It All Started With A Ride

45. Late night walk

"You have to tell me every little detail- like how did she smell-"

"Whoa, Maddy why the hell-"

"It matters okay!" Madison grinned excitedly, "And I saw you guys kiss and her walk you to the doorstep".

I rolled my eyes at the nosy- romance-obsessed pre-teen but couldn't fight back the undeniable smile spreading across my face.

I placed the jacket Madison let me borrow on the dresser in our room before asking, "Where's Mom and Steve?"

"They decided since you were having a date day, they would too" Madison shrugged, "and Henry left a while ago- some chess thing with his nerdy ass friends"

I slowly nodded to show I understood before picking out something to change into. I picked a long violet shirt, and a pair of shorts. I wasn't planning on going anywhere else that night anyways.

"Olay, now that you're comfortable" Maddy began, hopping on the couch, "tell me about the date"

"That's confidential information" .

"Pleaseee" she gave me the biggest set of puppy dog eyes causing me to sigh, "Fine- we started off skating and I sort of fell on my ass- then we went to see a movie-"

"What movie?"

I don't know we made out the whole time! I couldn't tell her that, so I lied, "a marvel movie" I shrugged, "I don't remember which one because I don't like Marvel".

That was a lie. But Maddy didn't have to know that.

Right now, anyways.

Madison slowly nodded and gave me a suspicious look but just when she was about to ask a question- or voice her suspicions, her phone began to ring- the name "Sophie 👹" flashing across the screen, Madison's attention shifted from me to her phone and she quickly grabbed it.

While she was busy talking, I quickly grabbed a jacket- which, I didn't necessarily need since I liked the cold, and placed all the clothes Madison let me borrow on her bed before taking Piper and going on a "walk", really, I was trying to escape the nosy pre-teen- but it sort of looked like Piper needed the walk anyways.

The night was quiet as the cool December breeze gently grazed my face, the only nose seemed to be my and Piper's footsteps as we walked from the Apartments to the park down the street.

Sunnyside Park was beautiful at night- some liked to joke that it was even Summerville's version of central park.

I like that joke- even if I dream of going to the real central park one day.

I sat at a nearby bench and started to think over the school year- or, the beginning anyways.

It's just weird to think that everything- my adjusting to Madison and Steven and excepting them as a family (mostly Madison but whatever), my escape from what Harmony did to me- and so much more- it all started with a ride.

And while it was one simple fucking ride that could've been by anyone- it was by Tabitha.

I'd love to think this was faith- but maybe it could've been anyone offering me a ride on that rainy September afternoon.

Nonetheless, it was her- and that's what made everything afterward- no matter how messy or sad- or even angering, worthwhile.

God if Tabitha could hear my thoughts I'd be the sappy one.

I wonder what she's doing right now anyways-

"Max?" A voice spoke, causing me to jump a little at the unexpected interaction, I looked to my side to see a kneeled-down Tabitha petting Piper only a few feet away from me, "are you okay?" She asked with a small chuckle, getting up and sitting next to me.

I slowly nodded, a crimson blush appearing on my cheeks from what I felt was an embarrassment but could've been anything really. I'm glad it's night- hopeful, she can't see the blush at all.

"You sure because I've been here like five minutes teasingly talking to Piper about you and you were just blankly staring at that tree-"

Shit don't tell me that? I couldn't help but laugh, "I'm fine, Tia- I was just a little zoned out " I shrugged and jokingly added, "and maybe blin
after what Madison did to me this morning".

Tabitha laughed causing my joke to continue, "Tabitha Thompson don't laugh at my trauma!"

This only made her laughing increase, and all I could do was stare at her with my lips slightly parted- it seemed they always parted whenever I found myself being in awe of how someone like this- could like me?!

I loved everything about her- even if I sucked at hiding it sometimes, I loved her smile and how almost every time I see her out of school hours she's wearing an oversized hoodie (like she is now)- I loved how she could paint literally anything and how she can turn the worse day into the nest just by smiling.

She is the most beautiful and genuine person I've ever met.

Noticing my softened glance, she just smiled, "Why are you looking at me like that?" My normal answer whenever I was caught staring at her- was usually "Because you're beautiful" but right now, it wasn't just because of that.

"Because I'm glad I met you" I answered, slipping my hand into hers before looking back at her.

She smiled, leaning downs and giving me a peck on the lips, "I'm glad I met you too, Maxine".
. . .
NOOO this is the end I'm going to cry- like, actually fricking cry. I love these two sm 😭 I refuse to believe this is over 💀

But before I go cry- I just want to say thank you to everyone who's been supporting me since I began this like seeing your guy's comments and that you voted for the chapters just make me so happy and motivated like I'm going to miss you guys sm (even if I'm already planning my next book) but to think I started this about a month ago and these characters and their lives were in my head for YEARS- is wild.

I enjoyed literally every moment I spent on this book- even the times I'd just stare at the phone or laptop screen wondering what the hell Tabitha and Max were going to do that day 😭

I will probably update this story every once in a while if I feel up to it but now- I have absolutely zero excuse not to go edit the parts after part 20 💀

Anyways, again, thank you guys so much for your support on this book- and I hope to see you again soon <3

-Justaturtle_