This was my new home. Getting out of Dad's car, I stared up at the mansion. I had already been in it. But, now I was seeing it in a completely different light. I was seeing it at home. It was weird picturing anything, but my home in New York, as my home. This didn't have all the memories, yet. Maddie, c'mon you've been here likefive seconds don't start comparing it. Sighing, I grabbed one of my bags from the car and headed up inside.
"Don't worry Madds, she'll be alright," Andy told me, patting my back. I liked how we were so close. I mean as lame as it sounds the fact he now calls me Madds, and that he can even know what I'm thinking.
"I hope so," I replied, walking inside the glamorous house.
"Let me show you your room," My Dad said coming in behind me with some of my boxes. My Dad was all smiles. Only once we left New York, I know though leaving Mom again was hard for him.
"Ok," I started following him upstairs.
"Maddie," Rory called entering the foyer. "How was the drive?" She questioned.
"Good. Minus, Dad's crazy driving," I grinned, Rory was trying hard, and I know it must be hard for her, so I should be as nice as I can be.
"Yeah, he always did drive like a maniac," She laughed.
"Hey, I'm still in the room!" Dad shouted, above me on the staircase. "C'mon slugger, lets get your stuff put away." He told me, leading me upstairs and down a hall. "I really hope you like it here… Well, this is it," He grinned, opening a door to a huge bedroom.
"This is huge!" I exclaimed stepping inside. It was painted a soft yellow and had shiny hardwood floor. "Whoa!" I gasped, as I noticed the huge ensuite bathroom that was also mine.
"You like it?" He questioned, setting all my stuff down.
"It's great," I said sincerely, sitting on the bed. And, suddenly feeling a small wave of homesickness for my mother.
"Do you really like it?" My Dad asked confused by my sudden mood change. "Because, if you don't we can paint it another colour, or we can completely redo it?"
"No, Dad, it's great like it is." I whispered on the edge of tears.
"Honey, what's wrong?" He asked sitting next to me on the bed.
"Dad, Mom's all alone." I said in a soft voice. "She has no one."
"No she doesn't she has you still, just because you're living here doesn't mean she doesn't have you. And, Maddie, she wanted you to come here." He told me trying to reassure me.
"You're right," I told him, not really agreeing just wanting to be alone.
"You gonna be okay?" He questioned, looking down at me.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," I replied, smiling.
"Alright, well I'll let you unpack. And, remember 'mi casa es su casa'. Okay? Make yourself completely at home, and really don't hesitate to even call your Mom if you want, ok?" He asked me, I nodded. "Now, c'mon give me a hug." I grinned and hugged my Dad, wishing life could be simple and I could always be with both my parents.
The moment he left I picked up the phone. Dialing, I made my way over to the window seat, looking at the wide expense of land my Father owned.
"Hello?" I heard the voice answer. I sighed happily.
"Danny?"
"Madds, are you alright?" He questioned.
"Kind of," I replied, afraid I might completely break down.
"Want me to get Holly?" He asked.
"No, I want to talk to you." I told him, "I'm back in Hartford,"
"How did things go?"
"Ok- not really. Mom's all alone,"
"Aw, Madds, she'll be fine though. She was always really alone, I mean when she left you-"
"Yeah, but I was always there for when she came home, now it's empty."
"Did she mind you coming?"
"No, Dan, that's the weird part she encouraged it, I don't know how Dad brought it up, but-"
"Wait, your Dad went?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Was it weird between them?"
"Well, I know something definitely happened one day when Andy and I went out for breakfast, because when I came back they were so silent. But, when we left they hugged and talked. I kinda think there might still be some spark there."
"There must be, I mean when they spilt they obviously left things unended, so when they met next which was now, they had a lot of pent up emotion."
"When did you get to be so smart?"
"I always was,"
"Whatever,"
"So Madds, are you coming to Chilton now?"
"Yeah, we talked about it in the car home, and since that was the reason I really am now living with Dad, for a better education, y'know?"
"This is great though. We can go to school together,"
"Danny, we went to school together all during high school and middle school and even before that!"
"Yeah, but recently like the last few years when we went to school together it wasn't quite the, 'say Hi to you in the halls sort of thing', y'know?"
"I guess I do. Anyway, I just wanted to say Hi, and well I'm exhausted so I'm going to have a bit of a nap before dinner, but Dan, I'll see you tomorrow,"
"First thing,"
"Of course,"
"Thanks, for calling me Madds."
"No problem,"
"Madds?"
"Yeah Danny?"
"I love you," Whoa! Did Danny Mariano just say I love you? "Madds?"
"Danny, I love you too," I told him grinning.
"You do?" I could hear the happiness in his voice.
"Yeah, I really do, I'm completely head over heel and it kinda scares me,"
"You love me?" He repeated.
"Danny, I already said I did!"
"I know. I just can't believe it!"
"Well, believe it buddy, because well I do, and it's not going away anytime soon!"
"Good, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow,"
"Yeah, well y'know I do,"
"And, I do too!"
"Bye Danny,"
"Bye Maddie," Hanging up the phone I stood up and started jumping up and down. I was so lucky. Danny Mariano loves me! Forget about that nap, who could sleep now? I'm so excited. Running over to my bed I let a loud squeal out to be muffled by a pillow.
The whole ride back to Connecticut I tried to push back feelings for Summer. The only reason I feel like this is because she is the Mother of my children, right? Then how come I can't get her out of my head?
"What's the matter honey?" Rory asked, entering my study.
"Nothing," I replied, not wanting to bother her with my problems. Being the good wife she was though she pressed on, walking in front of me she leaned on my desk.
"Tristan, c'mon tell me!" She persuaded, looking at me worriedly.
"How come I feel like I robbed her?" I asked, not really asking Rory, but asking myself.
"Robbed who of what?" She asked confused.
"Robbed Summer of Maddie," I told her, shaking my head.
"Oh, honey, you didn't rob her of Maddie."
"She has no one, absolutely no one! The only person she had was Maddie, and I went and took her from her,"
"Yeah, but she's your daughter too, you're just as entitled to have her,"
"I know, but I have Andrew too, and that's not fair- I mean she doesn't have either one of her own children."
"Tris, you have to calm down, it's not your fault. Maddie and Andrew are both better off here anyway…"
"No, that's the thing she raised Maddie so great, and the thing is I can't take any credit for the way she turned out. And, Andy's far from every listening to me again! He practically hates me, and you should have seen them with Summer they all looked so happy!"
"I have no idea, what to tell you honey, but you're a great Father. You raised both Andy and Jules too, and they are both really great children. And, I know I would've had trouble raising Chris without you too."
"Rory, I can't stop feeling terrible," I whispered. I felt like such a child with my head resting on her thigh, but how could I've done this to Summer?
"It's not your fault, it's no one's fault," She told me, trying to make me feel better. "Would it make you feel better if you called her?"
"Maybe," I replied.
"Then, call her," She smiled, heading out of the room.
"Rory!" I called her back. "I love you and you're the world's greatest wife,"
"Why thank you, I love you too, honey, but I hope you realize it's not your fault."
"It different for you with Dean living close by, I mean you both get to have Chris at different times."
"I guess it would solve all your problems if Summer lived around here,"
"Probably would," I replied grinning.
"Ok, now you call her, k? Cause, I want my normal unemotional husband back!" Rory exclaimed again heading for the door.
"I'm not unemotional!" I shouted in return.
"Oh, soo not after this," She replied, winking at me before shutting the door.
"Call her, call her, call her… well this is easier said than done," I muttered picking up the phone and calling the operator. Once the operator had given me Summer's number, I hesitated before calling, what was I going to say?
"Hello?"
"Summer?" I questioned.
"Tristan?" She sounded shocked to hear my voice.
"Yeah, it's me I was just calling to ask you, how you're doing."
"How I'm doing?" She repeated in disbelief.
"Yeah, how are you?"
"Okay,"
"Summer, I really called cause I felt guilty about having Maddie come live with me,"
"Oh, so, you wanted me to reassure you I'm okay?"
"Don't make me sound so mean, it was actually meant to be a nice gesture,"
"Oh, I see, so I'm just a pity case?"
"No, I never said that! Cripes Summer you're putting words in my mouth,"
"Look, Tristan I'm fine, ok, don't worry about me!"
"But-" I stopped hearing a male voice on her end. "Who was that?"
"What?"
"Who was that?"
"Can you be anymore nosy?"
"Summer…"
"It was friend, y'know since Maddie left I'm not too fond of being alone,"
"So, you go out and bring home the first guy you meet?"
"I said he was a friend, why am I even explaining myself to you?"
"Summer… I mean it. I'm so sorry how things turned out,"
"I am too," I heard so much pain in her voice, I said the next thing I thought of.
"Do you want to move to Hartford?"
"What?"
"So, you can be near Andy and Madds?"
"I'd love to be near them, but…"
"But what?"
"Tristan I just can't just up and move. As much as I love the kids, I don't belong in Hartford I never did…"
"You didn't see Maddie today though, she can't bear leaving you alone, at least move for her and Andy,"
"That's a low blow Tristan, I may love them, but to move to Hartford? I don't know I mean I'm established here, I have friends here, and this is home. Hartford is just a place from the past which should stay there, in the past."
"Summer you should move here!"
"Look, put yourself in my shoes Tristan, you were a single parent and suddenly your old partner came back and takes your child, leaving you totally alone. Would you wanna just get up and follow them? I have to have some dignity."
"But, Summer-"
"No, buts! I have company. I have to go. Bye, Tristan."
"Summer! You can't because-"
"Beause why? There is no because, so please leave me be, alright? I'm fine. Bye."
"Bye Summer," Hanging up, I stared at the phone. Well that wasn't how I pictured it.
Today was my first day at Chilton and I was so excited. Finally I'd be back at school with Danny and Holly. Did it get any better than this? Well, maybe if I knew Mom was alright. But, however selfish this sounds, I really don't want to think about that right now.
"You ready?" Andy asked, from my bedroom door. I looked in the mirror and sighed.
"Does your school know how much these uniforms suck?" I questioned him, fingering the tie that was choking me.
"Our school," He corrected. "And, no. They're living in denial," He laughed.
"Or, in another century," I added, grabbing my bag and following Andy downstairs to the kitchen.
"Ah, simply marvelous," My Dad told me grinning as we walked in. "How was your first night?" He questioned, while sipping his coffee.
"Great thanks," I replied quietly, never really liking the spotlight on me.
"Do you have time for breakfast?" Rory asked.
Shaking his head Andy replied, "Nope, we have to go see the Headmaster, so we better be off soon," Not listening Rory frowned and went and grabbed some poptarts.
"Here, you can eat on the way," She handed both of us a package.
"Thanks," I replied.
"Yeah, thanks," Andy said absently, "Where's Julie?" He questioned looking out into the hallway.
"Right here," She shouted running down the stairs. Chris was with his Dad so we didn't have to take him as well. Not that I minded, because when I met him we got along well.
"See ya," Andy called to Rory and Dad, before leading us to the garage.
"Bye," I added shouting back to them.
"How was New York?" Julianna asked me curiously as we got in the car.
"Good, I mean it's home," I told her trying not to think of Mom.
"Was it cool to see you Mom?" She questioned me again, "And, Andy hadn't you not seen your Mom since you were like two?"
"Something like that," He replied. "It was nice to see her, just too short,"
"I feel so selfish getting to actually live with both of my parents," She laughed. "You nervous?" She asked me, we were now pulling up into the parking lot. I was having a lot of doubts. I mean am I really that smart? Isn't this school for like geniuses? Holy crap, look at this!
"A bit," I replied. Now that was a lie. I'm actually surprised I'm not physically shaking, I'm so scared.
"You'll be fine," Andy reassured me, as he parked the car and we got out.
"Shit, this is a nice campus. I mean it actually is a campus," I told them, looking around in awe. The parking lot was mostly empty, but we were early to see the headmaster.
Surprising the talk with the Headmaster wasn't that scary at all! I mean he was actually really nice. He told me that he remembered my Mom, and that made me feel better, knowing that she had gone through this too. Although, I'm about a week late starting the school year.
Andy waited with me and took me to my first class as well. Which washomeroom. Unfortunately I wasn't with Danny and Holly or even Chris. Instead I found myself standing in front of an entire class of strangers.
"Class we have a new student, Maddie DuGrey," She announced. DuGrey? Why would that be there? I noticed a lot of stares and a few murmurs coming my way and I knew it must have been, because well I was an illegitimate child, but then so was Andy, but the difference was no one knew about me.
"Actually it's Potter… Maddie Potter." I corrected, taking my Mother's maiden name. I had been using it since I was old enough to wonder why my Mom and I had different last names. Then I had wanted mine to be the same as hers.
"Alrighty, I'm Mr. Sampson. You can take that empty seat there," He told me smiling widely. Slowly I took the spot, and opened a notebook. While, Mr. Sampson continued talking about whatever. I was really too nervous to listen.
The girl beside me leaned over and smiled, "Hey, I'm Ally,"
"Hi," I grinned. What else could I say? I mean she already knew my name.
"Where are you from?" She questioned me curiously, obviously trying to place the accent.
"New York," I replied quietly, realizing she wasn't the only one in the class who was listening for my reply. I really wished the other kids wouldn't just stare at me. I had never been a new kid before; I mean everyone who had gone to Slacker High had gone to the same junior high and then even to elementary school together. So, I had known everyone really well.
Just sitting in homeroom, knowing that Maddie was in the same building was exciting. This must be love; I mean certainly no normal person could get this excited over something.
"Danny, remember if you have class with Maddie find out whether she has period3 or4 lunch!" Holly reminded me again as I left the classroom. My next was math, boring I know. But, nonetheless I was still excited with the thought she might be in it.
"I saw your girlfriend," Looking around confused, I saw Matt standing there smirking. "Or, should I say, your quote on quote friend, or is she more?"
"She's in your homeroom?" I asked him, almost jealous as we walked into class together.
"Yeah." He replied casually. "Oh, and you had better claim her as yours soon, because lets just say boys are already getting ideas… And, how come you didn't tell me she was so hot? She is gorgeous! You'd really better decide soon, or trust me she'll be, I can't even find a word for it. But, she'll be gone."
"Can you be anymore dramatic? And, we didn't exactly define our relationship quite yet, but I think it's safe to say when the words 'I love you' were involved this is not just a fling." I grinned at Matt's face. "Don't look so shocked." I laughed.
"She told you?" He questioned.
"Yeah, so I think we're good."
"Oh, yeah you are. I definitely need a girl." He sighed, slumping in his seat. Sitting quickly up again, he looked at me. "You want tocome to my party on Friday? With Maddie of course…"
"That's sounds cool, I'll ask her." I told him nodding.
"Oh, and you know what happened when the teacher introduced her?"
"What?" I asked curiously.
"He introduced her as Maddie DuGrey and-"
"DuGrey? But, she's hasn't been called by her Father's name in so long. She was until about eight, and then she went and changed it to her Moms name."
"Yeah, well, she corrected the teacher and told him it was actually Potter," Matt explained. I laughed, that was Maddie.
"Gentlemen I will send you out of class, if you don't stop talking and just pay attention!" The teacher berated. Both Matt and I bit back a laugh and sank down into our seats. Today was going alright. I mean as disappointed that I was that Maddie wasn't in my class, at least she was here, right?
"Who actually likes history class?" I asked myself, as I made my way into the empty classroom.
"Well Holly, I do." A very familiar voice said behind me. Whipping around, I beamed when I saw Maddie. "So, bud we're at the same school," She told me nodding her head. Instead of replying, I just gave her a hug.
"How was it?" I questioned her, sitting down on one of the desks. We still had a couple minutes before class, and I knew all of our classmates were still lingering in the halls. "I mean is your Mom alright?"
"I don't know. I'm just so confused. I mean-" She stopped when people entered the classroom. She looked around. Laughing, she grinned at me, "I feel like such a newbie!"
"Don't worry! I'm still considered one too!" I told her smiling.
"Hey," We both looked to see Chris coming in the classroom. "It's my stepsister," He nodded to Maddie.
"And, my darling step brother," Maddie replied. Laughing we all went and took our seats. Maddie sat next to me. It was good to be at school with my best friend again.
"So, what class now?" I asked her at the end of history.
"Chem," She replied, slinging her bag on her shoulder. "Please say you do too..."
"Nope, I have French, but do you have 4th lunch?" I questioned her.
Pulling out her schedule she looked down, "Yup, I do!"
"Good me too, how about we meet down the main corridor. You know which one that is? It's where when you first come in?"
"Yeah, I gotcha. Andy explained the school to me this morning. But the main corridor is convenient, actually my locker's down there." She told me grinning as we both left the class and headed our different ways.
It felt so good to see Holly and even Chris. I mean I never figured Chris was mean, but I thought maybe he'd have some beef against me since I'm Andy's sister.
"Guess who?" A voice asked covering my eyes. I laughed, knowing exactly who it was.
"Hmm… Danny?" I smiled, turning around in his arms. He grinned down at me and enveloped me in a hug. "What class?" I questioned looking at him, as we stepped apart.
"Chem," He replied, nodding towards the science labs that we were standing in front of.
"Well, it's your lucky day, because I have it too!" I told him beaming.
"I was wondering whether we'd have class together." He exclaimed, leading me into the class. "Remember we had chemistry together last year…"
Flashback
"What are you doing Mariano?" MaddiePotter asked angrily, as he took the only available seat, which was next to her.
"Sitting down, y'know? Oh no! Maybe you don't, since you're on your knees so much." Danny Mariano replied smirking.
"And, you're any different?" She shot back. They were quite used to these conversations by now.
"What is that suppose to mean?" He demanded.
"Well, it seems that you've been known to, well, I shouldn't say it being the polite one here…"
"Oh whatever just say it!" He insisted furiously.
"Well you've been known to be doing some pretty nasty stuff in the janitor's closet on the third floor with a certain blonde…"
"What do you have against blondes?"
"Not all blondes, just blondes with no IQ!"
"So, you'd rather date a druggie?"
"Charlie is not a druggie!" She defended.
"Yeah right, when is he not high? It makes sense though, the drugs, so he's able to date you!"
"At least he's not completely lost from intelligence!"
"Oh, yeah smoking up ever second is a smart thing to do!"
"Well, at least he's not screwing every other person on the football team as well!"
"No, he's just screwing you,"
"Asshole"
"Bitch"
"Man-whore"
"Slut"
End of Flashback
"The good times." I joked.
"Oh, they were great," Laughed Danny. After Chem class we had a ten minute recess before period three and then after that was lunch.
"So, uh, want to-"
"Yeah," Danny agreed, taking my hand and leading me out of the classroom.
"Wow, even their janitors closet's are nicer than ours!" I stated once we were in with the door shut. "I mean is this school for real, or-" Cutting me off Danny mouth covered mine and kissed me hard.
"You don't know how long I've wanted to do that!" He whispered.
"No complaints here," I grinned, kissing him back.
My day had been great, not only did I get to see Maddie. But, I even got invited to Matt and Allie's. Although, being Allie's as well, that means that Chris is not going to be there, but at least I'm still making friends right? It's going to be Maddie, Danny, Matt, Kristina, Allie and I. Is this weird or what? Hanging out with Danny! We used to hang out as kids, but we haven't for a long long time.
"Dad!" I called walking into the house, throwing my bag to the ground.
"He's not home dumbass!" Nick laughed, coming in behind me. "Remember work? He has night classes during the week."
"Oh, well then I guess we can go." I decided going into the kitchen.
"Where?" Ricky asked, following me. "And, whose the fucking 'we' referring too?"
"Yeah, where?" Nick echoed behind him.
"Just to some small get together at Matt's." Danny told them grabbing an apple off the counter. "It's nothing big, I mean the party's on Friday-"
"Wait, back up here, you're going too Dan?" Nick asked incredulously.
"Yeah-"
Interrupting him, Nick started laughing, "Wait, you two haven't hung out with the same people since, since like y'all and Maddie were the three musketeers!"
"Things change," Danny told him, still chomping on his apple.
"What a load of crap. Wait. Is Maddie going too?" Ricky asked, looking at us both curiously.
"Yeah," I told him, while Danny continued eating his apple.
"So, Dan what about you and Maddie? I mean can you stand each other to have the same friends?" Nick questioned inquiring.
Ricky stepped in, before Danny had a chance to say anything, "Didn't you see them fucking hug before? When we left New York. I think something gonna-"
"-And I think you're a loser!" Danny joked, to Rick.
"Ass," Rick mumbled, still grinning though. "Something is fucking up!" He laughed.
"Well, we can go right?" I asked Nick ignoring Rick.
"I guess," Nick replied not really caring.
"Great!" I grinned.
"Ugh! Why is there nothing to eat in this house?" I asked myself, looking at the nearly empty fridge.
"What's the problem?" Conner asked coming in the kitchen.
"I was planning upon having some friends over, and how can I entertain if I have no food to offer them?"
"That's the problem?" He questioned as if it was nothing. "We can just go to the store and get something." He suggested, jingling the car keys together. "I can be back in like fifteen minutes,"
"Yeah, but people are going to be here like now!" I complained looking at the time.
"Who's coming anyway?" Conner questioned.
"Just Kay and the new kids." I told him. I found the new kids really interesting. I mean, not to sound freaky or anything, but Hartford was filled with the same snobs, it was nice to mix things up. Have different people around.
"Holly and her brother…?" He asked. I laughed, of course he remembered Holly's name.
"And, the newer one, she's in my homeroom." I told him.
"Ah, DuGrey's sister?"
I nodded, "How did that come about?" I questioned.
"Andy said his mom and his dad never got married. So, to save them time and money, when they spilt up, they just each got a kid," Conner explained.
"Gotcha…" Hearing the door open and close we both looked at each other worried. "Kay," I concluded, knowing my best friend never rang the bell, just waltzed right in.
"Hello!" She smiled, coming into the kitchen with bags.
"You have food?" I asked grinning.
"Of course! I figured since your parental units were gone, that would mean that your food level of course was low. Especially living with two adolescent males… so, I decided to be the hero of the night and bring food!" She said, placing the bags on the counter.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I told her, helping her unload the bags, "Wait, you only got chips and pop? What if the Yankees are used to something else?"
"Food!" Matt came in the kitchen and headed toward the food.
"Stay away from that until- The doorbell!" I exclaimed, running down the hall, and then walking slower as I got closer. "Hey!" I grinned, finding Maddie and Andy on the doorstep. "Andy?" I questioned.
"I drove Madds, but I thought I'd see what Conner was up to…" He explained.
"Sure," I nodded. Things were a bit strange with us since that whole party thing, when Chris and I broke up. "Come in…"
"DuGrey!" Conner shouted from down the hall.
"You can leave your shoes on," I told Maddie, as she was about to remove hers.
"Thanks," She grinned. This is awkward, and Maddie probably thought it too. We were saved when the doorbell rang again.
"Hey," I exclaimed opening the door to where Danny and Holly stood.
"Is their brother in the car?" Conner asked coming down the hall.
"Yeah, Nick drove us…" Holly stated, signaling to the car backing out of the driveway. Conner nodded and ran out to talk to him.
"So… well, c'mon," I told them, as I lead them into my house. This was awkward, but what did I expect it to be? That we'd all just become great friends.
"Hey you guys," Matt grinned, when we entered the kitchen. He and Danny started talking with Andy as well, as we girl all started our own conversations. Until, Conner headed back in with Nick following. And, all I could think of was how hot Nick was.
We settled on watching a movie downstairs, as we were heading down, Conner pulled me aside.
"Do you want me to go get you guys some drinks or something?" He offered. I knew he was talking about alcohol, he never really minded if we drank. Well, when we were at home and he could make sure we were alright.
"Yeah, some beer and some cocaine," I joked.
"Not cool," He told me, shaking his head and turning back.
"I was joking!" I called back to his retreating figure. "I was!"
Walking in the door I was exhausted. Seeing the flashing from the message machine, I immediately headed towards it. Listening to the message, I felt myself pale. Shakily my hand found the wall, slowly sliding down to the ground, I sat there in disbelief.
Standing up, I reached for the light switch. And, frantically began to look for something among the pens and paper, beside the phone. Finding a yellow post-it with a number clearly written, I muttered a quick word of congratulation to myself. And, with shaking hands I picked up the phone and dialed the number.
"Hello?"
"Tristan?" I questioned.
"Summer? Are you alright?"
"Is Maddie there?"
"No, she's out with Holly. Are you okay?"
"Can you tell Maddie I called?"
"What is wrong?"
"I just found something out,"
"What? Are you in trouble? Do you need money?" He asked me.
"You think I called for money?"
"Well-"
Interrupting him I continued talking, "I'd mortgage everything I own, before I asked you for money. I'd even sell myself of the street before that!" I exclaimed. "Just let Maddie know I called, alright?"
"What is wrong?"
"No, you think I'm going to tell you after what you just pulled?"
"Summer… this is not funny, what is wrong?"
"I found out what happened to her…" I whispered.
"Who?"
"The bruises, it all makes sense now."
"Maddie? What? You know what happened? What was it? Or, who was it? If it was someone, they're in for it. Let me tell you that, shit, who could it of been? I mean, who would pull that kind of crap-"
"If you let me talk you'd find out!" I told him, "I got a message and lets just say it wasn't too nice."
"What was it?"
"It was an ex-boyfriend of hers and he was threatening, saying stuff like he'd come for her again and she wouldn't get away this time… And, that he'd get everyone that meant anything to her. Tristan, what are we going to do?"
"First off, you're going to leave your house-"
"Leave?" I exclaimed. "Why?"
"It's obviously not safe, that bastard could come after you,"
"Like he'd do that! C'mon Tristan, be serious I'm fine, but what about Maddie. How can she be ok?"
"Summer you have to leave, ok?"
"Tristan! I'm not the problem, it's Maddie! Look, that's why I called I'm worried about her! There's a sicko out there wanting to rape her! Shit, and Tris, you saw how messed up she looked," Slowly I was breaking down, everything that was happening was getting to me.
"Summ, honey, you have to calm down. Maddie is fine, she's safe. Okay? Now, you have to leave ok?"
"But…"
"No, okay, if you don't, I'm going to come down there and get you."
"Tris! You wouldn't!"
"Would!"
"You're married!"
"And, you're not! It doesn't make a difference! I'm worried about you Summer."
"Fine, I'll go to a friend's,"
"The one who was over yesterday?" He asked.
"Yeah, does it matter?"
"I guess not, but Summer call me when you're there."
"Okay, but I can't just leave and not come back to my own house… I mean I live there!"
"Just go for tonight, please it will make me feel a lot better! We'll talk about tomorrow and everything else, later, okay?"
"Alright… and Tristan?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks,"
"Anytime, I'm here for you. Call me when you get there!"
"Bye Tristan,"
Tonight has been super. I mean not to sound cheesy or anything, but it was so much fun. We watched 'Mallrats', which is like the world best movie. Although, Danny and I couldn't really act couplish... whatever this is going on with us, hasn't, I don't know. It's just so very complicated.
"How come Chris didn't come?" I asked Andy in the car.
"Why would he come?" Andy questioned obviously not liking where the conversation was going.
"Well, he is friends with Matt and Kay…"
"Yeah, but-"
Interrupting I went on, "And, I know Danny wouldn't have any problem with him. Holly too, definitely wouldn't either!"
"Look, Madds, somethings just can't be explained."
"What happened?"
"Nothing, just you never said anything about Allie."
"Well surely she wouldn't have a problem with him… right?" I asked.
"They used to date, and well when they broke up it kind of messy. So, well you see?"
"Oh… well I hope it's nothing bad on his account. Cause, Holly kinda likes him…" Andy immediately swerved almost going off the road. "Andy!" I exclaimed. "Trying to kill me?" I laughed. "And, why would it matter if she liked him, Allie's not still attached is she?"
"Look, Maddie, just Holly shouldn't like him." Before I could ask him why, we were in front of the house. "Alright, she just shouldn't."
Getting out, I followed Andy into the house. Dad was sitting in the parlor off the foyer, with a serious look on his face and a glass of scotch in his hands. Looking at my watch, it wasn't past curfew so what was he so angry about?
Standing up, he looked at me and declared, "Maddie, we have to talk,"