SURVIVORS |J.FOLEY ¹

XI. anonymous note

CHAPTER ELEVEN
ANONYMOUS NOTE

"You're going to tell me this one's no big deal. But let me see you about being lonely." She stated. "Humans are a social species. We rely on connections to survive. Even the most basic social interactions help keep us alive. Statistics prove the subjective feeling of loneliness can increase the likelihood of premature death by 26%. If it sounds like I'm quoting from a school textbook, I am. Too bad nobody bothered to read it. And let me tell you there's all kinds of ways to feel lonely."

As Madison made her way into school, it felt the same as every other day. Except it wasn't. It was a new day. The previous day there had been the horrific fight between Monty and Alex, meaning that Monty would not be in school as he was suspended. But everyone was still the same, and Hannah was still gone.

"I'm not talking the garden variety lonely in a crowd lonely. That's everyone, every day. And it's not that when will I find love kind of lonely. Or that the popular kids are meant to me kind of lonely. The popular kids are always mean."

Madison found her group of friends and came to a stop before them. Justin leaned up against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Zach stood by his side, holding a basketball in his hands. Marcus stood on the other side of Justin, nodding his head at another boy whom walked by them. And a couple of other basketball players stood around them.

"Well boys, we're Monty-free today, which fortunately means no drama." Madison let out a deep sigh before glancing around at them. "Unless any of you have something you wanna tell me. You know, so I can control your exotic behaviour."

Justin shook his head at Madison before stepping forwards and gently throwing his arm around her shoulder. "No drama today, right boys?" Justin questioned, causing everyone to agree with him. Though, Madison seemed unconvinced. There wasn't one day where the boys weren't getting themselves into more shit.

"Hey, Madison." A voice called out, causing Madison to turn her head over her shoulder. Madison's eyes landed upon Jessica. Justin looked back at the girl, keeping his arm on Madison's shoulder. "I was just wondering if you'd be able to help me out later. Just with a couple moves that I couldn't really get the hang of in the new routine."

Madison smiled and nodded her head. "Yeah, of course, Jessica." Madison agreed, sweetly. "I'd be happy too. Just let me know when and I'll come meet you." Madison told her. She often helped Jessica with cheerleading, before Hannah's death. She hadn't done it since though. Jessica hadn't asked so Madison assumed that she didn't need her help anymore.

"Okay, thank you." Jessica grinned before turning away from Madison and making her way down the corridor. Madison tilted her head to the side. She'd felt bad for Jessica. Jessica did some questionable things to Hannah, but Hannah always saw the good in her. Madison wanted to be like that, like Hannah.

She wanted to help Jessica. Madison didn't see Jessica much around the school and when she did she was often with the same several people or by herself. Madison knew that it couldn't of been easy. So, maybe it was a sign to let Jessica know that she was always there.

"That's how they get popular. I know. Ironic. Old news. The kind of lonely I'm talking about is when you feel like you've got nothing left. Nothing. And no one. Like you're drowning, and no one will throw you a line. Well, when the subject of this tape worked his sneaky magic... that's how I was feeling. And when you're that kind of lonely, you reach for anything. No matter how silly it may seem. And communications class could be supremely silly, as you know."