Chapter 7 the life of the Collins family
The next day
Hayley was sitting with Annabelle looking at more photo albums. When Hayley turned the page something stood out to Annabelle. She took Hayley's hand and looked at the shiny ring on her right finger. "That's a pretty ring. Where did you get it?" Annabelle said examining the ring. "Your father gave it to me when he proposed." Hayley said looking down at her ring. "How did he pro-propose?" Annabelle asked stumbling to say the word propose. "Well, I'll tell you the story." Hayley said looking at her daughter. "Okay" Annabelle said as she adjusted herself so she was facing Hayley.
Flashback
It was the summer after both Jake and Hayley had graduated from college. Hayley went to Brown and Jake went to_. They had both kept their relationship going long distance. They saw each other every summer and on the vacations from school. They were both 22 and they agreed to meet at the Lakewood High School where their lockers were in high school. Jake was so nervous he was playing with his fingers as he walked through the hallways. It was empty but they were able to come in because Mr. Stockley gave them the keys. Jake had talked to Hayley's mom a week ago and she was so excited for her daughter. Jake got to their lockers first and stood there feeling the box in his pocket. He couldn't believe he was actually doing this.
Hayley just drove up in her silver hybrid. She didn't know why they decided to meet here. Maybe there was something wrong in the school. She walked through the empty hallways and looked around. It looked the same as when they were there a few years ago. She spotted Jake who was looking out the indoor with his hands in his pockets. Hayley snuck up behind him and tapped his shoulder which startled him. "Hey" Hayley said as she kissed him on the cheek. "Hey, you scared me for a second." Jake said putting his hand to his chest. "Sorry, why are we here anyways?" Hayley said looking their old lockers. "Because I want this moment to be special." Jake said putting the box inside his hand in his pocket. "What's so special about standing next to our lockers and a smelly trash can?" Hayley said looking at the trash can and plugging her nose. "Well, this is where we first meet in high school and it was the first time you ever talked to me since the third grade. "Jake said. "Oh, so that makes it special?" Hayley said laughing slightly. "No but this will make it special." Jake said as he got down on one knee. Hayley gasped and was speechless. "Hayley, will you marry me?" Jake said opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring with and big diamond in the middle with two little diamonds on the sides. Hayley was speechless and just stood there in shock. Jake was still kneeling and he looked up at her and said, "Hayley, are you there?" "I-I-I yes" Hayley said which was all she could say now because she was in so much shock. "Yes to which question?" Jake asked hopping it was to the first one. "Yes to both." Hayley said with a smile. Jake then stood up and kissed Hayley. He took her right hand and slid the ring on. It fit perfectly.
End of flashback
"Oh, it's a pretty ring Mama" Annabelle said still inspecting the ring while listening to the story. "Okay now Dada is going to be home any minute and you Missy haven't cleaned you room." Hayley said poking her index finger on Annabelle's nose. "Okay I'll go clean my room." Annabelle said getting off of Hayley's lap and skipping upstairs.
Jake didn't feel good today as he came through the door. He had a stuffy nose and a cough and he had a headache. He unlocked the door and was greeted by Hayley who had a smile on her face. "Jake, what happened? You look terrible." Hayley said inspecting him. "Thank you, that's just what you want to hear when you walk through the door." Jake said sarcastically. "I'm sorry. Why about how was your day?" Hayley said correcting herself. "Horrible. Work was stressful and now I think I'm coming down with something." Jake said sneezing. "Oh, go into the living room and I'll go make you some tea." Hayley said taking Jake's bags out of his hands while he walked over to the couch.
Andrew came downstairs to see if dinner was ready when he saw his father wrapped up in blankets. "Look Dad, you're a mummy!" Andrew said gesturing to all the blankets. "Yes I am son. I'm sick so don't come too close to me." Jake said sniffling. "Oh I'm sorry Dad. Being sick sucks. You have to take yucky medicine that tastes discussing." Andrew said cringing when He said medicine. "Yeah it's pretty bad stuff but it makes you feel better." Jake said. "Yes, but why can't they make the flavors taste less bad." Andrew said. "I don't know son." Jake said shaking his head. "Oh well, why's for dinner?" Andrew asked. "I think chicken but I'm not sure. Go ask your mother." Jake said as he went back to reading his comic. Andrew walked away and into the kitchen to see chicken on the frying pan. "Hey honey" Hayley said looking up from sprinkling seasonings onto the chicken. "Hey mom, I need to ask you a question. "Andrew said looking at his mom. "Okay, ask away" Hayley said turning to get the salt from the cabinet out. "It's about a girl. What do I get her for a present?" Andrew asked. "What's the present for? "Hayley asked. "Her birthday is next weekend and I want to get something special for her because she's my girlfriend. I just don't know what to get." Andrew said. "Well, how about we go tomorrow to get a present. I'll help you pick it out. "Hayley said."Okay, I'll set the table now." Andrew said getting the plates. "Thank you" Hayley said looking at her son and smiling. Jake came in looking a mess. His hair was all over the place and his clothes were wrinkled. "Well, looks like someone had a nap." Hayley said trying to fix Jake's hair. "Yeah and I feel much better." Jake said smiling. "That's good because it dinner time so go get ready." Hayley said looking at his clothes. "I will" Jake said as he kissed her cheek and went upstairs.
After dinner they played a family game of Monopoly and then it was bed time. Hayley tucked Annabelle to sleep while Jake put Andrew to bed but not really. Hayley walked into her bedroom to see Jake already asleep in his day clothes. She smiled at him and then put her pajamas on. She crawled into bed and lay on her side. Jake turned over and draped his arm around her waist. She then fell asleep dreaming about her children and her husband.
*Another chapter is done! Ending isn't the best but I tried. Another chapter is coming soon. I know I wrote so many at once but I had brainstorms of ideas. Hayley gets a surprise in the next chapter. Guess what it is. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!*