Chapter 32

Hello guys, I am back with yet another chapter. It is a light one but the happy moments are ending soon or at least taking a break for a while. You'll see what happens. I hope you enjoy. :)

So the morning had been spent in extra activities and neither of them were complaining. It had been a while since they had shared such good moments. They were happy because the other was happy and that made it even more special and precious. Hailey still wasn't allowed to join back duty, but she was glad about that as long as Jay was here. But naturally he wouldn't be staying here indefinitely, and that pained her heart. They had no doubt decided to take this path, more so because that was the only way to save their jobs, but the more they were experiencing this new change, Hailey's heart was crying out to her that she would really have a hard time staying without Jay. Jay was in the same boat as well.

Jay was seated at the counter when Hailey came out, hair wrapped in a towel and bathrobe around her body. After they had finished their extra activity, Jay had stepped out giving her the space and time to clean up and get freshened up. He stared at her without any thought and it forced Hailey to ask him, "What?"

"You look wonderful with and without clothes and I don't know what to do," he replied still staring at her.

Hailey half smiled and half blushed. Jay was really spoiling her by pampering her like this. She went to him and placed a quick kiss on his lips and sat facing him. She began, "So, what's the plan for today?"

Jay replied, "First, I am going to take you to the hospital for a check-up and then"—

"Honestly, I am fine Jay. I don't need to go to the doctor," she replied, already bored by the idea.

"Hailey, I am not asking you. You are going to the doctor. And moreover, listen to the entire plan."

She rolled her eyes and waited for him to finish what he had to say. Jay continued, "I was wondering if my new girlfriend would like to go on a date with me this evening?"

At that Hailey's eyes locked with his and she looked into them for a moment to make sure he was actually asking her out. She smiled briefly and said, "I think your girlfriend would like that."

"Alright then, the boyfriend is delighted to hear that he has her heart," Jay said, smiling as well.

Hailey looked at him for a long moment and said, "Jay, you always have my heart."

He returned her smile and they started their breakfast.

The whole day went by casually, there was nothing much to do. Hailey was still dreading the visit to the hospital and by now she knew better than to oppose it. Jay was not going to listen to her one word regarding this matter. She had observed lately that whenever it was about her health, Jay had another level of seriousness in it and never appreciated jokes about it. So that's what they did, they went to the doctor first and she was seeing a side of Jay that she had never seen. He was so concerned and so keen to know everything. And she couldn't help but appreciate all that he was doing and how much he actually cared about her. The doctor gave them good news and announced that Hailey could get back to work soon. To that Jay had a million questions and he wasn't quite convinced whether she was really fit for work. The doctor assured him there was no risk, secretly admiring the love Jay had for Hailey.

Finally they got around to the part for which they were both excited and thrilled. Jay had booked a nice restaurant and he led her in, noticing her every reaction and just smiling by seeing her smile. He asked finally, "So what do you think?"

"It's lovely Jay. You couldn't have chosen a better place," she replied still looking around.

They sat at a far table where there wasn't much noise or many people. The waiter arrived with the water and the menu. They went through it and ordered some food. Hailey was still looking around, quite in awe of the place. But Jay was merely looking in front, staring at her blatantly. She caught his eye and looked at him awkwardly for a moment, trying to understand what he was doing. Was he playing some sort of game with her? He still didn't alter his gaze and Hailey was forced to say, "You can't look at me like this here."

He smiled broadly and said, "Of course I can. I can look at you as much as I want to."

She felt the need to add this, "It really looks as though you are stalking me."

Jay let out a small laugh and said, "Well, I am stalking you Hailey."

Hailey looked at him and shook her head. Jay really was a mood sometimes and she couldn't help but smile. She spoke, "Jay, you're really too sweet."

"Hailey, I would do anything for you," he said, reaching out for her hand on the table.

She held his hand and squeezed it lightly, reassuring him that she knew and believed this fact with her entire heart and nothing would ever change that. Then they talked casually for a while and finally their food arrived. It looked delicious, and after having tasted a bite both of them could confirm that it tasted delicious as well. They were having a lovely evening, being outside, in each other's company and such good food. It was probably the first they were in a restaurant without having the constant worry that they might get a call or have to show up at the district for something. After dinner they decided to take a walk around, the weather was cool but not unbearable. Hailey grabbed Jay's hand and they walked along the river that was on the other side of the river. It didn't escape Jay's notice that she had herself initiated something physical, moreover in public. His heart did leaps of joy and he began thinking that perhaps things did change for the best. Hailey was opening up more and he couldn't ask for anything more. They walked hand in hand along the river, the sky a dark blue, the stars shining their little lights and Hailey placing her head on his shoulder lightly. Suddenly Hailey withdrew her hand and crossed her elbows over her chest. Jay looked at her and sensed what could have happened. He took off his jacket immediately and wrapped it around her upper body making Hailey say, "No, Jay, you don't have to. It was just a gust of wind."

"Hailey, relax. Here you go," he said, enveloping her completely with his jacket, which was definitely two to three sizes bigger than hers.

His hand was still on her shoulder adjusting the jacket, and she held it gently. She loved this man beyond comprehension and she was going to make sure he knew that. She kissed his hand gently and smiled up to him. He looked at her with his smile that he only preserved for her and pulled her closer to him. And this was how Jay and Hailey spent the later half of their evening.

When they reached home it was rather late, but who cared? They were free birds for a while and they were going to make use of every free moment. Suddenly Jay's phone rang and he stepped outside to answer the call. Hailey entered and went straight for the couch. She settled down lazily and waited for him to come back. He came back in a few minutes and something in his face had changed. She couldn't quite place it, but she knew him enough to know that something was bothering him suddenly.

"Who was it?" she asked.

"That was Voight," he answered.

She looked at him for a moment longer and asked, "What's the matter? Is everything alright? Is he alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. It's just that…" and he trailed off.

Hailey got up now and approached him, certain that something was up. She asked him worried, "What' the matter Jay?"

"He wants me to come back soon. As it is they are short of people in Intelligence," Jay said, hoping it wouldn't ruin their evening.

"Oh…" she managed.

Both of them could sense the pain in that one word. She was looking away now but his eyes were fixed on her, it had affected her but she was trying her best to hide her emotions. Then she continued, "I think he's right. Work comes first."

He kept looking at her, waiting for her to say something more, waiting for her to say something other than this. But she didn't, she remained silent. He dreaded such moments and honestly, such moments were the ones that built a wall within her. He took a step closer and said gently, "Hailey…"

And that was her undoing. She turned around and started crying softly. Her hands were covering her face, so that nobody had to see anything. But Jay didn't have to look at her to know that she was crying. He went to her side immediately and held her shoulders gently and said, "Hailey, look at me."

She removed her hands from her face and looked up at him. She started before he could say anything, "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to react like this. I am sorry Jay."

"Hey, hey, hey. You don't have to apologise Hailey. I completely understand how you're feeling and it sucks that I have to leave."

She was still crying, nodding now as well. He continued softly, "I'll be back before you know it."

"What do you mean?" she asked, wiping her tears.

"I'll come her every weekend. We can be together for a couple of days," he said, smiling now.

She looked at him in surprise and managed, "Jay, you're not going to do that. Do you even realise how tiresome that can become?"

"Hailey, I'll be fine," he assured her.

"You need to rest Jay," she pursued still.

This wasn't about her anymore, it was about them and she had to make sure Jay remained in good health and didn't just tire himself in avoidable activities. But it seemed, he had an answer ready, "You're my rest Hailey. When I am with you I am peaceful and at ease."

She approached him and wrapped her arms around his body now. They really had the shortest moments of happiness together. Her hand went behind his neck like it always did, solely for him, and she caressed the back of his neck gently. His hand was on her head and caressed her as well. They knew this was going to be painful, especially since they had just got back together, but they had no other choice, at least as long as they intended to keep their jobs. They were wrapped in each other's arms, hoping this moment lasted forever. But deep within they knew that this was going to be harder than they thought. They would really have to hold onto their love and let blossom in whichever way it would, otherwise again there would be problems. The most fundamental question was: would their love survive this time?

And that concludes the chapter. And as you can see, the happy and lighter Upstead moments have come to an end. But I can assure you the story is moving along in a positive direction. So do drop in your comments and let me know what you think. :)