Page 17 of Kept in the Dark

After driving around to calm herself, it had been nearly eleven o’clock by the time Hailey had gotten back to the Gallagher Estate. Thankfully, Trinity hadn’t cared that Hailey had disappeared for a short time. It gave her a chance to relax without Hailey breathing down her neck. Apparently, Hailey suffocated her daughter. She nearly laughed when Trinity had said it (typical teenage antics).

Unfortunately, she hadn’t slept well, her fight with Sara plaguing her throughout the night. She had anticipated Sara’s anger, she had every right to be upset, but Hailey hadn’t expected the hostility that seemed to seep from her twin.

But today was a new day and Hailey decided she would clear her sister’s name with or without her help. She owed it to Sara and their mother.

Hailey threw on jeans and a pink blouse and applied her makeup. Trying to find her hairbrush, she dug around in her suitcase until she clutched the bristles. She quickly ran it through her hair and assessed her reflection.

She planned to talk to Sara again, after they both had some time to calm down. It’s what Hailey had always done while they were growing up, anyway. They would have a huge fight and the two would go their separate ways. And, like clockwork, Hailey would inevitably apologize to Sara and the two would go on with life like nothing happened.

Hailey hoped it still worked after all these years.

Until Sara agreed to help, Hailey would have her work cut out for her as she pieced together the facts of that night. Of course, she needed to figure out what to do with Trinity. She didn’t need Trinity finding out about Hailey’s past.

To make matters more complicated, she still had family dinner with her father and Lauren later, something she desperately needed to mentally prepare for.

Hailey sighed and made her way downstairs.

She was nowhere near ready to have a family get-together for the first time since she left. If Hailey had it her way, she wouldn’t have to speak a word to the man who was neither kind nor loving to her growing up.

He claimed to always have his family's best interest at heart, but both Hailey and Sara saw right through his facade. David Gallagher was a selfish man who would do anything to stay ahead and look good in the public eye, even if it meant misery behind closed doors.

And misery it was.

She thought about inviting Sara just to stick it to her father. She’d pay good money to see the look on his face if Sara were to walk through the door. If they weren't fighting, Sara would do it just to piss off the old man.

Once downstairs, Hailey beelined for the back patio where Trinity was swimming. Lauren was sunbathing on the far side of the pool, her tan skin glistening in the sunlight. She smiled and waved, and Hailey returned the gesture. Trinity was swimming laps with another young girl in what looked like a race.

Coming up for air, Trinity spied Hailey. “Hey, Mom!”

“Morning. How’d you sleep?”

“Good!”

With that, she was back to racing her friend.

Genevieve came out of the door after Hailey, carrying a tray of orange juice and toast. “That’s my granddaughter, Cecilia. I figured Trinity would like to have someone to hang out with.”

Hailey was glad Trinity had made a friend, especially because it looked like they would be staying a little longer. “I was actually wondering if you’d be willing to watch her on and off over the next few days. I need to meet with some people, and I don’t want Trinity to go with me and be bored.”

Genevieve’s face beamed. “Does that mean you’re staying longer?”

Hailey smiled. “It does. So, I may need some help with Trinity if you’re willing.”

“You know she’s always welcome to stay with me. I’ll make sure I bring Cecilia along.” Hailey gave the woman a hug. She had missed Genevieve when she moved away, but her stubbornness was stronger than the empty void she had felt. And she hadn’t kept in touch, something she now regretted.

Hailey walked over to Lauren and sat in a chair next to her.

Lauren said, “Hey, Sugar. Did you sleep okay? I know it must be weird being back in your old room.”

Hailey shrugged. “It wasn’t too bad. I was pretty tired from the drive here and the wedding, so I slept like a rock.”

That was a lie. Once she actually fell asleep, she had nightmare after nightmare. Triggered by her fight with Sara, no doubt. Some about her mother, others about Sara or Ryan or Trey. All of them had her waking up, heart racing and panicked. Lauren looked at Hailey, lifting her hand to her forehead to protect her eyes from the sun. “Well, I'm glad. Are y’all still joining us for dinner?”

Hailey wanted to decline but held her tongue. “We’ll be here. Six-thirty, right?”

“Mhm. Your father is very excited to see you. He’s happy you're home.”

Hailey wanted to roll her eyes but didn't. Lauren meant well, but she also didn’t understand what it was like living under the tyranny of David.

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