𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐘 | 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙝 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙨

22: always talkin' bout what he wants

"I thought we were at least acquaintances. Why the hell would you do that?" Jean asks, and I can't help but fall silent in response. I don't know if I can tell him the truth — why I snitched and all. "Madeline, that's a low blow, even from you."

"It's personal; you wouldn't get it," I huff, about to put the phone down again. I'm not going to talk to him if it's just to make me grovel for their forgiveness. I have nothing to apologize for. I hear scrambling on the other end, almost like Jean and his friends are trying to find reasons to keep me on the line.

Crackling ensues, and Applebaum's voice echoes out. "Madeline, wait! At least give us a reason."

I roll my eyes, cradling the large phone between my ear and shoulder. It's so ridiculous, and I know I should just hang up, but they'd only start calling again. "Is everyone involved sitting there or what? I don't have all day."

"I just feel like it's justified if we get a reason," Applebaum tries again. I mean, how was I supposed to phrase it? I couldn't tell them I got mad at their friend for kissing another girl and generally being an asshole. Besides, no one knows that Joseph and I are close like... that.

"The only reason you're getting is that you're a complete bunch of buffoons," I snapped. I hear a scoff, and it's like the whole world stops and zeroes in when I hear an all too familiar voice.

"Don't you feel like we deserve an apology, Moreau?" Joseph's bitter tone slices through the air, and I suddenly feel like my breaths are becoming too heavy for my lungs to bear. I let out a strangled sound, almost like a gasping question, before he scoffs again. It's as if he's chastising me for my foolishness over the phone.  

The phone emits strange noises, as if someone has set it down, and I can hear distant murmurs from a crowd. It's like they're deliberating on what to do now. I wasn't planning to offer an apology, yet a wave of guilt washes over me.

I know I shouldn't even feel any remorse or regret, but I do. It was just a fun little scheme to get money; it shouldn't have been taken so seriously. Plus, I snitched because I was fueled on hatred for one boy, and one boy only. I shouldn't have pulled everyone else in. 

"No, you don't." I scoff sternly, almost surprised at how my mind has shifted. I needed to get a grip, urgently. "You aren't entitled to anything from me, and I sincerely hope the dean knocked some sense into you all!" 

The phone makes a loud clatter as it crashes against the stand, beeping in protest to the rough treatment. I let out a frustrated groan, and Maman opens the door to my room, dressed in her nightgown. "Madeline, it's almost 9 PM! There's other people in this house as well." 

I can't even summon the energy to be polite, inhaling deeply and rubbing my hands over my face. Maman stands at the door for a moment in silence, expecting some form of acknowledgement, before she finally gives up and goes away. 

God, why is my life so chaotic?! 

---

The next Monday was as tense as ever. 

I had managed to make most of the male student body in my form hate me, which is absolutely perfect when you go to a boys school and are surrounded by them 24/7. 

I can feel their glares as I park my bike, hear the murmurs, and sense it all creeping into my conscience. I know that I'm in the right though - at least, that's what I try to believe. 

"Madeline!" Michèle's voice echoes as she runs towards me, looking like a little lamb with her fluffy hair. Simone trails behind her, and I brace myself. I don't know if the boys have spread the news yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if they already have. "Is it true?" 

I guess they have. 

"What's true?" I feign ignorance, keeping my head held high in stubbornness. The girls exchange a look before pulling me inside the school building, lowering their voices as if it's a big secret.

"You know, about the magazine," Michèle murmurs, looking me dead in the eyes. I can't help but let out a small scoff, shaking my head. *Unbelievable.*

"Honestly, it's so stupid," I mutter, glancing over my shoulder. "Someone would tell on them anyway, so why wait?" 

The two girls share another look, and I let out a frustrated huff. Simone seems to struggle in the awkward silence, so she chuckles to try and ease the tension. "Well, you were the last person anyone expected to tell on them. With how close you are to the other boys, and all..." 

Before I can respond to her, I feel someone gripping my shoulder and turning me to face them. I look up to see Vergoux, a hardened, almost tense expression on his face, as if someone had compelled him to confront me. "Moreau, care for a little chat?" 

Michèle and Simone don't hesitate for a moment before stepping back, leaving me to handle my own problem. I don't blame them, but it would have been nice to receive a bit of support. I glance back up at Vergoux, a sigh escaping my lips as I pull away from his grip with a sharp tug. 

"Fine." 

- i swear guys i am working on updating more 

- Madeline is in some deep shit now tho... Let's see if she'll ever be able to fix it 🥰

- TYSM FOR 10K???? LIKE--- I AM IN SHOCKKKK!! I love you guys so much, and I'm really glad that you've been enjoying this journey!! I would love some suggestions of scenes that you'd like to see!! Maybe I'll incorporate them in 👀👀👀