Page 123 of A Game as Old as Time

“You were a star, Hailey!” Tyquan pulled away and winked. “And I would know what it’s like to be a star.”

“Boys!” she shouted, unable to hold back the tears in her eyes. “You were amazing, too! I am so proud of all of you.”

My boys were fantastic!

“Thanks for everything, Hailey.” JT hugged her again. The others were now engaged in a round of high fives and fist bumps. “You really were amazing, and you look so beautiful in that dress.”

Aww, JT!

Her face was getting hot, and she smoothed the golden gown draped over her body.

The flowing satin dress that she now wore had initially intimidated her. It was meant for a princess, and Hailey had never felt like one.However, the moment Gunner’s deep green eyes had locked on her when she walked out for the dance, she knew she belonged in it.

“Hailey!” Juliana’s voice broke in behind her. “You were stunning, amazing, wonderful!”

A chorus of giggling laughter erupted as Hailey twirled around. Brad and Bridgette joined her best friend, and the trio sprinted toward her.

“Bridgette.” Hailey jumped over and hugged her. “Your voice is amazing, and you were so wonderful tonight!”

Bridgette blushed, a tear in her eye as she hugged Hailey back.

“Coming from you, Hailey, that means the world.”

Brad grabbed them both and screamed. “It was so wonderful!”

So wonderful.

Hailey could not help but beam as she looked at the group. Eight months ago, she had been an outcast with no friends. Her world had appeared to be crumbling, and she had consistently felt a heavy sadness that she could do nothing about.

Now, as they all stood together in the hallway, which would soon be overrun with spectators, she could not help but feel a new, bittersweet sadness.

I am going to miss this so much.

Bridgette and Brad would be going to college an hour north of South Mountain. While Hailey had never heard of the school, she was sure the decision had something to do with Emilio playing football up that way next year. Andy and Juliana, who were currently rubbing noses while Emilio rolled his eyes, would be off to Pittsburgh, and Hailey was already excited to go visit and see a brand-new city. JT, who was slapping hands with Tyquan, had settled on NYU. Hailey was over the moon that he would be majoring in theatre when he arrived.

Tyquan, meanwhile, would be on his way to State College, and Hailey already had plans to be at every game he played in the large stadium that awaited him.

“Everyone!” Ms. Summers stood, arms outstretched, in the middle of the hallway. “We need to head to the main entrance of the auditorium so you can walk in for your curtain calls. Remember, you will head right to the stage and prepare for the last dance! A little surprise for our fans!”

One last dance.

“Hailey.” Ms. Summers pulled her aside. “Thank you for all you have done. For me, and, well, for all of us.” Her hug was full of warmth. “This truly was a magical night.”

Absolutely magical.

Hailey gave a final squeeze. Her teacher headed for the door that would lead them down the center of the auditorium.

“Hailey!” She felt her body lurch forward from an impact.

Peyton!

“Hailey, you look so beautiful in that dress, and you were amazing out on that stage!” Peyton’s eyes shimmered in the light of the hallway. “The dance…I cried the entire time.”

Oh, Peyton.

She grabbed the young girl and held her in a long embrace.

Peyton had become like another sister to her over the last few months. But the fact that she had convinced Melissa to help with the cheerleading team next year was the real reason why Hailey squeezed even tighter before letting go.

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