I. Heart Of Gold (Uneditied) ✔️ ORIGINAL

Thirty-Nine - Overprotective and Confessions

Emmi's POV:

Since Marz came looking for me, everyone had been on high alert and overprotective with me. It had been a week since she attacked me and my parents have been at the house at all times. I felt like I didn't need it all, but when the police called us a few days ago, asking if I'd appear in court against Zach with the others as witnesses, I was happy they were.

I was scared to go against my ex, but justice needed to be served. He deserved it all. When I mentioned it to my girls and Maddox they were shocked I said yes. Jamie was another one that was going, thankfully. I was relieved I'd have a familiar and friendly face next to me.

Unfortunately, the court date was the Wednesday before Christmas, which meant I was internally panicking until then. The only thing that calmed me down was Maddox and cuddles from Brooks.

Maddox had called me every night for a videochat before he went to sleep since my parents came home. It was sweet and gave me even more butterflies than I already had.

I laid in bed, reading when my phone went off. I saw it was Maddox and smiled as I picked it up. "Right on time," I giggled.

He gave me a tired smile, "I missed you today."

"What happened?" I asked concerned.  "And you miss me every day." I giggled.

He sighed, "Just a long day. My ex Claire is trying to get me back and doesn't believe I'm actually dating anyone. She thought I was seeing Nikki, but she figured out that was a lie real quick."

I raised my brows, "Why did she think you were dating Nikki?"

"When you called me to take you for your appointment, Claire stopped me in the hall. Nikki saved me by acting like we were a thing. She got me out of a pickle and I'm thankful she did. It would have gotten worse if Nikki hadn't stepped in." He explained.

"Interesting. I may need to have a chat with Claire after break."

Maddox smirked, "Do I sense some jealousy from my beautiful little butterfly?"

I blushed and covered my face for a second with my sweatshirt sleeve, which just so happened to be his football sweatshirt. I then pouted, "You still never told me why you call me that."

Maddox chuckled, "I call you that because of what you've been through. A butterfly represents survival. And maybe a new nickname for you will be phoenix."

"Why phoenix?" I tilted my head to the side.

"Because a phoenix represents rebirth."

"What do I have to do with a phoenix and rebirth?" I looked at him confused.

He scratched the back of his head nervously, "Uh, well...once of this is all over, you'll be reborn and free. Or...at least I hope so..."

I felt my cheeks flush and my gaze went to my lap, "I like that." I half smiled. "I think I will be, with the help of you and my girls." I looked above my glasses that my parents picked up for me shyly.

I watched Maddox go stiff and a sweat bead roll down his temple. He cleared his throat, struggling to get words out.  I noticed him squirming under the covers and I'm pretty sure he realized I was watching, because his face turned beat red. Both his hands were above the covers, though I could tell he was beginning to get uncomfortable.

I lowered my glasses to the tip of my nose with raised brows, "You okay over there?" He didn't answer. "Maddox?"

His side went black, but he didn't hang up. "S--sorry..." I heard him stutter.

"You okay?" I asked with my video still on.

"Yeah," his voice cracked, "I uh...just never realized glasses were um...that attractive."