New beginnings

|15| Almost normal

-Madeline-

Chloe's room felt warm and familiar, lit by the soft glow of fairy lights strung across her walls. The three of us-Chloe, Clara, and I-were sprawled across her bed and the floor, surrounded by nail polish bottles, half-empty snack bags, and a playlist of throwback songs humming in the background.

Clara leaned back, sighing contentedly as she held up her freshly painted nails to admire the shine. "I missed this," she said, her voice soft. "Us, just hanging out like this. No drama. No tension."

Chloe nodded, stretching her legs out across the bed. "I'm glad we sorted everything out. We should never let boys get in between us again."

"Never," Clara agreed, giving a firm nod.

I smiled, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. "I know things got messy for a while. I'm just glad we're okay again."

Chloe grinned at me. "Of course, Mads. You're stuck with us whether you like it or not."

We all laughed, the tension that had been hovering for months finally breaking.

"So," Clara said, her tone turning teasing. "Speaking of boys... Mads, how's Jayden?"

Chloe sat up, her interest piqued. "Oh, yes! What's going on there?"

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "It's fine. It's going... good, I think."

"'Good, I think,'" Chloe mocked, rolling her eyes. "Mads, that's not an answer. You're practically glowing every time he's around you."

"I am not!" I protested, feeling my cheeks heat up.

Clara smirked. "You totally are. Come on, spill!"

I sighed. "It's just... I don't know. It's still new, and I'm trying to figure out how I feel about it."

"Well, from the way he looks at you, I'd say he's already figured out how he feels," Clara said, winking.

Chloe tossed a bag of chocolates onto my lap. "Here, have a chocolate and celebrate your love life. Some of us aren't so lucky."
---
The next morning, I woke up feeling restless. I stood in front of my mirror, my stomach tightening with anxiety. Before I got dressed for school, I stepped onto the scale, holding my breath as the number appeared.

I'd lost two pounds this week. The tiny victory didn't bring the relief I thought it would. It's not enough, I thought, my reflection staring back at me with tired eyes. I decided I'd walk to school to burn off extra calories.

At lunch, our usual group was gathered at the table. Chloe, Clara, Aaron, Ryker, Jayden, and I were mid-conversation, laughing over something dumb Ryker had said, when suddenly everyone's phones started buzzing at once.

A wave of murmurs swept through the cafeteria as people glanced at their screens. I pulled out my phone, dread twisting in my stomach.

Anonymous Post: "Not everyone is as they seem to be"

The whispers around us grew louder. People were showing the post to each other, scanning the room with curious eyes.

Clara frowned, leaning closer to me. "What the hell is that about?"

Chloe looked disgusted. "Ugh, people are so toxic. Watch them turn this into some huge drama."

That was weird. My phone buzzed again, and I glanced down at the screen.

Dylan: Don't make me expose you. I gave you a chance, and you took them all away from me.

My heart stopped. I mumbled something about needing the bathroom and bolted from the table, my pulse pounding in my ears.