Illusiveone
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72: Redoing my Life, Hawaii pt.2
🕑 Added 2024-06-10 12:07:32 +0000 UTCThe gentle sound of waves created a soothing backdrop as Haley and I strolled along the shore, Haley was telling me about the latest drama among her friends.
"They were all so jealous," she said with a satisfied smile. "We looked great at prom."
“I told you that dress would catch some eyes,” I said.
“Mm, you did. I think my eye for fashion is rubbing off on you,” she said, holding my hand.
We walked to a more private location and found a seat on a large, flat rock overlooking the ocean. There were some trees next to us, providing shade from the sun.
"So," I began, breaking the comfortable silence, "are we going to talk about it?" referring to the sour end to the prom.
Haley sighed. "I may have overreacted," she admitted.
"A bit," I replied gently.
"It's just that you're so busy, and we barely see each other. I started thinking about what happens after you graduate and..." she trailed off, looking away.
"And?" I prompted softly.
"And you're starting to make movies. I'm sure you'll meet some beautiful actresses, and you'll break up with me," she said, her voice wavering slightly.
"I'm not...," I began to protest.
"Look at me, Daniel. I might have to repeat a year of high school. The only good thing about me is that I'm pretty, and I'm sure prettier women are going to be after you," she said.
I took her hands in mine. "Haley, you are so much more than just a pretty face," I said, looking into her eyes.
She turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "Like what?"
"Well, for starters, you make friends so easily, and everyone loves being around you. You're popular not just because of how you look, but because of your amazing personality."
Haley's lips twitched into a small smile. "Go on."
"You're also incredibly fashionable and trendy. You made me into one of the most fashionable people in the studio. Tom Hanks, of all people, complimented me.”
She chuckled softly. "I do love fashion."
“You’re so good with photography. I've been wanting you to take that photography course. I am sure your pictures could be displayed in a gallery in the future.”
Haley looked down, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Thank you."
"And you're always so optimistic and cheerful. Your positive outlook on life uplifts everyone around you. You're resilient, bouncing back from setbacks and learning from your experiences. It has helped me on occasion too. Remember how stressed I was during the last book launch and you helped me a lot then?”
Haley took a deep breath. "You really think all that about me?"
"I do, Haley. I think you're amazing, and I’m lucky to have met you," I said sincerely.
She leaned in and kissed me softly. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."
"I know it will be hard with me graduating, but let's give it our best shot," I began. "But if one of us feels like we're drifting away, we should just tell each other. And if it comes to a point where we can't continue, we can at least part on good terms.”
Haley nodded slowly, a small smile forming on her lips. "I think I can do that."
We sat there for a while, the sound of the waves providing a comforting backdrop. Eventually, Haley broke the silence. "So, there's this party I was invited to."
"Oh? Who invited you?" I asked.
"Just some kids our age who live here," she replied.
"Alright, let's go then," I said.
We made our way to the party, which was at a house near the beach. As we approached, the music and laughter grew louder. Haley spotted the person who invited her, and they waved enthusiastically.
"Hey! you came!" the girl called out, then noticed me. "Oh my God, you're Daniel Adler!"
"Yes, that's me," I replied with a smile.
"I can't believe you're here! This is so cool," she said excitedly. "I'm Eve, by the way. Welcome! I can believe there is a celebrity at my party!"
"Thanks, Eve," I said, shaking her hand.
Haley and I entered the house, which was filled with other teenagers and young adults enjoying the afternoon. Haley immediately began socializing, her outgoing nature shining through as she chatted with various people. I hung back, sipping on a drink and occasionally talking to some of my fans who were there.
"Hey, Daniel, when's the next Percy Jackson coming out?" one of them asked.
"End of the year," I replied.
"Can you give us any spoilers?" another girl prodded.
I laughed. "No spoilers, sorry."
Just then, Haley appeared beside me, saving me from further questioning. "Come on, Daniel, there's someone I want you to meet," she said, pulling me away.
“Who do you want me to meet?” I asked.
“Them,” she said, holding up two bottles of beer.
"Where did you get that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Eve had a fake ID. She just bought it," Haley replied nonchalantly.
"You know I don't drink, Haley. And you shouldn't either," I reminded her.
"Come on, it was fun when you last got drunk," she teased.
"Exactly," I said, emphasizing my point.
"Well, I'm drinking. It's about time I had one," she declared, taking a sip.
I sighed, knowing this was likely going to end badly. "Well, I did warn you. You have to live with the consequences."
Haley took another sip and smiled. "I could get used to this."
We spent some more time at the party, and I found myself actually having fun. But we had to cut it short when Haley began to feel the effects of the alcohol.
"You had one beer. How are you drunk?" I asked, bewildered.
"She had more than one," Eve, the host, said, laughing.
"Great," I muttered.
"I don't feel so good," Haley slurred, clearly intoxicated.
"Come on, let's get you back to the hotel," I said, helping her up.
"I can't… what if… Mom sees…" she tried to say, struggling with her words.
"We'll figure that out when we get there," I assured her.
The sun was setting as I called for the taxi. We traveled back to the hotel, with Haley leaning heavily against me, her head resting on my shoulder. As we approached the hotel, I knew we would have to navigate this carefully to avoid any confrontation with her parents. I didn't want to get her into trouble, though I knew they were going to find out anyway.
We arrived at the hotel as it was getting dark. Haley had been close to throwing up several times during the drive, but luckily she didn't.
"Okay, Haley, what's your room number? Do you have a key?" I asked.
"In my purse," she mumbled.
I helped her walk, and we received some odd looks, but I managed to get her to her room. As soon as we entered, she rushed to the bathroom to throw up.
"I told you not to drink," I muttered, hearing her retching.
Haley continued to throw up, and I sighed. "I'll get you something to drink," I said.
I walked out to get some ice and water. When I returned and entered the room again, I heard Alex's voice.
"How can you do this?" I heard Alex say.
"I just drank some beer," Haley replied weakly.
"Is that all? I saw you with that boy. I can't believe you're cheating on Daniel," Alex accused.
Haley, still drunk and tired after throwing up, responded, "What cheating?"
I bit back a laugh. "Yes, I saw you going out with a boy. Who was it then?" Alex demanded.
"Me," I said from behind Alex, who screamed in surprise.
"Oh my god," Haley groaned, holding her head. Alex's scream had clearly worsened her headache.
"Daniel?" Alex asked, shocked.
"Yes. Can you go and tell your mother Haley will need her help?" I asked, motioning towards Haley. "And don't tell her I was here. I'm going to leave."
Alex nodded, looking a bit embarrassed about her misunderstanding, and headed out.
"You're leaving?" Haley asked, her voice faint.
"Yes, I think it's best if your mother helps you,” I said. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'd kiss you, but you know."
Haley smiled weakly. "Fine, go. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, I don't think you're going to enjoy tomorrow morning," I said before leaving.
I decided to take the stairs down so that Claire wouldn't see me when she came up to check on Haley. As I reached the lobby and was walking towards the entrance, I saw the elevator open, and to my shock, I saw Lily alone in a stroller.
‘What the hell?’ I thought.
"Lily," I said, looking at the toddler alone in the elevator.
I quickly entered and took her out. "Where are your dads?" I asked her.
Being a toddler, she didn’t answer. "They must be here somewhere," I muttered as I walked around the place.
As I wandered, I heard a camera go off and saw a man walking away from me. "Great, now the paparazzi know I’m here. I’m not even that famous. Why do they even care?" I grumbled to myself.
I looked around again, and to my luck, I spotted Cam and Mitchell frantically running around. "Cam! Mitchell!" I called out.
Cam spotted me holding Lily. "Oh my God, Lily!" he shouted, running over with Mitchell.
"I found her in the elevator," I said as Cam took Lily and hugged her tightly.
"Thank God you found her," Cam said, visibly relieved.
"Well, I'm going to go. Try not to lose her again, you two," I said playfully.
"Thank you, Daniel," Cam said as I walked away.
"Don't mention it," I replied.
.
.
.
I woke up in my room at a hotel a few miles away from where Haley was staying. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and checked my phone, I noticed a text from Lucy.
The text contained a link to a popular tabloid site, along with several laughing emojis and a sarcastic congratulations on becoming a dad.
“What the hell,” I said to myself.
I opened the link and saw the headline:
Daniel Adler: A Father? Mother Thought to Be Asian
The picture of me with Lily from the night before was prominently displayed.
"Oh, come on," I said out loud, shaking my head in disbelief.
