Derek scrolled through his messages as he walked up to the doors of SDCI, the morning sun tingeing his sandy hair with gold. He didn't even notice Madison sitting on the benches, knees drawn up, still looking worried.
"Derek!"
"Madison," Derek looked over to her, before making his way to the benches. "How are you doing?"
Madison gave him a weak smile, her voice tinged with worry. "Rodney hasn't shown up yet. I've been texting him, but nothing."
"Yeah, I talked to Marcy last night. She says he is really sick," Derek relayed, noticing how Madison's fingers twisted at the hem of her sleeve. "So he is going to stay home today. Probably just needs some rest."
A wave of relief seemed to wash over Madison as she straightened up on the bench. "Ok, hopefully he feels better soon..."
"Come on," Derek motioned toward the school doors, offering her a gentle smile. "Let me buy you a breakfast burrito. They say it's the cure for worrying."
With a soft chuckle, Madison rose, and together they ventured into the buzz of the cafeteria where Matt was already scanning the room for them.
"Any news?" Matt asked immediately as he raced over to them.
"Rodney's okay, just under the weather. He's staying home today," Derek shared, watching Matt's shoulders visibly relax.
"Man, I was freaking out all weekend," Matt admitted, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Thought something bad happened after Friday."
"His mom's taking him to a doctor," Derek added, hoping to ease their worries. "Just to make sure everything's alright."
"Do you really think he is sick?," Matt asked, "I mean maybe he's just trying to avoid us after everything that's happened,"
"We can worry about that later, for now, breakfast is on me, guys." Derek gestured toward the counter. "You both take a seat."
"Sounds good," Madison replied leading Matt over to their usual table.
As Derek waited in line, Luke sauntered over to Madison and Matt, eating a far too large gummy bear. He wrapped it and stuffed it in his bag before he produced a compact flashlight from his jacket pocket and held it out to Madison.
"Think you dropped this the other night," Luke said.
"Thanks, Luke," Madison responded, warmth spreading across her cheeks as her fingers grazed his in the exchange. Her blush didn't go unnoticed by Matt, whose eyes narrowed slightly as he observed their exchange.
"Alright, what's the story here?" Matt prodded, leaning forward with curiosity burning in his gaze. "What exactly happened when you two were searching for Rodney?"
"Nothing worth retelling, man," Luke deflected smoothly, a grin flashing across his face.
"Oh come on, it's obvious something happened," Matt insisted, only to be met with laughter from Madison.
"Nothing happened," she explained, keeping her voice level. "We just searched the park and a few other places, and got a little lost,"
"Ugh, you guys are no fun." Matt playfully rolled his eyes before rising to his feet. "Guess I'll go bug Derek so you two can do whatever it is you do."
Once Matt left, Luke leaned in closer, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Thanks for not mentioning my little...moment of terror I had that night."
"Hey, it's fine," Madison reassured him, the corners of her mouth twitching with amusement. "Anyone might mistake a bunny for a mugger in the dark."
YOU ARE READING
Bi the Curb
Teen Fiction(Bi the Book 3) Rodney has had a rough summer, Ally broke his heart and then totally ghosted him. To make matters worse the first day of school is quickly approaching and he is going to have to face her at some point. His friends tell him he should...
