Shattered Reflections

CHAPTER 6: A Research and a Realization

Hailey’s day takes an unexpected turn one crisp afternoon when a group project demands her full attention. As much as she wants to see Jessy, she knows she has to prioritize her schoolwork. Her group has struggled to coordinate schedules, and this is the only time everyone can meet. With a heavy heart, she decides to let Jessy know.

Spotting Jessy in the hallway, Hailey approaches him with an apologetic smile. “Jessy, I’m really sorry, but I have a group project today. We need to get it done, and I won’t be able to make it for lunch.”

Jessy smiles back, lifting her spirits for a moment despite the stress. “No worries, Hailey. I understand. We’ll catch up later. Good luck with your project!”

Relieved by his understanding, Hailey nods. “Thanks, Jessy. I’ll see you later after school then.” They exchange a quick wave before she heads toward the library, trying to focus on research topics, deadlines, and the pressure to perform well. As she walks, she pushes aside thoughts about Jessy’s recent distance, determined to stay on top of her academics.

However, as she makes her way down the hallway, Hailey’s shoelaces come undone. She stops near a row of lockers to tie them, kneeling as she fiddles with the laces. When she glances up, her fingers pause mid-knot. In the distance, she spots Jessy walking side by side with a girl she doesn’t recognize—a tall, wavy-haired girl with a bright smile.

They’re deep in conversation, laughing as if they’ve known each other for years. Hailey’s chest tightens at the sight, the ease between them unsettling. She squints, trying to make sense of what she’s seeing. The girl’s laughter rings in her ears, each note cutting deeper into her heart.

"Thanks for helping me with my stuff, Jessy. I really appreciate it," the girl says warmly.

Jessy’s response is light, relaxed—a tone Hailey hasn’t heard from him in a while. "No problem. I don’t mind at all. It’s nice to have a break from studying."

Hailey watches as Jessy shifts the books in his arms, his posture casual and comfortable. There’s something unsettling about how easily he carries the girl’s things, a simple gesture that feels too intimate. Hailey’s stomach churns as she tries to convince herself it’s nothing, just a friendly favor, but the unease won’t leave.

"Let’s head over to the café," the girl suggests. "I’ve heard they have great pastries."

Jessy nods, and they continue their stroll, unaware of Hailey’s presence. Jessy’s laugh echoes down the hallway, carefree and light—a sound Hailey hasn’t heard directed at her in weeks. It’s the kind of laugh that used to be reserved for their private jokes, their shared moments. But now, it feels like a distant memory.

As they approach the café, Hailey finds herself rooted in place, unable to look away. Jessy’s expression is one of contentment, his smile genuine in a way that makes Hailey’s heart ache. He looks happy—happier than he’s been with her lately.

Their gazes meet for a brief, heart-stopping moment, and Jessy’s face falls, panic flashing across his features. He looks as though he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t, like a child with his hand in the cookie jar. Hailey holds her breath, waiting, hoping Jessy will say something, anything, that will explain what’s happening.

But Jessy quickly averts his eyes, his expression hardening into something unreadable. Without a word, he turns back to the girl, who is blissfully unaware of Hailey’s presence, and guides her toward the café. Hailey watches, helpless, as Jessy opens the door for the girl with a polite smile. He doesn’t look back.

Hailey’s throat tightens, and she feels a surge of emotions she can’t control. It’s a simple gesture—holding a door open—but it speaks volumes. It’s something he had always done for her, a small act of thoughtfulness that now feels like a distant memory.

Is he choosing her over me? Hailey wonders, her thoughts spiraling. No… this can’t be happening. If he turns back, maybe it means he still cares. But if he doesn’t, what does that mean for us?

She stands there, willing Jessy to turn around, to glance back one more time and give her some sign that she hasn’t lost him completely. But he doesn’t. Jessy and the girl disappear into the café, the door swinging shut behind them, leaving Hailey’s hope shattered and her heart breaking into pieces she isn’t sure she can put back together.

A wave of tears stings her eyes, blurring her vision as she slowly backs away. The hallway seems to close in on her, every step heavy with the weight of what she has just seen. Hailey’s mind spirals, replaying the scene over and over, each replay more painful than the last. The laughter, the shared looks, the ease of their conversation—everything feels like a betrayal.

How could he do this? she thinks. We were fine… weren’t we?

As she makes her way to the library, Hailey’s thoughts are a chaotic mix of anger, sadness, and fear. She wants to confront Jessy, to demand answers, but a part of her is terrified of what he might say. Would he admit that he’s pulling away? That this girl is a part of his life in a way Hailey no longer is?

Reaching the library, Hailey slips into a quiet corner, her group members oblivious to the emotional storm brewing inside her. She pulls out her notebook, trying to focus on the task at hand, but her mind refuses to cooperate. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Jessy’s conflicted expression and the girl’s radiant smile. The hurt is overwhelming, threatening to drown her.

The meeting drags on, with Hailey forcing herself to participate, nodding along as her group discusses their findings. But her mind keeps drifting back to the café, to Jessy and the girl, to the easy way they had fallen into step with each other. It’s like watching a door close on everything she had shared with Jessy, leaving her on the outside looking in.

When the meeting finally ends, Hailey packs up her things and leaves the library, her heart feeling heavy. She wanders aimlessly, her footsteps slow and unsteady. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the school grounds. Hailey finds a quiet spot under a tree and sits down, pulling her knees to her chest. She lets the tears fall freely now, the weight of her emotions too much to hold back.

I don’t understand… she thinks. We were fine. How did it get to this?

She stays there for a while, lost in her thoughts, the cold ground beneath her offering little comfort. Hailey doesn’t know how long she sits there, replaying every moment with Jessy in her mind. She thinks about their late-night conversations, the promises they made to always be there for each other, and the slow, creeping distance that has grown between them.

Finally, as the sky darkens, Hailey stands up, wiping her tear-streaked face. She knows she can’t avoid Jessy forever. Sooner or later, they’ll have to talk about what’s happening between them. But for now, all she can do is take things one step at a time. As she walks home, Hailey tries to hold onto the faint hope that maybe, somehow, they can find their way back to each other.

But deep down, she can’t shake the feeling that things will never be the same.