Love Finds Itself

Chapter 5: Changes


Here is the new chapter. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. I hope you guys have as much fun reading. Don't want to ruin anything, but there are mild surprises in this one. Have fun.


The sun rose as usual, not caring or wondering how people would react. Jay was up, fresh and ready to get to the academy. Hailey, on the other hand enjoyed her sleep but knew her duty, causing an inner conflict. She rolled on her bed lazily and suddenly remembered the previous night. A natural smile appeared on her face and she opened her eyes. Jake and she had spoken about their feelings and it seemed they could have a relationship. Nothing had happened, but Hailey was eagerly waiting for the day he would be beside her on the bed and they would talk and cuddle for hours. Heck, they hadn't even kissed yet.

She rolled off her bed, thinking about these beautiful things and headed for her bathroom to get ready for the day. She liked a guy but her mind was still aware of the fact of why she was actually here and why she had joined the academy. Nothing could beat that and she was firm in her decision. She arrived at the academy and she observed that it was more full than ever, something had changed. Nonetheless, her eyes searched for the only two people she knew and she spotted them on one side, laughing about something. They were both in the uniforms the trainees had to wear. She walked towards them and enquired, "What's going on?"

"There are going to be some changes today. Some mixing and shuffling of groups," Jake replied, looking at the crowd.

"Oh, is this common?" Hailey asked, suddenly worried if they would all be separated.

"I think it is. There's nothing to worry about, these changes happen quite often," Jay reassured her.

But before the three of them could continue their conversation, their head coach had arrived and he was trying to get their attentions. He screamed, so that he was audible throughout the stadium, "Good morning, trainees. As most of you must have observed, there are going to be some changes in our programme now. We have decided to make more detailed and precise batches. Please step forward as your name is announced."

And the head coach began announcing groups and batches. To their relief, Hailey, Jay and Jake were in the same group. A few others joined their batch as well. It seemed that these were going to be the permanent batches for the upcoming months at least.

Hailey glanced around and saw that their group contained around twelve people. She spotted two young women like her and went to them, "Hi, I am Hailey Upton. Nice to meet you," she told one of the girls as the other one was talking to Jay already.

"Hi, I am Kim Burgess. Nice to meet you too," the woman replied, a genuine smile on her face.

By now, the other woman had approached them and extended her hand towards Hailey, "Hi, I am Regina Clarke. Nice to meet you."

Hailey shook her hand and said, "Nice to meet you too."

There were two other women in their batch but they seemed to be in their world and didn't really attempt to mingle with everyone. They met the new boys now. Kim announced, proud of her partner, "This is Kevin Atwater. My partner since we joined the academy."

Hailey shook his hand and immediately had a fondness for him. He looked like that big brother all of them needed. Then her gaze turned towards another boy, he was talking to Jake. He turned when the girls approached him. He knew Regina since they had come from the same academy, but he didn't know Hailey or Kim. The moment the girls laid eyes on him they were blown by his natural handsomeness. He was a very good looking young man. He shook their hands each and announced, "Hi, I am Adam Ruzek."

The girls introduced themselves and finally everyone was acquainted. The three girls had immediately connected and the four boys were pleased to meet each other. It seemed they would be getting along with each other, and that was an important element in this job.

But soon enough they were called for their training session and there wasn't time to get to know each more. But that could wait, they were going to be meeting each other every day now. So the morning was spent in this manner and they had an evening call as well. They realised things were only going to get more tough and demanding. But whatever it was, they had all agreed to go out for drinks that night. They needed to release the stress and wanted to get to know each other better.

So after the shift all of them headed to the closest bar, one that cops frequented. All seven of them settled at a corner table hoping to be away from the unnecessary noise. Kevin was squeezed on one end, pressed to the wall. Burgess pushing him more didn't help the situation but they had limited space and they had to manage. Next to her sat the dashing hunk, Adam. Kim was pleased. And next to him was Jake who was facing Hailey directly, sitting on the opposite side. Next to her, now moving towards the wall was Regina and beside her, crushed against the wall was Jay. Jake went to get the first round and Hailey decided to help him, after all it was literally the first moment they had alone since the morning. Jake ordered and looked at Hailey, "What?" he asked smiling.

"Nothing, just looking at you after a long while," she said.

He wanted to pull her in for a hug but refrained himself. This wasn't the place to do this, nor was it the appropriate time. She understood and spoke, "You're coming over tonight?"

"Yeah," he said smiling. "Although, we're not going to be getting out of here anytime soon."

"That's okay," she shrugged.

Their drinks had arrived and they headed back to their table. Adam and Kevin appeared to be in a serious conversation about something sport related. Kim was literally stuck in the middle and she wondered if her eardrums would be functioning after this night. Jay and Regina were having a private conversation about only God knew what. So when the drinks were placed on the table, Kim couldn't help but exclaim, "Thank God. You really are a saviour Hailey."

Hailey winked and sipped her beer, letting the beverage cool down her throat and stomach. As everyone had gulped down a few sips Regina proposed a game, "Let's describe what we like most about cops in three words."

"Ooh, good idea!" agreed Adam.

Since Regina had suggested the game she had to start and she said, "Their personalities, their loyalty and their uniforms. Have you seen guys in that uniform? They look hot as hell!"

Kim and Hailey were nodding in great agreement, but the boys failed to understand what was so hot about the uniform. But hey, they would take yes for an answer. Next was Jay's turn, "Toughness, intuitiveness and their ability to separate home life from work life."

"That's a good one Jay. A very important but super difficult point to keep in mind," Jake said in his deep voice.

Then it was Hailey's turn. She too spoke about the uniforms and got encouragement from the girls, while the boys really tried to understand this phenomena. Just like that, everyone shared what they thought and the game concluded, resulting in great answers and a clear appreciation of police.

The team ordered a few more rounds, really enjoying this time. But finally it was too late, at least for some people. Hailey was ready to leave, she was so eager to talk to Jake in private. Kim and Regina too called it a night, leaving only Jay, Kevin and Adam who it appeared could continue all night long. The girls exited followed by Jake and Hailey. Jay's eyes lingered a moment on them and he noticed the way Jake placed his arm around her as they exited the bar.

As they stepped out Jake said, "You know what, I really don't mind kissing you right here. I have waited long enough."

Hailey looked up at him, smiling. She said, "I don't mind it either."

Getting the green signal from his girl Jake closed the gap between them, leaning down and placing his lips softly on hers. He had dreamt about this moment for four years, but the experience was far better than his imagination. Because he was so much taller than her he had to lean down and she had to really stand on her toes to reach him. They shared their first kiss, completely unaware of their surroundings.

But a seated figure from within the bar could see them through the window. He sighed.


And the chapter comes to an end here. I actually have a question for you guys. How do you like Jake? You like him a lot, a little, not at all or what? I really want to know what you guys think about him. And please feel free to say exactly what you feel, I won't mind. Do let me know. Thanks for reading.