Ch. 7: The Car Ride To School
"Madeline, cheri, wake up. It's time for school," a voice said waking Maddie from her sleep.
"Five more minutes, Papa," Maddie said rolling onto her side.
"Come on, petit, you said that five minutes ago. It's time to wake up."
"Mmm. Do I have to?" she asked.
"Yes. Or else you won't see your boyfriend Alfred," Francis said smiling as Maddie blushed.
"It's too early Papa to tease me," she said standing. "Can I have a cup of coffee? I'm too tired."
Francis nodded. "There is coffee brewing downstairs in the kitchen."
"Merci." Both walked downstairs to the kitchen. Maddie went to the coffee maker, pouring herself a mug of coffee.
Francis set a plate of pancakes in front of Maddie as she sat down, drinking her coffee. She almost spat it out instantly.
"Sugar," she muttered, standing again. She went to the pantry and pulled out the sugar, putting a tablespoon in her coffee. She nodded taking another drink of it, seeing it suited her fancies.
She and her dad continued the rest of the morning mumbling to themselves about this and that.
After about half an hour, there was a knock on the door. Maddie opened it and smiled, seeing it was Alfred.
"Hi," he said. "I, uh, came to see if you needed a ride to school."
"Whoa, you can drive?" she asked shocked.
"Ehehe, no. But my dad can." Alfred then pointed behind him to a dark blue Acura.
Maddie nodded and ah-ed. "Okay. I'll tell Papa," she said, which she did do. On her way out, she grabbed her bag only for Alfred taking it from her and slinging it over his shoulder.
"I could hold it, you know," she said as they walked to the car.
"I know. It's just unhero like for me not to," Alfred said getting into the car after Maddie.
"Talking about heroes again, I see," Alfred's dad said, shaking his head. "You might push her away if you keep that up."
Alfred's dad looked back at the two with vivid green eyes. He also had blond hair, but it was lighter than Alfred's. It was more wild, too.
"You must be Madeline," he went on. "I'm Arthur, it's nice to meet you. Alfred wouldn't shut up about you, either."
"Dad, not now," Alfred said glancing at Maddie nervously.
"Oh, right. I'm embarrassing little Alfie," Arthur said smirking.
"Dad!"
"Sorry, sorry. I'll stop talking now." Maddie couldn't help but laugh at the two.
Arthur turned back around, now facing the road, and took off towards the school.
"I can't believe you remembered where I live," Maddie muttered to Alfred. Said man blushed.
"I-I didn't choose to remember it... I-it's just I happen to live down the road from you... ish," Alfred stuttered.
"'Down the road' my arse, Alfred," Arthur said. "You and I both know how long it took to get there."
Alfred laughed nervously. "Dad. Eheh. I thought you were shutting up."
"Right, right," Arthur said. "Shutting up. Will do."
"So, anyway Maddie. D'you like here in Hetalia?" Alfred asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Do I like it? Ehh, I guess so. I mean, I made some friend-ish people yesterday. But I got sent home with a lot of work. Umm... I got out of the house and got a milkshake. But I also saw someone who wasn't the nicest to me at my old school. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Maddie said.
"Yeah, yeah. I get it," Alfred said. "So how long have you been here?"
"I think Papa and I started moving our things... what was it? Last Thursday? I dunno. I think we've been here for a week."
"That's cool. So, why didn't you start school on Monday? Why Wednesday?"
"Papa didn't want to push me into a new school. He wanted to let me go when I felt like it. You know, with everything that happened."
"Ah, yeah. That's understandable. So... Dude, I'm so sorry to ask this but it's been buggin' me not knowing. When's your birthday?" Alfred asked.
Maddie laughed. "That's been bothering you? Oh well. Mine is July first. You?"
"No way, really? Sweet! Mine's the epic Fourth of July!" Alfred said. It would be impossible for Alfred to show more joy in his eyes.
"Wait- what? No way!" Maddie said. "Hmm... I seem to know a lot of people who were born in July..."
"Really? Who?" Alfred asked eagerly.
"Um, there's Aiko. She is the seventh. Papa's the 14th. Rachel's on the 17th. Tessa's the 30th. Who else...? I think that's everyone," Maddie said counting on her fingers. "And now you too!"
"That's a lot," Alfred said amazed.
"I said I knew a lot. But those are only family," Maddie said. She then blushed. "Not that you're family or anything! I mean it would be nice to have you in the family. N-Not that I'd want to marry you or anything! I'm sure you'd make a great husband! But... I'll just stop talking... Before I make things more awkward."
As she finished her rambling, Alfred couldn't help but laugh with a faint blush on his cheeks. "Look! There's the school!" Alfred said pointing ahead to Hetalia High.
"Yeah," Maddie said looking from behind the driver's seat in front of her.
"Hey, when we get in, is it fine if you wait for me outside the office? I have to talk with the principal 'bout somethin'," Alfred requested looking at Maddie.
"I wouldn't mind," Maddie agreed.
"Alfred, what did you do this time?" Arthur asked glancing at Alfred through the mirror.
"Nothin', dad. I just need to request somethin'," Alfred answered.
"Alright. If you say so," Arthur drove up to the school entrance. He looked back at Maddie and Alfred. "Now, I'll pick you up after school, Alfred. Would you need a ride, Madeline?"
"Um, I don't think I do. Thank you, though," Maddie said.
"You're welcome, love. Alright. Please stay out of trouble today Alfred. You've had many tardies lately and I won't accept another one," Arthur said giving Alfred a pointed look. "I'll keep you locked outside if I see another one."
"Alright, I get it," Alfred said putting his hands up in surrender. Both walked out of the car, then.
We hope you enjoyed it~ Tell us what you think! Well, since I can't think of anything else to say, till next time, gummy bears! ~Love-Peace-Anime
