Page 42 of Kept in the Dark

“How was I supposed to know that? I had no idea what the right choice was. I thought giving you your space was the best thing for you.” Trey sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “I figured you’d come back when you were ready. And when you didn’t, I thought you moved on. All I ever wanted was the best for you, whether that was with or without me. So, when you didn’t come back, I thought it was the universe telling me you found something better.”

Hailey wiped at her tears and sat back down on the swing. She was outraged at how cruel the universe was. They had both loved each other so deeply and endlessly. Yet, here they were, trying to mend their shattered relationship and broken hearts.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I should have told you about Trinity. I mean, I was going to but then everything happened with my mother…I just couldn't bring myself to face you. We had just broken up and I didn’t want you to feel trapped and resent me years later.” She shrugged. “Honestly, I was angry at you. And when I finally wasn't, so much time had passed I didn’t think I should bring it up.”

A vein throbbed on Trey’s temple. He sat next to her then took a breath as he gently said, “I only broke things off because your father convinced me you deserved better than I could give you and I knew he was right. It just wasn’t in the cards for me. I loved you too much to hold you back, so I let you go. And you left without ever looking back.”

“I couldn’t be here anymore,” she cried out. “I felt like every piece of me had been broken and I didn’t think I would be able to make it out alive.” She paused for a moment and then quietly said, “I just never thought you wouldn’t come for me.”

As an olive branch of sorts, Trey took her hand. Hailey laid her head on his shoulder as Trey began rocking the swing. The two sat silently, neither knowing what else to say.

As much as she felt like her whole life had gone up in flames since coming back to Auburndale, Hailey had to admit it seemed as if something good may come out of it. Not that it would be easy, but maybe it was time for her to deal with her many demons that haunted her from this place.

Soon after, Trinity came out of the house to join them. She stood tall with her arms crossed, pushing out her hip. “It’s about time y’all worked it out. The neighbors could hear you screaming at each other.”

“Hush, Trinity,” Hailey said. Then she scooted over and patted the space in between her and Trey. “Sit.”

Trinity hesitated, then complied.

“How did you know?” Hailey asked.

Trinity shrugged. “At first, I didn’t. I noticed the way you two looked at each other at the wedding…or were trying to avoid looking at each other. I thought he looked like me but didn’t read too much into it. It was also weird that some guy seemed extra protective over you when that jerk-off was threatening you. What a creep. Then Lauren mentioned it was someone you really loved. So when I saw the way he held you inside, I just knew.”

“What else did Lauren say?” Hailey was irritated that the woman would overstep. She had no business telling Trinity anything.

Not noticing her mother’s concern, Trinity said, “Nothing. I asked her if she knew who he was, and she said you loved him. She wouldn’t tell me anything else.”

Hailey nodded and the three of them let the silence fall between them as the sounds of summer echoed in the distance.

“So- uh- what now?” Trey finally asked.

“I don’t know. We’ll figure it out as we go, I guess,” Hailey replied. She honestly hadn’t thought much about what would happen if Trey found out about Trinity. She supposed that’s because she never actually planned on telling him. Though she told herself she would, she never thought she’d have to.

“How about dinner or something?” Trinity suggested. “Mom made this super awkward by not telling us about each other, so we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Trey chuckled. “I see she got your attitude.”

Hailey made a face at him. “She got your bullheadedness.”

Trey smiled. “Dinner sounds like a great idea. My place tonight?”

“Fine,” Trinity said. She wanted everyone to think she didn’t care about meeting her father, but Hailey knew she was trying to hide a smile and her excitement.

“Unfortunately, I have to go get an update on an investigation, but I will see you ladies later.”

The three stood up, staring at each other, not knowing how to say goodbye.

Finally, Trinity wrapped her arms around Trey. But as quickly as she held on, she released her grip and then hurried inside.

June 27, 2011

4:17 pm

Trey couldn’t help but smile when Trinity hugged him. He held on tight, but not too tight; he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

He also didn’t want to let go.

This was his kid…who he knew nothing about.

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