Upstead (First Kiss)

Chapter 7

Hello guys! I am back with the new chapter. Although, it isn't a packed one but it has its value. Please trudge along and well, enjoy it. :)

Jay was facing in the other direction when Hailey quickly grabbed the T-shirt he had placed on her bed and yanked it on top of her head. Jay had seen enough of her, she thought. Last night he had witnessed her vulnerable side along with her nightmares and today he had seen her wounds, her physical wounds. She was not ready to show more of herself to him. She quickly tied her hair into a ponytail with her rubber band that she had around her wrist, at least that would make her look presentable. She sat on the bed loud enough to let him know she was done. Jay was still standing, probably in shock. She wondered what he would think about her now and whether they would get past this. He turned slowly as he heard the sound, not wanting to make a mistake again. None of them knew what so say, because honestly there was nothing to say. Finally Jay decided to sit next to her but he made sure he was further than normal, because it was best if he gave her space and didn't force her into anything. He realised Hailey was not going to speak so he started, "What happened?"

He was not interested to know the details, nor was he interested in making Hailey relieve that horrific experience but he wanted to know what kind of monster could do such a thing. Hailey knew perfectly well what Jay was referring to but she chose to remain silent. She didn't want to voice her experience, having nightmares about it was enough. Instead she asked, "What happened to Booth?"

They had never spoken about what happened to him and Hailey wasn't in a state in the past few days to enquire about it. Jay looked at her and replied in an even voice, "Voight shot him." And for once he was completely on board with Voight's methods.

Hailey simply nodded, realising his death didn't really change her state. And for the first time after this experience she felt a certainty that she wouldn't be able to come out of this, and that thought terrified her to her very bones. She decided to get back to sleep, that way she wouldn't have to face Jay's questions and looks.

"I can stay here if you want me to," Jay offered.

"It's fine, they're over for tonight. We'll have to wait for tomorrow night."

The bluntness with which she said this made Jay shiver from within. How was this going to end? Would they be able to survive this?

The following morning Jay left for work as usual, only more worried about Hailey. He didn't want to leave her for even a second. The moment he entered the district he went to Voight's office and waited there. Voight arrived in some time and both of them were engaged in a serious discussion. Jay left fifteen minutes later and told his colleagues he would see them after a few days. He went straight back to Hailey's house. He knocked on the door and found a surprised Hailey on the other side. She managed, "Jay, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be arresting people?" attempting at humour.

Jay walked in as though it was his own house and said, "No, not for a few days at least."

"What do you mean?" Hailey asked genuinely confused.

"I have taken a couple of days off and we are going for a small trip," he replied smiling at her.

"Where?" she asked realising she wanted to say what.

"Oh, I am glad you're not fighting this. Will has a cabin near the woods and I thought we both needed a break."

"I don't think it's a good idea Jay," Hailey said finally.

"Why not? And I have got all the permission required as well."

Hailey stared at him not believing her ears, "Voight agreed to this?"

"Hmm hmm. I spoke to him and he's given us a thumbs up."

Hailey didn't know what to say. She couldn't quite decide what was more surprising, Voight allowing this or Jay coming up with such strange ideas.

"So get packing, we're leaving in an hour," Jay grinned and said.

It appeared Hailey didn't really have a choice, though she was glad about this trip. She needed a breath of fresh air and anything outside these walls would provide her that. So Hailey packed her bag and was all set to leave. They had to stop at Jay's place for a while because he too needed to grab the essentials. And then they were off on the road, just like before, Jay driving his truck and Hailey seated beside him, only this ride was a sort of vacation and they didn't have to keep their eyes peeled open for criminals or threats. The ride was not more than half an hour long before they reached the small cabin. Hailey was amazed by its beauty in spite of it being so small. She definitely felt better now. Jay parked in the small garage on the side and led Hailey towards the front entrance. They entered to find that the cabin, well, it was more of a house considering the aesthetic of it all, was in order and looked beautiful.

"Here we are then," Jay declared letting Hailey step in first.

"It's beautiful Jay. It's not too far from town nor is it too close to be disturbed by the hustling and bustling. It's perfect," Hailey said admiring the place and actually meaning what she said.

Jay was overjoyed to see this sort of reaction from Hailey, she was so happy and that lifted his heart. They arranged their stuff and sat down on the couch, simply taking in the moment and each other's presence. Jay decided to speak suddenly, "I'll crash on the couch as usual, you can take the bedroom."

"What? No, come on. Don't be stupid. You can sleep on the bed," Hailey said wondering what was this thing between Jay and couches.

Jay was slightly surprised to hear that but he agreed, thinking that at least that way he would be right next to her should something happen. "Now, Hailey, I want to talk about what happened?" Jay began, clearly not dropping the matter.

"No, Jay. We are not discussing that and are probably never going to. So the sooner you drop it the better for both of us," Hailey said sharply. She really didn't want to delve into this now.

"Hailey, I am just trying to help," Jay said softly.

"Then not talking about it would be the first correct step," she said.

"I cannot forget what I saw yesterday and it hurts me to even think about," Jay said sadly.

"You weren't supposed to see that," Hailey said looking anywhere but at Jay.

"But I did and I can't get it out of my mind," he said breath speeding up not.

"Jay," Hailey began, sensing the desperation in his voice and the emotion in hers.

"I need to know," he said, finally and ultimately.

"But why do you need to know?" Hailey questioned really not understanding Jay's persuading nature.

"Because," he stopped short, not trusting himself to say the appropriate words.

Hailey looked at him, waiting for an answer. But when Jay had decided not to continue a sudden idea popped into her mind, it was the same idea that she had tried to bury. Did Jay feel more than he showed? So Hailey decided to give in finally and began, "Booth was in prison for good, but he had called me several times. I don't know how he got my number but he threatened me several times."

Hailey had to stop, because Jay was looking at her as though she had punched him in the gut. He screamed, not intending to, "That bastard called you and you didn't even tell me? Hailey, what the hell is wrong with you!"

Hailey bore his words and it was confirmed that sharing this story had been a bad idea since the beginning. And now she had volunteered information that was going to be used against her and Halstead was not going to back off. "Jay," she tried but he wasn't listening. "Jay!" he wasn't listening still.

"No, Hailey. You're going to listen to me now! I have had enough of your carelessness and your hero attitude," he started.

At that Hailey looked at him in shock, "My carelessness? My hero attitude? Are you kidding me Jay? You're the one that gets shot every week! You're the one that hooks up with drug dealers! And you are the one that helps people who want to kill you!"

"Look Hailey, this conversation isn't about me," Jay said, trying to escape the bullet.

"Well, then this conversation is over!" Hailey yelled.

And it was, because she had left and Jay was left all alone on the couch. But he couldn't help but notice the desperation and worry in Hailey's voice when she had screamed at him. Was she only concerned about the general ways of policing or did she really feel something more that she didn't want to reveal directly?

Something was brewing between the two but neither of them wanted to explore it. They were convinced it was only the other person who felt that extra emotion. But if they gave it a shot, would they land in the same place?

The end of this chapter. This chapter was light and not too engaging, but I have prepared the ground for what's coming next. Excited to hear from you guys, please comment. Thank you!