Chapter 3: An Unfriendly Encounter

We were hanging out at the new bar that took the place of Ernie's Juice Bar. All of us: Kat, Tommy, Adam, Rocky, Tanya and me; only Justin was missing. We were laughing, talking and joking, just like we used to. I realized how much I missed everyone. After Billy left, I hadn't been hanging out with my friends as much.

Just as we were getting ready to leave, Billy and Cestria walked in. Adam noticed before I did and unsuccessfully tried to get me to leave. Before he was able, Billy came over.

"Hey everyone, look who's back!" he said energetically when he reached our table.

"Billy! You're back!" exclaimed Kat and Tanya. "Hey man!" exclaimed Rocky.

Billy looked directly at me, met my eyes and quickly shifted his gaze. I thought I saw a glimmer of sadness, but he turned away so fast I could be mistaken.

"Well guys, I got to get going," I said to everyone as I stood up.

"Maddie, really? Billy just got here" Kat asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I do. Adam, want to come with me?" "Sure, I'll even drive," Adam replied, smiling.

"Buy guys," we said as we began to walk from the table. "Bye Adam, bye Maddie," everyone except Billy said. I could feel his eyes on me as we walked out the door. I wanted with all my heart to look back, but I didn't. I took Adam's arm and we walked right through the door.

"Well that was pleasant," Adam said as we climbed into his black jeep.

"Oh yeah, a bundle of fun," I replied sarcastically.

"So, where do you want to go?" Adam asked as we pulled out of the parking lot of the juice bar.

"Anywhere that's not here." I fell silent, immersed in my thoughts. Why, of all places…why did he have to come there, today? The first time I go out with my friends in a long time. Did I really see what I thought I saw in his eyes? Was he sad? Does he hurt since we're not together? Maybe he did love me…maybe he still does. NO! Don't think about that Madeline! He left you and technically cheated on you.

I sighed as I continued to stare out the window. I glanced at Adam and caught him watching me.

"What?" I asked, turning to face him. I looked out the window. "Where are we going?"

"First: nothing. Second: we're going to your apartment, I guess. I'd take you to mine, but I doubt you'd get through the front door. Rocky's left the place a mess again."

"Alright." We drove in silence until we reached my apartment building. After climbing up three flights of stairs, we reached my door. I pulled out my keys and unlocked the door to a resounding Beep. "Damn, my answering machine." I walked over and checked my messages as Adam stood in the doorway.

"You can come in. You don't have to stand in the doorway." One message was from Kim in Florida and the other was from Kat, asking if everything was okay since I left so abruptly.

"So Mad, what do you want to do now?" asked Adam as he flopped down onto my worn-out couch. "I don't know." I responded, flopping down next to him.

We sat in silence for a few minutes until I burst into tears. "God Adam. Why can't things be like they used to be? Why'd he have to come back? Why'd he have to come back with her?" I asked between sobs. I leaned into his shoulder and continued to cry.

Adam put his arm around me and pulled me closer. "Jeez Mad, if I knew I'd tell ya. I really wish I could fix everything."

I turned and looked up at him. "I know." I sniffled. "Just having you here is enough I guess. I still wish she hadn't come with him." Still crying I leaned in closer. I could feel his heart beating through his black tee-shirt. His muscles rippled beneath like a river. I shivered and he wrapped his arms around me tighter.

"Oh dear. I'm getting your shirt all wet." I said, sitting up and wiping my eyes. "It's alright. It's an old shirt. Hey, why don't you go and take a nap or something. Maybe it'll make you feel better. If you want, I'll even stay and guard you from Billy and Cestria."

"You'd be my little guard dog?" I asked shyly. "If you want," said Adam, smiling.

"That sounds wonderful, as long as I'm not keeping you from anything important."

"You're the only important thing at the moment." Adam smiled and kissed my forehead. "Come on, let's put you to bed. And while you're playing Sleeping Beauty, I'm going to run to the store and get some snacks. You probably have nothing in this apartment."

"Thanks Adam. You have no idea how much this means to me." I kissed him on the cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you."