Happy New Year! I actually had a life last night and went out so I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday. I haven't said this in a while but I really appreciate all the reviews and support. I know that stories that involve made up characters and only one of the guys aren't really popular but my stories have been well received. Thank you for that!

Sorry for the long authors note but I hope that you enjoy this chapter and I really wish you guys review!

It was 2 months later and Hayley kind of disappeared from my life. She never answered my calls and ignored me after she left the hospital. The doctor said that her recovery was a miracle. I wanted to talk to her and call her and kiss her and love her like I was supposed to. She hadn't come back to school yet and after the school found out about Jett, kids were being disrespectful. I'd walk through the hall and hear kids say that she deserved it.

"You okay man?" James asked. He and I had gotten much closer since the incident. He was the only one who knew the whole story.

"I'm fine." I mumbled.

"There's a rumor going around that Hayley is coming back today."

"Doubt it." I said as I took my seat in history. Halfway through class, the door opened and the principal walked in.

"I wanted to come in and warn you guys of the consequences of bullying. Hayley is coming back today and I don't want to hear about any of you saying mean things to her. If I do, you will be suspended. Am I understood?" he asked and the class nodded. I was eagerly waiting for Hayley to walk in.

The door opened and Hayley walked in. Her skin was discolored and she still had dark bruises and bumps covering her. Her hair was cut in a pixie style. No longer did she have long brown hair. My eyes stared at her stomach but I knew nothing was in there. She looked scared standing up there.

"You can choose where to sit." The teacher said and she immediately walked over to me and sat in my lap. I was confused. We hadn't talked in 2 months but here she was clinging to me.

"Hayley…why don't you take the desk next to Kendall." The principal suggested. She shook her head and buried her head in my neck.

"It's fine." I said and they nodded.

"Complete the homework then it's a free period." The teacher said. He was too busy talking to the principal.

"How're you doing?" I whispered.

"fine." She murmured.

"I missed you."

"Missed you too."

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" I gently asked.

"I didn't feel like it."

"That's fine. I'm glad you're back."

"Do you like my hair?" she asked. It was almost like I was talking to a 4 year old. Her voice was soft and innocent.

"It's very pretty."

"I miss my old hair."

"It looks better this way." I reassured.

"I'm sorry about not talking to you."

"It's okay. Do you want to eat lunch with me today?"

"…will the hockey team be there?"

"I'll meet you at your locker and then we'll eat in my car. How does that sound?"

"I'd like that."

"I want to have a serious talk with you then…do you mind?"

"Do we have to?"

"We do."

"…I guess." She pouted and I wanted to kiss her so bad.

"You look beautiful."

"No I don't. I'm all…disfigured."

"You look amazing." I reassured as the bell rang.

"What do you have this period?"

"Science."

"So does James. He'll walk you to class."

"thanks." She whispered and James gently guided her down the hall.

"Mr. Knight…keep an eye on her." The principal said as I left.

XxXxXxXxXx

"And then James threw the ball at Logan's head and Logan got a concussion." I told the story to Hayley who was giggling.

"Is he okay?"

"He's fine."

"Good…"

"How are you…really?"

"I'm…dealing." This was the Hayley I knew.

"How's ….your stomach?"

"It's fine."

"You…uh…you knew about the baby. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I found out that morning…I was going to tell you….I just never got the chance too."

"Oh…"

"I named him."

"You did?"

"My mom planted a tree in the park that represents him and she put a plaque there. You can visit it if you want."

"I will…what did you name him?"

"Go to the tree and find out." She gave me a small smile.

"We should probably get back inside…lunch period is probably over."

"Do…do you want to come over for dinner this Friday?"

"I'd like that. Does your mom still hate me?"

"I think she does…don't mind her though."

"But my girlfriends mom can't hate me"

"Girlfriend?"

"Well…I just….we were…and …the baby…I…"

"You can be my boyfriend but you can't touch me…or hurt me."

"I promise I won't."

"Good…boyfriend." She smiled and I chuckled.

"What did Jett do to you that day?"

"I don't want to tell you yet….I will when I'm ready."

"I'll be there to listen to you…with no judgment." I said.

"Thanks…I'll see you later." She said as she headed back into school. I ran back to my car and quickly drove to the park. I came to a little tree and sat in front of the plaque.

"Perfect name." I mumbled.

"Gabe means warrior." A voice behind me said.

"What are you doing here?"

"I saw you leave school so I took a bus and followed you.

"Gabe Tyler Knight…it's perfect." I said and Hayley sat down next to me.

"I wish I could have been able to protect him. I tried…Jett was too strong."

"It's not your fault…I don't blame you…he would have been a great son." I said and she nodded.

"When I found out about him…I was so scared. What would you think? What would Jett do? I was scared. When Jett was punching me and yelling at me…..it didn't matter. All that mattered was that my baby was being hurt."

"I'm sorry…"

"He said he knew. He could tell by the way my hips were and how I looked different. How could he have known? I only found out that day…"

"I don't know…"

"Was it gruesome?"

"Yeah…it was disgusting. He did it himself." I said and she nodded.

"Will we come visit here again? Maybe have a picnic here in a few weeks."

"That sounds like a great idea. We should get back to school..." I trailed off.

"Can we stay here? I don't feel like leaving yet."

"Whatever you want." I whispered as I sat with my back against the tree. Hayley snuggled against me and we just sat in silence. Silently mourning the loss of our baby.

Was it good? Bad? Review and let me know!