New beginnings

|11| Odd

-Madeline-

The last few days have been strange. Somehow, I've ended up spending a lot of time with Jayden, the same boy who used to make my life hell. Now, he's the only person who gives me the time of day. He doesn't care that everyone else avoids me like the plague. He doesn't care that Chloe, Clara, and the others want nothing to do with me. Maybe that's what's so odd about him.

Ryker, though-he's different. He keeps trying to talk to me. But I can't. I just can't. I'm not ready for the drama, and I know everyone thinks I betrayed Chloe. Why would I even want to open that wound?

I was walking to school when I heard a voice behind me. "Hey, gorgeous."

Jayden.

He tapped my shoulder, a smirk playing on his face as he caught up to me. We walked together, side by side, like it was something we'd always done.

"I wanna take you out for dinner tonight," he said suddenly, his voice casual but confident.

I stopped in my tracks, turning to look at him. "Me? You want to take me to dinner?"

"Yes," he said, chuckling. "Why are you so surprised?"

Why was I surprised? Maybe because it felt completely insane.

"I... uh, okay. I guess I can," I stammered.

"Great," he said, flashing a grin. "See you later, gorgeous."

As he walked away, he joined Aaron, leaving me standing there, bewildered. What was this? Why was he being so nice to me? Honestly, it was probably because Chloe and Clara are taken, and I'm the only leftover option.

The school day dragged on, and I decided to spend my lunch break with the guidance counselor. Jayden never asked where I went during lunch, which was a relief. Most days, I'm just hiding out with Miss Laura anyway.

The counselor greeted me warmly. "Hey, Madeline, take a seat. I'm glad you want to discuss your future."

I nodded, trying to muster some confidence.

"Okay, let's take a look at your file," she said, clicking through her computer. Her face shifted slightly, like she was bracing herself to deliver bad news.

"Hmm... it seems your GPA isn't high enough to pass this semester unless you bring it up somehow. That's surprising, considering your siblings' track records."

Ouch. That one hit hard.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Well... what can I do? It's been a tough year, but I really need to get into a good university. I just need an extra push."

She nodded, her expression softening. "Okay, I'll talk to your teachers and see if we can arrange some extra credit opportunities. But you'll really need to put the work in, Madeline. This has to be a team effort."

"Okay. Yes, I will," I said, trying to sound determined.

I had to. I had no choice. I needed to get out of this town. I needed to start over.

Later that night, I got ready for my date with Jayden. I wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but I had already agreed. He picked me up, and as soon as I opened the door, he complimented me.

"You look amazing," he said, his eyes scanning me.

The restaurant he picked was a cozy Italian place, the kind of spot that feels too fancy for me.

"What do you want to order?" he asked as we looked over the menu.

"Oh, I don't know... maybe a salad."