Chapter Thirteen
T he morning sun streams through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stretch, feeling a pleasant soreness that reminds me of the incredible night I shared with Ryan. A soft knock on the door startles me, and Kelsey bursts in, her face alight with excitement. She’s holding a coffee cup so she must have been out getting her morning caffeine fix.
“Morning, sunshine! Tell me everything!” she exclaims, bouncing onto my bed.
I laugh, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. “Good morning to you too, Kelsey. It was… incredible. I don’t know how else to describe it.”
Her eyes widen with curiosity. “I knew it! You have that glow about you. I’m so happy for you, Hailey.”
“Thanks.” I can feel a dreamy smile on my face but can’t seem to erase it. “It was amazing. Everything happened just the way it was supposed to. We walked back to the dorms and then…” I trail off, letting her fill in the blanks.
Kelsey grins, leaning in closer while taking a sip of her coffee through the straw. “Come on, I need details! What did you guys do?”
I blush, memories of our night together flooding my mind. “We went to dinner. After we took a walk along the river. We started kissing and it felt so natural and Ryan is just…so good looking and perfect. His lips are so soft Kels. After that, we got in his car and went back to his dorm, and then one thing led to another…”
“And?” she prompts, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
“And it was toe-curling amazing,” I say, smiling at the memory. “He was so good. It felt like we were really in sync.”
Kelsey squeals and hugs me tightly. “I’m so happy! Ryan’s so nice. You’re perfect together.”
“He really is,” I reply, my heart swelling with affection for him. “I’m just a little nervous about what comes next. It’s all so new.”
Kelsey pulls back, her expression serious. “Take it one step at a time. You guys are clearly into each other, and that’s what matters. Just enjoy the ride. We’re all young and we have plenty of years before we need to do any permanent settling down.”
“Thanks, Kels. I needed to hear that,” I say, feeling a bit more reassured.
She nods, giving me a supportive smile. “Anytime. So, what’s the plan for today?”
I stretch again, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles. “I think I’m going to take it easy. Maybe do some reading and catch up on sleep. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”
Kelsey laughs. “I bet you didn’t. I’m just glad you had a good time.”
We chat a bit more, and I fill her in on some of the sweeter moments of the night. The way Ryan looked at me, the way he made me laugh, and how natural everything felt between us. It’s comforting to share these details with Kelsey, who listens with genuine interest and joy for me.
After a while, the conversation shifts, and I decide to change the subject. “Hey, are you nervous about the play starting next weekend?”
Kelsey takes a deep breath, her expression turning thoughtful. “Yeah, a bit. It’s my first acting role, and I want to do well. There’s a lot of pressure even with it being a supporting role.”
“You’ll be amazing. I’ve seen you rehearse, and you’re fantastic. Just remember to breathe and enjoy the moment,” I say, giving her a reassuring smile. “Plus you know I’m going to be there cheering you on opening night.”
“Thanks. That means a lot to me,” she replies, looking a bit more relaxed. “I’m trying to focus on the positives and not let the nerves get to me. I’ll feel better knowing you’ll be in the crowd.”
“That’s the spirit. And if you ever need a pep talk, you know where to find me,” I say, giving her a playful nudge.
She pauses for a moment before continuing, “Did I tell you my parents are coming in to see the play?”
I prop up on one of my arms, “No! I had no clue.” Kelsey’s parents have always been supportive but very critical of her. “I’m sure they’ll be proud of you.”
“I hope so.” She sighs. “So midterms.”
I groan. “Don’t remind me. I’m not ready.”
“We’ll figure it out. Study together.”
“Can’t we just have one of those cute little movie montages? We get coffee and fall asleep with a pencil in our hair and then it’s all over and we laugh while eating our weight in fries?”
“If only.”
I stand up and stretch my arms over my head. “Okay. I’m officially awake. Breakfast?”
“
“Absolutely. I’m starving,” Kelsey says, jumping off the bed. “Let’s go.”
We head out of the dorm, the morning air crisp and refreshing. As we walk to the dining hall, I can’t keep the smile off my face. I feel happy and giddy and thankful. I think about Kelsey beside me and worry about her parents coming into town. She’s flourishing a lot here at school and I would hate for that to get stifled by her parents. Her parents have been so excited about her being pre-law, I’m frankly surprised that they support her taking part in something that gives her pleasure.
Over breakfast, Kelsey and I chat about everything from classes to weekend plans. She has a way of making even the most daunting tasks seem manageable, and her unwavering support means the world to me. As we finish our meal and head back to the dorm, I feel a renewed sense of determination. With Kelsey by my side and Ryan in my life, I know I can handle whatever comes my way.
A week has passed since that unforgettable night with Ryan, and things have been going well between us. We’ve been spending more time together, and every day brings us closer together. Tonight, though, is all about Kelsey. Opening night of her play is finally here, and I’m determined to be the best friend I can be by showing my support. Ryan knocks on the door, and his smile when I answer is breathtaking.
“You ready for the show?” he asks, offering his arm.
“Absolutely. Kelsey’s been working so hard for this,” I say linking my arm with his.
We walk to the campus theater, the nights are getting colder and colder as we near Thanksgiving break that’s quickly approaching. Once we reach the theater, we make our way past the large crowd in the lobby that is buzzing with excitement, a mix of students, parents, and faculty all eagerly anticipating the performance. As we find our seats, I spot Kelsey’s parents a few rows ahead of us. They seem engrossed in conversation, their expressions a mix of anticipation and seriousness. I decide to wait till after the show to say hello.
The lights dim, and the noise in the theater dies down. The curtain rises, and the play begins. Kelsey steps onto the stage shortly after the play begins. From the first moment, she captivates the audience with her presence. Her performance is flawless, every line is delivered with emotion and precision. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride for my best friend. She’s a natural born performer. I understand that pre-law is her major but as she stands on that stage, I can’t help but think that she was born to do this.
Throughout the play, I occasionally glance at Kelsey’s parents. Her mother, with her impeccably styled hair and tailored suit, watches with a critical eye, occasionally whispering to her husband. Her father, equally well-dressed, nods occasionally but maintains a stern expression. I can sense their scrutiny, and it makes me anxious for Kelsey.
Ryan leans in and whispers, “She’s amazing. Has she acted before?”
I shake my head, unable to take my eyes off Kelsey. “No, never.”
The play reaches its climax, and Kelsey’s final scene leaves the audience in awe. As the curtain falls, the theater erupts in applause. I stand, clapping enthusiastically as Ryan and others in the crowd follow suit. It’s as if the crowd knows that they witnessed something special.
I barely wait for the house lights to come back on before telling Ryan, “Let’s go find her.” Grabbing Ryan’s hand we make our way to the backstage area.
We navigate through the crowd, finally reaching Kelsey, who is surrounded by her castmates. Her face lights up when she sees us.
“Hailey! Ryan! You made it!” she exclaims, pulling us into a hug.
“You were incredible, Kelsey. Seriously, you were so amazing. You could have been in the movie, you were that good,” I gush, feeling a swell of pride that she’s my best friend.
“Aw thanks, guys. It means so much that you were here,” she replies, her eyes shining with happiness and maybe even a few unshed tears.
Just then, her parents approach. Her mother, looking stern, gives Kelsey a once-over. “Kelsey, you were good. But there were a few moments where you could have projected more,” she says, her tone more critical than congratulatory.
Her father nods in agreement. “And you need to work on your pacing. Some of the scenes felt rushed.”
I feel my heart sink for Kelsey, who stands there, taking in their feedback with a strained smile. Ryan squeezes my hand, sensing my discomfort.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind for the next time,” Kelsey replies, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her hurt.
Her mother nods curtly. “Good. We just want you to do your best. Thank goodness this silly nonsense is just for fun though. Before you know it you’ll be clerking and this will all be a fun memory. Now, are you coming to dinner with us?”
Kelsey hesitates, glancing at me and Ryan. “Actually, I was supposed to spend some time with my friends tonight to celebrate the opening.”
Her parents exchange a look, clearly displeased. “Fine,” her mother says, a hint of disapproval in her voice. “We’ll talk more in the morning at breakfast.”
Her mother leans in for a kiss on the cheek and then her father gives a hug that consists of a small pat on the back with one arm around her. As they walk away, Kelsey lets out a sigh of relief. “Thanks for being here. I’m so sorry if you guys have plans already I just needed an out with them. I’m on a high and they clearly are not.”
“We completely understand. We’re more than happy to support you any way you need us,” Ryan says, giving her a reassuring smile. “You were fantastic tonight and deserve to be happy.”
Kelsey smiles, her confidence slowly returning. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“Why don’t we go celebrate?” I suggest, trying to lift her spirits. “I think you deserve a little treat.”
“That sounds perfect,” Kelsey agrees, her smile widening. Just give me a few minutes to get changed and wipe some of this makeup off.
After giving Kels a few minutes to get changed and cleaned up we walk down to a place where we can get dessert. I can’t help but be quiet as we walk. I’m proud of Kelsey for her performance, but I’m also frustrated by her parents’ harsh critiques. I know how much their approval means to her, and it hurts to see her so affected by their words. Before we open the front door to the dessert bar, I make a mental note to accompany her to breakfast in the morning if she’ll let me, because I feel like her parents will only have more negativity to spew at her.
We find a cozy corner booth and settle in. Ryan orders a round of lattes and a selection of pastries, and we spend the next hour talking and laughing. Kelsey gradually relaxes, the tension from her parents’ critique fading as she enjoys the company and tells us insider tips about which actor forgot a line and a stagehand tripped if we heard the loud noise.
“I’m really glad you guys are here,” Kelsey says, her voice sincere. “I needed this. It’s been a stressful few weeks.”
“I’m always going to be here for you, Kels,” I reply, squeezing her hand. “No matter what.”
“You did a great job,” Ryan says. “You have more people who believe in you than you think.”
Kelsey smiles, looking between us. “Thanks.” She gets a mischievous grin on her face. “You two are adorable together.”
I blush, glancing at Ryan, who grins at me.
As the evening draws to a close, I feel a sense of contentment. Despite the challenges and criticisms, Kelsey knows she’s not alone. We walk back to our dorm, chatting about the play and our plans for the weekend. As we reach our building, Kelsey turns to us. “Thanks again for tonight. I really needed this.”
“Anytime, Kels,” I say, giving her a hug. “You’re amazing, and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”
“Exactly,” Ryan adds. “You’re a star, Kelsey. Don’t forget it. You should think of changing your major and taking up acting. You were that good!”
Kelsey blushes but remains silent which is telling to me. She might actually be toying with the idea of doing just that, but she’s not ready to talk about it. For as long as I’ve known her she’s been obsessed with being a lawyer—but maybe that was her parents’ influence. I decide to refrain from opening that can of worms tonight.
Once we reach our dorm Kelsey tells Ryan goodnight and goes inside leaving Ryan and I to tell each other goodnight. I turn to Ryan. “Thank you for coming tonight and thank you for saying all those nice things to Kelsey. I appreciate you supporting me and my best friend.”
“I had a great time tonight. I got to spend it with you.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a kiss that melts my lip gloss off. When we pull away I’m left breathless and wishing our roommates were both otherwise occupied. He must know what I’m thinking. “We’ll have to have our next date just be the two of us.”
“Yeah. I’d like that,” I tell him as I lean back against the door.
He leans in and gives me another kiss but this one is just a peck on the lips then tells me goodnight. I watch him walk away until he turns the corner going further down the hall to his dorm room. As I slip inside, all I can think to myself is tonight was a good night.