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“Hailey, it’s time to start heading home!” Hailey’s mother called for her from across the hall.
“Okay!” she replied, “I’m just going to use the bathroom before we leave.”
“Alrighty, hun! We’ll meet you outside then.”
“Don’t take too long,” Zander groaned, “I need my beauty sleep for tomorrow!”
Hailey rolled her eyes before she turned and began walking to the bathroom she saw earlier that day.
Hailey was exhausted. While the day had been exciting, it also managed to drain all of the energy she had. The rest of the club had already left, besides her brother, of course.
And she had a lot on her mind. How exactly did Jake know that guy from before? What what his name again..? She didn’t even really want to think about it.
Once she got to the bathroom, she pushed open the door. The last person she expected to see was Lia , re-applying her mascara in the mirror.
Hailey stared at her for a moment, in shock. Lia seemed to notice her presence and she glanced over. Her eyes widened as they focussed on Hailey and she opened her mouth.
But before she could get out a single remark Hailey quickly went into one of the stalls. Hailey wasn’t sure what she was going to do when she went back out and had to face her. Maybe she could just ignore her? She could not give her a single look, wash her hands, and get out of there.
Once she finished, that’s exactly what she tried to do. She didn’t even allow herself a glance at Lia. She went to the second sink automatically and began to wash her hands. Despite this, Hailey could feel Lia’s eyes on her.
“Hailey, I-”
“I don’t want to argue, Lia,” Hailey sighed, “I’m too tired to hear any snarky remarks you may-”
“I’m sorry.”
Hailey paused. She looked up from the sink to look at Lia’s reflection in the mirror. She looked… different. She almost looked like the girl Hailey knew in middle school, yet more grown. More mature. Her expression held remorse, as well as some shame. She had this awfully pained look in her eyes.
“...What?” Hailey blinked.
“I’m sorry. I was wrong about… everything ,” Lia laughed with no humor, “I’m sorry I abandoned you when you needed me most. It was awful. That- after you ran off stage, that was the most important time to stick by your side and I didn’t. I didn’t stick by you like I could have- should have, and I am so sorry, Hailey.”
“...I saw you in the audience earlier tonight…” Hailey confessed, “...Zoey wasn’t with you.”
“We… I’m not talking to her anymore,” she admitted, “I came as promised to support Jake… and to see you …”
Hailey blinked, staring, “...me? Really?”
Lia slowly nodded, gently smiling. Her smile slowly faded as she sighed.
“...I should have never started hanging out with Zoey and her friends over you back then,” Lia shook her head, scoffing at herself, “I know that now. But back then… I really don’t know what I was thinking. I think that I thought that it would be nice to be like Zoey. That I could be with her and you. That I could have my cake and eat it too. But… I picked her over you. I never should have. You didn’t deserve that. You were so kind to me. Too kind.”
Hailey went quiet again. She looked down at that the counter, not having the courage to look Lia in the eyes.
“...I’m really happy you preformed tonight. You… you were amazing. You haven’t lost your touch at all.”
Hailey blushed, looking back up at her, “Lia… why are you saying all of this? What changed ?”
Lia’s eyes faltered, “I’ve been thinking… a lot recently. About Jake, Zoey… you and me...”
Hailey could’ve sworn she saw Lia blush when she said that last part.
“...about how I left things with you. How I’ve treated you ever since. All because… I’m jealous of you, Hailey,” Lia admitted, “You’re so smart, so talented, and so, so kind to everyone you meet. Everything I wish I could be. And in all these years, what I didn’t want to admit to myself was how much I missed you.”
Hailey stared at her. She… she had no idea how to respond to all of that.
“I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry, Hailey. You deserve an apology at the very least,” Lia nodded to herself, “to know that what happened between us wasn’t your fault, that it was mine. And I know that things can’t go back to the way they were, as much I wish they could, but I hope you can accept my apology.”
“...Lia, I-” Hailey hesitated, unsure of herself, “It may take some time, but… I don’t want to keep avoiding you. I’ve been really sad and angry with you these past years, but recently… all I’ve felt is sad, because I miss you too. I want to try again.
Lia looked back at her, “You… do?”
Hailey nods, “Of course I do. Lia… you were my best friend. It’ll take some time, but… I want to see if we can be close again. Maybe not exactly close like we were before, but I want to try again.”
Lia gently smiled, “...I’d like that too.”
Hailey smiled, “Well, Zander is waiting for me. I’ll, ah- see you on Monday then?”
Lia laughed a little and nodded, “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Hailey can’t help but just look at Lia for a few moments longer. While the bad memories may have been more relevant those past years, with this new beginning the good ones were starting to resurface. She blinked out of it and walked to the door.
Hailey thought for a moment before turning back to her, “Lia.”
Lia was putting her makeup away when she turned to Hailey, “Y-Yeah?”
“...I appreciate your apology.”
Lia smiled at her again, “Of course, Hailey. I’ll make everything up to you. I promise.”
Hailey smiled back at her and nodded. Then she pulled open the door and walked out, leaving Lia.
“Took you long enough!”
Hailey squeaked, jumping, “Zander! What the- don’t scare me like that! I thought you were waiting outside.”
Zander shrugged, “You were taking a long time. I got worried.”
“Well, thank you for the concern but as you can see," Hailey gestured to her unharmed body, "I’m fine. Let’s just get home.”
“If you say so.”