Madeline POV:
This day has gotten worse with the passing second. First I got to deal
with that dumbass Connor then a fight with Brandon on the stupid
thing. And most importantly I forgot in all this that I had taken the
ride with Brandon in the morning for school.
Now you can guess what I'm facing. No? Well I'm walking back to home duh.
I heard the honk from the behind me and a silver Audi came to halt.
With the glare I turned around and saw Connor grinning at me with his
eyebrows wiggling like a creep.
"Want a ride home?". He asked me with amuse voice.
"Go to hell". I said feeling the anger increasing because of his
nonchalant attitude.
"As your wish. Bye girlfriend". He said aloud and speeding away.
I shouted profanities at him and the nearby walking people looked at
me like I'm some nutcase.
Sighing I continued my walk to my house with the heavy bag filled with
so many assignments.
The time I arrived my house I was tried like héll. Opening the main
door I entered and found aunt Emma lounging on the couch still in her
maroon night gown which is doing little to hide her modesty. In her
left hand she have open beer bottle.
Locking the door I turned to her making her glanced at my way.
Sweeping her eyes up and down on my figure she uttered the words which
I knew she's going to say.
"Madeline dear. Can you make me something to eat. I just woke up and
I'm not in the state to prepare something myself". She said closing
her eyes and putting her head on the arm of couch.
"Yeah sure". I replied and dumping my back on the floor I went to the
kitchen to prepare something for her.
Opening the fridge I found nothing much except some veggies and cheese
slices. Taking them out I looked for the bread and thankfully found
them on the kitchen counter.
I chopped the veggies and to give it a taste I squeezed some barbecues
sauce in it. At the end it turned out like some kind of spreading for
sandwiches.
Tossing the slice in toaster I waited for them to toast. When I heard
the click noise of the toaster I pulled them out and placed some
cheese slices on it, spreading the mixture of veggies on the bread
slices I cut them in the triangle.
Setting some orange juice, plate of sandwiches and aspirins in the
tray I took it to the lounge. Aunt Emma was slumped on the couch where
I left her, groaning in pain and massaging her head.
I placed the tray on the center table and heard her say "Bring me some
Aspirins".
I cleared my throat and she opened her eyes, looking at me like I'm
some foreigner than her eyes moved down on the table and landed on
tray.
Picking up the glass of juice she gulped down the few aspirins and
started eating the sandwiches.
"I need money for grocery shopping". I said making her stop chewing.
"Why? The month isn't end yet". She said frowning.
I can't believe this woman, she doesn't even remember the new month
have started already.
"New month have already started its first of the March". I replied.
"Really?". She asked.
"Yes and there's nothing left to eat, not even for dinner". I said
emphasizing on the word dinner to remind her that I'll be alone again
tonight when she'll leave for Club and I'll be left to mend myself
dinner.
"Well sorry to disappoint you but I haven't got my pay yet". She
replied carelessly.
Well that's the end of discussion I guess and I'll have nothing to eat
again tonight.
Taking my bag with me I went upstairs to room and slipping of my shoes
I launched myself on the bed. Snatching my fluffy pillow I pushed my
face in it, hiding myself from the world.
Flashback
"I think you didn't had a great night while staying at Brandon's place".
"What did you say?". I asked him glaring at his amuse face.
"You were looking quite beautiful in your yellow shirt and those bare
long legs". He said staring like he's relishing the moment.
I paled at the perfect description of my last night attire making the
dots connect in my mind. I realize that it was he who broke the back
door of my house. I shudder thinking if Brandon didn't come last night
what would've happened.
"You.. You a**hole". I said gritting my teeth.
"Now don't get angry. Listen what I've to say". He said moving closer.
"Spit it out before I kick you were sun doesn't shine". I said making
him take few steps back.
"You never talk with Brandon like this even when he barges in your
house uninvited". He said with the glare.
"Because he's not you". I nonchalantly replied.
"Or because you love him?". He said in a singsong tone.
"Excuse me?". I said.
"I've yours and Brandon's few pictures of last night which looks quite
good if you ask me and I'm sure Laura will be happy to see them". He
said with the smirk on plastered on his face.
"What pictures?". I asked him
"Check your email". He said with the shrug.
Searching for my cellphone in my pocket i take it out and checked my
mail box which have few unread emails but one caught my eye. Opening
it I saw photos of Brandon sitting on the floor in front of me. And
another picture of us standing quite close to each other in basement.
One more picture of us, leaving my house with him.
"What do you want to prove with these silly pictures?". I asked him
shutting back my phone.
"I want you to act like we're in relationship". He said.
"You've got to be kidding me? Me in relationship with you?. No one is
going to believe this shít". I said sarcastically shaking my head with
laugh.
"You'll have to make them believe". He said looking serious.
"And why would i do this? Do you seriously think that you can
blackmail me into this by showing stupid pictures". I said taping my
foot on the ground.
"No I can't blackmail you into doing anything until you know that
Laura will believe me then she'll break-up with Brandon. He'll become
miserable and blame you for destroying his relationship with the girl
he had a crush on from kindergarten. Then to spice up things more I
will send a note mentioning that you love Brandon and that night was
your plan to gain Brandon's attention". He spoke every word like a
poison.
Then Brandon's angry and disappointed face suddenly came into my view
making me stumble back and fall on my back hard.
I woke up with the jolt and found myself on the floor face down, looks
like I fell from the bed. Grumbling about being clumsy I got up from
the floor rubbing my aching muscles and sat on the side of the bed.
I was dreaming or more like remembering the things in the sleep that
went through today in school.
Now I can't even sleep peacefully that I've made a deal with devil.
I had no choice but to agree with him and act like he wants me. I
don't want to destroy Brandon's and Laura perfect relationship because
of this silly pictures.
I know Connor wasn't bluffing when he said he'll give this pictures to
Laura and she'll believe him.She have a nature of believing quickly
before digging the truth and those pictures were taken from the angle
to make me and Brandon look too close to be friends. They'll do the
damage to all of us if they'll be leaked.
So I thought why not do what Connor wants. Anyways it's a last month
of high school and I want to spend it peacefully without anymore
drama.
Getting up I checked the time and it says 05:00 PM which means I've
slept two hours.
Deciding to take a quick shower I went to the bathroom with my new set
of clothes. When I came out all fresh and dressed up I went downstairs
to fill my growling stomach.
Searching every cabinet of the kitchen for food just made tired and
more hungry than I was before.
I went back to my room feeling defeated and sat on my bed. My eyes
landed on the wall of my room where hangs the memories of my life.
I stared at Brandon's and mine childhood picture which were taken by
his mother when we were seven. I fell asleep on his chest while he was
holding my like a teddy bear. Another picture of me and Brandon in
twins birthday party we were posing like those kids models in
magazines. That day I was dressed in one of Delia's beautiful Violet
color dress and Brandon was dressed in black pants and dark blue shirt
looking as handsome as always, taking my breath away.
Staring at pictures I remembered that today Brandon and I had our
first fight. When we were kids we had silly arguments all the time due
to my sarcastic comebacks. But today's fight have broke my heart
increasing the ache in it tenfold.
Should I be happy that he cares who I date or not? Or should I be
worried that now he thinks I'm with someone like Connor he would leave
me?
Then ring of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts and I picked it up.
"Hi Milly". I said.
"What am I hearing that you're dating that good for nothing Connor?".
She asked me sounding surprise.
"Milly I...". I started telling her but she stopped me by saying
"Don't tell me now and spoil all the suspense".
"Let's meet at the cafe. My treat". She suggested.
"Okay. Come and pick me". I agreed to her suggestion because I was
hungry and I need to get off this secret from my chest.
"Already on my way "boss". She replied ending the call.
I glanced at my clothes and shrugged thinking that wearing simple
jeans and plain t-shirt is not crime right? Taking my small bag I put
my phone in it and heard the honk of her car. In haste, I put my black
flats on and ventured down.
Locking the house I got in the Milly's car and she started driving to
the nearest cafe.
We ordered our food and then she looked my way and said "Now spill".
Rolling my eyes at her typical excited behavior I told her everything
from the start. In the end her eyes were wide almost ready to fall
from their socket.
The server placed our order in front of us and we started devouring it
like a hungry pet kept caged.
"Wow.Your life is so dramatic.Two lovers quarreling for you and one
wench actually make two, no three I guess. Yeah three wenches stopping
you from meeting your lover". She said with dramatically sighing.
I glared at her "First of all Connor isn't my lover, he's being creep.
Secondly who are these three so called wenches you're talking about?".
Rolling her eyes at me she said "Okay I agree with your first
statement and these three wenches are your aunt Emma,Delia and last
our so called friend Laura".
Now it's my turn to roll my eyes at her.
Laura and Milly are different like earth and sky. Milly has an easy
going personality and she's friends with almost everyone. While Laura
have attitude she would never initiate a conversation with you until
you make a first move, she will ignore you for months if you do
something she won't like, she only buy things from famous brands. For
her other things which aren't of some famous brand are local and
she'll never approves them.
If you're her friend you'll have to you buy her bunch of stuff from
her favorite brands so she'll keep you long enough to consider her
worthy friend. I guess she's bit materialistic but it's that how she
grew up all her life pampered by her rich parents.
In school, there's a group of elite students and Laura is the queen
bee of that group. She'll ask you about your father's business and his
income before even asking for your name. Laura make decisions and do
stuff in the school like she's the Goddess of the whole school and
owns the every damn student here.
Laura and I become friends because of our mutual friendship with
Brandon. Brandon has always been in her group of elite students
because he is Rich and handsome.
Laura knows almost everything about me like Brandon do. She knows my
fears, my pain and my heart ache. Even She have an idea about my
feelings for Brandon. Just like I know almost everything about her
life.
Despite all things she's my friend, I wouldn't call her my best friend
but a close friend nonetheless.
"Please Laura isn't a wench". I replied taking a sip from heavenly made mocha.
"Oh, really she isn't a wench?. She's and you'll realize it soon". She
said taking a bite from her red velvet cupcake.
My eyebrows frowned at her statement "Is there anything which I don't
know but you do?".
Before she could reply I caught her staring out from the glass door of
cafe. My eyes followed her direction of stare and I choked.
What the héll is Laura doing with Connor?
______________________
Madeline POV:
I glanced at the large garden in front of me and turned to the boy
standing behind.
"I don't see any new hospital here". I said sweeping my gaze up and
down on his guaking body.
The boy is a nerd of our school always dressed in baggy clothes and
wearing large glasses which usually slides off every five seconds from
his nose. His name is Tom I guess.
"I...I ...He ". He tried saying something but stuttered again, failing
to explain why we're standing in a secluded garden.
"Are you tricking me? Why have you brought me here? To kill me?".
Taking one step closer I glared at him, trying to intimidate him with
the angry look.
"No! I..I thought". He keep glancing around to garden like his eyes
are searching for someone.
"You thought you can trick me?". I captured his slim neck and pressed
my fingers around them firmly; blocking his oxygen which made him turn
pink quickly.
"No... He's... He's there". He squawked pointing his finger making
behind me. I followed the direction he was pointing and my eyes landed
on the culprit standing in the garden. I loosened my grip on the boy's
neck and he fall on the ground with the thud.
"You look fine". I said frowning, sweeping my eyes up and down on his
body and shouted "You jerk!".
"Haha. I'm fine". Brandon said with the small nervous laugh.
"But why did Tom lied?".I yelled glancing back to find that the boy
have already disappeared leaving me with Brandon.
"I told him to lie". Brandon said in a "duh" tone
"Why? Do you've any idea how much you scared me?". I said pushing him
back in anger making him stumble and landed on his butt on the ground.
"It was a strategy to bring you here. Don't fret so much". He said
rolling his eyes at my agitated face.
"How does it feel?". I kneel down and punched him in the stomach while
he was still spread out on the grass.
"Uff! You hit like a man". He said rolling in the pain.
I sat beside him and gritted my teeth "I'm seriously going to injure
you now so next time you won't need to lie".
"C'mon maddy. You weren't talking to me so I thought". He tried
explaining but interrupted him.
"So you thought this stupid trick will make me come running here.
Because being a stupid friend I still care about you". I said making
him still for few seconds and stared at me with some weird emotion
which I couldn't pin point yet.
"Okay I'm sorry. Now that you're here I realize it's a shítty move".
He said sitting up and dusting the grass from his shirt and jeans.
"It's the shíttíest move". I chided.
Rolling his eyes he got up and offered me his hand which I gladly took.
"Now what?". I asked him dusting myself.
"Now we're going for a shopping". He replied casually and taking my
hand in his; he started dragging me.
"Shopping?". I repeated dumbfounded.
"Yup. Book shopping,specifically. I heard that the store got some new
collection this week". He told me.
"Oh really". I mumbled softly because it reminds that my money is
stolen by that evil cousin of mine.
"Yeah. So would you like to come with me?". He asked me when walked
where his car is parked.
"Umm sure".I agreed shrugging thinking if I can't buy them I can always look.
He opened the car door for me and I slide in the passenger seat while
he went to the other side of the car to get in the driver seat. Then
he turn his head to look at the back seat.
"Flowers for you". He said handing me the bouquet of Lilly's.
"For me?". I asked him shock as the car roared.
"Yes for you Madeline". He replied pretending to be annoyed at my question.
"Well thanks...I guess". I mumbled softly and stared at him intently.
"What?". He asked take a quick glance at my way while driving.
"You're acting weird today?". I said gazing at him.
"How so?". He asked me raising his eyebrows.
"First you tricked me to come here then these flowers and now book
shopping". I said pointing out the things he has done.
"I've planned to spend today with you". He said staring on the road
making my heart stop.
"What?". Again shocked at his words.
"You were angry on me because of that jerk so I want to make it up to
you. We're going to spend this day making new memories". He explained
further.
Parking outside our favorite book shop we stepped out of the car and
went inside the shop. After forty-five minutes we both were stumbling
out with two bags full of new books.
"You know you didn't have to buy me all these books". I said trying to
look unpleased but inside my heart warmed at his consideration.
"Not all books are yours". He said with the amused smile.
"I know but it doesn't mean I'll give them to you without reading them
first". I replied smugly.
"Whatever". He mumbled nonchalantly.
I looked at the area where he was driving and frowned.
"Hey! Brandon why are you driving towards the highway? Aren't we going
back to house?".I voiced out my confusion.
"Nope, we're going to some place to have early dinnered". He replied smiling.
"Brandon it's five in the evening. Not a dinner time". I said.
"It'll take us an hour to reach there and that will be around six". He
said driving calmly.
"Even that'll not be a dinner time. And we could've gotten something
to eat from Marlin Corner; we don't have to go that far and waste
gas". I said trying to make him change his plan.
"Marlin Corner is getting old; we should try something new". He said
as a matter of fact.
"You're acting different today". I said staring at his overly joyed attitude.
"C'mon Madeline when I act like a bad friend you complain. Now I'm
acting like a good friend and taking you out, you're still
complaining". He groaned without realizing that he's the one
complaining now.
"Wow. Weirdo". I teased him.
"Shut up and enjoy". He said with the tight silly smile making me roll
my eyes at his antics.
"Fine". I surrender.
When he stopped outside the beautiful place which have small board
hanging on the wooden gate saying "Lake View Restaurant". I instantly
knew where we're.
In my own haze I entered in the place following the small of barbecue
and felt my mouth watering.
"Like it". Brandon whispered in my ear standing behind me.
I felt my heart beating wildly in my chest at the nearness of his body.
"A lot. I thought they sold this place long time ago and closed it". I
said staring at the beautiful dining area where few couples and
families were sitting and having fun.
"The new owners bought it and opened it last month". Brandon said
taking my hand in his and dragging me to the reception.
"Hi I'm Brandon Edward. I have a reservation here for two". Brandon
said with the polite smile.
"Yes "Sir" Please come this way". She said getting up and showing us our table.
"Your waiter would be here in a minute". The receptionist said leaving
us to settle in our seats.
I started at the beauty of the scene as the sun was almost down
consuming the place in darkness and the bulb started to light up the
place, taking my breath away.
The lake wasn't near the restaurant; it's about a mile away in the
center of tall mountains and woods. But the restaurant is build on the
tallest mountain and provide you the clear view of lake from here. And
I guess that's why the restaurant named
"Lake View Restaurant".
"This place is more beautiful now". I said in awed.
"Yeah the new owner renovated it". Brandon said staring as well.
The pretty girl dressed in red skirt and black blouse with notepad in
her hands came to our table and said "Hi I'm Roha, your server for
today. What would you like to order?".
"Madeline". Brandon called my name telling me to order first and I gladly did.
"Um I would like to have barbecue platter with Cornbread Panzanella
Salad". I ordered after reading the menu.
Roha nodded and wrote everything I said turning her face to Brandon.
"I would also like to have barbecue platter with Spicy smoked sweet
potato salad". He said snapping the girl out from her staring spree.
What I can say he's handsome and girls do this without him noticing.
"Any drinks"Sir"?. She asked blushing while Brandon was ignorant to
her little crush on him.
"Coke for both of us". I said knowing what soft drink he likes to drink.
"Your order will be serve shortly". She said nervously walking away.
"So why the special treatment for this stupid old friend". I asked him
in a teasing tone.
"Oh I agree with the last part of your sentence". He teased me back
making me glare. Then continued "And this is my way for apologizing
about that day when we had an argument".
"I wasn't angry at you because of that". I said feeling guilty for
making him think that.
"But you weren't picking up my calls and you didn't come to our study
sessions". He said averting his eyes from my face to hide his
disappointment.
"Brandon it wasn't because of you. I was just little disturb about
something". I said guilty for still not telling him the truth about
Laura.
"You know you can tell me anything
anytime". He said placing his hand above mine with the smile.
"I know but there's something which I really want to tell you". I
decided to tell him but got interrupt by the waiter's bringing our
food.
"Here's your food. Enjoy". She said setting our order on the table.
"Thanks". We both said in unison and she left with the small smile.
I attacked the food and moaned when a juicy taste of barbecue hit my
taste buds making me feel more hungry than ever.
When I looked up from my plate Brandon was staring at me with amuse
smile on his face. I blushed beetroot making him smirk which
intensified the red hue on my cheeks.
I just ignored his intense stare and busied myself in enjoying the food.
"So what's that you were going to tell me before the waiter's
interrupted?". He suddenly asked me making stop chewing.
I swallowed the food with the slight difficulty and glanced at him.
"I was never with Connor. He just wanted to pretend me that I'm his
girlfriend...so he could riled you up". I said dreading for his
reaction.
"That bastard". He said angrily.
"Brandon relax! Everything is over. I'm not with him,I was never with
him. He just wanted to create a rift between us and I ignored you to
make it look like that he succeed. So he would leave us alone and he
did". I said placing my hand on his fist and running circles on them,
try to provide him comfort in some way.
"Still you should've told me earlier. I would love to give him the
taste of my fist". He gritted his teeth.
"And that's the reason I didn't said anything in the first place. I
don't want you to get in the fight with him before convocation". I
said trying to make him realize how important it is to handle this
situation calmly.
"Okay but as soon as I got the graduation certificate in my hand I'll
be punching him first". He said with the promise in his tone that made
my heart sink. Because if I'll tell Brandon about Laura and Conner
after convocation, he'll surely be doing some punching.
"Fine". I said rolling my eyes to make him little relax.
After that we enjoyed the meal and the complimentary pieces of
chocolate cake quietly which I don't think was complimentary at all
but Roha said otherwise.
Then we left the restaurant and walked where he parked the car.
"I really enjoyed today. Thank you".I said quietly settling in the car.
"You're welcome"Princess". He replied strapping the seat belt.
The word "Princess" hearing from his mouth created the havoc of
feelings in my heart. I'm not use to getting pampered and loved by
anyone. And from the time Brandon become my friend he showed
unbelievable care towards me which made me distant myself from him
instantly. But slowly and gradually he made his way into my heart and
still keeping it occupied.
His brilliant friendly nature made me like him at the first, his
beautiful smile captured my heart and his love for books without
turning into a nerd made me admire him.
I don't know when I fell in love with him but when I realized what I
feel is actually love not just infatuation, it was already too late to
change them or stop them from growing further.
"Madeline come out ". I heard Brandon's voice snapping me out of my daydreaming.
"Are we already at home?". I asked him unbuckling my seat belt and
that's when my eyes landed on the dark woods where we're parked.
"Where are we Brandon? I thought we were going back to home". I said
stepping out of the car.
"I want to show you something". He said locking his car and dragging
me in the woods.
"Is this place safe". I asked him little scared from the darkness.
"Yup". He replied switching on the flashlight in his cellphone.
The path came to view and we followed it. When we reached down the
lake come to my view making me gasp.
"Is this the same lake we were staring earlier?". I asked with
astonishment that I'm staring at the lake from this near.
"Yeah". He said dragging me closer to lake.
The moon was shining above making lake look like a blue-black crystal.
I dipped my hand in the water and feel it freezing.
"It looks like an imaginary place". I said breathlessly while he took
the seat on the ground.
"Let's just sit here and enjoy". He said pulling me down beside him on
the ground.
After few minutes he said "You know I always wanted to bring you here".
"Why?". I whispered.
"Because this place reminds me of you". He replied staring in my eyes intently.
"How?". I asked confused.
"This place is beautiful from afar but looks dangerous and people
avoid coming closer. But when you take the risk of coming closer
you'll realize that it's not only beautiful from afar but magnificent
from closer and peaceful". He said making my breath hitch and moving
closer.
Our heads and nose were touching we were that close. Involuntarily my
right hand went his shoulder and griped it. His eyes never left mine
while next thing I know his right hand started creasing my cheek in
loving way that I literally melted than and there.
"I don't..kno...know what to say Brandon". I found it difficult to
talk too distracted because of his magical fingers running on my
cheeks lightly sending shivers to my spine. Even my voice was sounded
breathless.
"Then don't say anything. Just remember that you're really important
to me". He said cupping my cheek with the other hand.
I lost whatever senses I had few minutes ago;my mind turned into mush,
the only thing in my view was his pink lips which were so close that I
could touch them.
And with that thought in my mind I did. I touched them by placing my
own lips lightly on his soft one's. He went still and he stopped
breathing. We were both frozen for few seconds due to the shock and
sparks that's making its way in our body.
Then his lips started to move so lightly creasing mine making me wish
that I could stop the time here and stay in same position forever.
Without knowing anything what I'm doing or I'm doing it right I copied
his actions and let myself have my first kiss with the boy I love.
The kiss was slow filled with the understanding, caring and love.
His actions were slow, sweet and conscious like he thinks I'm fragile
and he would break me if he pressed little harder.
But I want him to press his lips harder so I'll get the confidence to
pour all the love I have been keeping inside my heart.
Because inside somewhere in my mushy mind I know it will be my first
and last kiss.
__________________________________
"Love is a cure of every pain,heartache and broken soul. It makes
everything hazy and blurred the gashes you carry around under the long
sleeves"
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