Brandon POV:
I was pacing in my room in anxiety, not because today is the
graduation ceremony a very special day of my life and first step
towards successful future but it's because I'm nervous to see Madeline
a week after kiss.
The reality of my feelings towards her left me stunned that I'm still
not able to grasp it in my mind. I'm her best friend, her buddy. We
almost grew up together, my mother treated her like Elena,my brother's
love her like they love Elena.
And here I'm feeling something that's unacceptable for me to feel and
against the moral of societal teachings.
I don't want to face her yet, I can't. I'm scared what'll happen if I
see her again.
For the whole week I have avoided her, ignored her texts and shut her
out like she doesn't matter to me. Despite doing all this things I
wasn't able to stop myself from thinking about her. I wasn't able to
think clearly; the thoughts that occupied my mind this whole week was
her lips, her face, her talks, her body and her kiss.
That kiss literally ruined me, my mind and the illusion of having the
best relation of friendship with her. I couldn't find it in myself to
stop these havoc that's going inside my mind. I feel disgusted with
myself for cheating on Laura and also because of kissing my best
friend.
I'm sure Madeline hates me now because of what I've done. Out of all
boys in the school she allowed me near her and give me the chance to
become her friend and now here I'm developing an inappropriate
feelings in my heart about her, Disgusting.
The knocking at the door startled me.
" Yes?". I asked.
" Brandon come out. We're getting late". Mom said making me run my
hands in my hair, messing them.
I took the quick look of my reflection in the mirror, the black button
down shirt and jeans doesn't look semi-formal but at this point I
really don't care. My real concern is to face two important girls of
my life. I love both of them but in a different way.
How'll I face Laura after confessing to her that I kissed my best
friend and our childhood friend. I don't know if I'm lucky or not but
Laura didn't reacted the way I was expecting her to react after
hearing about my infidelity. She was so calm when I told her about the
kiss. She stayed silent for few minutes after hearing me then she said
that it's alright if it happened one time and that she forgives me for
that. She said she can feel my guilt on this and that's enough for
her.
"Brandy mummy is calling you down".
She yelled from outside my bedroom door.
"I'm coming". I yelled back.
Picking up the maroon gown and hat that we supposed to wear during the
graduation ceremony I made my way downstairs and saw my parents
waiting for me at the door.They both look perfect, dressed in
fashionable clothes.
Without delaying we made our we to the car and started the journey to
school. After twenty minutes I was standing in the parking lot of
school, staring at the building were I've made thousands of memories
with my friends.
"Let's go inside". My mom said with excitement while my dad take the
hold of Elena's hand.
I nodded my head and followed them inside the school.
" Daddy it's beautiful here. I can't wait to start highschool. I wish
Erin and Daren would come with me here ". Elena said staring at
everything in awe.
She's a total chipper, looking at the classes and well decorated
garden with her big amuse eyes. Erin is a heavy sleeper so when Elena
tried to wake him up; he didn't budged and slept peacefully. First
time in her life she ignored Erin and decided to come with us.
" Sweetie you still have time in joining the highschool". Mom said
making dad made a sound of approval which Elena ignored, busy in her
wonderland.
Mom and dad was talking with some teachers.
" Brandon". I heard the Jake voice calling me and making me turn to him.
Jake came sprinting my way and hugged me with the force that left me breathless.
" Hi bro! Can you imagine I'm graduating with you guys. You said it'll
be impossible for me to graduate this year but here I am". Jake said
squeezing the life out of me.
I struggled to free myself from his death grip at which Elena giggled
making Jake release me and looking at Elena behind me.
" So princess what are you doing here?". Jake said kneeling down to
talk to Elena.
" My school is off today so I thought why not visit the highschool and
see my brother graduating". Elena replied.
" Well that's good but where's your pain in the butt brother". Jake
asked her looking for Erin. Well to put it mildly Erin and Jake don't
go along.
"Oh which one? I have three brothers you know?". Elena asked smugly at
which I glared at her.
" Right,my mistake princess but I'm asking about the twin one". Jake
asked looking ready to flee if he catch the sight of Erin.
"We left him home". She said making him sigh.
"So would you like to visit the cafeteria of school?". Jake asked her
smiling ear to ear.
"I would love to". She replied grinning like Cheshire cat.
"Then come along". Jake said taking her small hand in his and dragging
her in the direction of cafeteria.
I shook my head in amusement, staring at the retreating figure of Jake
and Elena.
Jake and I become friends when we started the highschool and what
bounded our friendship is having same schedule and classes for years.
From that day till today he clung to me like bubble gum which is hard
to get rid.
He's an amateur boy with the charming personality and most of the time
acts like a kid but he's very sensitive from the heart. He want to
live fullest the life offers without ever hurting anyone in this
world.
He has no mother,no father and no siblings; his parents left him
outside the door of the strangers. The people that saw him outside
their door were good people, they took him in and adopted him legally.
Despite his past he always smiles hiding his pain behind the mask.
My mom love's him the moment I brought him home and dad enjoy his
humorous nature. Jake cherish the love my family gives him and never
forget to realize me how much I should be thankful for having a family
that is so caring and loving.
I felt the pat on my shoulder and turned around to see Carl and Lee
dressed in gown and adjusting their hat's.
"Hi bro". Carl said.
"Hi". I replied.
"Aren't we looking funny, dressed in this gown and hat". Lee whined.
"I agree with you but if that's all I need to do to get the hold of
graduation degree then I can tolerate looking funny". I replied.
"Where's Elena?". Mom asked coming looking worried.
" Jake took her to show the cafeteria". I told her and she relaxed.
" Brandon I think we should go to the hall". She said and I nodded.
"Hello aunt Hailey". Carl and Lee said in unison.
"Hi Carl and Lee". She replied and started chatting while texted Jake
to come straight to the hall.
We all went straight to the hall where the ceremony was arranged. My
parents took the seat and I stared around to search Madeline and
Laura.
I saw Laura standing with her girl friends near the podium. She was
dressed in blood red knee length dress, her perfect curves were on
display. She was looking as beautiful as any other day.
Excusing myself I walked to her. When her eyes caught me coming to her
direction she smiled.
" Hi". I said feeling nervous like I used to feel before asking her to
be my girlfriend.
" Hi Brandon". She replied moving closer and hugging me which
instantly calmed me.
"You're looking beautiful". I said circling my arms around her waist.
" Thanks baby and relax I'm not angry at you so let's just enjoy
today". She said pulling away from me.
I felt relieved that she's not blaming me for something which I
happened unintentionally.
" Brandon can you do something for me?". She whispered in my ear.
"Yeah". I said.
"Please don't go near Madeline today. I don't know what'll do if I see
both of you together". She said on the verge of crying.
I felt the pain in my heart for making her cry. I hurt her by telling
her about the kiss but the guilt was making it unbearable for me to
keep that as a secret in my heart.
" Damn! You're looking smoking hot".
Mac voice pulled me out of the thought I was falling in.
My eyes snapped in his direction and widened. I couldn't believe what
my eyes are seeing, Madeline in a dress. She hate dresses;I haven't
seen her wearing one in long time. The last dress she wore was purple
one in Elena and Erin's fourth birthday party.
But today she looked so different; beautiful and innocent. The white
dress have thin straps which are clutching the material on her
shoulder. Her small waist was on display making few girls jealous from
her slim figure.
Whatever she has done today with her, it's enhancing her appearance.
She smiled at me and my eyes fell on her pink glossy lips reminding
the night when I tasted this forbidden fruit.
Before I could go to her and compliment her how gorgeous she looks
today, I held myself back averting my eyes and getting back the
attention of Laura.
When the ceremony ended,I got busy taking pictures with my friends.I
was talking to my father when I heard my mom calling me.
Turning to her I saw Madeline standing with mom and Elena. I
contemplated between running away and going to mom.
"Yes mom". I asked and keep glancing at my father and sister. I'm
hoping for some miracle to happen to me.
"Stand with Madeline I want to click few pictures". She instructed us
opening the back camera of her cellphone.
" A little closer will be better". She said after snapping few pictures.
We moved closer following her instruction but Madeline foot twisted
making her fall backward. She was about to meet the ground when my
arms instinctively went behind her back holding her mid air.
Her right hand was gripping my shoulder in a death grip while the left
one was resting on my bicep. Her eyes were closed while her body was
still tilted back. But at that moment nothing mattered except she was
in my arms and my heart have stopped beating.
Her blonde hair were shining like a melted gold and her milky white
skin was glowing under the rays of sunshine. I sucked in breath when
her innocent hazel eyes connected with mine blurring everything around
me.
My eyes were stuck on her beautiful face memorizing it like it's last
time I'm having a pleasure to stare at her this closely.
Her eyes were accessing our position then they travelled to my face
and got stuck on my lips. I heard her suck in a breath which made me
aware how close we're at the moment that I could move a little closer
and kiss her.
The thought made my fingers twitch and she felt the moment of my hands
on her small waist, jumping abruptly like I've burned her.
She mumbled a small goodbye and left. I was still in a haze until
Laura walked to me.
" We need to talk Brandon". Laura said making her way at the far end
of the garden. I followed her cursing myself for being stupid.
When we were standing far from the ceremony she asked me "Brandon what
was that?".
"Her foot twisted and I did what anyone would've done". I replied.
"Brandon I know that's a lie. Don't fool me". She hissed fisting her hand.
"I think I'm attracted to her". I said cringing at my own words.
"No you're not". She spat.
"What?". I asked her in bewilderment.
"She's manipulating your mind by dressing short dresses and doing
make-up. She thinks that now the school is over it's her last chance
to have you. She's not acting like her usual self. Playing with
colours when she prefer dressing black, grey's and blues. Do you know
why? Because she wants to have you. She's evoking this feelings inside
you by looking all pretty and showing what she can offer you". Laura
said with disgust and continued " You aren't attracted to her, you
love me baby. Not her,never her". Laura yelled pulling her hair and
crying crazily.
I was stunned at how Laura is acting and what she's thinking and
accusing Madeline for. The poor girl doesn't even know what I feel
about her.
"Laura calm down". I said taking her in my arms stopping her from
pulling her hair.
" Why would I calm down huh? Go Brandon! Leave me alone! Go follow
that boyfriend stealer bítch". Laura shouted pushing me away.
" Laura you're crossing your limits. She doesn't even know what I feel
about her. She oblivious and I don't even plan to tell her anything.
I'm with you Laura. I love you but now your behavior, your jealousy
making me second thought my decision". I yelled at her.
" Really? That's because of her". She shouted.
" No it's because of you. You see I could've lied to you and hid the
fact that we kissed. But I told you the truth. I took the risk and
left it on you to decide what you want. You dated boys all these years
while I waited for you to realize what I feel for you. But now you're
acussing my best friend for something she have never done. She cared
for us as a good friend but your jealousy is making it hard for you to
see the real Madeline. The girl who can do anything for her friends".
I said taking steps away from her. She fell on the ground on her knees
staring at me.
" Don't talk to me until you clear your head about Madeline and about
us". With that said I turned around and left her there.
I went back to home with my parents despite the plans of celebrating
graduation with my friends.
When we arrived at the house I went straight to my room throwing
degree on the bed with the gown I stripped out of my clothes and throw
my gym shorts on.
The punching bag was dangling in the air at the middle of the balcony
in my room, ready to absorb all my anger.
I know my parents guessed that there's something wrong with me the
moment I came back after talking to Laura but they didn't interrogated
me instead brought me home and I'm grateful for that.
Making a fist of my both hands I threw the punch after punch on the
punching bag creating the squishy sound coming from it.
I don't know how long I have done the punching but the sweat rolling
down from my body says otherwise.
I heard the knock at the door and held the bag stopping it from
violently spinning.
Picking up the towel and throwing it on my shoulder I opened the door
and saw my parents standing there.
I groaned inside my mind because I felt like they're going to lecture me.
" Do you know how long you've been inside this room?". My mom asked
with small glare.
But I stayed quiet and dried the sweat from my body.
" Three hours". My dad said.
" I don't know what happened that made you this angry and I'm not
asking. But today is a special day, you graduated with flying colours
and I don't want you to ruin it with anger. So your dad have this
friend who owns the club and his son invited you". My mom said making
me frown.
"Which friend dad?". I asked catching dad attention.
"You remember Mr.Steve Carlos". Dad asked reminding me about the man.
"Ah yeah the tall man with bright blue eyes". I asked dad hoping that
I got it right.
"Yeah that one. Few of my colleagues son's are his son's friend and
they're having a small party in the club. His son invited you to join
him". Dad told me.
"Have I met his son before?". I asked him.
"Yeah I think. His name is Steve tall like his father". Dad replied.
"Yeah I remember Steve. He's a nice guy. We hit it off greatly at the
dinner Uncle Sam threw last week".I told him.
"It means you're going". Mom said going to my closet and taking out my clothes.
"Fine". I said staring at their hopeful faces.
"Good. Wear this you look handsome in it". Mom said.
"Okay mom now leave, so I'll get ready". I sighed nodding my head at her demand.
My parents left my room and I went to take a shower and get ready.
After I was changed into black shirt and black fitting jeans I sprayed
the Cologne and put my silver wrist watch which was a gift from my
mother.
Putting on my shoes and picking up my cellphone from the nightstand I
left the room.
Biding good bye to my family I left the house. After half an hour of
drive I arrived outside the club and handed my car keys to the valet.
I entered in the club and get hit with the loud music.
I told the my name to the man, he took me to the private lounge at the
first floor where Sean was sitting with his friends.
When he saw me he came " Hi Brandon. I'm glad you decided to join us.
Come". He slapped my back lightly in a friendly way and dragged me to
the table they were sitting.
After few drinks I felt relaxed and started talking about different
things but I still felt something missing inside me.
The guilt of ignoring Madeline today when I know there's no one in her
family to celebrate her happiness and I'm her only friend. I retrieve
my cellphone from my pocket and texted her.
Me:Hi Maddy!
Madeline:Hi.
Me:I was thinking if you're not busy, would you like to join me?
Madeline: Join you where? And why would I join you anywhere when
avoided me all day.
Me: I just can't explain you why I acted like a complete a$$. Now
would you tell me if you like to come to this club.
Madeline: It's good that you know how much of an a$$ you were . And what Club?
I smiled reading her text.
Me: I never said I was an a$$; I said that I acted like an a$$
Madeline: I'm not eighteen yet, still have a week left in my birthday.
I don't think so they'll allow me to enter in the club.
Me: They'll allow you. I'll tell your name to the club's owner son;
he's my friend,he'll let you in.
Madeline: Brandon why do you want me there?
I told her the truth that I'm really missing her.
Me: I'm bore and I miss you.
Madeline: Isn't Laura with you?
Her question upset me but ignored it.
Me: I had a fight with Laura so she refused to come with me
Madeline:Send me the address I'll be there
I texted her the address and smiled putting my phone back.
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