(Before Jay leaves for Bolivia, he sees to it that those who care about he and Hailey the most have a little guide to how she operates. He just needs to know she's taken care of and that people have her back while he's gone. And they do.)
Jay sat in the airport terminal, still hating how devastated Hailey had been when he'd left an hour ago. He knew she feared abandonment, especially from him, and he absolutely hated that he was about to do this. But for them to be okay, for him to be okay, he needed to do this.
He'd been sitting there for over twenty minutes, typing away on his laptop. The document was titled "Hailey 101". Jay wasn't a fool, he knew exactly how Hailey operated when she was scared or anxious. He was sure some of the unit had it figured out as well, but he couldn't bear the thought of leaving her here and not being 100% sure that at least one person had her back and knew what to look for.
So, here he was, typing everything he could think of. And he did a "Remember I love you" list for Hailey, which he'd left on her bedside table.
The list would be going to Will, Kevin, Trudy, and Mouch. Jay was sure that Adam had some idea of Hailey's coping mechanisms, same with Kim, but they had Makayla to think about and he didn't want to put any pressure on them to be on Hailey duty as well. He would be sending them both a text to ask them to look out for her and check in on her, that was it.
Jay knew Hailey would need some space for a couple of hours, but when he'd stopped by the hospital to say goodbye to Will, he'd asked him to go by the apartment when his shift ended and check on Hailey. Will had immediately agreed, knowing that with what he was feeling, Hailey would be feeling about a million times worse.
He sighed and looked at the document, reading it over.
"Hailey 101:
If you're getting this, please don't share it. I'd like to keep some of this private for her. This is only going to Will, Trudy, Mouch, and Kevin. Kim and Adam know a lot of this, but I think Hailey will feel better with the four of you. Mouch, you can tell Hermann and Brett if anything ever happens at Molly's.
As you know, I'm leaving for Bolivia for 8 months, give or take. Please look out for Hailey. I hate that I'm leaving her and count down the days till I can be with her again. I know she can handle herself, but it doesn't stop me from worrying. Y'all may already know most of this, but for my peace of mind, here is Hailey 101.
Hailey hates yelling and slamming. She also hates thunder at night, so if there's a big storm, someone please check in on her.
She doesn't sleep or eat when she's overly anxious. Please watch her, encourage her to eat, and try and get an honest answer from her about her sleep. Go to foods when she's anxious are: Greek (sometimes, if she's not nauseous), applesauce, fruit, regular cheerios, and goldfish. When she's not sleeping, she gets pale and her eyes will look bruised. If this happens, please force her to lay down and sleep. Give her something if you have to, then stay with her.
She has nightmares on occasion. Wake her, give her a minute to see where she is, then follow her lead.
She loves when people play with her hair. Use that if needed.
She does have panic attacks. The best thing to do is to get her away from the stressor, hold her hand, and guide her breathing. She normally has a headache and is exhausted afterwards.
Migraines. Hailey gets them on occasion. There's medicine at our place and the district. It helps if you pull her hair at the base of her head.
She loves Harry Potter, Yellowstone, Big Bang, and Young Sheldon. She also loves Christmas movies (and Christmas). Keep those things in mind, please. She also loves chocolate and most ice creams (NO HAZELNUT).
This brings me to her epi pen. Hailey's highly allergic to bees and hazelnut. There's an epi pen in her car, her desk, and at the apartment.
Finally, when she's hitting her breaking point, she has a habit of biting her nails, picking at her cuticles, and unintentionally scratching her hands and sometimes face. If that happens, she needs a break. She won't admit it, but she will need a break. She may get snappy about it, work with it.
And, please don't let Voight get to her. We talked, it should be good, but Kev and Trudy, please watch her back at work for me.
She loves to get outside, coffee, movies, books, dogs, and ice cream. Please help give her some things to look forward to while I'm gone. Keep my girl safe and help her know she is loved. Please.
I know this may seem ridiculous, but I already feel horrible for leaving her. This helps me know that there are people back home who know what to look out for and how to give her a smile. Thank you. "
He attached it to an email to the 4 people and hit send. He felt like a parent leaving a note for babysitters, but this gave him some peace, so it was worth it, even if Hailey may be pissed at first. Jay's flight was called and he sent Hailey one more "I love you" text before boarding. 8 months to go.
Will arrived at the apartment three hours after Jay left. He knocked and knocked, but Hailey wasn't answering, so he called her. She sent him to voicemail, so he texted her that he was letting himself in and not to shoot him before using his key.
"Hails?" He called as he locked the door behind him.
He walked through the apartment and didn't see her until he peeked into the bedroom. His heart broke. Hailey was curled up on Jay's side of the bed, hugging his pillow, crying.
"Hailey, can I come in?" He asked, not wanting to overstep or to startle her.
Hailey nodded but didn't move. She couldn't bring herself to care. Her whole body hurt, her nose was stuffed up, her throat hurt, and her head was pounding. She wanted Jay back.
Will made his way over to her and sat on the edge of the bed, smiling gently at his sister-in-law. "C'mere," he opened his arms and Hailey hesitated for a moment before diving into the hug, sobbing.
"I know, sis. I know. I'm here, any time, day or night. You aren't alone, I promise," he told her, holding her close.
Hailey slowly calmed down and pulled away, wiping her cheeks. "Sorry," she sniffled.
"Don't be, you should've seen me when I found out, it was bad," he handed her some tissues and she blew her nose then went into the bathroom to clean up.
"Thank you," she mumbled, embarrassed.
"Let's order a pizza and watch Harry Potter," he said, standing up.
Hailey sighed. "I'm not hungry."
"Hails, you gotta eat," he sighed, kicking himself when her eyes filled with tears again.
"Come on, Hailey. You need something, we can get whatever you want, but you have to eat. I really don't want Jay to kill me because you starve to death," He tried, putting an arm around her and walking to the living room.
"Please, no. I can't," she begged, stepping away from her brother-in-law, arms wrapped around her stomach.
"Sis, please, just a little something. What about Panera? I'll get you soup or a salad and some fruit," Will was suddenly upset with his brother for how distraught the blonde before him was.
Hailey nodded and went back into the bedroom, grabbed Jay's pillow, and curled up on the couch. Will pulled up the Panera app, put in what he wanted, and got Hailey to tell him she wanted chicken noodle soup and a fruit cup. He ordered delivery and sat beside her, turned the tv on, went to hbomax, and pulled up the Harry Potter movies.
"Which one?" He looked over at the blonde, who was silently crying into the pillow. She shrugged, so he chose the first one and put a hand on her foot, letting her know he was there.
Will stayed with Hailey all night. She ate a little bit and ended up leaning into his side, though Jay's pillow stayed clutched to her chest. Will kept a protective arm around her, smiling when he felt her sag against him and heard her breathing even out. She'd finally fallen asleep, which surprised him. He didn't want to move her, so he got comfortable and covered her with a blanket.
Hailey woke up in the morning and immediately wanted to be asleep again. Jay wasn't there.
"Do you want to work?" She jumped at the sound of Will's voice and sat up, hugging Jay's pillow.
"I don't know," she mumbled. She wasn't ready to face everyone yet, but she didn't want to stay home by herself all day either.
"Wanna try?"
Hailey shrugged. She genuinely wasn't sure what she wanted to do.
Will hugged her and contemplated. He had to leave in thirty minutes to get ready for work, and he didn't want to leave Hailey alone. But she didn't seem to want to go anywhere so that was an issue. He didn't want to force her to go to work, not today.
Hailey pulled away and looked at him. "You have work," she realized.
"Yeah, I do," he sighed.
"I'll just go to work, I need to get the paperwork done on the case," she grumbled, pouting.
"Do you want a ride?"
"I'll be okay, thanks for staying last night. It means a lot," she smiled appreciatively and Will ruffled her hair.
"You call me anytime, sis. I'll be here. I'm coming over a lot anyway, but still, if you need something, day or night, you call and I will be here," Hailey's eyes filled with tears and she hugged her brother-in-law.
"Thank you," she breathed, pulling away and wiping her cheeks.
"Of course," Will kissed her head and she got up, holding Jay's pillow.
"I'm gonna get ready for work," She headed to the bedroom and put Jay's pillow back, grabbed a shirt and some jeans, and went to the bathroom.
Will made coffee and toasted bagels then put plain cream cheese on his and strawberry on Hailey's. She came out 15 minutes later, dressed and wearing one of Jay's zip up jackets, hair still down, and barely a touch of makeup. She wasn't wearing her shoes yet, and Will laughed as he watched her try to put her socks on while walking.
"Oh shut it," she stuck her tounge out at him and rolled her eyes.
"I'll stop if you eat," he countered and she glared at him but sat down and ate half of her bagel, drank some coffee, and pushed the rest away.
Will sighed but decided not to push her. She ate something, so at least he wasn't sending her to work on an empty stomach. He'd take it.
"Please promise me you'll eat something for lunch," He begged as they put their shoes on and she got her badge and gun onto her belt.
"Will," she groaned.
"Hailey Anne, I'm serious, even if it's just some fruit and a protein bar," Hailey relented at his tone and nodded.
"I'll try."
"Thank you. I'm just trying to look out for you," he said.
Hailey nodded and hugged him quickly before they left the apartment. Will made sure she got in her Jeep and actually left before leaving to go change and get to the hospital.
Hailey sat in the parking lot for 20 minutes and just couldn't convince herself to go inside. She wanted her partner.
Her phone vibrated and scared her and she grabbed it. She had a text from Trudy.
T: I see your Jeep in the parking lot, Goldilocks. They're doing paperwork today, you can go up, or go home. Whatever you want.
She bit her lip and fought a sob as she read the text.
H: can you open the back door?
A minute later, the back door opened and Hailey finally got out of the car and walked to it. She was barely inside when Trudy pulled her into a hug.
"Whatever you need, I'm here, kiddo. You're always welcome at my place for dinner or to stay. Mouch and I are both here for you," Trudy told her quietly.
"Thank you," Hailey sniffled and pulled away, wiping her cheeks.
Trudy waited with her until she calmed down and walked her upstairs. Hailey was stressed, she knew it. They got upstairs and everyone looked at Hailey.
"Don't, please," She said, effectively stopping the questions coming her way.
They left her be for the morning, though at lunch, Kevin went over, turned her computer off, and led her downstairs. Hailey protested the whole way and he led her to his car and opened the passenger seat.
"Kev, seriously, what the hell?!"
"I know you're not going to eat anything if I don't take you to lunch. Where should we go?" He asked, looking down at the blonde.
"No," she looked down, biting her lip.
"Hails," Kevin knelt down and touched her knee. "You need something, even if it's small. Come with me, please."
Hailey shook her head. "If I eat I'm gonna throw up," she admitted quietly, wrapping her left arm around her stomach.
Kevin sighed. Jay had mentioned this happened to her sometimes and not to push her too terribly hard if she really felt sick from her anxiety.
"Okay, I won't force you right now. But let's go take a break, yeah?" He asked, still keeping a hand on her knee. Hailey nodded slowly and got in the car the rest of the way.
Kevin closed the door and frowned. Hailey wasn't okay, that was for sure. He got in his car and drove to a few blocks over. Hailey was quiet the whole drive, only looking around when Kevin parked.
"Do you want to go in or stay in the car? I'm getting a sandwich, I can get you some coffee or tea," he asked, looking at her as she fiddled with the zipper on Jay's jacket.
"Ginger tea, please. I'll venmo you," she said.
"No you won't," Kevin went and got his food and her tea and went back to the car.
Hailey drank her tea and looked over at him after a while. "Thank you for making me take a break," she sighed.
"Of course. Hailey, you're like a sister to me. I just want to be here for you and make sure you're okay. I know it's not easy when someone you love has to leave for a while. So whatever you need, I'm your guy, got it?" Hailey nodded with a smile. "Be prepared to get sick of me, girl."
Hailey finally laughed and squeezed his hand. "Thanks, Kev, it means a lot. I'll be fine though," she shrugged.
"Well, I'm still here, even if you think you're fine," he nudged her and she rolled her eyes with a grin.
Kevin managed to keep her distracted from her anxiety until they had to go back to work. When it was time for everyone to go home, they'd never been more thankful for a slow day. Everyone knew Hailey would've been a mess if she'd had to be in the field but she also would've been pissed if she'd had to stay back.
Kevin, Kim, Adam, and Trudy all hugged Hailey before she left for the night. She went and got dinner on her way home, knowing she didn't have much in the apartment, and went home.
She showered, ate half her food, and curled up on the couch with Jay's pillow. She missed him so much.
Jay texted her a couple hours later and she was able to call and talk to him for a little bit, but when he had to go, she cried for almost an hour. Hailey just wanted him to be home with her, but she knew he needed this to be the best version of himself and for them to really work.
She eventually drifted off to sleep on the couch, but it didn't last more than three hours and her insomnia kicked in. Hailey groaned, turned on a lamp, got her book and the list Jay left her, then went back to the couch. That's where she spent every night for two weeks before trying to sleep in their bed again. She wasn't sleeping much.
Jay had been gone a month, and Hailey was having a particularly hard week. When she came into the district on Thursday morning, Trudy sighed. Hailey was in her normal jeans and snow boots, though it hadn't snowed yet, the high for the day was only 43, and Trudy could see she had one of Jay's flannels on under her coat. Her hair was in a messy low ponytail, she was pale, and her eyes looked bruised.
"Morning, Hailey," she said, getting her attention. Hailey smiled at her and went upstairs.
Trudy grabbed her phone and texted Mouch.
T: You care if Upton comes for dinner tonight? Maybe stay the night? She's having a hard week and looks ready to lose her mind.
Mouch had just finished his shift and responded immediately.
M: poor kid, of course. I'll make sure the guest room is ready. Love you.
T: love you.
Hailey was exhausted. And sore. And she wanted Jay to come home sooner. She'd been tackled twice that week and taken a shot to the vest. And rolled her ankle. She was done.
She got upstairs and dropped into her chair with a grimace. Kim took her some Tylenol and a muffin and sat down on the edge of the desk.
"How are you feeling?" She asked, watching Hailey slowly eat the muffin.
"Been better, but could be worse," Hailey shrugged. "Thank you for this, it's really good."
"Anytime. Mak loves when we stop to at the cafe a few blocks over from her school. We go at least once a week, you're welcome to join us next week," Kim smiled.
"I may take you up on that," Hailey smiled.
The muffin led to a good morning, but after lunch they got a murder of a 5 year old boy. It was messy, and Hailey and Kim ended up figuring out it was done by an older cousin, who had a lot of mental health issues, and the whole thing was ugly and sad. But, it was open and shut, and Hailey got the confession after the guy had screamed at her and threatened her in the interview room, managing to push the table into her as he screamed.
Kevin met her in the hall and tried to hug her, but she shut her eyes and shook her head. He stepped back and watched as she slammed the folder down and kicked the wall.
Voight rounded the corner and Kim stopped him. "He confessed and needs to be charged with threatening and assaulting a cop. He pushed Hailey into the wall with the table, as he was confessing," she said, knowing Voight would focus on that.
"Charge him. Is she okay?" He asked, trying to see her.
"Kev's with her. She needs some space," Kim left no room for argument and Voight walked back to his office.
Hailey managed to calm herself down and went to fill out her paperwork. Trudy went into the locker room as Hailey was getting ready to leave.
"How are you?" She asked. "And don't you dare say you're fine, I know you aren't, don't even try that with me, Hailey Anne."
Hailey sighed and looked away. "Let me believe I am," she whispered.
"Kiddo. Here's what we're going to do tonight, you're going to go home, get an overnight bag, and come to mine and Mouch's place. He's cooking tonight, and we would love to have you over. Then you can stay with us tonight, it's starting to rain, and I know you don't love thunder," Trudy left no room for discussion in her tone, but also not being too firm so she wouldn't upset Hailey.
Hailey closed her eyes and thought about it. She wanted nothing more than to go home, shower, cry, ice, and drink some wine or some tequila. Alone. But, she hadn't eaten anything other than the muffin Kim gave her in almost 2 days, hadn't slept at all in 3 days, and didn't really like how empty the apartment felt without Jay. And Trudy was right, Hailey didn't like thunder at night. Plus, she knew if she didn't agree to go there, Trudy and Mouch would no doubt show up at her place and not leave. She decided to give in.
"Okay. Thank you so much," she stood slowly and grabbed her coat, hat, and gloves.
"We'll see you in an hour or so," Trudy squeezed her shoulder.
Hailey went home, showered, diffused her hair, changed into leggings and a henley that belomged to Jay, put some pajamas, a book, her toiletries, and clothes for the next day in a bag. She also shoved Jay's pillow into the bag then went and put her snow gear back on and left the apartment.
She got to Trudy and Mouch's place and went to the door. Mouch let her in and hugged her, sending Hailey into a mess of quiet tears for a few minutes. Mouch was like a teddy bear, he had such a comforting presence, and Hailey needed it so bad.
Trudy watched their interaction with a sad smile. Hailey eventually pulled away and hugged Trudy then went put her stuff in the guest room.
"She looks like she hasn't slept," Mouch whispered.
"She hasn't. That's why I want her here tonight, it may help. She's also sore from everything this week, and I don't know if she's had food," Trudy whispered, stopping when she heard Hailey coming.
Hailey stood awkwardly by Trudy and looked down. "Come on, kid, it's lasagna night, and everything is ready," Trudy took her hand and led her to the table.
Hailey actually felt hungry for the first time all week and smiled. "Thank you so much, this looks and smells amazing."
"Anytime, kiddo," Mouch said, passing the dish to her so she could serve herself.
Hailey ate all of her food and they talked and she felt herself relax. Trudy was one of her safe people, and by association, now so was Mouch. It felt like she was with family and she'd really been craving that for weeks.
They talked while they ate, and Hailey even laughed, and then they cleaned the kitchen together, Hailey insisting she should help even though they tried to refuse it. Then they went to the living room with glasses of wine and Mouch turned the tv on and found something.
"Um, do you have soft ice packs?" Hailey asked after a while, mentally slapping herself for forgetting to bring some soft ice packs for her ribs, hip, and ankle.
"We do, how many do you need?" Mouch asked, getting up.
"I can get them," she said, standing, but Mouch stopped her.
"Nope, you're a guest, I got it," he moved out of the room and she sat down.
"I need four, please. Thank you!" She called out.
Mouch brought them to her and she got herself settled in a comfortable position. "How's the bruising?" Trudy asked.
"Not great," Hailey grimaced. It was ugly.
"Keep icing. You're very lucky you didn't break a rib or two this week," Hailey couldn't argue with that.
"I know. Still hurts like a bitch though," she sighed.
They spent the evening talking and relaxing as a storm built outside, probably the last of the fall if the weather pattern continued with the dropping temps. Eventually, Hailey went and put the ice packs away and got her book.
Mouch went to bed before the girls did, and Trudy moved to sit by Hailey on the couch. "You don't have to work tomorrow, this week has been hard," she said.
"It has been hard. But I have nothing else to do, so work it is," Hailey sighed.
"We'll talk about it again in the morning, Goldilocks. Now, I'm pulling the authority card. Go up to bed, I can tell you haven't really slept this week, go get some rest. And do not hesitate to come wake me if you need something, understood?" Trudy gave her a look and Hailey smiled as she nodded.
"I understand. Thank you for doing all this, it helps a lot," Hailey admitted, hugging the woman.
"Anything for you, Hailey," Trudy said, and Hailey knew it was true.
She went and got ready for bed and curled up with Jay's pillow, falling asleep pretty fast. She even managed to sleep through the storm for the most part, much to her surprise.
Hailey went to work the next day, but was grateful for the weekend to come. She needed some down time and her body needed a break. Will had freaked out when he found out about all her injuries in a week, and she knew if he figured out she wasn't letting herself heal, he'd be like a helicopter. Hailey didn't think Jay would like it if she killed his brother while he was gone.
She got to FaceTime Jay on Saturday, which made her very happy. He seemed better than he had been, and that made her happy. Then she cleaned a bit and went to the store before spending all of Sunday relaxing. Then she met Kim and Makayla for breakfast on Monday morning and that was fun. The team really rallied around her with Jay gone and it was nice.
Trudy and Mouch made a point to have Hailey over at least once a week after the first time. She didn't always stay the night, but it was their way of checking in and making sure she was fed. Will would come by once a week as well, normally with a pizza and beer, and they'd watch something and tell stories. Kevin took Hailey to get lunch most days that they weren't in the middle of a big case, and Hailey was meeting Kim and Makayla, and sometimes Adam, for breakfast once a week. She'd also started going to Molly's again, and everyone made sure she was happy while there. They were a family, and when one of their own was hurting, it was their duty to help.
Jay had been gone for 4 months. They were in the heat of a huge case, and no one had left the district for more than three hours in 4 days. They were showering in the locker room and taking turns sleeping in the break room, trying to figure out how to bust the crew doing everything. They were close, but not quite.
Hailey had been asleep on the break room couch for close to 5 hours when Adam came and woke her. She immediately regretted opening her eyes. Her head was pounding. Absolutely pounding. She sat up anyway and went to go get her migraine medicine before getting to work, though she was hurting really bad everything ached.
"Saunders just caved, we know where the boss is!" Kim yelled out as she ran from the interview room. They'd been drilling this crew for over a day as they found members, waiting for someone to crack.
"Let's roll!" Voight instructed and they ran to get ready as Kim sent the address.
Hailey asked Kevin to drive and shut her eyes, she could barely see straight. When they got there, it was a shootout before a foot chase ensued and Hailey could barely keep up. The guy shot at her, barely missing, and Torres shot him before he could aim again.
Hailey stopped as sat down, holding her head. "Upton, are you okay?" Torres asked once he radioed it in.
Hailey didn't respond. She was certain her head was about to explode. "Hail, what's wrong?" Kim asked, getting down by Hailey's side.
"Head," she whimpered before vomiting.
"Okay, you're okay, we've got you," Kim felt for a fever, but there wasn't one.
"Did you hit your head?" Torres asked.
"No," she whispered, still not opening her eyes.
Kevin got to them and put a hand on Hailey's back while Voight and Adam dealt with their perp. "Migraine?" He asked, getting a thumbs up before she puked again.
"Okay, I'm taking you to med," Kevin decided and lifted her up.
Hailey didn't even protest. This one was really bad. Kevin got her in his car and found a sack, placing it in her hands. Then he told Voight what was happening and left the scene. Hailey threw up three times on the way to med, never opening her eyes. It hurt too much to try.
Kevin lifted her from the car and carried her to the doors, getting to the waiting room. Maggie saw them and came in there from the ED.
"What happened?" She asked, concerned.
"Hailey's got a migraine. We've been at work for 4 straight days, really bad case that we closed minutes ago. She's thrown up 5 times and won't open her eyes," Kevin explained.
"Okay, let me get you a basin and some water. Everything is full, I'll get her in very soon," Maggie whispered.
Kevin nodded and thanked her as he sat down with Hailey. He managed to get a little water in her before she got sick again, now in tears. Kevin took her beanie off and started to pull her hair, hoping to give her some relief. She pressed her face to his shoulder, trying desperately to block out her surroundings. She wanted Jay.
Maggie came and got them while Hailey was throwing up for the fourth time, though it was more heaving than anything, and she was still crying silently, eyes shut. "Kevin, bring her back," he stood carefully once Hailey had finished and Maggie took the basin.
Hailey whimpered when she was laid down, reaching for Kevin. "I know, Hails. We're taking your vest, gloves, and coat off. I'm also going to get your badge and gun," he whispered, helping Maggie get everything off.
"Vanessa, come take Hailey's vitals and get her on something for the pain, no morphine though. Also start a banana bag, she needs to be hydrated," Vanessa came in and got started while another nurse took Hailey's vitals.
Hailey started gagging again and Kevin was handed a basin that he held for her. Nothing much came up, and her tears increased.
"Jay," she whimpered, breaking his heart.
"I know, Hailey. He'll be back soon, I'm here, Will's probably coming," Kevin rubbed her back and she sobbed. She wanted Jay.
"I'm pushing pain meds, she should get a little relief soon. I'm also turning the lights out in here. Dr. Halstead will be in here soon," Vanessa said and Kevin thanked her.
Hailey laid down, still in tears. Will came in a minute later, concerned.
"What happened?" He asked quietly, using the faint light to get to his sister-in-law. He wiped her tears gently, but as her lower lip trembled, she kept crying.
"I don't know when it started, but she's got a migraine. Been sick 10 times now, she won't open her eyes either," Kevin whispered. Will nodded and sat down, holding Hailey's left hand.
"She wants Jay," Kevin whispered. Will sighed.
"I'll see if he can FaceTime her tomorrow, unless something really changes tonight," Will whispered as Hailey drifted off, curtesy of the meds.
She slept for two hours before she woke up and got sick. Kevin helped her and Will came back in, holding her to him. "I've got you, sis. Breathe," he instructed, carefully pulling her hair.
"Take me home," she begged.
"Soon, Hailey. We need your pain to be manageable, give it a few hours for me and I'll take you home," Will whispered, kissing the top of her head in a brotherly way.
He sat with her until she fell asleep again. The next time she woke up, she could hold her eyes open, but her head still hurt a bit. She wanted to go home.
"Kev," she mumbled, looking at him. He looked over and grabbed her hand.
"How do you feel?" He asked.
"I wanna go home, please," she responded, giving him a pleading look.
"Let me get Will," he stepped out and Will came over.
"She wants to go home."
"My shift ends in 15 minutes and I'll take her home," Will said, getting her papers ready.
"Will's getting your discharge papers, he's going to take you home once his shift ends," Hailey smiled and leaned back, closing her eyes.
Thirty minutes later, she hugged Kevin and thanked him for helping her, then got in Will's car.
Will stopped at his place and went to get some clothes, then he got food, then went to Hailey and Jay's apartment. Hailey went and changed then ate before getting back in bed.
"You're still hurting, aren't you?" Will asked, seeing the look in her eyes.
Hailey nodded, hugging Jay's pillow. Will got her some Tylenol and an ice pack, then moved a chair to be by the bed and turned the tv on. Hailey fell asleep pretty fast and he eventually went to sleep on the couch, not wanting her to be completely alone in case she threw up again.
Jay facetimed her in the morning and she broke down, but he managed to get a smile on her face before he had to go, although his heart broke at the sight of her tears. He was ready to go home to her. She needed him, and he needed her.
Jay got home 3 and a half months later. He knew Hailey would be at Trudy and Mouch's thag evening, so he went there. He hadn't told her when he was coming. She'd had a kid die in her arms two days before and was taking it hard, so he hadn't wanted to get her hopes up in case something had changed and he couldn't come home that day.
He rang the doorbell and Mouch came and opened it with a smile, hugging Jay. "She's going to be thrilled. Welcome back," he whispered.
"Who was it?" Trudy asked, playing dumb.
"Some bum asking for a bed for the night. Told him he can share with Hailey," Mouch said, and Hailey turned to protest, but froze, dropping her fork.
"I'm hallucinating," she frowned, not believing her eyes. Trudy was videoing it.
"No you're not, Hail. I'm home, baby. It's real," Jay told her, tearing up. Hailey shot up and launched herself into his arms, attaching herself to him as she sobbed, kissing him through her tears.
"You're home!" She wailed, shocked.
"I'm home. I missed you so much, my love!" Jay kissed her again.
"I love you, but don't ever do that again, please," Hailey sobbed, hiding her face. She had her legs wrapped around his waist and he had an arm around her waist, but brought the other to cup her head.
Trudy stopped the video, knowing that Hailey was now releasing 8 months of emotions. Jay was crying as well, and Mouch pointed him to the living room.
Jay held Hailey as they cried, her clinging to him. Once they both calmed down, they kissed again, and Hailey thanked Trudy and Mouch for dinner, but said she wanted to leave with Jay even though they'd just sat down.
"I figured. Here's some food to go. You have the rest of the week off," Trudy winked, getting a hug from Hailey.
"Thank you so much, both of you," she said.
Jay thanked them as well and they went home, Hailey asking Jay every question possible. When they got home, they ate dinner, showered, and Jay started his laundry before getting in bed with his wife.
They talked for hours until Hailey fell asleep in his arms. Jay was exhausted as well, but before he went to sleep, he sent a text to Will, Kevin, Trudy, Mouch, Kim, and Adam.
J: I'm home. Thank y'all for taking care of Hailey, it means a lot to both of us. Y'all are the greatest family.
He then turned his phone off, wrapped his arms around Hailey, and fell asleep. He vowed to never leave her again.