Page 7 of A Game as Old as Time

“Daddy,” Hailey said, following the two down the hall, “I told you. Juliana is picking me up to go to a small get-together at her house.”

Melissa was still ushering her father down the hallway as he tried to interject.

“What party? What type of party is it?”

He was now backpedaling down the steps, and Hailey giggled as her sister continued to corral him.

“Just relax, Dad!” Melissa was still grinning as she forced him into the living room. “You told her to make some friends, and she is.”

Hailey made her way to the middle of the room and placed her hand on her hip.

“Daddy.” Her voice was soft as she narrowed her eyes at him. “I know you’re worried, but I promise this is just something small with the girls. Juliana wants to introduce me to a few students who are involved in the music department. I figured I would go before school starts.”

He studied her as Melissa rubbed his shoulders.

“Music department?” He perked up, but his face still wreaked of concern. “Are you thinking of joining the music department?”

Oh no.

“Well, I guess everyone has to do an after-school activity at South Mountain. It sounds like the Theatre Club was the only one that had an opening for a new student.”

How ironic.

She knew her voice sounded annoyed, but she refused to hide it. She had asked to join every other club, but from what the principal had told her, she had no choice.

“OK,” he said, still unconvinced. “But you need to be home by ten. I mean, nine! Be home by nine!”

Melissa shook her head as Ellie started barking at a knock on the door.

“Just have fun, Hails!” Her sister winked before going to answer.

I love it when she is happy.

“Hailey!” A young girl sprinted into the room with energy Hailey only wished she could match. “You look so pretty!”

She thanked Juliana and complimented the high-waisted jean shorts and strapless shirt she was wearing. Her new friend’s glossy black hair was the perfect complement to her rich tan skin.

“I cannot wait for you to meet everyone!”

Her father quickly stood back up as Juliana pulled Hailey to the door.

“Remember!” He was practically chasing after her as they left. “Be home by 10---I mean 9!”

She turned and waved.

“I will, Daddy!”

No need to worry.

Juliana was grinning ear to ear as they moved out of sight and toward her car at the end of the driveway.

“You have no idea how excited I am for you to meet everyone!” Hailey smiled nervously as she got in. “They are going to be so excited to meet someone who is coming from a California performing arts school!”

She started the car, hitting the gas and peeling into the street before Hailey could fully buckle herself in.

“Are we in a hurry?” Hailey laughed as she grabbed the dashboard.

“Just a little---we’re late!”

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