Chapter 23
When they got back to camp, Maddie couldn't help but go up to Nick and ask "Why did you go off on me like that?" Nick looked at her. "Maddie, come on. You hardly knew that guy. And I could tell… he's… I just don't trust him," said Nick. "You say that like you know him!" said Maddie angrily. "I don't, but… there's just something about him that I don't trust," he said. "Oh, so when you fall for someone, it's okay, but when I decide to take a chance and try to find someone, it's suddenly a big problem!" she spat. "No, I didn't mean it like that," he said. She looked really hurt. "Look, I don't want to fight again," she said. "I just… I've never had luck with guys, and I think this could be a chance for me," she said. "Um… I have to go," she said and ran off. "Maddie, wait!" he called after her.
"Great, I did it again," he said to himself, hating himself for getting Maddie angry again. Whenever he fought with her, it always made him feel really awkward. Even before they became friends, he always felt kind of weird when he was around her. Then it hit him. He really was in love with Maddie.
Maddie walked out of camp and then someone came out of the bushes. Maddie recognized the person. It was Amber. "Amber, you scared me," she said. "Sorry," Amber said with an apologetic expression. "I heard what happened with you and that guy over there," she said. "What happened?" she asked. Maddie sighed. She began walking, but Amber followed her. "I may be twelve, but I'm only four years younger than you, so I think I can understand," Amber said. "Well, I met this guy and I really like him, and then there's Nick, who I also like, but we were once sworn enemies," Maddie began. Amber listened as Maddie explained how she and Nick were once enemies and now she likes him, but he's going out with someone else… and on and on.
"So, you have feelings for both guys, but the one who you really like is going out with someone else?" asked Amber. "Yeah," Maddie said with a long sigh. "Who do you feel more comfortable with?" asked Amber. "Well… Nick of course, but that's only because I've known him longer," said Maddie. "Well, go out with Dylan and see how you really feel about him. Then… just… follow your heart," said Amber. "But to tell you the truth, Nick sounds like a better guy. I've heard a lot about Dylan, and most people say that he hooks up with girls, but he's never stayed with one for more than a few months. He says that he's still looking for that right girl, but… well, just be careful," said Amber. "You know a lot for a twelve year old," said Maddie. "I've never had a boyfriend before, but I love listening, watching and reading about romance. I'm more of the books and homework kind of girl," said Amber. "I've never been popular," she said with a disappointed face. "Don't worry. I've never been the popular kid either. I like reading and homework too. Some people think its weird, but I can't help it," said Maddie. "Me too!" exclaimed Amber. "Finally, someone who feels the same way as me," said Amber.
Maddie laughed. Suddenly, Adam appeared with an angry face. "Amber, where have you been?" he asked. Amber rolled her eyes. "Come on, Adam. Lighten up. I'm here with Maddie," she said. Adam said hi to Maddie and then glared at Amber. She returned his stare and Maddie couldn't help but smile when she remembered when she and Nick were like that. "Come on. We need to get back to camp," he said. "Come on. Can't I stay with Maddie?" she pleaded. "No, now come on," he said. "Just because you're one year older than me, doesn't mean you can boss me around," spat Amber. "Whatever, just come on," he snapped. Amber's eyes grew from anger to disappointment and pushed past him and began walking to her camp. Adam walked behind her.
Maddie wished Amber could stay. She enjoyed the company, but she shrugged. It was funny, watching two kids fight, and then knowing that they'll probably like each other one day… well, at least be friends and one person like the other, but the other person thinks of the other just as a friend. She sighed and kept walking. After a few minuets, she saw the stable and she smiled when she saw Dylan. He saw her and jogged over to her. "Hey, Maddie," he said. "Hey, Dylan," she said. "So, what are you doing here?" he asked. "Um… I just wanted to say hi," she said. He smiled. "You… want to go on a walk?" he asked. "Sure," she said. He took her hand and she felt a strong feeling that told her that she wished it was Nick that wad holding her hand.