Survive

Chapter Twenty Seven

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

October 19, 2022.

Andrey Butler's Point Of View.

We enter the room and everyone looks at Mad with pity, which makes me wonder who told the other students what is happening to Mad.

She looks at me uncomfortable and I put my arm around her neck as we go to the back of the room to sit with our friends.

Mad sits in the middle of me and Ashley and I sit in the middle of Mad and David, who tells me through his eyes "you're doing great, man", being answered by my look with a "thanks".

I commented to David how difficult these last few days have been, because Mad is sad about the situation of her parents, about the situation of her father and her and now with Anthony, so I have to work even harder to try to make her happy or at least, a little less sad.

David, Ryan, Bryan and Ashley wish Anthony well and then talk to Madison normally, because they know that their friend likes to be treated this way and that if they treat her differently than they did before, she will not forget what she is going through.

"Why was everyone looking pitifully at Mad when we walked in, being that as far as I knew, no one knew about her personal life?" I take advantage of the fact that she is distracted talking to Ashley and Bryan and whisper to David.

"Emily was hanging out with us and got wind of it, but she went back to hanging out with Sarah, who is gossipy, and probably must have told her, who spread the word with her other gossipy friends."

"You know Emily is also a gossip, right?" I ask angrily.

"Yes.. sorry dude," he gets embarrassed and I take a deep breath.

"No need to apoligize, man. It's not your fault. It's her fault."

"Emily has been disappointing me lately," and from the way he talks, I know he wants to vent.

"Why?"

"She does a lot of bullshitting when she's with those girls."

"Do you think you are losing your charm for her?" He runs his hand over his face.

"I've told her to stay away from them because they keep giving advice and pointers in our relationship, getting in our way, but she seems to enjoy it," he speaks angrily.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I don't think I'm as passionate about her anymore as I used to be."

"Do you want to break up with her?"

"I don't know," he looks at me. "..What do you think I should do?"

"Man, I really don't know, but if it were me in your place, I wouldn't want to be with a person who prefers her false friendships to me," I say and he nods.

"Yeah.. I'll think what about to do."

"But in case you guys don't work out, relax. You're beautiful, man. There are so many girls out there just wanting a chance to make you happy," I speak and he laughs.

"'Preciate it, bro."

Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

October 19, 2022.

Madison Stone's Point Of View.

"We could go out together, right? Like, everybody together, go to an amusement park or something like that. That would be cool," Ashely suggests as we turn down the hall.