platonic, 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞

twelve

Y/N woke up the next day to a blaring car horn from outside her window. She peered through bleary eyes at her phone. 7.03 am. Groping for her glasses on her bedside table and fumbling her way over to the window, she peered through the glaring California sun onto her driveway. Maddie's Range Drover was parked behind Mila's car, the owner herself leaning out of the drivers seat, smiling and waving up at Y/N.

"Hey, bitch," she called up.

"Hi," Y/N shouted back. "Are you aware what time it is? I said nine not seven."

"Yup!" Maddie said cheerily, a cheesy grin plastered on her face. "But I wanted to see my best girl before everyone else."

Despite the early hour, Y/N smiled, a warmness glowing in her chest. "I thought you were gonna bring Emily," she queried, noticing the absence of her other best friend.

Maddie's bright expression faltered for a second. "She said she couldn't come," she said a little dejectedly. "Too busy."

The glow in Y/N's chest instantly dimmed, disappointment making the corners of her mouth droop. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised, due to Emily being busy a lot. She just couldn't shake the nagging feeling that arose whenever she talked to or about Emily-

"So, you gonna let me in or not," Maddie's voice called, making Y/N look down again and the smile return to her face. "I'm sure Mila's dying to see me."

Y/N tore down the stairs, almost tripping over her own feet in excitement, and jumped down the last few steps, landing heavily in the hallway. She started towards the door but stopped quickly when she saw her mother's back facing the open door, leaning against the frame and talking animatedly to a person whom Y/N assumed to be Maddie.

"Oi," Y/N said, pushing past her mother to greet Maddie. "Get your own friends."

"I have my own friends thank you very much," Mila replied. "There just not half as fun as Mads here."

Maddie beamed. "The feeling is absolutely mutual, Miss K. The only reason I ever come round is for you, not Y/N."

Y/N scowled, laughing humourlessly, whilst pushing her mum out of the way so she could embrace Maddie. "Shut up and give me a hug you loser," she mumbled, pulling her best friend towards her.

Maddie hugged her back tightly, speaking into her ear, "I've missed you."

"Missed you more."

It was exactly 8:45am when Y/N heard another car pull in the driveway and familiar booming music approach the house. Both the music and engine cut off as Y/N and Maddie opened the door to reveal Wyatt and Jaeden bouncing towards them with their arms opened wide. Wyatt slammed into Y/N, nearly knocking her over, as Jaeden did the same to Maddie.

"Jesus christ, Jaeden!" Maddie exclaimed as he squeezed her tightly. "If you break my ribs, we can't go to Disney."

Jaeden instantly released her, sheepishly holding his hands behind his back and looking apologetic. Wyatt however ignored Maddie's warning and gripped onto Y/N firmer than ever, rocking slightly from side to side.

"Never, ever leave me again, Y/N," he cried. "I had to play GTA with Jaeden... Jaeden!" He pulled away, still holding Y/N by the shoulders and looking at her with pure desperation in his eyes. "He drives at a snail speed and never crashes into anyone," Wyatt hissed, his eyes darting towards a now disgruntled Jaeden. "Boring."

"Safe driving shouldn't be something to be ashamed of, whether it's in a video game or otherwise," Jaeden snapped.

"Is it really safe if a seventy-year-old using a zimoframe can go faster than you?" Wyatt queered back, smirking.