Dreamland [editing]

forty two

"Are you good now?" Aiden asked, as well pulled over at the entrance of Mr.Gray's new hotel

"Yeah, thanks," I sniffled.

Jesus fucking christ why did he have to be so nice. It felt like he was trying to make it hard for me to stop liking him.

I loud knock on the window suddenly startled me, as I looked outside, seeing an unclear face. 

Aiden rolled down the window, exposing a guy I'd never seen, in a shirt and blazer.

"you're father's asking for you," he said,

"yeah, coming," Aiden nodded.

We got out of the car, and walked towards the Hotel, which was a few feet away.

As we neared the entrance of the hotel, the feeling of unease flushed through me all over again. 

Aiden placed a hand firmly on my back and gave me a small reassuring nod. I smiled and nodded back, and we walked into the hotel.

It was lit a bright yellow and was quite crowded. Through the crowd, I spotted my mom, who saw me and immediately walked towards us. 

"hi, you both look great!" She smiled holding a halfempty glass of wine. "You just missed it, they just showed everyone your painting, Hayley, it's incredible," She smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Aiden had picked the painting up from my room this morning to get it here.

"Thank you, mom," I smiled, feeling a warm sense of relief. 

"I want you to meet someone, wait here," she said, walking away.

She came back moments later, with a man, who instantly recognized. My stomach was turned upside down, and my mind was completed occupied.

"Mr.Whitlaw, I'd like you to meet my daughter Hayley," She smiled.

I stuck my hand out, shaking his. Samuel Whitlaw, was on the most famous painters in Westwood. I wouldn't say he was the best, but definitely the most popular. I'm no one to judge, but he owes a lot of his success and fame to his rich parents. He is however most certainly insanely good at what he does.

"Mr.Whitlaw, it's an honor to meet you I...I, this is crazy," I stuttered.

He nodded, "I saw your work Hayley, I think you might actually have what it takes," he said.

I smiled, feeling my chest rise.

We spoke for a bit longer, and after we left, Aiden and I took a seat at one of the tables. Since I didn't know many people here, I wasn't repeatedly asked about my leg, which I was pretty grateful for.

Momnets later, Aidens dad walked towards us.

"Hey guys, thanks for coming, uh Hayley how are you?" he asked.

"Alright, h-"

"Great, great. Aiden I need you to call Mr.Heartfort and tell him I'm busy tomorrow."

Aiden rolled his eyes and got up, holding his phone up.

After a while, we decided to leave. I was done with whatever I wanted to be here for, and Aiden didn't seem to want to stay.

"Can we stop for food?" Aiden asked.

"Yes, I am so hungry, can we get take out?" I said.

"Yeah yeah," he replied, pulling over at a McDonald's drive through.

"What do you want?" He asked.

After we picked up our food we started driving back, I'm not sure where though.