Trial And Error

Chapter Thirty-one

Kian's POV

Kian stood in front of the door adjusting her suit jacket nervously. An uneasy feeling settled in her stomach along with anxiety piling itself in her brain. She didn't know how formal this event was going to be so she dressed business casual just in case. A simple navy blue dress shirt, with a couple of buttons undone, black slacks, and jacket to complete her look. She didn't know how Madison would react to her being here, but she prepared for the worst. She hoped that the singer would accept her apology. There were a couple of hours before the event so the marine had planned to grovel for those hours.

The door swung open and was met with a half-dressed pop star whose face immediately turned sour at the sight of Kian. The sight was obscured immediately with a door slamming in her face. The Lieutenant caught it with her hand just in time, jamming her foot in the door.

She winced at the impact, "Madison please, I came to apologize."

Kian was still met with silence and added pressure to her foot, "Can I please come in? I just want to explain myself."

"You have one minute."

The taller woman thought the pressure on her foot would leave but instead, she stood there uncomfortably. She managed to sneak her head in through the crack just enough for the performer to see her eyes, to see how sincere she was.

"I'm sorry for walking out... Again. I know it wasn't right, but everything I said was the truth."

There was so much Kian wanted to say, she just didn't know how to put it into words. She never did. It was part of the reason why she hated talking about how she felt. The pair stood there as the Lieutenant pleaded with her eyes hoping for some type of sign. The previous anxieties she had came rushing back, doubts bouncing around her head. Maybe I should've waited a couple of days before reaching out. Why did I think this was a good idea? She was finally granted one when the pressure on Kian's foot lessened slightly as Madison's expression softened a fraction. She opened the door wider but remained guarded, arms crossed.

Kian exhaled in relief walking into the house, "Thank you. I know I don't deserve it after the way I left things. You were right - I should've trusted you. I was scared. I've spent my whole life burying trauma and convinced myself opening up made me weak. sorry for lying to you all this time when you've done nothing but support me. I just hope I can make it up to you, starting with tonight."

She looked up from the ground meeting Madison's eyes, but any sympathy had faded, replaced with anger again.

"You think going to this release party will make up for lying and betraying my trust, again?"

"I'm sorry Madison. But I thought it would be a step in the right direction." Kian stuttered, surprised by the hostility in her voice.

Madison's eyes flashed with rage, "Sorry isn't good enough this time! You have to realize that actions have consequences Kian. I'm tired of being hurt by the one person I never thought would."

"What about the event, you asked me if I wanted to go I can't just leave you."

"Don't worry about me. I already have a date."

"Who?"

"Nathan."

The name flipped a switch in Kian's head. Everything Kian had planned to make up and fix what she broke was gone.

"I see. Sorry for wasting your time then."

Kian's face mirrored the one she was receiving, except it was much colder. She straightened her posture turning her back and walked out the door unknowingly slamming it with rage as it bubbled in her stomach. In the back of her mind, she knew she had no right to be angry, but she couldn't help it. It wasn't that she was mad at Madison, more so she was furious with herself. Yet again she failed, mostly importantly she failed the one person she never thought she would. Her.