Already Gone (Harry Styles / One Direction)

Evil Spawn*

~~Saturday~~
Maddie's POV

Josh and I have been keeping ourselves occupied for the past couple of days. We've completed all the work on the barns, leaving the rest for the ranch hands. This morning, we decided to go rabbit hunting. We didn't catch anything, but it was enjoyable, reminiscent of the old days, just without Tristan. Now, we're driving around town simply because we're not ready to head home yet. It's too quiet there without the boys.

"So, Haz's birthday is Monday, right?" I glance over at him.

"Yeah, I wish I could spend it with him," I say, frowning because I miss him and the guys so much.

"It's okay, I know you miss him. Heck, I miss Gemma too." I can tell he does; he's been moping around, and I'm not much better. He pulls into a restaurant, and we get out. I'm famished. We enter, and it's bustling. As we wait to be seated, I send a text to Harry.

Maddie:
I miss you H 🙁

Styles:
I miss you, love. Did you two do any good?

Maddie:
Not really but it was nice spending time just relaxing.

Styles:
I'll text you later we are about to go on. I love you baby.

Maddie:
I love you H. Good luck and you guys have fun.

The hostess walks us to our table, and we sit looking at the menu. As usual, people wave and nod at us. The waitress approaches and takes our order. While waiting, I decide to head to the bathroom. As I stand a girl walks right into me causing me to fall flat on my ass. I can't help but groan as Josh stands and lends me a hand. Glancing at the girl and the woman next to her. They are decked out in high heels and miniskirts, their hair styled to perfection, nails immaculately manicured. They shoot us a glaring look, exuding an air of superiority, and it's clear they're out of place; I've never seen them around here before.

"You know you should watch where you're going." I glare back because she's the one who bumped into me. She can't be older than 16, if that. The older woman glares, shifting her gaze from me to Josh. "This is why I never wanted to come to this hick town. I mean, look at how the girls dress here, just like men. Wait, are you a man?" This girl is really testing my patience.

"Listen, young lady, try showing some basic manners, like saying 'excuse me,' and pay attention to where you're going instead of your phone," she snorts. "If you despise our town so much, feel free to leave." The onlookers' stares don't bother me. I sigh upon noticing Mrs. Guthrie approaching, yet they continue to block our path.

"Why Madison and Joshua Grey it's nice to see you young'uns out and about." We exchange smiles as the older woman glances up from her phone, her eyes wide with surprise. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes, it's best to put away our phones and continue on our way. "I heard that y'all aren't going to have crops next year."

"No, we decided we wanted to take a break. With Dad moving and all." Josh answers her question.

"Well that's great dear. I'll catch up later come by for a visit." She walks away, leaving us standing there, looking foolish in front of these disrespectful women. The older one continues to stare, and as I turn to leave, her voice halts me.

"Did she say your last name was Grey?" I think, so what? Josh nods, being the friendlier one at the moment. "Any relation to Jonathan Grey?" She scans our faces. How does she know our father?

"Yes, he's, our father. Do you know him?" Josh inquires, and her eyes widen with surprise, piquing my curiosity.

"I did, once upon a time, a really long time ago," she says, turning to the mischievous child. "Come on, dear, let's go." I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus. I turn and walk to the bathroom, feeling that something is off about them, beyond their snobbish demeanor. I can't quite put my finger on it. As I wash my hands, memories flood back to my childhood when my mother would read me fairy tales. 'Once upon a time...' I freeze, recognizing the voice. I dash out, rushing past Josh who looks up and follows. Bursting through the doors, I scan the parking lot and spot them heading to their car. Josh catches up, standing beside me.