A Million Emotions

Chapter 3.

I gaped as I finally saw what Ingrid was staring at. I was struck silent as I stared at the familiar head of auburn hair and blue eyes. The stubble he’d once had now much more prominent.

                I mentally shook myself, and turned to look at Ingrid. Her mouth was slightly ajar, and as I watched her, a fleet of at least a million emotions marred her beautiful face; ranging from surprise, longing, shock, and finally resting on one – anger.

“Hey, Ingrid.” Tate muttered quietly.

“You better leave right now, Tate.” Harvey said angrily, stepping up beside Ingrid and gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

“No.” Ingrid replied firmly, surprisingly us all, including Tate; judging by the shocked look on his face, that is.

“Look, I’m-“

Ingrid cut Tate off. “Why are you here?” She asked, her voice sounding much calmer than mine would if I were in the same situation. I’d always admired that about Ingrid.

“I’ve taken a bit of a break from travelling, and I figured I had some unfinished business here.” He replied, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I guess you could call it that.” Ingrid chuckled dryly, finally accepting the napkins from my outstretched hands. “Thanks, Maddie-moo.”

Instead of answering, I offered her a curt nod, as I waited to see who’d speak next. It wasn’t going to be me.

“I’m sorry, Ingrid. I just wasn’t ready to be a father yet.”

“You think I was ready to be a mother, Tate? Well, I wasn’t. But you’ve got to take responsibility for your damn actions; or in this case, our actions.” Ingrid answered.

“I’m sorry, I realize I screwed up. If you’d give me a chance, I’d love to be part of our baby’s life.” Tate said urgently.

“Her name’s Scarlett,” Ingrid replied quietly. “You do realize, you can’t just waltz in here and gain instant forgiveness, right?”

Tate nodded. “I do.”

“Good,” Ingrid muttered, grabbing my hand. “Now, go sit in the corner and think about what you’ve done, Tate Jackson. Now, if you’ll excuse us, Maddie and I are going to go enjoy the rest of our prom.”

Tate’s gaze slid from Ingrid and over to me, as if he’d just realized I was in the room with them. After looking at me as if trying to decipher something, he nodded at Ingrid, and surprisingly made his way over to the corner.

“He’s not seriously going to do it, is he?” I asked incredulously, looking over at Tate who was currently sitting in the corner and staring at the ground. He looked up at me as if he felt me looking at him, and sent me a wry grin. When he grinned, it reminded me of the memories I shared with him. In a way, I was glad that I’d met Ingrid and gotten tangled up with Tate. It’d showed me that there wasn’t anything better than just being myself.

“Serves him right.”

I laughed as Ingrid tugged me over to the dance floor, the bass of some fast song vibrating the gym floor. “Come on, Maddie-moo, let’s make this dance memorable.”

I grinned as Ingrid twirled me around, almost making me lose balance. “Don’t you think it’s memorable enough?” I asked, nodding me head over to Tate who was still sitting in the corner.

Ingrid looked over at him and sighed. “I really wish he hadn’t showed up.” She said quietly, her gaze flickering over to his a couple times as she spoke.

“I think you should talk to him, Ingrid.”

She looked at me. “Fine, but don’t miss me too much, alright?” She responded, grinning at me before heading over to Tate and taking a seat beside him.

“Come dance with me.” I said grabbing Harvey’s arm and dragging him out to the dance floor with me just as A Thousand Years by Christina Perri started playing through the cheap school speakers.

Harvey smiled, wrapping his arms around my waist as I reached my hands up to rest them on his shoulders. “You really do look beautiful, Maddie.” Harvey whispered, his warm breath fanning across my cheek because of our proximity.

“Thanks, Harvey.” I whispered back, laying my head against his chest.

As Christina Perrie’s soprano voice sang, I couldn’t help but think about Tate and Ingrid. I hoped she’d forgive him; not that he deserved it, I wasn’t entirely sure that he did as of yet. But no child deserves to grow up without a father. Every child deserves the chance at two parents; something that is often taken away from them.

I could also tell Ingrid had cared about Tate, at least in some way. I’d hate to see that all just disappear, especially after Ingrid had finally changed for the better.

I looked up into Harvey’s eyes and smiled. “I love you, Harvey.” I said, glad that I at least had someone who was reliable, no matter how selfish that sounds.

“I love you, too.” He responded, so quiet that only I could hear as he pulled me against his chest.

Yeah, prom hadn’t gone the way Ingrid or I had anticipated. But, so what? Life is full of surprises, and we’ve just got to be ready. I hadn’t expected for Harvey to get a bit choked up at my appearance, but I wouldn’t wish it hadn’t happened.

Sure, Ingrid hadn’t expected Tate to show up, none of us had. But was it really that bad? He seemed genuinely sorry, and maybe this could be another turning point in Ingrid’s life. I’m sure little Scarlett would love to have a daddy.

There’s one thing I can be certain about.

Whenever Ingrid or I thought back to tonight, it’d definitely bring a million emotions to mind along with it – for both of us.

A/N: Alright, well that ends the one shot for the contest. It did not come out as I'd hoped, but I hope you can at least read it without falling asleep. xD.