Chapter 3: Did Hailey just get caught? (Part 2)
Hailey hopes that all signs point to no—just before it's time to ask her parents the last question she ever thought she'd ask
This is chapter 3 of The Other Side of the Ocean. You can also start at chapter 1, go back to chapter 2, continue to chapter 4, or access any chapter using the table of contents.
“Hailey! Where are you off to?” After she poses her question, Sandra’s lips remain frozen in the shape of a smile, and I can’t help but feel like Alice, standing like prey as she looks up at the Cheshire cat.
“Well.” I pause, breaking down what Sandra just said. She asked where I’m off to—not where I came from. Does that mean she didn’t see me come out of the counsellor’s office? The muscles in my chest loosen.
I sneak a look at Almira, who’s giving me a small smile too, but something in her eyes tells me she’s curious to hear what I have to say next. Is it because we’re friends—or did Almira see?
“I guess that depends on what time it is,” I answer honestly, sneaking a peek at my phone. “I haven’t had lunch yet. What about you guys?”
Good idea, I tell myself, realizing that I’ve started to sweat. Turn it back on them, wrap up the conversation, and be more careful next time you step out of the office.
Almira answers, her signature gentle voice rising to be heard over a group of students passing by. “We’re heading downstairs to sell tickets to the Future is Bright party.” Her voice perks up. “Are you coming too, Hailey?”
The Future is Bright party. An event being held at our school this Friday evening to welcome grade twelve students to share what they’re doing after graduation.
Of course, in order to share, you have to know what you’re doing.
“Um, I, maybe.” Every sound coming out of my mouth sends Almira’s facial muscles in different directions—hopefulness, concern, then downright disappointment and maybe even shock. I feel like I’m back in my parents’ car when I first learned how to drive last year, both of them in the backseat, hissing through their teeth every time I change lanes.
Almira nods, probably speechless, and I feel bad—for her and for me too, because part of me really does want to go. Future is Bright is also a fun opportunity for students to kick back, relax and reminisce, and seeing as Almira is the person I’ve been closest to these past few years, of course it would be fun to experience it together.
Sandra speaks first. “What, how could you not come?” It’s the first time I hear genuine surprise in her voice. I realize the possibility of my not coming to Future is Bright is probably going to spread through the school like the too-much-jam Dad loves smearing on his breakfast sandwiches every day. “This is our last semester together! Our last time as high school students, making memories inside these walls.” She holds out her hands dramatically, gesturing to the lockers on one side and the view of the atrium lit up downstairs by sunlight blazing through the skylights above it.
Almira looks torn, like she wants to say something but isn’t sure she should say it.
“And what do you mean you didn’t have lunch yet?” Sandra asks, her eyebrows pinned closer to each other than even Ms. Fortier’s when she thought I was experiencing another heart episode just minutes ago. “This period’s almost up. Where were you this whole time?”
My back starts to itch and my mind starts racing again. “Uh, I—”
“We gotta go,” Almira says suddenly, holding up her phone. Her gaze rests on me. “If you decide to come, we’ll have a ticket waiting for you,” she promises, a smile returning to her face.
I breathe out. Saved by Almira.
“Okay, sure, whatever, we’ve got tickets to sell. Tally-ooh!” Sandra gives me a quick hug and sashays down the hall. I can’t help it—Almira and I exchange looks and I burst out laughing, partly with relief.
“I better go after her.” Almira winks, then gives me a hug that’s tighter than usual. “Take care of yourself,” she says, and I watch as she jogs to catch up to Sandra.
I stare at them. If Sandra had seen me, she would have asked point blank, and while Almira wouldn’t say anything in front of Sandra, she seemed to be acting normal.
As Sandra’s feet bring her closer and closer to the end of the hall, relief grows and I hang onto the fact that Sandra did not see me come out of the counsellor’s office.
But as Almira turns the corner with her, her hair whipping over her shoulder as she turns to wave at me, I can’t help but wish that she had.
Especially given that I could use a friend right about now. Like, right now, seeing as, in a few hours, I’m supposed to ask my parents about something the ache in my stomach knows could upset two of the people I care about most, and therefore flip my life upside down in the process too.
Dear subscribers, thank you so much for your support! We really hope you enjoyed reading section three of The Other Side of the Ocean! We invite you to participate in another character-building exercise before we reach section four.
Hailey is about to go home to talk to her parents about something they never, ever, ever, talk about: her dad’s side of the family.
Hailey doesn’t know anything about that. But she does know so much else about her parents: their personality, their hobbies, and their favourite meals and movies and books.
We’d love your thoughts and suggestions on the characters of Hailey’s parents. We invite you to vote and share your feedback in the polls or comments section below!
This is chapter 3 of The Other Side of the Ocean. You can also start at chapter 1, go back to chapter 2, continue to chapter 4, or access any chapter using the table of contents.