hauntingly beautiful

Chapter 31

Hunter's Point of View
"...oh, Hayden!" Joey finished.
I felt myself stop breathing, as my eyes slowly dragged over to where she was.
She avoided eye contact with me, as she bit down on her lip.
I remember that Hayden used to bite on her lower lip everytime she was nervous.
"Damn!" Joey whistled, eyeing Hayden up and down. "You became hot!"
I glared at Joey, as Hayden gave him a weak smile.
"So, listen, Hunter, if you don't want Hayden anymore, I'll be glad to take her." Joey smirked, placing his cold hands on her thighs.
I saw Hayden flinch at his touch, as I immediately took action.
I peeled his hands off her, pushing him away gently.
"Go find someone else." I told him.
Joey chuckled, sounding like a drunk idiot.
He walked off to another girl who was wearing a bikini with large rinestones.
I took in a deep breath, turning my attention back to Hayden.
She was staring down, twisting the ends of her brown locks.
I couldn't believe I didn't recognize her.
She changed over the past year.
She became so much more beautiful and confident.
"Hayden." I whispered.
Her big, hazel eyes stared up at me, as she gave me a half smile. "Hi, Hunter."
I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck. "You're back."
She laughed along with me, as her eyes twinkled even in the dim lighting. "I guess I am."
I licked my lips. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled, rolling her eyes playfully. "Why, you don't want me here?"
During her time away, she definetely became less shy and more outgoing.
I liked her this way, carefee and relaxed.
I knew she probably was still hurt from her dark past, but I could tell by her smile that she was moving on from it.
"Of course I do." I said.
"In that case, I'm here to see you graduate." she explained.
I raised an eyebrow. "You came all the way from California just to see me?"
She smiled. "And Ruth, of course."
I smiled, and took a long minute just to study her for a minute.
I missed her so much, and it was surreal that she was standing just a short foot away from me.
Gosh, she became so beautiful.
"Do you want to leave? I know parties were never your thing." I suggested.
She smiled, glad that I remembered so much about her. "If you don't mind, I'd love to go get some ice cream."
I grinned, lacing her fingers through mine. "I'm fine with that."
~*~*~
"Why do you keep staring at me like that? Do I have ice cream on my face?" Hayden asked, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.
I shook my head, unable to keep myself from smiling at her like an idiot.
"I'm just really glad you're back." I paused. "How have you been this past year?"
Her smiled faded a bit, as her put her spoon down.
"After I moved, I started to see my guidence counselor at my new school. She helped me out, a lot." she said, twirling her half melted ice cream.
"That's good. I could tell that you've changed." I nodded.
She smiled again, and it felt as if the whole room lighted up. "Thanks."
I licked my lips, waiting for the question to roll out my tongue.
"So... are you seeing someone?" I asked, not daring to look at her.