the only exception

chapter 10

It'd been a few months since Phoebe had seen Hayley, but they tried to keep in contact as much as possible. She'd talk to her on the phone anytime she was with her friends, and while it wasn't the same as if they could text all the time, it was better than nothing. The two had grown closer than either of them imagined would happen, and in such a short time, too.

    Luckily, school was starting in a week which meant the Finches were getting Phoebe's phone turned on. She'd been living with them for about a month now, and while the rule of staying in her room while they had people over was starting to get a little excessive, it wasn't too bad. Jack was gone about 90% of the time for work, and when Sam was home, they all just stuck to their own little corners of the house.

    Today, though, Hayley was going to be coming home for a two week break from work. They still hadn't really gotten into what she did for work, all Phoebe really knew was she traveled around sometimes.

    They'd planned everything out, and Sam had already agreed to let Hayley pick Phoebe up for a little bonfire she was having at her house. Needless to say, the teen was beyond excited. Hayley left Taylor and Zac at the house to set everything up, wanting to pick Phoebe up as soon as possible and get as much quality time in with the girl as possible.

    It was a little past seven when she pulled up to the house, a grin appearing on her face as she saw Phoebe waiting on the front porch. The teen was quick to run down the stairs and get into the car, flinging herself across the center console to give Hayley a hug.

    The blonde quickly wrapped her arms around the younger girl, giving her a tight squeeze, "It's so good to see you!"

    They pulled back and Hayley examined the girl's face, the only remnants of what happened a few weeks ago being a little scar on her forehead. Phoebe doesn't miss the relieved look crossing her face, just smiles back as Hayley quickly smooths down her brown hair.

    "Okay, let's get going. The boys are waiting." Hayley grinned, turning back to the road and putting the car into drive. "So how've you been?"

    Phoebe smiled, "We talked last night, and just as I said last night, I'm good. Even better now."

    "It's still good to hear," Hayley smiled, quickly glancing over.

    "Who's all gonna be there tonight?" Phoebe asked, having learned the names of most of Hayleys friends now, anyway.

    "Oh, not a lot of people, really small, actually." Hayley assured, knowing the brunette didn't exactly like being around crowds. "Just us, Taylor, Zac, and then like, maybe 10 other people."

    "That's small?" Phoebe asked, chuckling a little, but Hayley saw past her nerves.

    "Don't worry, most of them will be spread throughout the living room and backyard. It won't even feel like a lot." Hayley assured her, "And if you get overwhelmed or something you can always hide away in the guest room. Trust me, I'd be happy to hermit with you if it gets too much."

    Phoebe smiled in response, nodding.

    "Now, onto other news. School starts in a week! Are you excited? What grade are you gonna be in?" Hayley asked, trying her best to keep her attention between the road and the young girl.

    "I'm gonna be a freshman so that's... Fun, I guess." Phoebe shrugged. "A little nervous since I have to start in a new school, and I'll probably be the youngest in my grade, but it's fine. I know people don't really care about that thing, it's just nerve wracking, I guess."

    "Aw, first year of highschool! That's so exciting," Hayley gushed, "But it's alright to be nervous, trust me, everyone is. And anyway, it's been a long time since I've been in high school, but I'm pretty sure everyone is 14 when they start."