Caught

Chapter 15: Breathe

We got our main course and normally we don't really talk. But I knew that was not going to happen. Cora and Krystal barely said a word all throughout dinner. No doubt my mom must have said something to them.

"Don't!" I nearly yell in my mind and my mom looked at me startled.

"She has no idea! You have no right!" I rely to her in my mind. I watch her intently to make sure she understands.

I think this might be the first time I stood up to my mother. She was going to ask Haley if I put a ring on her finger yet. We barely know one another.

"This is no time to ask for engament or wedding plans. It will have to wait" I send the thought to my mother.

Again she looked at me as if she was to challenge me but I held my ground. She wouldn't win this time. I would make sure of it.

My mother cleared her throat and smiled, "So Haley, tell me about your childhood." She said and gave a me a look.

I would thank her later. I wanted to listen to Haley. I had to pay attention to Haley's childhood memories. To sum up everything, she had a rough upbringing. Her parents weren't really around. Her siblings were there but everyone did their own thing. Then she dropped a bomb.

She was married at 18. Oh man, the entire dining room was silent! If there were any insects I would hear their wings. So she was married before. Just then I felt a blast and it was my mother. I had no idea she was married before.

Haley started to tell her story.

"He was my high school sweetheart. We didn't tell anyone. He was in the military and I stayed home until he got his first station. Turned out it was in Virginia. But I stayed in Michigan until I was done with school. It was the distance that got to us. I was looking to transfer, but I just couldn't leave Michigan.

We would take trips to see each other, or meet halfway. We talked on the phone alot, face timed. It was hard but we kept telling each other we would make it through.

One day I decided to surprise him. Exams were over and break was about to begin. I took a red eye, rented a car, got to his apartment." She paused for a moment and looked down at her lap. I watched her take a breath.

She cleared her throat and began to talk again.

"First I noticed when I walked into the apartment was clothes tossed everywhere. I didn't pay no mind he was always messy anyway. But then I started to see women's clothes. I heard noises from the bedroom. Of course I should have left right then and there. But I kept walking in."

She paused as she set her silverware down and looked at me. Without thinking I stood up and moved my chair next to hers. Setting it beside her I took her hand and put in mine, letting my other hand cover both of ours.

"You don't have to continue." I whisper.

She looks at me, "I'm okay, I promise. Thank you." She gives me a lingering kiss on my cheek. I honestly can't explain how she makes me feel. Four years I watched over her. Four years I have slowly fallen in love with her.

She takes a moment to take a breath and continues with her tale.

"I honestly didn't want to believe it. But I saw a set of keys on his coffee table and they looked almost exactly like my sister's."

"Was it the sister you argued with before we left?" I asked not meaning to interrupt her but I had to know. She looks at me and nods.

"I didn't say anything, I just left. Took a flight back to Michigan and contacted a lawyer. It took him a while to sign the papers. He didn't understand. He called my family, my friends, even Jacob." I squeezed her hand.

"So we divorced, I finished school, then moved to New York City, got a job at Hollow's. About a year later, this guy accidently bumped into me. Next thing I know we're having talks on the roof of our apartment building and now I'm here. He told me everything and I, for some reason, just feel safe with him." She finished looking at me.

Our main course dishes were taken away. But all I saw was Haley. I had to tell myself to breathe. I needed to breathe. I remembered what Jade told me.

Dessert came out and I was still lost in her hazel eyes. I felt a burst and looked up at Cora. I cleared my throat and turned back to Haley. I kissed her forehead and whispered to her to not forget to meet later tonight. She nods and smiles as I pull back from her.

"Who's Jacob?" My mother asked.

"Jacob is the guy that almost had his way with Haley. He interrupted our date in Michigan. But I took care of him. He's not to even think about Haley." I said sharply.

"I don't take kindly to men who think they can take advantage of women just because they think they're dominate." I continued, trying not to look at Dante who just sat there, silent.

"This whole thing about taking our soulmates in the middle of the night needs to stop. I never liked it at all. That's why it took me four years. They have to give their consent. If they don't want to leave so be it. Let it happen at their own time. I will put it into effect tomorrow morning." I told everyone. My mother didn't look too happy but I didn't care.

A lot is going to change tomorrow. I'm getting rid of old traditions and putting in others in place. Corination is happening on New Years Eve. Figured that would be a good time. New year, new king. It made sense.

I didn't move from Haley's side for the rest of the dinner. I could feel her tremble. I told her to dress warm tonight since we were going to meet outside. There's only one place I can get her away from listening ears.

I didn't pop the question, because why would I? She doesn't know me, but she wants to and I want to know her. During her tale of her childhood she mentioned she had a dog. I kept that in mind. I wouldn't mind have a few puppies around for a while.

Dinner was coming to a close and I couldn't be more relieved. Normally my mom would be the first to leave, but I just couldn't sit there any longer.

"Do you wanna get out of here?" I asked Haley and she nodded.

I stand up and told everyone that Haley and I were tired from the trip and since I have to be up early, I needed to get some sleep. Plus time change and jet lag just suck. Before my mother could say a word.

Haley and I stood up and walked out o the dining room hand in hand.