Page 10 of Blinded By Hate
Jared has an amused smile while watching it all go down.
I hold Hayden’s hand in my lap and he gives it three squeezes before saying. “I have told you and almost everyone I know that I don’t need his money. I’m fine.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“Dad, please,” Alex says with pleading eyes at her father.
“Alexandra, I’m trying to figure out how Hayden is going to make a living. Natalia has her life figured out. She is dating Chris who will be a football player and she will make an okay amount of money from journalism. She can do better but at least it’s something. What will Hayden do? He sure won’t have a job or someone to help support him other than you and Carter. I doubt this girl is going to be around for long.”
It’s quiet in the room. You could hear a pin drop. Hayden grips my hand hard as he refrains from lashing out.
Before Hayden can utter a word, Carter says, “Leave.”
Hayden’s grandfather looks at Carter. “Excuse me?”
“I said leave. I won’t let you disrespect Hayden like that or Jaclyn,” Carter says.
Hayden’s grandpa rolls his eyes. “Oh come on. I bet she is just one of those one-night-stands like you kids call it.”
My eyes go wide because this has never happened to me before and I have no clue how to react.
“The fuck did you just call her?” Hayden asks while glaring at his grandpa. “She’s far from that. What do you know? You don’t know shit about our relationship. Who do you think you are?”
“I won’t repeat myself Henry,” Carter states.
Hayden’s grandpa looks at Alex. “This is what your life has come to, Alexandra? An adoptive son and an asshole husband?”
“Dad, I think you should leave. What you said about Jaclyn isn't right and I don't agree,” Alex says before looking at me. “She is one of the sweetest girls I have met, and I think she is good for Hayden. They are in love and if Hayden is happy, then I am too. I know Carter is also happy along with Natalia so if you don't agree with this relationship or if you disrespect Hayden like that again then you won't be welcomed into our home anymore.”
“After everything he has done, you still forgive him?” Alex’s father points at Hayden.
“Yes, because he is my son. Now leave,” Alex demands.
“This is bullshit.” Hayden's grandfather stands from the table and tosses his utensils down before leaving the dining room.
His wife stands up and mutters an apology before following him. We hear the door open and slam before silence erupts throughout the table.
“I am sorry, Jaclyn. My father is usually not this bad. He can be very judgmental sometimes,” Alex apologizes with an embarrassed look on her face.
“Yeah, don't take what he says to heart. He is just a cranky old man,” Carter’s brother says.
I smile and nod my head at them. Hayden stands up from the table and leaves walking upstairs towards his room. My eyes follow him as leaves.
I want to go to him, but I don't want to be rude and leave the table.
“Go.” I turn my head to Natalia. “Go. He needs you.”
I don't waste another second before standing up and leaving the way Hayden left.
I walk upstairs towards his room and once I get closer and closer, I hear a lot of punching sounds making me run to his side of the hallway and open his door.
When I walk in, I don't see him but then I hear glass breaking from the bathroom.
I turn the corner and see glass everywhere on the floor.
Along with blood.
“Hayden,” I say, walking closer to him as he looks at himself in the mirror.