Chapter 25

*Melanie*

I rolled my suitcase across the hallway, silently praying that I didn't bump into anyone. I wanted to start the weekend competition off with an apology to Damon. I knocked on my room door, simultaneously swiping my key card as I walked inside. My eyebrows jumped up in surprise when I saw Hailey sitting comfortably on her bed, painting her nails. She'd arrived earlier than she normally did. Usually, I was the one who arrived first. I felt genuine happiness that she had also made it to the next round.

"Melanie!" She exclaimed, jumping down from the bed and hopping to where I stood with the handle of my suitcase in hand. Before I could guess what she was about to do, she had enveloped in a warm hug I totally did not see coming. It took a while for me to register that she was somehow hugging me while still trying to mind her nails because it was something she had never done before.

She must have mistook my silence and stiffness for me not liking the fact that she touched me beca