The Five-Cent Man

The Mistake

My name is Madeline Blake and right now I'm watching the person who's been with me for it all get driven away in the back of a police car. Im sitting on the curb outside my school waiting for the police to take my statement. I'm having a hard time writing this as my arm is bleeding out right now. But incase anything more happens to me, I need to share my story. Let's go back to the beginning, exactly six years ago on May 12th, 2017

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"WHY DO YOU ALWAYS FAVOR MADELINE? I CAN NEVER DO ANYTHING RIGHT," my older brother Isaac yelled as he came down our wooden stairs for breakfast.

My dad replied "That's not true and you know it".

I was sitting at the counter eating my pancakes when Isaac came around the corner and smacked the back of my head.

"WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?" I shrieked out.

"YOU ARE. SINCE THE DAY YOU WERE BORN EVERYTHING IN THIS HOUSE REVOLVES AROUND YOU!"

I got up to hit him when my mom stepped in between us.

"Hold it right there Madeline. Isaac this house revolves around me, not either of you. Now go get ready we are leaving for school in 20 minutes." Said my mom.

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That was 5 years ago. Things with me and Isaac have only gotten worse. After our dad left us, Isaac started doing drugs. I asked him why and he said ""It's the only time Im not reminded of the "perfect child" that you are. And how I'm the mistake mom wishes she never had"".

I told him that wasn't true but he never listens. 

It was the first day of private school, and I decided to take the bus to school today so I didn't have to listen to another argument between Isaac and my mom. It was gloomy out and predicted to rain all day. I sat on the window seat in the very back of the bus. I put my backpack on the aisle seat and got out my headphones so I could listen to music. 

I looked out the window for a while thinking about every possible thing that might go wrong today. What if I trip going down the stairs? Or stutter when Im introducing myself?  What if I don't have any friends in any of my classes? I was taking deep breaths trying to calm myself down when I saw a tall pale boy running towards the bus. 

I let out a sigh, "Dylan Johnson".

Dylan was your typical douche-bag popular guy. Ive never had any classes with him but I've seen him in the halls and heard stories from my friends. I looked around and realized the the seat next to me was the only open spot on the bus. He would have to sit with me. "Oh no" I whispered.

"Something wrong?" A raspy voice called out. I looked up and there he was, with his grey-blue eyes and fluffy brown hair staring down at me. 

"Oh um, no just nervous for today" I replied.

"Cool if I sit here?"

"Sure" I forced a smile.

"So do you go to Willow Creek?" He asked "I've never seen you before".

"Yeah, I'm Madeline Blake".

"Oh wait your Isaacs little sister right?" He said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Mhm, do you know him?"

"Yeah he was the hockey team captain my freshman year. Does he still play?"

"No. He doesn't do much of anything these days".

"Oh. Anyways Im Dylan" He said. 

"Nice to meet you Dylan".

"I hope I'll see you around school" He gave me a warm smile that made me completely melt on the inside. 

The bus stopped so I looked out the window. We were at school and it was pouring. Great. It's the first day and my hair was gonna be soaked and frizzy. Dylan was already up and walking off the bus before I could say another word. I wonder if he meant what he said about hoping to me around. I was speed walking to the door trying to stay as dry as possible, when I felt someone jump on me from behind.