the city together and make the best of it. Plus you wouldn’t be alone.

I feel a wave of relief at her suggestions. Both options sound much better than being alone and miserable. I search for my flight to see if I can change the ticket, but after trying several options I realize my parents already got a refund. I definitely don’t have the money to buy my own ticket and it would be way too humiliating to call my mom now.

I text her back:

I can’t change my ticket. They refunded my parents. I’m not calling them. I have to figure this out on my own. It would be an epic I told you so from my mother.

I wait for a few minutes seeing the bubbles appear then disappear then reappear.

I’ll meet you back in Chicago. I can’t get in till morning. We’ll have a mini-vacation. It’ll be fun, I promise. Find a hotel and then text me when you get there.

A small smile tugs at my lips. Kelsey’s reassurance gives me a little bit of relief from the stress of the morning. I text her back to let her know that I’ll start looking for hotels. I don’t have much else to do on this bus so with my fully charged phone I set out to find us a place to stay. It doesn’t take me long to find us a somewhat budget-friendly hotel that’s located close enough to everything downtown but far enough from the waterfront that it isn’t going to completely drain my bank account.

As the bus continues its journey towards the bus station where I’ll make a transfer, I can’t help but feel hurt. Ryan’s lying is still fresh, but the thought of spending time with Kelsey, exploring Chicago, and just getting away from everything, gives me a small glimmer of hope that I won’t spend the next few days alone and crying in a hotel room while eating ice cream.

Hours later, by the time the bus arrives at the city terminal, I feel mentally and physically exhausted. I head straight to the hotel, my heart heavy but my resolve stronger. I know I need to focus on moving forward, even if it means leaving behind someone I thought I could trust.

The next morning, Kelsey arrives and I don’t know if it’s the pent-up feelings lingering fresh from the day before but I burst into tears when I see her. She pulls me into a tight hug, and I feel the weight of the last twenty-four hours start to lift, just a little.

“We’re going to have a great few days, Hailey,” she says, her voice full of determination. “Just you wait.”

I sit on the edge of the bed in the hotel room, staring out the window watching the city below us. The hotel is nice. I sit there patiently as Kelsey unpacks an armful of snacks for us and her things for the next few days. “You really went all out,” I say, giving her a small smile.

“Of course I did. We’re going to make the most of this time,” she says, setting down the goodies on the bed. “First things first, I got us some snacks for tonight.”

I look through the assortment of chips, chocolates, and drinks she brought. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble. Did you clear out a Target?”

She waves her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. Now, let’s make a plan. We have all of Chicago to explore. I’ve only left campus a handful of times since we came here and now I’m determined to see it all with you.”

We spend the next half hour plotting out our itinerary. I’m thankful for the busy work of looking up places, tickets, prices, and hours. The mundane of trying to organize our first excursion from the hotel. Anything really, to take my mind off of my other problems. First up will be Navy Pier. I get dressed in jeans and my thickest sweater. The city has embraced the cold and down by the waterfront it will feel even more cold with the wind. It’s a short Uber ride away so instead of walking in the cold we hop in and zip over. As soon as we step out of the car, the fresh lake air and the lively area lift my spirits. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air, and the sounds of laughter and conversation surround us.

From our research online, we make our way straight for the Ferris wheel, a massive structure that offers stunning views of the city. As we wait in line, Kelsey talks about all the things we have planned to see and do. Luckily, we don’t have to stand in line too long before it’s our turn to ride. The Ferris wheel is huge. Each bucket is a brightly lit cabin that slowly rotates against the clear blue sky. Kelsey and I sit opposite each other so we face each other and get the best views of the waterfront and the city.

Once the attendant secures our door, the Ferris wheel begins its slow ascent, and I feel a calmness wash over me. The view from the top is breathtaking, with the city skyline and the view of Lake Michigan. The water sparkles in the sunlight, and I can see tiny boats sailing in the distance. It might be freezing outside but you’d never know it from here. The sun shines on the water, making it seem like the perfect summer day.

“This is amazing,” I say to Kelsey.

“It really is,” she agrees. She looks at me with a gentle smile. “I’m glad we’re doing this.”

All too quickly our descent begins, but I find myself feeling lighter, as if the weight of the past few days is starting to lift. We wander around Navy Pier, taking in the sights and sounds. We stroll the small shops inside the pier where I buy a magnet of the Ferris Wheel to remember the day. Street performers entertain the crowds, and we stop to watch a magician perform tricks that leave us both in awe. We grab some lunch at one of the restaurants attached to the pier, enjoying the waterfront view and taking advantage of the people watching.

After lunch, we make our way to our next stop—the Shedd Aquarium. Inside, the vibrant marine life captivates us. We move from tank to tank, marveling at the colorful fish and majestic sea creatures. The jellyfish exhibit is particularly mesmerizing, their translucent bodies glowing softly in the dim light. We sit and watch them slowly floating in the water.

Kelsey takes dozens of pictures with her phone, capturing every moment. “This is going to be the best photo album ever,” she says, snapping a shot of a playful sea otter as we make our way out of the exhibit.

As we sit down for a break in front of the giant oceanarium window, watching dolphins swim gracefully by, Kelsey turns to me with a serious expression. “Ok, now seems as good a time as any.”

I nod, feeling a bit apprehensive. “Okay…” I trail off not knowing what to expect.

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