Bending The Rules

Nate

I go home after getting my car back. I still remember the look on Mel's face had almost torn me apart, but coming to the apartment I share with Noah didn't help. Noah was on his way to getting drunk and Maddie was staring blankly at the TV screen, even though nothing was on. As soon as I opened the door, Maddie got up and ran over to me, her arms locking around my neck.

"Maddie...what's wrong?" I rub her back and she shakes her head furiously; that's when I notice the tears. "Maddie what happened?"

She looks up at me, her hazel eyes glimmering with tears. I couldn't stand her like this, and she won't tell me. I want to know how I can help. I was about to press further when Noah steps in.

"She's pissed at me. And our parents. Not to mention the guy she was going to date. Well, they dated for a day or so and he found out she doesn't talk or really do anything so he dumped her."

Maddie's fists clench and more.tears stream down her cheeks. She would've been perfect if it weren't for the scar that ran from the corner of her left eye to about the middle of her cheek. The scar she usually keeps covered with her makeup and her hair. "Why's she mad at you?"

Noah can't help but laugh. Drunk bastard. He's like a brother to me but damn, he is the true meaning of asshole. "Because I told her she would be as worthless as our parents."

Maddie buries her face in my chest, her shoulders shaking in silent sobs. "Noah, that's low." Both of their parents had been severe drug addicts and Maddie didn't want to be like them. I can tell why too. "Maddie come on. Your bother can face whatever misery he is going through alone. I'm going to call my friend."

"If it's that pretty little Mel, tell her I say hi!" Noah winks before laying down on the couch. Maddie darts under my arm and goes to my room and lays down, staring at the ceiling as tears made little trails on her face. I'd give anything to know what she was thinking.

I call Mel and listen as it rings. On the second ring, she picks up, a bit of panic seeping into her voice. "What?"

"Mel? It's me, Nate. I was wondering if you'd be willing to have my friend and I at your house tonight."

I hear a little rush of air as she sighs. "My parents are home. If your friend is a girl, bring her by. But I'll wait a little while to introduce them to you. I'll give Sean a call. You can stay the night with Bill."

"Alright. I'm bringing Maddie over. But...she doesn't talk. Okay? She hasn't for years now."

"Um, okay. Just hurry. And sorry if I sound...weird. I just didn't think it would be you calling." And then, she hangs up without more explanation.

***

After dropping Maddie off, I find my way to Bill's and see Sean waiting for me. He has his arms folded over his chest and he's leaning on a motorcycle. "Mel said you'd be coming. What's between you guys anyway?"

I thought about the kiss in my car. Her sweet, sift lips on mine. She said she liked me, and then she told my brother we were dating. Was she just saying it, or did she really want to date me? "We're dating," I say with a one-shoulder shrug, as if it should've been obvious.

"You stay away from her. You are trouble. She is trouble. Mel needs someone who can keep her safe from herself and others. I don't think you'll be able to do it."

I can feel my face beginning to get red. My hand flies out and grabs Sean's shirt. "Maybe that's why she doesn't want to date you. You never let her fight her own battles. You just have to fight them for her."

"You better watch it Nate. I can be your worst nightmare, or a good friend. You decide which." He swats my hand away and disappears, leaving me alone.

Honestly, I didn't feel like going inside, so I got back into my car. Using my jacket as a pillow, I curl up in the backseat and close my eyes, finding sleep quickly.