Page 93 of Closer than Ever

Her parents both laughed. Hayley really was a hit, which of course Anna knew she would be.

Later that night, after more childhood photos and stories had been shared and spilled with Hayley, never to be taken back, they were in her bedroom with the door firmly shut.

“I love your parents. I’ve had the best time tonight. You”?Hayley pulled her close on the bed with her?“are the cutest. Like, I feel like I know you even better now after this. The real you.”

“I’m glad you’re having fun.” Anna didn’t know how to answer Hayley’s lovely words. “Thanks for being so great with them. I’m sorry you had to endure so many pictures.”

Hayley smiled. “I loved them all.”

They lay there, on the single bed, cuddling into each other. Anna didn’t know what to do except hold her. Her heart was starting to ache with the uncertainty they were wrapped up in. She didn’t have the strength to analyse it or communicate about it right now. Instead, she switched her bedside light off and re-joined Hayley on the pillow they were sharing. “Hayley?”

“Yes?”

Anna spooned into her. “Sleep well.”

***

The streets of Edinburgh were a complete change of pace. Anna drove the campervan with relative ease through the traffic. She said she would drive because it was harder driving in a city and especially with the large camper it just made sense for Anna to do it. Hayley hadn’t put up a fight.

“Can we drive by our old apartment before we get there?” Hayley said, out of nowhere. “I really want to see it again.”

“Oh. Um. Yes. We’ll have to take a bit of a detour, but we should be able to fit it in before we meet them.”

When they got to their old street, Anna felt strange. Not only did it feel like an eternity since they lived there together, but with Hayley back again and everything they’d shared on the trip, it was like they were living in a whole new reality. She and Hayley had finally got together, and it was even better than she’d ever dreamed it could be. They’d come full circle. But what next?

Hayley stared and stared at the block of flats. “It’s insane being back here.”

Anna blew out a breath. “I know what you mean. I feel the same. Why do you feel that way?”

“I’ve thought about this place a million times over the years. I really loved my time here. I loved spending it with you. We were so young.”

“We were babies.”

Hayley turned to her. “I’m so grateful I got to come back and see you again.” She had a serious tone. “I’m grateful our story didn’t end here. Because for a long time, I thought it had.”

Anna let Hayley’s words sink in. Sometimes it was hard to see how Hayley felt because she was so in the moment and focused on having fun. But the more time they shared with each other, the more it seemed like Hayley was invested. Anna’s heart rate picked up. She reached over and held Hayley’s hand. “I’m glad you came back. I’m glad we get to continue our story, too.”

Hayley caressed Anna’s hand with her thumb. “How do you feel about being back here?”

Anna thought for a few moments. “I always wondered what it would be like to be with you and now I am. Maybe I feel a little bit triumphant.” Anna smiled and stroked the inside of Hayley’s wrist. “I got the girl and she’s sitting right here with me.”

Hayley grinned. The familiar playfulness was returning to her eyes. “Tell me more about this wondering you did. Feel free to be as detailed as you can, please.”

Anna laughed a little and started the engine. “No. I’ll tell you later if you behave tonight. We’d better get going if we want to get there on time.”

***

In the Indian restaurant, Anna and Hayley sat across from Rose and Lauren. A plethora of plates and bowls were spread across the table along with copious amounts of naan bread and beer. Anna had caught up with Rose and Lauren before Hayley arrived in Scotland. At that meet up, it was all about Lauren getting engaged and Hayley’s upcoming visit. It felt like ages ago.

“You are a complete fucking legend. I always think of you killing it in the corporate world over there while I am in a classroom full of screaming six-year-olds,” Rose said.

“I was just another number in the end. They’ve already replaced me and forgotten all about me. Makes me wonder why I put in all that effort.”

“You were quite high up, though, weren’t you?”

“I was.”

“Then at least you got good money out of it, I assume. I earn shit money as a teacher and I can’t afford to buy a house, but hey-ho.”

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