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"How dare you make such an assumption!"

"I should not have been so foolish as to coht you were my friend" He said softly Austin walked toward the door and paused as he stood beside her With her head bowed, he reached out to touch her cheek As they looked into each other's eyes, neither of theht to chase him, before she heard the door close behind histon As usual, he brought more books for Hayley to read and was disappointed to see that she was not enthusiastic to receive theh one of the books, her father spoke

"Have you gotten over the lad?"

Hayley was jolted by the question and her shocked expression made him wish he had kept silent

"It would be otten over me I do have more important ways to spend my ti

Do you knohy he did such a thing?"

"Why are you asking h you are both still at odds with each other"

"I am not at odds with anyone, Father" Hayley thren the book and dashed for the door

"Hayley"

She stopped and turned around "I only want you to be happy---and I want to be able to help you in whatever way I can"

"I do need your helpI only hope that when I do ask, you will be willing to provide it"

"Ask me now Hayley What do you need?"