SURVIVORS |J.FOLEY ¹

VI. i'm here

CHAPTER SIX
I'M HERE

The next day, Madison decided that she would show up to school. Which she did, expecting for teacher to run around searching for her to yell at her for flunking school, the cheerleaders having a go at her for ditching the assembly. But nobody did. Everyone was glad to see Madison back and in good shape.

Everyone was quite concerned when it had been revealed that Madison didn't show up to school. With everything going on, they knew that Madison was hurt. And they knew that they had to show her how much they loved and supported her.

But much to Madisons disappointment, Justin hadn't showed up to school. When she got home the previous night it was too late to message him. And so, she'd decided to wait until the morning. She'd sent him a simple good morning text, but he hadn't replied and he didn't know up to school.

Madison knew that there was something up with him. Zach and Marcus explained to Madison that he'd not been in school the previous day either. They tried to question why she was not in school, though her only response was she was tired. Of course, she didn't want to tell them. Not until she knew the truth. But maybe she wasn't supposed to tell them at all, she wasn't sure. Were they on the tapes, had they heard the tapes?

"Anyways..." Sheri trailed off, snapping Madison back to reality. Madison met her friends eyes whom looked at her concerned. She knew how close Justin and Madison were. Everyone did. Sheri placed her hand on the locker beside them, leaning against it.

"He's not missing." Madison shook her head with a small chuckle. Though, it was very forced. "I know where he is." Madison corrected, to which Sheri nodded with a smile. "But we haven't spoken."

A confused look fell upon Sheri's face. Madison and Justin talking was something that never happened. And anytime they didn't, it was a very big deal. But this time it was more than a big deal. Justin couldn't go home which was why he was at Bryce's and Madison spent the whole of the previous day ignoring everyone, listening to her deceased friends voice, which she hadn't told anyone about.

"You two aren't speaking?" Sheri questioned and her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, God. Nothing happened between you two... did it?" Sheri asked, causing Madison to copy her confused look. "You didn't, you know?" Sheri said, using her fingers to imitate making love.

"Oh, my God!" Madison exclaimed, loudly and she quickly shook her head. "No, no, no, Sheri. No. Never." Madison continued to repeat. Sheri let out a small laugh.

"Look, it's okay. We all know you guys would." Sheri shrugged her shoulders. Sheri earned raised eyebrows from her friend at the small comment. "I don't mean to intrude or anything, but you two are perfect together. I don't know, it's like you're made for each other."

"Sheri, that's disgusting." Madison shook her head, pretending to gag. "That's some real romantic movie shit right there, like Rose and Jack from the titanic. Never say any of that ever again."

Sheri rolled her eyes at Madison before tilting her head to the side. "Maddy, he understands you better than anyone, you're so well-suited. And I know you say you're just best friends. But I see the way he looks at you. You might not see it but I do. You have such a strong bond. You guys are like, seriously drawn to each other. Like, joint at the hip."

A thoughtful look fell upon Madison's face. She'd never considered everything they'd done together. They basically acted like a couple. Though, Madison thought nothing of it. Despite everyone telling her how perfect they'd be, she didn't see it. But only because she knew that he didn't. Right?

"So..." Sheri trailed off, trying to figure out how to change the subject, knowing that Madison was growing uncomfortable. "Where is he then?" She asked, curiously.