Chapter 26

Hello dear friends, I am back with another chapter. This one is a long one because I suddenly got an idea and thought of exploring it out. So here is the new chapter. Do let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy. :)

PS: There are a few special guest stars in this one. Nothing too grand, but just something fun and interesting.

The sun pierced through the open window waking Jay up with a glare of light. The moment he sat up he realised his head felt heavy and a headache was lingering. He rubbed his forehead, attempting to ease down the pain but to no avail. Honestly, he didn't care about his headache or any other pain, what bothered him most was the hole that was pierced in his heart. That pain was one that he wanted to subdue and forget. He realised how much more he loved Hailey after their break up and after she had left. Hence, he had decided to get drunk last night and forget things for a while. That thought suddenly made way for another frightening thought; Abby. He looked to his side quickly and exhaled, relieved. She wasn't there, and then he remembered what had actually happened. He was so out of his senses that it had taken him quite a while to figure out what was happening, but the moment she had kissed him and tried to make a move on him, he had realised it wasn't Hailey because he knew every nuance and touch of Hailey too well. He had stopped her immediately, disgusted and hurt and had sent her out of the apartment. She had left, all the while trying to explain to him. And then another terrifying thought had entered his mind. He remembered that after Abby had left, he had called Hailey, and he had called her more than one should call a person. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand immediately and opened it. He saw that Hailey had tried to call him a few times and since he hadn't picked up she had left him a message saying, "We'll talk tonight. I hope you're alright Jay."

That last sentence melted his heart and he didn't know what to feel. She was still concerned about him from New York. He knew he had to get his act together and really focus on his job, because after all Voight had allowed him back. He had to prove himself again and this time there was no distraction even. He got dressed and left for the district, intent on being present in his work.

It was the first day for Hailey at the FBI and she was nervous. Well, technically it wasn't the first day, but since her joining it was. She was excited to meet the team again and she couldn't wait to go to work. And from the past few week's horrific and rather emotional experiences she had learned to keep her emotions in check and not let her mind get diverted by unnecessary thoughts. Of course Jay was on her mind all the time, and he probably would remain always, but she had learnt to concentrate on the matter at hand. She arrived at the bureau and she was greeted with a loud applause and she even received a friendly hug from OA. They had really had fun the last time and they had developed a friendship of some sort. The only new person Hailey met was Maggie, the last time she had arrived, Maggie had gone for an undercover operation. They hugged and smiled politely, knowing within that the other was worthy of respect and admiration. Isobelle was briefing the team when she remembered something and she added, "And today we have some extra members joining our team because the case we have in hand needs to be closed today itself, it is a direct order from above and I intend to obey that order."

The team nodded, also knowing well they were under pressure. And suddenly the door to the hall opened and Hailey spotted a group of people coming in the room. Her eyes stopped on one person and the person caught her glance and smiled briefly. The group joined the team and Isobelle started making formal introductions to everyone. Finally, she said, "And this is Agent Erin Lindsay, she will be assisting us today as well."

Hailey didn't know what to feel or how to react. She and Erin had worked on a few cases earlier but after that they had parted ways because Erin had left Intelligence and joined the FBI. But before she could continue her thoughts she heard Isobelle's voice again, "Hailey, you'll be partnering up with Erin."

Hailey nodded, realising that this was to happen anyway because Maggie was back now and OA was her partner. The team was briefed more about the case by Jubal and they were off to work. Erin and Hailey had to go pick up a suspect from somewhere. OA and Maggie too were accompanying them. Everything about this case was dangerous and a backup was always necessary. Hailey was driving the car and Erin was by her side. For a while they didn't really know what to say but finally Erin asked, "How's Chicago?"

Hailey turned towards her for a slight moment and replied smiling, "Cold."

Erin smiled too and now Hailey spoke, "So how do you like working for the FBI? Is it really better than Intelligence?"

Erin thought for a moment and said, "I actually enjoy my job here Hailey. And whether it is better or not, I don't know. But I have realised better is different for everyone."

Hailey nodded understanding her point. It was true, what you liked was better for you. Then Erin asked, "How's Jay?"

At that Hailey was a little taken aback, but she answered normally, "He's alright."

Again there was a pause. Then Erin spoke again, "You guys must have been partners before you came here right?"

Hailey replied, looking forward, "Yeah, we were."

Only she knew the double meaning behind that and that brought about a fresh wave of emotions to her heart, but she controlled herself. Then she asked, simply curious, "Does he talk to you often?"

Erin looked at her for a moment and asked, "You mean Jay?"

Hailey nodded, still looking at the road. Erin replied, "Not really, we haven't spoken it's been over four months. We just share messages on special occasions."

Hailey was nodding, not realising why she needed this sort of satisfaction. Because Jay and she never spoke about Erin, it was understood between them that this subject was off limits. So hearing things from Erin's mouth did bring about a sort of relief. Suddenly Erin spoke, "You know, Jay and I, we were never right for each other, there was just something that was not right about it."

"Hmm," Hailey replied, not knowing what else to say.

But Erin simply continued, as though Hailey had not said anything, "He's a great guy, probably one of the best I have met, but somehow we couldn't work it out. He needs someone like you in his life."

At that Hailey was forced to look at Erin. She asked finally, "What do you mean Erin?"

Erin looked at her and smiled, "You're like him Hailey, reserved, quiet and secretive. I know you a little, after all we have been partners for a while."

Hailey nodded, realising that Erin was genuinely over her time in Chicago and she didn't hold any feelings for Jay either. She was done with that life and she made sure Hailey understood that as well. That was a breath of fresh air for Hailey, although she knew Erin was a good person, she wouldn't try to deceive anyone into anything. Then Erin spoke again, "I am really glad that I am working with you. I really feel we'll make a great team."

Hailey thought as much and replied, "Yeah, me too. I am happy to be here as well."

So that seemed to have gone off well, thought Hailey. There was no awkwardness or weirdness between her and Erin, they seemed to be on the same page. It was a good and positive start to this new partnership.

The whole day was gone by in catching suspects and questioning them. But in the end they had ceased the boss of the cartel and his entire unit and ended the case as planned. It had been a tiring day but the team wanted to celebrate at the bar and so all of them went there. Maggie unfortunately didn't come because as OA said it, "She's got a new boyfriend so she's going to forget all of us."

Everyone laughed, and ironically everyone was only Hailey and Erin, the others had decided to call it a day. Finally Erin also left and it was only OA and Hailey. OA started, "It's really good to see you Hailey, I knew you would choose us in the end."

Hailey smiled and said, "It does feel good to be back. I did miss you the guys more than I realised."

OA smiled, humbled by that statement. "Next round's on me," he said, moving towards the bar.

Hailey nodded and relaxed as he went to get the beers. She thought, maybe this was the best thing. She needed this change and more importantly she needed some time to think things through. OA was back with the beer and he settled down. He started, "So Hailey, how have you been?"

She didn't want to lie but if she told the truth she would have to explain a million things so she simply said, "Good, good. What about you?"

"All good," he replied taking a sip of his cold beer.

Suddenly Hailey's phone buzzed and she was taken aback. She looked at the screen and her expression changed immediately making OA ask her, "Everything alright?"

She looked at him and replied, "Uh… yeah."

He nodded and looked around. The bar was full and bustling. Again her phone buzzed and Hailey knew she had to leave now. OA looked at her puzzled and asked again, "Hailey, is everything okay?"

She nodded and decided to tell him she had to go. But he continued, "Boyfriend?"

At that her heart was crushed. Yes, it was Jay, but he was no longer her boyfriend. He was just Jay and she didn't want to only know who Jay was. She replied finally, "No, just my partner, well former partner, checking up on me."

"Alright," OA said, relieved as well. He added, "But if any of your boyfriends harass you you can let me know," he said, winking and making the mood lighter.

Hailey smiled and said, "Sure, thanks. I have to go now."

"Of course, Hailey. See you tomorrow," he said and got up.

"See you tomorrow," she said with a smile and walked out of the bar already calling Jay.

He picked up immediately and she heard the voice she was longing to hear for so long, "Hi."

"Hi," she replied back, knowing fully well that he too was in a similar state as hers.

"Where are you Hailey?" he asked hearing the commotion of the street.

"Just coming out of a bar. We just solved a big case and everyone wanted to celebrate," she replied, heading towards her car.

"Oh, yeah? Who all were there?" he asked interested to hear about her day.

Hailey was aware that this could happen and she spoke, "OA was there, Maggie didn't join us because she has a new boyfriend, OA's words not mine and… Erin."

Hailey waited for his response, "Erin as in"—

"Yeah," Hailey interrupted him.

"I see, but what was she doing in your district?"

"She came because of this big case, I don't know if she's staying," Hailey finished, hoping to change subjects.

She could feel it that Jay was thinking hard about something, and just when she was going to ask him he spoke, in a grave voice, "Hailey, I have to tell you something."

The tone itself was enough to send chills down Hailey's back. She was worried suddenly and asked him quickly, "What's the matter Jay? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I am fine Hailey. It's just that last night… I was really very… and she tried to…"

Hailey was tensed now, what was going on, why wasn't Jay just telling her directly what had happened, "Jay, tell me what happened."

"Hailey, I was really drunk last night and Abby tried to…"

Hailey didn't need to hear the rest, she understood what could have happened. She felt a vivid pang of jealousy in her heart but she didn't say anything. So Abby was trying to entice Jay now that she was gone. Suddenly she heard his voice, she didn't realise she was caught up in her own thoughts, "Hailey, Hailey, are you there?"

"Yeah Jay, I am listening," she said.

"Nothing happened," he tried to justify still.

She spoke finally, starting her car now, "Jay, It's okay. You don't have to tell me anything. You have the right to live your life the way you want to, we have broken up."

Of course, she didn't mean this but she had to say it not to sound too desperate or affected. Jay was slightly shocked to hear that, "What? Are you saying it doesn't bother you that she tried to…"

He cut his sentence short intentionally, not wanting to say it out loud. Hailey spoke now, exasperated, "Of course it bothers me Jay, but what do you want me to say? I don't have the right to tell you anything anymore."

Jay knew she was right and he himself didn't know what he wanted her to say. He said finally, "I am sorry Hailey, I didn't mean for this to happen. But I just wanted to tell you this."

She exhaled loudly, tired and a little sad, "Jay, it's fine. We did break up and we are"—

"Hailey, why are you always pulling away from me?" he asked, finally wanting her to know this.

"I am not pulling away from you Jay," she said calmly.

"Of course you are and I think you know that," he said sadly.

"Jay…" she said, sensing that this was only going to get worse and they would feel more hurt.

But Jay was not letting it go, "Look, Hailey, I am sorry I was so indifferent and rude before. It was not me, I was just really hurt. Please"—

"Jay, let's not do this, please. It's over and gone, just leave it," she pleaded.

"I cannot, you don't seem to understand that. I cannot let you go Hailey, you've really got a hold on my heart that I can't escape," he said, softly and full of emotion.

Why did Jay always do this? Why did he put her up on a pedestal? Every time he got emotional she too couldn't help herself. She whispered finally, "Jay, you're really making this harder for the both of us."

"Why can't you just say what you really feel? Why are you always trying to hide your feelings Hailey," he said, persisting still.

She yelled into the phone full of emotion, "Because the moment we got together something or the other has been happening to us. There has never been a moment in which we didn't have to worry about the other. There have just been so many problems that I am terrified now Jay. I cannot lose you."

That was probably the first she had told him all this and he realised in that one moment why she hadn't ever said these things before. He didn't speak for a long moment and he could hear her sniffling. Then he said, "I miss you," he had let his guard down completely.

But before she could respond in any way, suddenly she saw large lights reflecting on her windshield. Before she could see where the light was blaring from she felt the phone dropping from her hand and suddenly being pushed to one side. Pain was the only thing she felt, although she couldn't quite understand what was happening. Then she lost consciousness. The phone had dropped to the floor and the only thing heard was, "Hailey! Hailey! What happened? Are you alright Hailey?"

Evidently Jay had heard the crash and he got down from his bed and started screaming in the phone trying to find out if she was fine. But no response, the only thing he could hear was people rushing to the scene.

Well, the chapter comes to an end here. Sorry for leaving you once again on such a cliffhanger. Do forgive me and bear with me. Things are still chaotic and shaky for Upstead, and this chapter certainly makes us wonder what will happen next, but hopefully they'll work them out soon. Please do share your thoughts, I would always love that. You could also pitch in with ideas or guess what could happen next, those are always interesting to read. Thank you for reading and being part this this. :)