New Enemy or Old Lover (Final book in the "Love or Lust" trilogy)

Chapter 8:

I watched as my school bus chugged up the street, waiting to bring me back to the place I now dreaded. I can already imagine the stares and glares that my fellow classmates will give me for returning to both school and the life I once had before all of this.

What was I supposed to say? I couldn't say I was in Hell, I'd be sent to a mental hospital. Visiting old relatives? Ha! For almost two months? I couldn't stand my family that long..

The bus hissed to a stop right in front of me, and I sighed as the dirty doors swing open, greeting me with the scent of sweat and disgust. I scrunched my nose and walked up the steps, taking a look at the familiar bus. Many faces were knew, probably freshman. But a lot of them were faces I knew well, and that's when we made eye contact.

"Madison?"

I nodded, giving a wave.

I had no time to respond for I was pulled into a tight hug in the aisle of the bus, tears sliding down our cheeks as I wrapped my arms around as well.

"I've missed you so much," I heard her say as she buried her face in my shoulder. I chuckled, "I missed you too Savanah, I really did."

She pulled away, looking me up and down in shock and disbelief. "What happened to you! Where the-"

"Aye! Take a seat!" The bus driver yelled from the front, giving us looks in the mirror. Savanah tilted her head to the side, arching an eyebrow in response as she sassily asked, "Do you really have a life to get back to so fast?"

"I... Well-how! Gah!" The bus driver threw his hands up in frustration and began to drive, rolling his eyes at us as we continued to stand.

"Where were you!" Savanah shrieked.

"I... Uh," Come on, think! "Long story."

Savanah furrowed her brows. "Dude-"

"Okay! Let's sit down!" I changed the subject, sitting us down in one of the open seats. Savanah looked at me for a moment before shrugging it off, and began the bombardment of questions.

_____

"Whatcha doing today?" She pried on as we approached the school. I rolled my eyes and laughed, answering,"No more questions, okay! That was like fifty," I thought hard, "And nothing."

"Okay good, we're hanging!" Savanah cheered, clapping her hands.

"Alright pal," I replied, slinging my backpack over my shoulder. I followed the line of students down the aisle, thanking the bus driver as we stepped off onto the school grounds. I looked up, sighing. I missed my life, I didn't miss school. "I hate this place."

"Same," Savanah said, dragging me inside the big double doors. I trudged behind, walking through the sea of students that crowded the commons area. "Alyssa! Rachel!" Savanah called out, raising her hand up in the air through the crowd. We slipped in between so many students until a clearing was found, and there were two of my best friends waiting anxiously with open arms.

"Madison!" Alyssa shrieked, running at me. I laughed as she tackled me, taking me back a bit as she tightly hugged me.

"Bob!" Rachel laughed, jumping in as well. I joined her in laughter as I managed to say, "Guys.. can't breathe." They slid off of me, their eyes full of happiness as they bounced up and down. I smiled, brushing myself off as I took a breath. "I missed you guys!"

"We missed you more!" Rachel cheered along with Alyssa. I giggled softly, rocking on my heels anxiously.

"Where were you!" Alyssa shrieked.

I shrugged. "Long story."

"But where were-"

"Alyssa, shut up," Savanah cut her off irritatedly, "She's back, that's all." Alyssa glared at Savanah but shrugged it off as she let the subject go. Savanah and Rachel walked me to the main office while Alyssa ran off to tell all of our friends about my reappearance.

"This is gonna suck," I muttered angrily, rolling my eyes as we approached the big doors. Savanah patted me on the back reassuringly, cheering me up, "You'll be fine!"

I glared at her. "Mhm."

"It will!" Rachel chimed in, and Savanah nodded her head. I rolled my eyes playfully and pushed the doors open, leaving my friends behind as I walked inside the cool office. My combat boots came to a stop at the office desk, where a woman in her mid forty's typed furiously away on her computer, her eyes glued to the screen.

I cleared my throat, "Hello?"

She snapped her eyes up. "Yes?"

"I, uh..." I stammered, "My names Madison... Madison Grey?" The lady arched her eyebrows up with attitude before she turned back to the computer, typing away once more.

"Ah, here you are." She said with no emotion in her voice, "You need a schedule, hm?" I nodded silently, playing with my thumbs. The lady rolled her eyes and typed once more, sending the documents to the printer behind her. The lady pushed back, letting herself roll back on her chair where she snagged the paper. "Here you are, Hun. Go down this hall, to the left, and you can pick up a pass."

"Thank you," I said politely, removing the warm paper from her hand. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and headed down the hall she directed me too. I hung a left, reaching the small room with passes lined all inside. I stepped into the warm room, scanning over the file full of passes before snatching the one for first period, when I heard the door slam shut behind me.

I jumped out of my skin, "Hello?"

I spun around quickly, meeting a pair of eyes I didn't want to see. "Madison."

"What the hell!" I shrieked, backing myself up against the wall. He walked slowly towards me, taking his time.

"Open the door!" I screamed, my body numb with fear. He stopped in his tracks, looking me up and down. I swallowed hard, wishing to melt away in the wall, but I couldn't. My eyes studied over him; black skinny jeans, black shirt, black everything. He really likes black.

"Madison," He said calmly, "Madison?"

"Please!" I pleaded, "Please!"

He walked further, our bodies inches from touching. He raced his pale hands up to my face, cupping it gently as he stroked his thumb on my cheek.

"I missed you so much..."

"What the hell!" I shrieked, pulling my head out of his grip. I shook it around, trying to get away but he managed to grab me again. "Didn't you miss me?"

"I don't even know you!" I shouted.

He paused, biting his lip anxiously as he furrowed his brows. "You.. what?"

"Leave!" I shouted.

Despite my pleas, he pushed on and brought his lips to mine. They were so warm and fresh, and for. minute I felt myself kiss back. But I pulled away, shaking my head. "Who are you!"

His eyes were full of sorrow. "What?"

"Who are you?" I spat through clenched teeth, pushing away.

"It's me..." He whispered, "Andy?"