Us [18+]

Chapter 5

IRIS'S POV 🎀

I watched as Madeline came out of the house, closely followed by Jared. She looked like she cried but also like she'd murder anyone who asked her why right now.

I swam to the far side of the pool, doing everything I can to avoid her. I feel so conflicted. What I did wasn't necessarily wrong by Maddie, what's wrong is how I felt and still feel.

I had talked a little with Kayden and he seemed bashful. He seems to really like whoever the fuck that mohawk is. There'd been someone else at the party yesterday and it's strange that Maddie hasn't asked why.

I'm certain it's because she didn't see him. She must have gone down her path of writing random things she remembered. The whole family is used to Maddie shutting everything out when she start writing.

We rarely get drunk at our house parties, just, mildly tipsy. It's to avoid anyone having a hang over and missing these type of gatherings the day after. We're close-knit like that.

When we party, we play chess, have dance battles -silly as it may sound-, talk about the previous week and make plans for the next one. Share our progress on projects or new hobbies that we'd picked up. It's nice. It's always nice.

I looked up found the most gorgeous pair of legs walking towards me. I couldn't even hide the fact that I was staring. It's not fair. I'm the model here yet she's the one with legs that looked like they took a week to make.

She jumped in the water and it looked like something out of a movie. She had one leg put forward but slightly tilted downward so the splash was as minimal as possible. She sunk as deep as she could and stayed there a moment or two before coming back up and taking a breath. She's ethereal.

She turned her head to me, her hazel eyes knowing and whispered. "We need to talk, you and me." Then she swam towards Kayden just as gracefully as she did everything.

I watched her converse with Kayden and they both had the look that screamed work mode. I felt doom hang over me like a cloud. I'm not sure how Maddie is going to react to what I have to tell her. Her reaction always throws me into a nervous fit.

She gets this blank look on her face while asking for details and if she doesn't have enough time to process the information right there, she'd tell me that with the same expression. She never leaves a clue about what she's thinking or feeling. You'd just have to find out when she decides to tell you.

I felt my heart falter and not in a good way. I'm still confused and sorting these feelings out would just get me in further trouble with Maddie. But Maddie is... full of surprises. All I can do is be hopeful. I put on a smile and climbed out the pool.

"Who wants ice cream?" I watched as hands shot up. I watched Dexter scurry towards me like I'd manufacture the ice cream on the spot. Pushing him back in the pool and earning a laugh from everyone, I walked back in the house to get everyone's 'orders'.

By the time I came back out, everyone was already out of the pool and were already seated, waiting like children at the dinner table. Maddie has this thatched roof thingy that is exactly what it sounds like.

The roof is round and big enough to seat about 30 people. Tables and chairs are always set there for moments like this. I had the kitchen staff follow with the guys' ice creams while I held mine and Maddie's. It was an excuse to touch her, obviously.

"Thank you." It was smiles all round and I almost forgot what was troubling me. Imitating Maddie, I brushed it aside to focus on enjoying my family's company.

"We should go see Martin and Debbie. What do you guys think?" I looked toward Jared.

"We should throw them a gender reveal party." Maddie chirped.

"Yes. The only problem is which one of them we should involve."

"Not if I arrange it with Dr. Walkins." Dr. Walkins is the family doctor and I have no doubt that Jared could pull it off. He's Jared, after all.

"So? After her next check up then?"

"Yes. The weekend after." Everyone seemed to be on board with that. Now I have something to look forward to.

I love my job and all, but, when my agency is trying to get me to work on my off day, not very much. It's a freaking Sunday! I angrily shoved a scoop of ice cream in my mouth.

I'm really glad Kayden is not my manager. Because, if he breaths down my neck the way he does with Maddie, I'd lose my mind. They make a great team, though. Kayden brings out the best in her and she squares up to him when he's stepping out of line.

"Are you going to finish that? It's melting."

"Hands off, Dexter." I wonder how this man is older than me and Maddie. He's like the hyperactive younger sibling and a total himbo.

I remember when we were in highschool and he wanted to give his girlfriend a massage when she was feeling stressed. He said- "don't worry, babe. I'll be your personal misogynist." Misogyny doesn't even rhyme with massage.

"No." I just sighed and shook my head as he ran off with my ice cream.

"I'm going back in the pool." I watched as Maddie stood up and made her way towards the cool water. She jumped in and just let herself float. The expression on her face seemed to mirror my thoughts. Worry.
                           *-*-*-*

We finally got to see Iris's thoughts. What do you think she did wrong? What does she want to tell Maddie?