Chapter 16

I had been in such a panic that I hadn't heard him approaching.

"Hi." He says laughing at my sudden un-Madge like behavior. I release him from my hold and pull back somewhat embarrassed at my actions. It's only now that I notice Rory isn't with him.

"Rory? Where is he? Why are you just now getting here? What happened?" The questions flood out of my mouth almost faster than I can think them.

"Rory is fine. I ended up crossing back over by our house. We took longer coming back than I had planned and we were closer to our house than to here so I waited there and crossed us back when you flipped the power. Rory was a filthy mess so he's at home getting cleaned up for tonight. I knew you'd be worried so I got him home safe and then came straight here. Sorry for the change of plans, I didn't think we'd make it here in time."

"I was so worried! I understand, I get it though. I'm just so happy that you're safe, the both of you."

He just smiles a little and nods. "Madge, thank you so much. I'll never be able to repay you." He's looking me straight in the eyes as he says this and I know it's with the utmost sincerity.

I shake my head. "You don't owe many anything Gale."

Gale ignores my response and changes the subject. "Um, would it be possible for me to use your bathroom so I can wash up at the sink? I don't think I should go to the viewing looking like I worked in a garden all day and then spent the next day traipsing through the woods, ya know? Might be somewhat suspicious."

"Oh my gosh, yes you can use my bathroom. But forget the sink, just use the shower silly. You have enough time before we have to go. And I won't take no for an answer!" I add that on at the end because I can already see him preparing to protest the use of my shower. But there is no reason whatsoever that he shouldn't have a shower.

"Fine. Lead the way." He sighs, knowing full well that I won't let him out of it.

I lead him inside and down the hall to the guest bathroom. I show him where the towels are and how to work the shower features then excuse myself so he can clean up. Back in the kitchen, I piddle around waiting on him to come back out. I realize that he must be starving. It's been 24 hours almost since his last real meal. I look down at the turkey sandwich and fruit Mabel made me earlier that I hadn't yet touched. My own stomach is growling but I know he'll need it more and I can always grab something later. I don't even have the energy to attempt finding all the ingredients to make a second sandwich. I really must get Mabel to show me around the kitchen cabinets. I'm confident she has a system of some sort and once I learn it surely it will be easier for me to navigate things in here. It really is ridiculous that I don't know my way around my own kitchen. I pour a glass of iced tea to go with the meal and I'm about to pull out the rest of the almond cookies when my doorbell rings.

I open the front door, wondering who could possibly be here. It's Tripp Krull again.

"Hi Tripp, what brings you by? I didn't order anything." I say in confusion.

"I noticed you weren't at school today. I heard you were sick so I thought you might like some soup. And I know your home alone with your dad away at the Capitol and all so I thought there might not be anyone to make you dinner." He tells me, holding out a takeout container of steaming hot soup and smiling sheepishly.

"Thanks Man, you shouldn't have but that soup will go perfect with our sandwiches."

I spin around to see a freshly showered Gale, half a sandwich in hand, reaching for the soup. I'm aware my mouth is hanging open and snap it shut as fast as I can.

"Thank you for the soup and thank you so much for being concerned about me Tripp. I am feeling much better after a dose of cold medicine and a good days rest." I tell Tripp, trying to ignore Gale for just a moment.

"Didn't know you would still be here Hawthorne. I am glad you're feeling better though Madge. I'll see you later tonight at the viewing maybe?" Tripp says with a mixed look of confusion and annoyance on his face.

"Definitely and really, thank you so much for thinking of me and for the soup." I say trying to sound gracious. It was so thoughtful of him to notice my absence and to come check on me. I know he is getting the wrong idea about Gale and I though.

"See ya round." Gale says through a mouth full of sandwich as he reaches over my head to close the front door.

"Gale, really? You're going to give him the wrong impression you know." I say as I turn to face him, hands on my hips. Secretly, I love it but I can't admit to that right now.

"I know. And like I said last night, I'm sorry. I just can't stand him. And sorry I ate part of your sandwich." He says though something tells me he's only sorry about the sandwich part. He hands over the bag with the soup and I take it.

"It's your sandwich, I thought you would be hungry and figured you wouldn't have gotten a chance to eat anything today. Besides, I'm having soup. " I say teasingly as I hold up the bag of soup.

We go back to the kitchen and quickly scarf down our meals. Again, we fall into a soothing silence. This leaves me time to think and I wonder if he's doing the same. I can't figure Gale out. This new Gale is so much better than the angry Gale. I'm not sure how long it will continue, this sudden camaraderie between us. I am hopeful that it will continue and perhaps, lead to something more? There is so much more that I want to know about Gale Hawthorne; so much more.

A/N: Thank you all for your reviews and suggestions! I really enjoy writing this story and I love that so many of you are enjoying reading it. For those of you that have requested it or asked about it, there will definitely continue to be more Madge/Gale interaction in upcoming chapters so don't worry!