Who knows how long I sat in front of the crackling fireplace? I wasn't keeping track, nor was anyone else. From the windows I could just barely see the night sky, sprinkling down snowflakes. That then led to another thought; Madalyn. By now, everything reminded me of that girl. And her being asleep in the dormitory didn't help clear my mind.
"Eli?" a gentle voice whispered from behind. Oh look, there she was now.
Madalyn took a seat on the floor next to me. I couldn't help but look her over. She wore flannel pajama pants, a girlish white tank top on, and her school robes. Even in the dead of the night she looked stunning.
Madalyn gave me a small smile. Automatically, I returned the favor.
"Eli." she said nervously. "What're you thinking about?"
That was another thing about her. She cared about others, always a shoulder to lean on. . .always there for me. I pulled a cliche' move, replying, "You, of course."
For years I had resisted, but I rested my hand on her thigh.
Madalyn's face went rosy red. She began fidgeting with her long sleeves.
"D-do you think I could try something?" she asked.
"Anything." I said, assuming the young witch just needed to practice a quick spell.
"Promise you won't flip out on me?"
I raised my eyebrow. "Promise."
Madalyn shifted in front of me, sitting on her knees. She placed her trembling hands on my neck, freezing me in place. Now this was unusual. Madalyn leaned closer until she was less than an inch away from my face. Her lips then gently pressed against mine. This was enough to un-freeze me. I slowly kissed her back, unaware of my hands sliding inside her robe and wrapping around her waist.
My mind had been wiped, including the section which held my common sense. All I could think about was Madalyn. How I had longed for her. How desperately I had wanted her. And how her lips were now dancing with mine, picking up speed. Both of our hearts pounded loudly inside our chest. I didn't want to stop, but what little thought I had told me I should. I was already growing out of control. What if this got out of hand? What if we did something we would later regret?
Madalyn was the one to break the kiss, quickly pulling me close for a hug. I came back to Earth, my brain began to function properly.
"Maddie. ." I murmured into her neck.
"Yeah, Eli?" she said back, her voice breaking.
"You know I've loved you since we were kids, right?"
In no time, Madalyn was standing, beaming down on me. She never truly looked intimidating, but I was frightened out of my wits. Though, that was only because I was afraid I had just ruined everything.
"What?" she sneered. "You couldn't have told me sooner!? Here I've been for years thinking I didn't stand a chance with you. All this time! And it isn't til' now that I discovered you feel the same way! Well I'll tell you what, Eli Norwich, that I love you too!" During her rant, Madalyn had pulled me to my feet.
Despite her still angry expression, a huge grin spread across my face.
"Does that mean I can start addressing you as my girlfriend?" I teased, poking her in the ribs.
Madalyn's expression softened into the whole-hearted grin she wore so well. "Please do."
