The Long Game (Issac Garcia)

14; friends

Madelyn pov

What the fuck are you supposed to do on Thanksgiving? Unfortunately, that is today.

It's 9:57 in the morning. Josh is probably already at Walter's. He likes to watch football with the boys.

In the meantime, i'm just in bed blankly staring at my ceiling.

I could go two different ways with today. Choice one is that I stay home and binge watch friends and order Chinese food.

Or I could go to the Walter's. Maybe I should make a pro and con list.

Okay, my pros are that I get free food and hang out with my friends.

Now that I really think about it, maybe there are no cons.

Before getting up off my bed, I do the most logical thing I could think of at the moment.

I roll over and smash my face into the pillow and scream. Man, I needed this.

I slowly pick my head up and roll off my bed. Like always, I go and open my blinds so it doesn't look depressing here.

After I do my morning routine, I decide to sit at my vanity/ desk and put mascara on and brush my hair.

I tried on at least 5 different outfits before finally finding a decent looking outfit.

I ended up wearing black cargo jeans with a white top. It's simple but cute.

I texted Josh that I was going to go over there within the next ten minutes.

Since the weather is nice, I decided to walk there. My music was blasting out of my phone as I walked.

My short walk soon ended as I approached their house. I knocked a couple of times before the door opened.

"Oh hi honey, I'm so glad you decided to come." I got greeted by Katherine. Like always, she had this beaming smile on her face.

I slightly nodded as she pulled me inside and shut the door.

Without even realizing Katherine has already pulled me into a very tight hug.

I wrap my arms around her and close my eyes to try and savor every second.

I have to admit I've missed the warm feeling and sense of security this house and people bring.

"How are you, maddy? Be honest with me." Katherine asks as she pulls away from the hug to look at me in the eyes.

I sigh, not really wanting to answer the question. "I'm not doing the best right now if I'm being 100% honest," finally telling someone that felt rewarding.

"I just don't have time to do anything anymore. I had to start my job back at the lark to try to afford everything at the house. And I have been working extra shifts." I ramble as I anxiously fiddle with my bracelet.

The whole time, I was trying to avoid eye contact with her so it would be easier for me. But finally, I pause and look up from my feet.

She is giving me a sympathetic look. Her eyes have softened as her hands found mine. I give them a little squeeze.

"You know how I feel about your parents' job and work life, right?" I nod.

"I know they aren't around, but you never have said anything about paying for the bills and groceries." She gives me a sad look.

"Katherine, you have a bunch of kids you already have to take care of. I do NOT want to be another thing for you to worry about." I assure her. She shakes her head and gives me a dissatisfied look.

"But sweetie, you are one of my children. You and Josh. Ever since you two were babies crawling around the house to now." She chuckles to herself.

"You guys are not just another thing to worry about. You're a priority." She says sternly. "If you guys want, please come over and stay a couple of days with us or even weeks. As long as you need to. Me and geroge could even help with finances. We want to do anything and everything to help."

I feel tears sting my eyes. I smile at her offer. "Okay thanks mom" I joke.

We both laugh. "Anytime, kiddo," she says. We suddenly hear someone else walk in.

"Hey, do you know how long to cook the-" george pauses as he notices me.

He walks over and gives me a high five. "What's up, Mads?" He asks sweetly.

I shrug. "Oh, nothing much," I reply.

"Well, I love the reunion we got here, but is it okay if I borrow her?" he asks as he wraps an arm around his wife.

I smile and nod as the two make their way to the kitchen.

I follow behind them, and everyone is their.

They all greet me hi as I go sit next to Lee and my brother.

"Look who decided to show up." My brother teased as he ruffled my hair.

"Yeah, it was either this or binge watch all of the seasons of friends." The two boys give me a satisfied look before nodding.

Before anyone could say anything, I heard a loud obnoxious noise walk in.

"Hey Issac, you might want to swap out the leather for a warmer coat. There's supposed to be an 80% chance of snow today, guys." George announces as Issac goes to grab a plate.

"You know sometimes you just got to sacrifice comfort for style. Like this leather jacket says tough chill smooth. You get it." He gawks with a smirk as he comes over to us to sit.

"You know what also says tough chill smooth. Frostbite. Get it." George tells him in the same tone.

I try and choke down my laugh by covering my mouth with my hand.

Garcia glared at me hard as he watched me laugh uncontrollably.

"Shut up evans," he says irritatedly.

Lee ignores our bickering. "Do you know what time our dad's calling today?" He asks george.

"Yeah, I think 11."

"Hey Mads, could you come sit with us when we call our dad?" Lee asks.

"Yeah, sure. Only if he's cool with it." I nod my head towards issac.

"Yes, whatever you can go," he said monotone.

Do you guys like Thanksgiving?? I only like it for the food tbh. Guys, I really want them to get together already. But I do have a plan. Thanks for reading 🩵