Flight of the Monarch - Page 13/83

"YOU DID NOT SAY IT WOULD BE HER!!!" Hayley crossed her eyes, as she pointed her finger toward her image in the mirror.

Maddie laughed. Fearing that she may have laughed too loud, she quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

She laughed again softly. She noticed the nervous look on Hayley's face.

"Impossible, indeed. That is her disposition, and nothing we do is guaranteed to please her. "

"Are you not worried she will be upset that you are here with me instead of slaving away for her?"

"I have done all my duties for a few hours, and I do not worry about getting into trouble when I have done what I should."

"Why did you want to come here and help Mrs.

Sommers, Maddie?"

"Do you believe I had a choice?"

"You always have a choice. You could have told her "no" when she asked you to come."

"She did not ask me."

"All the more reason that you should have stood up for yourself."

"Have you asked yourself the reason why you are here? Is it because you missed me, or because you wanted to see Austin again?"

Hayley's mouth flew open; her cheeks became a deeper crimson as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Maddie wanted to laugh at Hayley's expression, but decided her mood was much too serious. She sat beside her. "I am sure you are here because you are a very giving person."

'There is something I want.' Hayley thought, but she kept it to herself.

Maddie raised Hayley's chin with her hand and looked into her eyes. "I am sure you'll do your best, regardless of who you are serving."

"I will." They hugged each other. Pulling slightly away from Maddie, Hayley crossed her eyes again. As Maddie laughed, she was overcome with feelings of respect and love.