Hayley and Hunter came into the house. They had been out since early that morning at the police station. Hayley had officially made a statement detailing everything that had been done to her by Matthew and charges were being laid. She was done being scared and she realized that if she didn't he would be allowed to continue living a normal life while others were still dealing with the choices he had made. She didn't understand how he didn't end up on jail after the school shooting. She assumed he would which was why she hadn't pressed charges on him in the first place.
Dave had been called away for a case that morning. Rosie was out for the day rock climbing and hanging out with Taylor. The other girls were at Helen's it was her week with them. Hayley was supposed to be there too but she had asked to stay with Papa. She knew after being at the police station she would want quiet and since her little sisters were all with her mom that being at the house with Papa was better. Also her mom and her hadn't been getting along very well lately.
Since she had the falling out with Georgia her mother had actually sided with Georgia's opinion on the fight.
Georgia had told Hayley that she should have considered breaking up with Pierce before he went to university so that Hayley would be able to have the opportunity to have date for all her school events for the next few years. Georgia also told her that Pierce would probably cheat with some university girl. Hayley had told her now former friend that Pierce was a loyal guy and that she didn't care about having a date for events. If Pierce couldn't be there than she would just go with her friends. But when she told her mom about the fight her mom told her that while Pierce might not cheat that she would probably miss out on things if she was attached to a man who was so far away. Hayley's heart broke at that time. And her mom apologized and had tried to tell her she wasn't telling her that to hurt her just that when she was in highschool she saw some of her friends go through it and that they felt like they had missed out. But since than she had Hayley had been arguing a lot.
Helen had told Hunter what had happened and Hunter knew that Helen hadn't mean to upset their daughter and that the two of them fighting a lot was typical mother, teenage daughter relationship and that in time Hayley would hopefully forgive her mom. Their fighting was also why Hayley had asked Hunter to be the one to go with her to the police station instead of her mom.
When they got in the door Hayley sighed.
"What is it?" Hunter asked
"I'm just tired." Hayley said
"Why don't you go take a nap?" Hunter suggested.
Hayley nodded. "That sounds great actually." She said before she went upstairs.
She texted Pierce
'Just got back from the police station. Was there for six hours. Statement made. Charges are being pressed.' She sent him.
Pierce was doing freshman things at school when he got the text he looked at it and let out a breath
'I'm sorry it took so long but I'm glad you did it. How are you feeling?' He sent
Hayley texted back 'Exhausted glad to be home. Going to take a nap.'
'Good. Nap. I should be able to video chat with you in a few hours if you want.' Pierce said
'I would love that.' Hayley said before she passed out.
Hunter texted Dave
'Well that went as well as expected at the station.'
/\/\/\
Dave was with JJ they were driving to talk to a witness when he got the text. He looked at his phone and let out a breath.
"Everything okay?" JJ asked
"Hayley finally decided to press charges on Matthew Black. Hunter and her just got home from the police station. Apparently it went as well as expected." Dave said
"Oh wow. Well I'm glad she did the right thing but yeah that isn't easy to do." JJ said, "Do you know which officer she talked to?"
"Not sure. I know she made a point to tell Hunter and I she wanted to talk to a female officer." Dave said
JJ nodded. "Understandable."
Dave texted back
'How is Hals doing?'
'She is tired, she is taking a nap.' Hunter texted back
'Well that's a good thing to do.' Dave sent back
'I'm thinking it might be time to insist she starts talking to a therapist again. I wish she hadn't stopped.' Hunter sent
'I'm not a huge fan of forcing teens into therapy. I have highly encouraged Rosie over the last few years but never forced.' Dave sent
'We have tried that. You have, I have, Helen has and she's not agreeing.' Hunter said
'I know. But we might be able to force her to actually go but we cant force her to talk to anyone. And forcing her to go might just alienate her more from us and therapy.' Dave sent
'Do you have any ideas on how to encourage her so she agrees?' Hunter asked
'Maybe she needs to talk to a teenager who has been in therapy and knows the benefits?' Dave asked
'You mean Rosie? She hasn't had the best experience with therapists.' Hunter said
'Exactly. But she is still in therapy. She obviously finds benefit in it.' Dave sent 'I can ask her to talk to Hals if you would like?' he sent in a second text.
'No I can do that.' Hunter sent
'Okay.' Dave sent.
Hunter went into the office and started on some paperwork for a house that had just been closed on.
Rosie came home a couple hours later and saw the light on in the office and went and knocked on the partly opened door.
"Come in." Hunter said
Rosie went in.
"Hey sweetpea. How was rock climbing and Taylor's?" He asked not looking up from the computer.
"Taylor's was great. Rock climbing. The climbing was great. My friend. Well I guess former friend lost her shit on me because while we were there she got a call that Matthew was arrested and well somehow either guessed or figured out its connected to me. And when asked about it I told her it wasn't me who was pressing charges but I knew who it was and it was something that should have been done months ago. And well. She didn't take it well." Rosie said
"She yell at you?" Hunter asked
"Caused a huge scene. And tried to physically attack me. I was able to keep her away until a couple of the people who work there came and pulled her off me and called law enforcement when she wouldn't calm down." Rosie said
Hunter looked up at her and tried to scan her for any physical injuries. "Are you hurt?"
"No. I made a statement to the police. Only injury is a scratch on my arm." Rosie said
"Why didn't I get a call from the police?" Hunter asked
"I asked the police not too and promised I would tell my parents." Rosie said. She handed him a business card. "This is the officer. If you have any questions or concerns you can call him."
Hunter took the card. "Thank you. Wasn't Detective LaMontagne?"
"No. Different district." Rosie said
"Let me see your arm." He said
Rosie showed him the scratch.
Hunter looked at it and nodded. "Doesn't hurt?"
"Stings a little." Rosie said
Hunter nodded.
"Paramedic on the scene put some ointment stuff on it." Rosie said
Hunter nodded again
"How did things go at the station for Hals?" Rosie asked
"You can ask her when she wakes up from her nap." Hunter said
"Okay." Rosie said
"No issues for you from the people who run the climbing club?" Hunter asked
"No. They know it was on her. I didn't do anything wrong." Rosie said
"Okay. Good." Hunter said
Rosie nodded.
"I have a favor to ask you." Hunter said
"Okay." Rosie said "What?"
"You like therapy right?" he asked
"I mean. I don't know if I -like it. But its been helpful." Rosie said
Hunter nodded. "Can you tell Hals that?"
"You want her to go back to therapy but she is saying no and you want me to try and convince her?" Rosie asked with a smirk
"Dad and I would like if you would tell her that therapy has helped you." Hunter said
"I can do that. But don't know that it will convince her." Rosie said
"And dad and I will handle that if it doesn't." Hunter said
"Okay." Rosie said
"Thank you." Hunter said
"Of course. What are we doing for dinner?" Rosie asked
"Take out. You and Hayley can pick what." Hunter said
"Okay." Rosie said.
"You have your anniversary dinner tomorrow right?" Hunter asked
"Yes." Rosie told him what restaurant they were going to.
"And afterwards driving around you said right?" he asked
"Yes." Rosie said
"Okay." Hunter said
"I'm going to go shower." Rosie said as she left.
Rosie went and showered before going and knocking on Hayley's door.
"Yea?" Hayley asked
"How are you?" Rosie asked
"Glad today is over with." Hayley said
"You talk to Pier?" Rosie asked
"Texted a bit. He's going to video chat me later." Hayley said
"That's great." Rosie said
"I miss him so much." Hayley said in tears.
Rosie hugged her sister tight. "Just a few weeks and he will be back for a visit."
Hayley hugged her. "I know. So how is Taylor?"
"She's good. Missed him and Nathan too. But been keeping herself busy with working and friends." Rosie said
"Yeah. I should plan to hang out with her soon." Hayley said
"I think it's a great idea." Rosie said with a smile
"You got your dress for your date?" Hayley asked
"Haven't planning out what I'm wearing yet no." Rosie said
"Can I help?" Hayley asked
"Yes." Rosie said with a smile
The two went to Rosie's room and started to look through her closet deciding on a dress. "What about the outfit for after?" Hayley asked with a smirk
"I bought something new for that." Rosie said with a smirk
"Perfect." Hayley said
"So. I have been requested to tell you that therapy has been really beneficial for me." Rosie said
Hayley sighed.
"I'm not telling you that you should or shouldn't go back just I was asked to tell you that." Rosie said
Hayley nodded "Okay."
"But I have a question." Rosie said
"Go ahead." Hayley said
"Why are you so against going back?" Rosie asked
"I don't want to talk to some stranger about my problems." Hayley said
"Is that why you stopped going? They become not strangers after some time. The last two therapist I have had I trust just as much as I do Nolan." Rosie said
Hayley nodded "I don't know. I just. I know you didn't want to change therapist after the one who worked with you while you were in recovery."
"Well. Before him I had a lot of therapists who sucked. He was one who I already knew from when I was in eating disorder therapy in California and at that time I didn't trust anyone really. So we came from a history where he had already built my trust in him. But I was able to find a therapist that I liked after. She is one that he suggested and she is great. I can ask her if there is someone she can recommend for you. I think there is some sort of rule against therapists working with multiple members of the same family unless they are working with the whole family in family therapy." Rosie said, "But she might have some names she can recommend."
"So this isn't you telling me to do it?" Hayley asked with a smirk
"No. Just giving my advice. Do with it what you will." Rosie said
"I'll let you know if I want some names." Hayley said
"Okay." Rosie said
"That's a pretty big scratch on your arm. Get it rock climbing?" Hayley asked changing the subject.
"Got it at the gym yeah." Rosie said as she started to put away some of the clothes that had been pulled out and tried on.
Hunter knocked on her door.
"Yes." Rosie said
Hunter went in. "So have you decided what you want for dinner?"
Rosie looked at Hayley. "You can pick. Just not pizza." Rosie said
"Chinese." Hayley said
"Okay. I'll order and pick it up. How are you feeling?" He asked Hayley
"I'm okay." Hayley said
He looked at Rosie. "I spoke to the officer who you talked to at the gym. He might have a few more questions for you."
"Officer at the gym?" Hayley asked
Rosie sighed.
"Oh. Sorry. Assumed you would have told her." Hunter said
"No. She has enough going on…" Rosie said
"Okay. What is going on?" Hayley asked
"I got this scratch at the gym but not from rock climbing. Someone attacked me…" Rosie said
"What! Why?" Hayley asked
"Doesn't matter." Rosie said
"Oh that's not fair." Hayley said
"Well life isn't fair." Rosie said
Hayley looked at Hunter.
"Sorry peanut. She needs to be the one to tell you." Hunter said
Hayley left the room grumbling.
Rosie sighed.
"Sorry sweetpea." Hunter said
"Its fine." Rosie said
"No its not. I shouldn't have assumed she knew." Hunter said
"I know you didn't know. Its forgiven." Rosie said
"Okay." Hunter said he kissed her head before going to order food and leaving to pick it up.
Hayley waited until Hunter was out of the house before she went and knocked on Rosie's bedroom door again.
"Yes?" Rosie asked
Hayley went in. "Why don't you want to tell me what happened exactly?"
"Because it doesn't matter." Rosie said
"It involved the police…it matters." Hayley said
"Its not something I need to add on your plate." Rosie said
"How would it add on to mine? Its about you. Has nothing to do with me." Hayley said
Rosie let out a breath.
"Or does is?" Hayley asked
"Hals. Look its not important." Rosie said
"I don't get it. It happened at your rock climbing gym what could it have to do with me other than you're my sister and I care about you." Hayley said, "Did Matthew show up there and attack you or something?"
"No." Rosie said. "But I know he's been arrested." Rosie said
"Well yeah the police told me they were going to." Hayley said
"Somehow his girlfriend found out while at the gym and somehow either knew or figured out it was connected to me." Rosie said "And I'm guessing since she has been in group therapy with him she has her own share of mental health issues and suffered some sort of mental breakdown and attacked me. I was able to defend myself enough until a couple of the employees pulled her away and called the police." Rosie said
"Seriously?!" Hayley said
"Yeah." Rosie said "It's a scratch. I made a statement we will see if I need to formally press charges."
"Wait. You're debating not?" Hayley asked
"Yes." Rosie said "She is hurting. Matthew manipulated her too."
"You don't know that. She could be just as manipulative. Hell they could have planned the running into you at the party." Hayley said
"Matthew isn't smart enough for that." Rosie said
"What about his girlfriend?" Hayley asked
"I don't think she is that smart either." Rosie said, "I think she is a girl who was easily manipulated by Matthew."
"So was I…" Hayley said
"You saw through him pretty quickly and were forced to continue being with him to protect me." Rosie said
Hayley nodded a little
"Hals. You went on one date willingly. This girl has been with him for months." Rosie said
"Okay. Fine. I get it." Hayley said
They went downstairs when Hunter came home with food and they all sat and ate.
"Have you heard from dad?" Rosie asked
"Spoke to him a bit today. He is fine." Hunter said
Rosie nodded.
"You okay?" Hunter asked
"Did you tell him what happened at the rock climbing gym?" Rosie asked
"No. I'm letting you do it. I'm expecting you to." Hunter said
"I will." Rosie said
"Good." Hunter said
"Either of you have plans tonight?" Hunter asked
"Nope." Rosie said
"Video chatting with Pierce." Hayley said
Hunter smiled. "Good."
"I miss him so much." Hayley said
"I know peanut." Hunter said, "When is he coming to visit?"
"Was supposed to come between now and Thanksgiving but apparently that wont be able to happen." Hayley said
"I'm sorry Peanut." Hunter said
"Maybe mom and Georgia were right." Hayley said softly
"Right about what?" Rosie asked
"That he will be to busy for me." Hayley said
"Hals, do you love Pierce?" Hunter asked
"So much." Hayley said
"And I know he loves you. I see the way he looks at you." Hunter said, "This time is going to be hard but it will be good for the both of you."
Hayley smiled a little. "I just miss him."
"I get it Peanut. I miss dad when he's away." Hunter said
"How do you do it?" Hayley asked
"Talk as much as possible. And when you are together you make the time count." Hunter said
"And make sure he knows how you're feeling." Rosie said
"Yeah… I don't think I want to do that." Hayley said
"Come on. He would want to know." Rosie said
"Maybe. But could also break up with me for telling him what I feel." Hayley said
"Hals. You know he wouldn't. And if he did I would go there and kick his ass for being an idiot." Rosie said
Hayley chuckled.
"Hayley if he breaks up with you for telling him how you feel he doesn't deserve you." Hunter said
Hayley nodded
Rosie got up from the table and started to clear. Hayley and Hunter got up and helped her. When it was done Hayley went up to her room.
Rosie followed behind shortly after.
A couple hours later she got a call. Rosie looked at it was Pierce.
"Hey Pierce. What's up?" She asked answering the phone
"Rose. You promised me you would tell me if something was going on with Hayley right?" Pierce asked
"I did." Rosie said
"So what's going on with Hals?" Pierce asked
"What do you mean?" Rosie asked
"I video chatted with her and she seemed off." Pierce said
"She is probably just tired. It was a long day for her." Rosie said
"Yes. But its more than that." Pierce said
Rosie let out a breath
"Rose. Please. I cant be there. I need to know what is going on so I can help her." Pierce said
"Just make her tell you how she is really feeling." Rosie said
"Okay." Pierce said
"How are you doing?" Rosie asked
"I miss home. But I'm enjoying the environment around here." Pierce said
"You go to a frat party and get drunk yet?" Rosie asked with a smirk
"Frat party yes. But drunk no." Pierce said
Rosie chuckled.
"I'm not a party guy you know that." Pierce said
"I know. I was just bugging you." Rosie said
"Like a typical little sister." He said with a chuckle
"Of course." Rosie said
"Heard you had an interesting encounter at rock climbing today." Pierce said
"I did. Came out with just a scratch." Rosie said
"Nolan know?" Pierce asked
"Not yet. I plan to tell him." Rosie said
"Before your date tomorrow?" He asked
"How much did he tell you?" Rosie asked
"Nothing. Hals did." Pierce said
"I see." Rosie said
"But brotherly advice. Tell him before so it doesn't possibly ruin any plans." Pierce said
"Okay." Rosie said
"I'm going to let you go and call Hayley back" Pierce said
"Okay. Bye." Rosie said
They hung up and he video chatted Hayley again
"Hey." Hayley said answering the video chat.
"Okay. Tell me the truth about how you are feeling." Pierce said
"Oh?" Hayley asked
"Hals. Tell me the truth." Pierce said
"What makes you think I'm lying?" Hayley asked
"Hals." Pierce said his voice was clear he was not happy.
Hayley let out a breath. "You make a call between our last video chat?"
"I did." Pierce said "Talk."
"I'm scared." Hayley said
"About what?" Pierce asked
"About what being apart is going to do to us." Hayley said
"Hals. I get that. But no amount of distance is going to change how I feel." Pierce said
"But what if you meet someone there…" Hayley said softly
"Hals. That wont happen. I love -you." Pierce said
"But you could fall out of love…" Hayley said
"Same could be said for you." Pierce said
"No…" Hayley said
"Why not?" Pierce asked
"Because I love you." She said softly.
"Hals. I know this is going to be hard. But we will make it work. I promise." Pierce said, "But in order to do that you need to talk to me."
"Okay. I'm sorry." Hayley said
"Its okay." Pierce said smiling
They talked a little longer before they both hung up and everyone went to bed.