"What? Madison did what? Why are you telling me now? How did you find out? What did you do? Did you report her?" Ellie decided to stop and hear Hailey out.
Hailey batted her eyes in shock. She was quite surprised at Ellie's reaction. "Is this some kind of rapid fire questioning I didn't know about?"
"This is not time for jokes. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Finally we're taking the questions one after the other." Hailey quickly switched when she saw Ellie's burning eyes. "I didn't want to tell you because I knew you'd be like this, no actually, you were more than I expected."
"You could have at least told me in school. Hailey, what is wrong with you?"
Hailey held her both hands. "I didn't want you to confront her, because I don't want any case. I know how much you've been trying to find out who it was, and I couldn't keep it from you either. That's why I'm telling you now." she looked at her and quickly added jokingly, "Forgive me ma'am."
Ellie let go of her hands and beat her lightly. "Don't mess with me again."
"Are you going anywhere today?"
"Nope. I'll just stay in." Ellie kept her eyes on her phone.
"Come on. Who stays in on weekends?"
"You. That's so rich coming from you." Ellie scoffed.
"I don't stay in on weekends. Look at me trying to get your ass up."
"Maybe you didn't know but Ken and I are basically best friends now. He already told me everything." Ellie looked up to her with a mocking smile.
"Fine." They laughed.
Hailey was a total indoor person. She always has her novels and movies to keep her company, and she gave up on having any friends. Ken wasn't like her, even if they moved a hundred times, he will make sure to be among or create a circle of friends. Hailey wanted to go out more ever since she became friends with Ellie. It felt good to walk and do things together.
"Right! Ray is having a night birthday party at his house. Should we go then?" Ellie remembered.
Hailey didn't know if she'll go. She didn't like the fact that Ray was a dealer, and the fact that they might get into trouble. She tried explaining to Ellie, but she told her not to worry about that. She agreed to go, but first she has to go to the hospital to see Jeremy. Ellie also came along with her.
Jeremy's condition hasn't improved yet. Hailey saw his mum worn out, and she knew she probably haven't had chance to go home. She felt sorry for her.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Kitcher." Hailey greeted.
"Oh, Hailey. How are you dear?" She stood up holding her shoulders.
"I'm fine. This is Ellie, my friend. We're in the same class too." Hailey introduced and they exchanged pleasantries.
Hailey told Mrs. Kitcher to go home and freshen up, that she'll look after Jeremy till evening. She declined but Hailey was adamant. She thanked Hailey and left. Hailey sat behind him, caressing his hand.
"I pray nothing happens to him. He has a good heart." Ellie consoled.
"I know right. I miss him so much."
"You don't have to worry, he'll be okay."
"Okay."
"So tell me, what are you wearing to the party?" Ellie asked changing the mood.
"A dress probably."
"A dress? Girl we don't wear dresses to party."
"A pajamas then." Hailey said and they burst out laughing.
It was evening before they knew it, after series of long girls talk and huge chocolate consumption. They waited for Jeremy's mum so that they can go and get ready for the party.
Mrs. Kitcher came in with two small boxes and handed to each of them.
"They're just cookies that I made. Thank you for staying with him, please take it." Mrs. Kitcher pleaded.
"Thank you ma'am." they chorused and left.
Ellie stopped over at Ken's on their way home to grab cookies and chocolate.
"Why are you buying cookies?" Hailey was confused.
"For the party." Ellie turned and faced Hailey, "we can't go empty handed to a party, that's like the rule around here. The cookies Mrs. Kitcher gave me are mine, so." she handed her the box of chocolate to hold.
"Should I come along too?" Ken spoke up.
"Of course. On one condition though?" Ellie grinned.
"What condition miss? "
"Bless the party with chocolates." she whispered and they laughed.
"You two should have fun and be careful. Don't drink too much." Ken's eyes were on Ellie even though he addressed both of them.
Ellie walked up to him. "Of course Sir, we promise to be very careful. Don't worry about us. Bye." Ellie smiled and they left.
"Of course Sir, we promise to be careful." Hailey mimicked Ellie as soon as they were out. "What was that? Are you flirting with Ken?"
"Never knew these kinds of topics are of your interest."Ellie gave a short laugh.
"It does. I think you already know that Ken likes you."She pointed.
"We are just friends. So you said you only have dresses for the party?"
"Don't you dare switch the topic right now."
"There is nothing going on. please come on, we have a party to attend."
"Don't make it sound so grand. We are basically criminals at that party." Hailey pouted and Ellie laughed.
Hailey told her mum about the party and took whatever she'd need.
"Don't stay out too late, and wear something nice." Susan called to her as she left.
"You're just like Ellie." she groaned.
Hailey was shocked when she came into Ellie's room. Her bed was filled with leather skirts, jackets, jeans, and all sorts of accessories. Hailey settled for a blue midi gown and boots, and Ellie wore leather shorts and a matching jacket. And for some reasons she couldn't explain, Hailey thought about Henry.
"Does everyone in our class attend?" Hailey's curiosity got ahead of her.
"Most times. The only people you'd never see is Ivan and Henry. Let's go."