This is a super short chapter. In fact, I'm not even sure I would totally consider this a chapter. I have a general idea of where I want to take this story line but I needed somewhat of a filler in between, which is what this became. Sorry for the delay in update and then the short length.
Hailey woke, feeling briefly disoriented by the unfamiliar location. She rolled over and smiled at Lucas's sleeping body curled into hers. The sunlight was illuminating the tent, casting an orange glow through the fabric. Hailey shifted slowly as not to wake Lucas and managed to get off the blow up mattress without disturbing him. She stretched slowly but the low ceiling of the tent halted her movements so she tugged the zipper down and stepped out. Once outside, the cool morning air caused her to shiver and she pulled her sweatshirt closer. Hailey blinked in the unfiltered sunlight and could already feel a headache starting from the alcohol consumed the night before. As memories from the previous night flashed before her, Hailey groaned internally and rubbed at her temples. She had a feeling she was in for an awkward day. Hailey hoped, for Lucas's sake, that they could just make it through the remainder of their trip and then she would distance herself from Jay, letting him off the hook. Hailey heard the clang of a metal pot and turned to see Jay hunched over the campfire cooking what appeared to be scrambled eggs and some sausage. She wasn't sure if he had noticed her yet or if he was ignoring her, probably annoyed with her behavior the night before. With a sigh, she slowly approached, giving him a small sheepish grin when he glanced up at her. Hailey felt her heart skip a beat when she watched a huge smile spread across his face, he looked genuinely happy to see her.
"Hey! How'd your first night of tent sleeping go?" He asked excitedly, standing to gather more supplies for breakfast.
"Surprisingly not bad...although I feel like the tequila might have helped." Hailey teased, cheeks flushing at the reminder of their drinking and the events that had followed.
"There's some medicine on the table over there in case your head feels anything like mine did this morning." Jay nodded over to the camp table he had set up yesterday.
"Yeah, I could use some." Hailey grinned sheepishly and made her way to the table, grabbing the meds and swallowing them down with a bottle of water. Once done she returned to Jay and studied his movements. If he was annoyed or irritated over last night, he wasn't showing it. He expertly went about preparing them breakfast as Hailey watched on. She had offered to help but he had brushed her off with a smile. Hailey heard Lucas stirring in the tent and was thankful for the reason to excuse herself. Once she had him up and changed out of his pajamas the two headed back over to the campfire. Hailey settled Lucas into one of the camp chairs and was surprised when Jay handed her a plate already prepared for him. She took the plate with a smile and helped Lucas to begin eating. Hailey felt Jay come up behind her and turned to find him handing her another plate, this time for her. They all enjoyed their breakfast, Lucas rambling excitedly about how this was the best trip ever and that he never wanted to leave. Jay indulged him, telling Lucas that they could definitely go again soon. Hailey swallowed hard at his words, playing along with her was one thing but she knew that Lucas was hanging on to every word Jay said and that he would be extremely disappointed when it didn't work out. Jay noticed the somber look on her face and sent her a questioning look that she simply shook off with a fake smile. After breakfast, Jay brought out a ball and played a game of toss with Lucas as Hailey watched on, feeling happy that Lucas was enjoying his time but also sadden that this wouldn't last. Jay was just a nice guy and she knew she was going to have to let him off the hook soon, he wouldn't want to be apart of her life, of their life, much longer. Lucas was worn out from his morning of play and took a rare afternoon nap in the tent. Hailey sat in front of the dying fire and watched the small flames dance lazily around the pit. She was lost in thought and didn't notice Jay moving his chair to sit beside her. Hailey jumped when she felt his hand gently brush against hers resting on the arm rest of her chair.
"What's on your mind?" He asked, voice low but sounding concerned.
"It's nothing." Hailey gave him a somber smile, eyes never leaving the fire.
"Come on, I know you well enough to know something is going on up there?" Jay pushed gently, not wanting to force her into talking but hoping she would open up to him.
"This is nice Jay. And Lucas is loving it." Hailey almost whispered, voice thick.
"But..." Jay hinted, knowing there was more to follow.
"But...this...us. You don't want to be tied down with us. I never meant for you to get involved." Hailey's voice threatened to tremble and she forced herself to swallow hard.
"Hailey..I.." Jay started, brushing her hand again and causing her to finally look at him. "You're not tying me down. I know you didn't plan on me even meeting him. But I'm glad you let me." He ducked his head down, meeting her eyes and giving her a warm smile.
"I don't want him to get attached if.." Hailey trailed off again, not sure if she wanted to continue.
"If I'm not going to stick around?" Jay finished for her, assuming that's where she was going. Hailey didn't trust her voice so instead she just nodded, shifting her eyes away from his as she felt tears begin to gather. "I have no intention of going anywhere, as long as you don't want me too."
"You don't have to do this Jay." She whispered, throat thick with emotion.
"I know I don't have too Hailey. I want too." Jay's hand reached up, taking her hand into his grasp and gave it a squeeze. "I get that...this is kinda scary. And I know you're trying to protect him. But I promise, I want to be here. I want to be apart of this, whatever this is." Jay finished, giving her hand another squeeze.
"Okay.." Hailey nodded slowly, heart racing and head swirling with emotion. Hailey startled when she heard Lucas awake and clambering out of the tent. Her eyes were red from tears and she quickly wiped them away. Jay gave her a quick smile before standing to head Lucas off, distracting him by picking up the small boy and tossing him over his shoulder. Hailey smiled when she heard Lucas squeal with delight at Jay's antics. Feeling she had recovered enough, Hailey stood and joined them. Lucas asked if they could go back to the creek and Jay instantly agreed. They spent the rest of the day playing in the water and then enjoying more s'mores later on in the evening. Hailey found herself relaxing once again as she watched Jay interact with her son, feeling that maybe this would be okay after all.