Page 121 of Blinded By Hate

Jaclyn doesn’t argue with me, she just forces herself to sit down on the chair next to Junior.

The rest of the morning is spent in silence.

As I make Jaclyn breakfast, change Junior into an outfit, and drive her to work.

She doesn’t say one word to me. The only words exchanged are with Junior.

Don’t worry, we’ll be having a very long talk after Junior’s conference tonight.

Fifty-Two

Jaclyn

Present

I knew today was going to be a bad one when I woke up late. Although waking up next to Hayden was nice and reminded me of old times, I hate whenever I feel rushed in the mornings.

Being late always gives me major anxiety, whether it be for work or lunch with friends, I always like being on time.

After I finished getting ready I still had to worry about getting Junior dressed and fed before going to school. Everything started to feel hectic but then I walked out of the room and saw Hayden leaning against the counter while watching Junior eat.

Hayden’s arms were crossed and his whole body looked hard and tense. Then he looked at me and I knew, I just knew every good thing that came out of last night had crumbled down. Hayden and I didn’t talk the rest of the morning and Junior tried to have us both talk during the car ride to my work but neither of us said anything to each other.

Hayden would only talk to Junior while I stayed silent, fixing Junior’s hair.

I let Hayden drop me off at work first so that I wouldn’t be late and he could drop Junior off at school.

Work today has been as normal as it could. Brandon bothers me, a meeting with Jules about the CEO article, and then just emails about other stories I needed to look over.

Currently I’m waiting in my office lobby for Hayden’s car. Brandon is with me because Hayden is going to send Brandon home with Junior while we both are at the conference tonight. Hayden mentioned last night he would pick me and Brandon up but after this morning I wouldn’t be surprised if he just bailed.

He is trying to do better though.

I need to stay positive.

“He’s here,” Brandon tells me as if Hayden himself heard my thoughts.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my dress pants and take a deep breath.

I know why Hayden’s mad at me.

It’s because I didn’t tell him about his son’s medical condition. He probably saw all the med’s in the cabinet and he got worried.

But it's fine.

I’m handling it.

I’ve been doing okay and just fine without him or his support.

Brandon and I walk outside as Hayden gets out of the car.

“Brandon, we never exchanged names or met properly,” Hayden says, putting out a hand towards Brandon.

Brandon shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, officially. Glad you’re finally able to be a part of Junior’s life and experience him.”

Hayden nods his head, his jaw clenching. His eyes go to me and yup, he’s still pissed. “Yea, looks like you’re no longer needed.”

“Hayden,” I say, making him look away from Brandon and glare at me.