Madeline POV:
When I turned my head to take a quick glance of Brandon I found him asleep.
Forgetting the movie which is still playing on TV, my attention turned
on Brandon sleeping form. His lips were parted creating a small gap
between his lips and his head thrown back. His eyes were tightly shut.
Taking a risk I moved little closer to him to stare at his handsome
face when I heard the light snores coming from his mouth I giggled
finding it cute.
Deciding that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity I leaned closer
to him by placing my one hand on the back of the couch. Placing my
lips on his cheeks I kissed him which made him squirm in his sleep.
Due to the sudden movement his head fell on the couch and I lost my
balance which made me fell on top him.
Getting the grip of my body I stared at him with my heart accelerating
with every passing second.
Damn him for being extremely good-looking and caring.
My eyes moved from his brown hairs to his thick eyebrows and his long
lashes which makes girls jealous. Then my eyes got stuck on his cherry
color lips, they're always so reddish pink that I used to tease him
that it's because he uses his mother lipstick.
Before I'll do something which I regret I scrambled away from him
quickly, creating a good amount of distance between us.
Taking a quick glance at his soundly sleeping face I tried calming my
erratic breathing. The front door opened and Brandon's parents
entered. His father was carrying sleepy Elena in his arms while aunt
Hailey was looking at me with wide smile.
I have always felt intimidated to Brandon's dad, he looks quite strict
and that's make me nervous in front of him. But now seeing him
carrying his ten-year old sleeping daughter in his arms I get to see
pure love and affection in his eyes for his lovely daughter.
Telling aunt Hailey that he's taking Elena to her room he went
upstairs with his daughter.
"Hello dear". Aunt Hailey said walking closer to me and giving me a hug.
Whenever she hugs me I literally feel the warmth only my real mother
could give me. I hugged her tightly taking the long breath to save her
motherly smell in my mind. I love her so much she's like my mother and
loves me like one.
"Hello". I murmured and untangled myself from her arms.
"Everything alright honey?". She asked me looking concern.
Giving her smallsmile I said "Everything is alright. The lock of my
back door wasn't working properly and Brandon said that it's not safe
to sleep in an open house. He insisted that I should stay here
tonight".
"He did the right thing. Give me few minutes I'll make sure the guest
room is clean". She said moving in the direction of guest room.
"It's alright aunt Hailey. The room is perfectly fine". I told her
making her halt in her steps
"Okay if you say so. Did you guys had dinner?". She asked me.
"Yes we had Henry's Pizza". I replied.
"Well that's good". She said sighing in a relief.
"Were you watching Rapunzel"?. She asked me glancing on the TV.
"Actually it was me and your son but he fell asleep after sometime I
guess". I replied staring at Brandon who's oblivious of his mother's
presences and snoring.
"Well to make it understandable I should tell you this that Chase do
the same thing whenever we watch movie". She said with the small
laugh.
I smiled at her then we heard the footsteps and turned to see uncle
Chase coming down still in his suit.
"Hi". I said staring at my bare feet which are quite cold without socks.
"Hello". He replied in a short sentence as always.
"Hmm..Goodnight". I said and ran upstairs where guest room is located.
Getting in the room I went to bed and laid awake thinking about
Brandon. Am I doing the right thing by hiding my feelings about him?
It is what friends do right? I always knew that he loves Laura not me.
From the first day of kindergarten he's after her. And you were after
him, his one glance, his friendship a small voice whispered in my
head.
I turned on my left, putting my both hands under my head I stared at
the ceiling and fell asleep.
*****
Next morning I felt something tickle my face. I moved my head to get
rid of it. But again I felt tickles on my face which made me open my
eyes in panic.
My breath get caught in my throat when I saw Brandon's sitting beside
me on the bed and his face was hovering above mine which have a huge
smile on it. His brown hairs were messy on his head and eyes shining
like two crystal orbs making him look as handsome as always. His
beautiful lips were again in a clear view of mine making my mind
jumble with different kinds of thoughts.
To control myself from doing something embarrassing I clenched the
sheets under me.
"Get up sleepy head we have school to go". He said hitting my forehead
with the red rose in his hand.
That's when my eyes moved to his other arm where he was carrying a
bouquet of red roses making me heart jump.
I have lost my voice but I tried saying "Roses?".
"Uh.. Yeah they're for Laura she might be angry with me because I
didn't picked her phone last night". He replied getting up from the
bed.
He definitely don't know what he have done by sharing a very simple
thing with me but he broke my heart again.
Just for few minutes my silly mind thought that they're for me but no
Brandon couldn't keep his mouth shut.
With the sullen face I got up from the bed and said "Give me ten
minutes to get ready".
"Okay Maddy. Find me in lounge". He said while moving out of my room
with the roses in his arms.
Grumbling about being stupid and unlucky I opened my bag and snatching
my clothes I went to washroom to change and freshen up.
When I came downstairs the smell of freshly baked chocolate cupcakes
entered in my nostrils making me mouth water.
I entered in the kitchen and found Brandon munching on his breakfast
while aunt Hailey was humming a song of Rapunzel.
"Good morning". I said.
Aunt Hailey turned around from the stove and give me a bright smile.
"Good morning dear. Now tell me what would you like to have in
breakfast? We have scrambled eggs with toasts and pancakes". She asked
me looking ready to serve.
"Both options are good with me but please don't forget to give me your
special chocolate cupcake". I said smiling.
She laughed heartily and started working on my breakfast. After few
minutes I was also munching on freshly made scrambled eggs with toast
and cupcakes.
"Hello sister-in-law". Elena said entering in the kitchen with goofy
smile on her face making me choke on my food.
"Elena for God' sake stop calling me that". I said still in the middle
of coughing my guts out.
When I and Brandon used to play with her she would make me her
sister-in-law and Brandon my husband so she could be a little
princess.
Weird I know but kids supposed to be weirdos
"Nah why would I stop calling you that?". She said making her way to her mother.
Aunt Hailey just giggled at her.
"Mom tell her to stop calling us with this stupid names. You know
what? Last night she was calling me Brandy". Brandon whined making
Elena stick her tongue out at him.
"Elena baby please stop embarrassing them". Aunt Hailey said. Elena
pouted in dislike.
"At least call them with their real name in front of others". Aunt
Hailey said with the teasing smile making her laugh.
Both mother and daughter enjoy it very much while Brandon and I sulked
in our seats.
Finishing our breakfast we bid our goodbyes and left for school. The
drive through school was silent with some song playing on the radio.
When we reached school we found Laura talking with Brandon's friend
while sitting at the bonnet of one of the car.
When her eyes landed on me and Brandon getting out from car, her eyes
narrowed. She slid off the bonnet and made her way to our car.
I smiled at her and said "Hi Laura".
"Hi dear.You both together?". She asked me with her scrutinizing gaze.
"Ah yeah Brandon saw me walking to school and insisted that I ride
with him". I explained to her before she gets different ideas in her
corrupted mind.
"Right Brandon have a heart of gold". She mumbled in sarcastic tone.
"Laura". Brandon called her name making her aware of his presences.
"Oh hi Brandon. See you later". She said turning around, hooking my
arm in her and dragging us.
"Laura c'mon. I was sleeping really that's why I didn't picked your
call last night". Brandon said while running behind us begging her to
stop.
"Coach made us practice more yesterday and I was tired after that. So
when I went home I fell asleep. Please don't be angry I bought roses
for you". He explained himself giving her a bouquet.
"Okay I trust you this time but if you ever ignore my call again we'll
be over".She said in threatening voice.
"No! I will never do that again___ever". Brandon said with the small smile.
"Good. Now give me a kiss". Laura smiled before smashing her lips on him.
Avoiding my eyes before their make out session get more heated I fled
away to go my class.
I was walking to my class when someone blocked my way. Dragging my
eyes from the sneakers to jeans clad legs to white shirt my eyes
landed on the face I abhor.
"Get out of my way". I said avoiding the eye contact.
His earth green color eyes still haunts me at night.
"Aww. Maddy, please don't be angry". Conner said with the devilish smile.
I tried side stepping him but he blocked my way again.
"Conner before I lose my cool I suggest you let me leave". Getting my
teeth in annoyance I spat.
He moved away leaving a path clear for me to walk.
"I think you didn't had a great night while staying at Brandon's place".
His words stopped me dead in my track.
________________________________
Chapter-Eight
Brandon POV:
Laura and I were going to our class when one of her friend stopped us
and started talking about the dance practice. Laura's hand was
casually resting on my bicep while she talked to her friend and I was
just standing beside her as a good boyfriend.
Aimlessly I roamed my eyes on the hallway and caught the sight of
Madeline talking to Connor while he was just giving her an amused
look. Then she moved closer to him with the red face like a bull ready
to charge on him my body unintentionally went rigid.
I wanted to go there and beat him for even crossing the same path as
her. His amused face turned little red at whatever she said to him and
walked away, probably to go her class. Connor glared at her back until
she went inside her class then he turned around and his eyes connected
with mine.
"Brandon baby". Laura's voice pulled me out of my staring contest I'm
having with Connor.
"Yes". I said still glaring at the moving form of Connor.
"Let her fight her own battles". She whispered in my ear.
I don't think so it's possible for me to let her fight alone after
seeing her so fragile that night. When we were kids I used to think
she's a boy in girl's structure all strong and bold but my perspective
about her change that night. She was never a boy rather a girl with
hard exterior acting all strong and manly when she's fragile and
delicate like a flower.
"I'm letting her fight her own battles but don't expect me not to
stand beside her as her allies. Ready to attack anyone who harms a
hair on her head". I said untangling myself from her grip and walking
to the class.
The school went on by taking class after class when the bell rang
indicating that it's break period I flew from the class telling my
buddies to find me in cafeteria.
I went straight to Mrs. Parker the lovely lady and chef of our canteen
to request her for her special Ham burgers. I was waiting for her to
prepare my food when my friends entered in cafeteria.
Jake,Carl and Lee searched for me and made their way where I'm standing.
"Did you order for us?". Jake asked putting his arm around my shoulders.
"Why would I order for you guys? And how do I know what you want
eat?". I said shrugging his shoulder off.
"Mrs. Parker What he's having for lunch?". Jake asked while staring at
the girls in a different line wearing a rather small shorts and buying
their lunch.
"My special Hamburger". Mrs. Parker replied from the inside of kitchen.
"You a**hole. You know we love her hamburgers also". Jake punched me.
Mustering the sweetest voice which charm's girl he asked "Can you
please make us some as well".
"Sure Jake. But you've used the A-word while talking to Brandon and
now you need to pay double for the burger,my boy". Mrs. Parker said
while placing my tray of food on the counter.
"Oh no shi...". Jake said stopping before he could complete the curse word.
"Language". We all said in unison making him stop before he could
complete his sentence.
"No! Please not today Mrs. Parker". Jake whined.
"Sorry boy rules are rules". Mrs. Parker replied ignoring his plea .
"Whatever I'm hungry". He said picking his burger and walking away.
"Jake money". Carl, Lee and Mrs. Parker shouted at him.
"Happy now". Retrieving his wallet from his back pocket he threw it on
me and walked away to sit on our usual table.
I paid Mrs. Parker for mine and Jake's food while Carl and Lee were
still waiting for their orders to be prepared.
I took the seat beside Jake and started munching on my burger. The
flavor of the burger was good and I was quite enjoying it until I saw
Connor and Madeline walking in cafeteria hand in hand.
The food I was chewing went flying from my mouth and I literally
choked on the remaining coughing like a dying man in his last stage of
life.
Jake being an exceptional friend scrambled away from me making a
disgusting face.
"Man you need to shut your trap". Jake said.
Lee got up from his seat offered me his energy drink and patted my back.
When my coughing tantrum subsided I glanced at the table where
Madeline and Connor are sitting and talking like some long-lost
friends.
I glanced around the cafeteria and realized that I'm not the only one
who's staring at their table with their jaw slack. The whole cafeteria
including me staring at them and our eyes were popping out of our
sockets ready to fall any moment.
Jake noticed the silence of cafeteria and frowned his eyebrows in confusion.
Then he followed the direction we were staring and said " I think my
eyesight isn't working right man? Because I'm literally seeing two
arch nemeses sitting on a same table and smiling".
"Your eyes are working fine Jake, they're really sitting with each
other". Carl said.
"Are they friends now?".
"What happened to the long term fight?"
"I think they're dating".
The school started murmuring and the last statement snapped something
inside me to finally pull me out of shock and I got up.
"Where are you going?". Carl asked.
"To knock some senses into my best friend head". I said gritting my teeth.
I made my way to her table and noticed how the other students stopped
chattering and staring at me. I reached to her table and cleared my
throat loudly. Madeline head snapped up and her beautiful Hazel color
eyes stared at me.
"Oh Hi! Brandon sorry I'm not going to sit with you today. I hope you
don't mind". She said with the smile on her face. Which was completely
weird because she don't smile at me when we talk because she glares at
me or she narrow her eyes at me while talking to me. Even her voice
never turn sickly sweet like this, it will be more like dripping with
sarcasm.
"What are you doing sitting with him?". I asked.
"Well we are actually discussing something about tonight" . She
replied smiling ear to ear which really looks fake.
"I need to talk to you". I said keeping my voice normal while I'm
boiling with anger inside on her acting.
"Ah we're talking". She replied in a smart ass tone.
"Alone". I gritted my teeth.
"Okay then I'll call you after school". She said looking at Connor.
"No. I want to talk to you right now". I said in irritation at her
nonsense attitude.
"Well you see, I'm busy". She again ignored me.
"Madeline don't test my patience". I yelled little making the whole
cafeteria silent.
"If she doesn't want to talk to you then why are you forcing her?".
Conner said standing up from his seat.
"And who the hell said you can "butt in" our conversation". I pushed
him back on his chair.
"Guys relax". Madeline said coming between us and pressing her small
hand on my chest.
"Please excuse me Connor". Then she took a quick look of my fury
filled eyes and excused herself.
She dragged me in the empty hallway and bursted "What the hell are you
doing with him?. Have you lost your mind?".
"Calm down Brandon". She said rolling her eyes.
"How can you tell me to calm down? Tell me what's going on before I
lose my senses". I asked her in all seriousness.
"Brandon he stopped me in the hallway in the morning when I was going
for my class and apologized about that night again". She said in a
nervous voice.
"Okay fine. He's sorry I get it. But it doesn't explain why are you
befriending with him?". I asked her in confusion.
Staring at her shoes like they're the most interesting thing in the
world she mumbled "He said something more".
"What?". I asked her in irritation.
"Well he said that he loves me from the day we first met. He wanted to
impress me always and. He's crazy about me". She said looking at the
door of the class room.
I was appalled after hearing her and shouted "Well that's not
craziness in love, it's obsession! He's obsessed with you!".
"Brandon". She yelled back.
"What? He really need medical attention not your friendship". I tried
telling how serious this matter is and she's taking it so lightly.
"I'm not trying to be his friend". She replied making me little relax
but her earlier act yet to be explained.
"Then what was that? You walked in Cafeteria holding hands and set on
the same table". I said glancing at her face.
"I'm giving him a chance". She replied again averting her eyes from me.
"What type of chance you're talking about?". She's confusing the sh*t out of me.
"We're going on a date". She explained.
"What!!!". I yelled in anger at her.😤😤
"Don't shout. Oh my ears". She said rubbing her ears.
"Tell me you're joking Madeline?". I said expecting her to laugh but
her face remained the same.
"I can't believe this". I mumbled in aggression.
"Brandon you're over reacting. People date each other all time. It's
no big deal". She said shaking her head.
"It's no big deal. Are you stupid?". I asked her in disbelief.
"No! He loves me. We're just like you and Laura". She replied.
"Don't compare me with that bastard. I'm nothing like him. He forced
himself on you. I never did something like this to Laura". I shouted
at her feeling out of my mind at her absurd thinking.
"It's in the past Brandon. I have forgiven him already. I suggest you
do the same". She stated that and walked away leaving me stunned in
the hallway.
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