Issues

Issues - Chapter 16

I walked over to the sinks and dumped our stuff in the sink. I expected Taylor to come up behind me but when someone started to help, it was Nick instead.

"Oh thanks, you didn't have to help," I said surprised.

"Whatever, just clean."

I laughed. "Will you and Taylor ever get along?"

"Not likely. Unless he suddenly changes his mind," Nick chuckled.

"That helps."

We were quiet for a bit and the only sound was the rushing water and the squelching of the sponges and dishcloths on the dishes.

"You shouldn't be alone with him," Nick blurted out.

I looked at him completely stunned. "One, I'm alone with him a lot. Two, why shouldn't be alone with him? Three, why is that any of your business?"

"You should listen to your brother is all I'm saying. Anthony doesn't like the kid at all," he shrugged.

"Anthony doesn't know anything," I rolled my eyes. "Since when have you become best friends with him?"

"We were always friends because I went out with you and because we knew each other for so long."

"Okay, well stay out of it Nick. I'm not your girlfriend anymore," I said and realized how harsh it was. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

"It's true though," he said, but I could still tell how much it still hurt him and I bit my lip.

We finished the dishes quickly after that and then hurried back to the table. We all packed up our stuff and I stood near Taylor at the door waiting for the dismissal bell.

When it finally rang, Taylor and I were the first one out of the doors.

"I'll be over as soon as you call me," Taylor said as we made it to my car.

"Okay, see you later," I said pecking him on the cheek before getting into my car.

I drove to Janice's before I went home and picked up a couple of burgers to go. Hailey was going to be hungry and I wanted to surprise her with her favorite. After we ate I was going to totally pamper her and make her look simply amazing for the dance. I had already helped her pick out a dress. It was a spaghetti strapped black dress that didn't flow too much - it wasn't her style - it was gorgeous but age appropriate. It was simple, but it was perfect for Hailey.

I waited around to get Tanya, Hailey, and Damien off the bus. "Hey guys! Hailey? You ready!?"

"Oh my god, so ready! Thank you so much for this, Kay," she exclaimed climbing in the passenger seat next to me while the younger ones climbed in the back.

"No problem. I got everyone Janice's as a special treat!" I said and they all yelled the ten second drive home.

"Alright, let's eat. After this Hailey, nothing but water!" I instructed.

"Okay major pain in my butt." Hailey attempted being cool and I almost told her to get ready on her own, but I promised her I would help.

"Shut up and eat," I said evenly.

Once we finished with eating, I set up a movie for Tanya and Damien and dragged Hailey into my room where I started to set up everything to get her ready.

"Sit still and do as I say otherwise I'm not helping you and I'm leaving you half-finished." I threw her into a chair and started taking off the chipped polish that was on her finger and toe nails.