*As the weeks went by, Madison got used to seeing Alana and Nathaniel together. She had ended things with Bryan because she couldn't give him her 100%. It was an amicable breakup and the two still talked frequently. Alana seemed genuinely happy with Nathaniel. Everything was right with the world. An annual school event was drawing nearer and Madison saw an opportunity to get some well-deserved break for classes. It had been a tough year. Her home life was growing darker each day and she had no desire to be there. She had many sleepless nights topped with fatigue and misery. She felt out of place. At school, she seemed okay making jokes and being productive in classes. Deep down, she was slowly losing herself. She decided this was something she would do alone and so none of her friends knew what was really going on with her.*
Brittany: Are you gonna come watch us at practice today?
Madison: I'll do anything to get out of class. Are you ready?
Brittany: Mostly yeah. I keep doubting myself about certain parts.
Madison: You'll get the hang of it. I believe in you. What about you Lana? Are you ready?
Alana: Me? I'm just gonna go with the flow. It's all been too overwhelming.
Madison: Well, you are like the star of the show so I'm not worried about you at all. You'll do great.
Alana: *she smiled* Don't swell my head like that. It's too early.
Madison: What time does practice start?
Alana: 10 I believe.
Madison: Alright, I'll be there.
*Later that day, Madison watched Alana and Brittany practicing. As she sat and watched, Nathaniel took the empty seat beside her*
Nathaniel: Hey.
Madison: Hey.
Nathaniel: Did they just start?
Madison: Nah.
Nathaniel: Shouldn't you be in class?
Madison: I could ask you the same thing.
Nathaniel: How are you?
Madison: What is this? 21 questions?
Nathaniel: Just making convo.
Madison: If it's gonna be just small talk, I'd rather not talk at all.
Nathaniel: Do you hate me?
Madison: Have you given me a reason to?
Nathaniel: I don't know, that's why I'm asking.
Madison: No.
Nathaniel: So why have you been ignoring me?
Madison: I don't know what you're talking about.
Nathaniel: Don't play dumb. You avoid me in the hallways. I can barely get a "hi" out of you. There are times I think you are hostile to me. Then there's the fact that you haven't texted me in a while.
Madison: Last I checked, the phone works both ways. If I don't have anything to say then, why would I force a convo? Additionally, I've been dealing with my own drama. It's not about you per se. I just have a lot going on.
Nathaniel: Does any of that have to do with Bryan?
Madison: He and I are not together anymore.
Nathaniel: What happened?
Madison: It just didn't work out.
Nathaniel: So what's been bothering you?
Madison: That is not a convo to be had here.
Nathaniel: So let's take a walk then.
Madison: Shouldn't you be watching your girlfriend?
Nathaniel: Shouldn't you be in class?
Madison: Point taken.
*The two got up and walked out of the practice area. As they walked, Madison began telling Nathaniel about everything. Her home life being a mess, wanting to die, not doing so well with classes and the whole works. He listened to her without uttering a word. When she had told him everything, Nathaniel gestured to hug her*
Madison: *with a concerned look* What are you doing?
Nathaniel: You need a hug.
Madison: I think I'm alright.
Nathaniel: One hug won't hurt.
Madison: Okay, Mr.Smooth. If you wanted a hug, you could've just said so. *she gave in to the hug*
Nathaniel: You can't tell me you don't feel a little bit better.
Madison: *teasingly* I don't feel a little bit better.
Nathaniel: Haha. You're very hilarious. I miss talking to you.
Madison: I wonder why.
Nathaniel: You're you.
Madison: Thanks, I guess.
Nathaniel: It was a compliment and you're welcome. Can't we be friends again?
Madison: I'll think about it.
Nathaniel: What's there to think about?
Madison: A lot. *she paused* Yes, I'll be your friend.
Nathaniel: *he smiled* I guess I'm really Mr. Smooth after all.
**END OF CHAPTER**
YOU ARE READING
A Second Chance At Love
Teen FictionMadison thought she had hit the lottery meeting the guy of her dreams and quickly all her friends could tell that she was young and in love. This dream world fell apart when he broke up with her for no reason. Madison was left to pick up the pieces...
