The thought of her applying to University of Florida excited me. I wanted to accept the scholarship they’d offered, and knew I needed to let them know soon if I would be attending. If Hadley got in, then things would be perfect. I hadn’t told her yet, but Mom wanted to use spring break as a time to check out the campus and the housing nearby. She’d already been checking out apartments online, in hopes Hadley would go with me. If she didn’t, I would probably stay in a dorm.
Mom appeared in my doorway, a mug of hot chocolate in her hands. I knew it would be white chocolate raspberry, her favorite.
“I wasn’t sure if you heard the news,” she said, stepping farther into the room. “Today was Alicia’s trial.”
“What was the verdict?”
“They found her guilty of attempted murder. The judge sentenced her to fifteen years with the option of parole after ten. Also, I heard Hunter is serving up to one year for vandalizing your truck, and he’ll be charged a twenty-five hundred dollar fine. His trial was last week, but you were so preoccupied with Hadley I didn’t think you’d really care.”
“I don’t. I mean, I’m glad he’s being punished for what he did, and that he’s away from Hadley, but I guess in the grand scheme of things, what Hunter did seems petty and small. Alicia tried to kill Hadley. If I had known how completely psycho she was…”
“You can’t blame yourself,” Mom said.
“Hadley said she doesn’t blame me, but I blame me. She could have died, Mom. I’d have lost her and all because I…” My voice cracked.
Mom sat beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Hadley is fine, Tyler. I know she’s having a hard time adjusting to her weakened eyesight, and I’m sure she’s frustrated and angry about what happened to her, but with you in her corner, I know she’ll succeed. I’ve watched you since the night you came home and told me you were dating her. There’s been a change in you.”
“I’m still an asshole, Mom.”
She smiled. “Maybe. And I’m sure you drive Hadley insane some days, but for once you’re thinking about your future, and it entails something more than never ending parties and girls.”
“Oh, I still like parties.”
She squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sure you do. You wouldn’t be Tyler if you didn’t, but I’ve seen you put Hadley first in your life. She’s a special girl, and I’m happy the two of you are together. I think it was a little soon to give her a promise ring. You’re only seniors after all, but when you asked, I supported your decision. As long as neither of you even thinks of getting married before you have a degree, then I won’t complain.”
“I just wanted her to know I love her and want to spend my life with her. I didn’t want her to think she was just like every other girl I’ve been with. You’re right; she’s special. And I wanted a way to make her feel special.” I sighed. “But tonight, she was having doubts about us. I went to see her and overheard her talking to Amber. She called herself useless and said I’d be better off without her.”
“Maybe … maybe she needs something special. Christmas is coming up. Why don’t you invite her family over for Christmas Eve? We hadn’t planned to have a party this year, but you could invite Colin and Robert. I’m sure your dad will want to invite the neighbors.”
“I’m sure Hadley would love that, Mom, but I think I have an idea. You can still do the party, if you want, but what if I created a special night for Hadley? She was right. It’s been a while since I’ve asked her out on a date. Think you can convince Mr. Mortenson to reserve a table for us at his restaurant? Best table in the house!”
Mom smiled. “I think I can manage that. When do you want to do this?”
“Tomorrow. I don’t want to give her time to back out. I’ll tell her tonight that I have a surprise for her and to dress up for the occasion. I’ll pick her up tomorrow and whisk her off to dinner, and then I thought maybe I could drive her over to the Christmas Village so we could see all the lights. Maybe she just needs a little holiday cheer, and for me to show her, rather than tell her, how I feel.”
Mom nodded. “I’ll help you make the arrangements. Now, why don’t you call your girlfriend and let her know she’s going on an enchanted evening tomorrow and that you won’t take no for an answer.”
Mom kissed my cheek then wandered out of the room, probably to call Mr. Mortenson. They’d been friends for years, and if anyone could get me a last minute reservation, it was her. My hands shook a little as I called Hadley, worried she might turn me down. She’d been so upset earlier, but when she’d called around nine she’d sounded better, almost optimistic. I just hoped I wasn’t calling too late. It was going on ten o’clock now.