Abandoned

Chapter 41

Madeline POV

I watched the credits roll on the third movie we’ve watched today. I was kind of getting tired of staring at the TV, but I didn’t want to stop watching. It’s been ages since I’ve watched a movie, and I was excited. The last movie I saw was some kind of cartoon. It was when I was back in a group home. I didn’t even remember the title.

"Did you like it, Mads?" Max asked, making me look at him.

I nodded and smiled. "I did. Is there more?"

"Yes." Max said, grinning at me. There are five more movies."

"Five?" I asked, my eyes widening.

"How about lunch before we continue?" Sam interfered. "Maddie needs to eat."

I wasn’t really hungry, though. My stomach was still full from the pancakes I ate a few hours ago.

"I could eat." Zack said.

"You could always eat." Milo scoffed. "Your stomach doesn’t have limits."

"Look who’s talking." Zack said, frowning. "I’ve seen you eat two pizzas and three burgers in one night."

I gasped and looked at Milo. He chuckled and shook his head.

"Gasp all you want, Mads." Max sighed. "It’s true."

"Your brother is a pig, Addie." Ryan mumbled as he started picking up mugs and glasses from the coffee table.

"Hey, all of you are pigs too." Milo argued. "I’ve seen all of you eat a mountain of food. Don’t make Maddie believe that I am the only pig in this room."

I chuckled and shook my head.

"I am not the only pig in this room, love." Milo said, looking at me.

"I know." I mumbled, giving him a little smile.

Max, my cousins, and Zack gasped, faking shock.

"Did you just call us pigs, Mads?" Max asked, smirking down at me.

A part of me got scared. Did I make them angry? Would they punish me? Would they hurt me?

"I think a punishment is in order." Sam said, making my heart stop beating.

My body tensed up. A huge lump formed in my throat.

Max raised his hands.

I was so frozen that I couldn't even move. I couldn't even protect my head.

Max placed his arms on my waist and started…

Tickling me.

What?

I was so shocked that I couldn’t even feel his fingers for a few seconds.

And then I did.

I started squirming and trying to get away from him. I didn’t even realize that I had started laughing.

"Are we pigs, Mads?" Max asked, laughing with me.

"No!" I exclaimed as my lungs tightened. "I am sorry!"

"Who is the only pig?" Max asked, grinning at me.

My cheeks started hurting from all the laughing I had to do. I’ve never laughed this much before.

"Milo!" I said, trying to catch my breath.

"Hey!" Milo exclaimed.

Max stopped tickling me, and he pulled me into his arms. He hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head.