New beginnings

|3| Cigarettes and Truths

-Madeline-

Thursday came by faster than expected, and it was finally time for our weekly movie night at Clara's. I had successfully snuck out of my house, as I was still grounded. It wasn't too hard, though. I mean, my parents were asleep by 9Pm anyways, and I wasn't about to spend my whole weekend locked in my room.

"I can't believe you snuck out" Chloe said, wide- eyed as she opened the door to Clara's room.

"well, I wasn't going to stay home the whole time," I shrugged, dropping my backpack on the floor and kicking off my shoes. "Besides, it's not like anyone will notice that i'm gone"

Clara already had the blankets set up on the floor, and bowls of popcorn were placed neatly on the coffee table. We watched Matilda for about the hundredth time, but i was the one who insisted on watching it again. I couldn't help but feel connected to her-this girl who felt like she didn't belong, like she had to prove her self to her family.

As the familiar scenes played on the screen, Chloe nudged Clara. "So, how's it going with Aaron?"

Clara's eyes lit up, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Ahhh he's everything I've ever wanted!" She gushed. "Actually, that reminded me- there's a football game tomorrow after school, you guys have to come"

Chloe and I exchanged a glance and giggled. "Yeah, okay, but who are we supposed to cheer for when you clearly have your man?"

"Cheer for my man too!" Clara replied, laughing as she tossed a piece of popcorn on us.

The night carried on, the movie playing in the background while we gossiped about school, boys, and everything in between. But as it got later, I knew i had to head home before anyone woke up and realized I was gone, which was unlikely.

"Want me to drop you off in my car?" Chloe asked as she yawned, stretching her arms above her head.

"No it's okay," I said, slipping on my shoes. "I'll just walk. It'll make less noise in the street, so I don't wake the parents up"

"True," Chloe nodded, already half asleep on Clara's beanbag.

The walk home was quick-Clara lived just across the street- and I snuck back into the house without a sound. I forgot to set an alarm before collapsing back into bed. The next morning, I woke up with cold water being dumped over my face.

"Ughh, i'm awake!" I groaned, sitting up and wiping the water from my eyes.

"You're late, Madeline. Come on, move it!" My dad barked before walking out the room.

I rushed to get ready, putting on some sweatpants a tight top, I quickly brushed my hair, trying to ignore the clumps of hair falling into the sink. I quickly ran out the door and made my way to school.

---

The day passed by in a blur, and when i got to math class, Miss Laura pulled me aside before I could even sit down.

"So, I've decided the best thing for you would be to assign you to a Study buddy!" She said cheerfully.

"A what now?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"Someone from top set who can tutor you once a day" She explained.

Well this is going to suck.

"I was thinking maybe you could meet after school, or perhaps at lunch, but I know lunch is the only time you eat-"

"Lunch is good," I muttered quickly, preferring to skip lunch rather than having to sit through an after school session

"Oh, okay," she replied, a bit taken aback. "Well, I was thinking you could start tomorrow, with Aaron"