Love Finds Itself

Chapter 3: New Dynamics


Here is the third chapter guys. Hope you like it.


By the time Hailey actually left Jay's apartment it was almost time for them to meet again. Hailey came over once again as planned and both of them set off again. A familiarity was growing between them gradually but it was still too soon to say anything. Jay had observed that Hailey was a very secretive and reserved person, concluding that she probably had good reason for it and would let him in if she felt the need to. They were in no way obliged or compelled to share everything with the other, they weren't in a relationship, hell they were barely friends at this point of time.

Hailey had noticed that Jay too was a reserved and somewhat shy person. He never spoke about things that didn't concern him and never seemed as though he was interested in small talk. She herself wasn't a big fan of small talk. The conclusion was that they had a lot of similarities but carried a lot of different opinions as well.

They reached the range in some time and Hailey put her car on park. They walked together towards the range and noticed that people were staring at them quite blatantly, their minds assuming all sorts of things. Noticing this, Hailey voiced her opinion, "One of the main reasons why I am secretive."

Jay could only but nod, because he too believed in this philosophy. She really was one to voice her opinions and say exactly what she felt. That was both good and bad, although on the job it would be useful on several occasions. As they entered the range a barrage of sounds greeted them, so many trainees were already there, shooting away. They were placing their stuff when suddenly someone called Hailey, "Hey Hailey, there you are. I have been trying to reach you."

Hailey turned in the direction of the voice and a broad smile appeared on her face. Jay saw her smile so fully for the first and he couldn't help but think that she was a very pretty girl. The man who had called her was now approaching them. Hailey spoke, "Jay this is Jake. He's my very dear friend, I know him from before."

"Oh," said Jay. "Nice to you meet you Jake, Jay Halstead."

"Nice to meet you too Jay," said Jake smiling.

Hailey excused herself for a brief moment in which Jake told Jay something confidential but rather funny, "Whatever you do, don't let her friend zone you. I've been on that boat since the past three years, not the best position to be in when someone like her is available."

Jay was just staring at this man he had just met with wide eyes, wondering what was all this about. He sincerely hoped this guy was joking. He managed finally, "I'll keep that in mind."

Jake smiled broadly and burst out laughing, "I was kidding."

Jay said coolly, "I know, I was just playing along."

Jake replied, "You're damn right. I already like you very much Jay. You're a cool dude."

"Thank you," Jay replied, not knowing what else to say. But then he felt the need to play his game a little and uttered, "But I can see that you are into her."

Jake smiled, "Nice observation bro, but it's never going to happen. She looks at me as a friend and literally nothing more. And that's why I am telling you to avoid that dangerous zone."

Jay smiled now. This guy was really an excited and animated fellow. Hailey was back now and she enquired casually, "What were you guys talking about?"

"You, darling!" said Jake loudly, wrapping his arm around her.

Hailey looked at him shaking her head and told Jay, "I hope he didn't tell you anything bad about me. Because he's absolutely capable of making me someone I am not."

"You're fine Hailey, nothing to worry about," Jay replied.

And just like that their conversation ended and they went to a shooting range, ready to practice their shooting skills. Jay noticed casually that Jake was all the time hovering near Hailey. He held her, he teased her and kept playing with her. He wondered whether Hailey knew how he felt, probably not, otherwise she wouldn't let him do all that. He had been able to see through Jake in a minute but Hailey didn't seem to see anything. But whatever it was, it was between them. He was no one to interfere and for all you know, he might actually be wrong about the whole thing as well.

But once Jay was practicing his shooting he forgot about Hailey and Jake. He was here to become a cop, that was his central and only goal. After his practice, Jay met Hailey again. She was standing outside, it appeared she was waiting for someone. Jay connected the dots and realised she was waiting for her very dear friend, her words. He didn't quite know if he should talk to her or leave. He decided to head home.

"Hey, Jay! You're leaving?" Hailey asked after him.

He turned around, not sure what to say. He settled for, "Yeah, what's up?"

"We are going for drinks, you can come if you want to," she offered.

He thought for a moment then replied, "Okay, sure. Thanks."

Jake joined them and the three of them headed for the bar. They sat at a corner table and Jake went to get the drinks. Hailey struck up a conversation, "You don't seem to be very fond of Jake."

Jay looked at her and answered, "Nothing like that Hailey. I just think"—

Before he could complete, three bottles of beer were placed loudly on their table, confirming the return of Jake. Their eye contact was broken and Hailey sighed. They sipped their beers casually, all the while Jake talking about various things, not even realising that the other two were not listening to him.

Hailey was looking at Jay, sensing that he had not finished his thought and there was more than he was willing to say. She was going to wait for the right moment and ask him again, because she felt that whatever he had to say was of importance.


I conclude the third chapter here. Reviews are welcome and appreciated.