The Way We Are

Two

Madeline sniffed and clung to one of the ropes that held up the swing. Jay scrambled to her side and stroked her long brown hair.

"John is... threatening... him... He said that..." Madeline just sobbed with her head in her hands.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. Mads, look at me." Jay moved himself so he was kneeling in front of Madeline. He took her hands away from her face and brushed her tears away with his thumb. "You're gonna be alright. Mads, he is going to be alright. He won't be alone. And don't let John talk to you like that. Okay?"

Madeline nodded and wiped away her tears. Jay helped her stand up and looked up. He spotted a big red apple, perfectly round. He picked it off the branch and searched for any flaws. Once he spotted one, he tossed the apple aside, and reached for another apple without any blemishes. He handed it to Madeline who sniffed again and took it with a smile.

"Thanks, Jay," Madeline pulled him into a hug.

"You don't have to thank me for anything."

"Jay, you have always been so nice to me. How can I just not say thank you?" Madeline gave him big, pleading eyes.

"Don't say anything at all?" Jay chuckled. Madeline rolled her eyes and squeezed Jay before breaking the hug. Madeline bit into her apple.

"Mmm," Madeline hummed. "That's a good one."

"I'm the master at picking the best apples." Jay put his hands on his hips and struck a super hero pose while Madeline giggled. "You feel better now?"

Madeline nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Now, race you to the field!" Jay took off with Madeline with a surprised expression. Jay started running towards the woods behind the apple tree. Madeline picked up the pace behind him. Jay had an easy lead, so Madeline took her half finished apple and chucked it at Jays back.

"Ow!" Jay whimpered, slowing him down a bit.

"That's what you get!" Madeline sneered as she passed Jay. Jay gasped and started to near Madeline's heels. The dodge trees and fallen branches. They kept running until they both caught sight of the field.

Madeline reached the field just before Jay.

Madeline heaved between pants. "That's... That's what you... Get..."

Jay laughed at her struggling to breathe as well as his own. When they both were at a steady breathing rate, they walked towards the middle of the field. They plopped themselves down on a tall patch of grass.

"I can't wait till summer." Madeline sighed.

"Same. Man, we better make this a good summer."

"Agreed." Madeline scooted to Jay's side, resting her head on his shoulder. "Don't make me run like that again."

Jay chuckled. "No promises!" Madeline punched him in the arm. "Hey, can I ask you, what did John say to Grant?"

Madeline gave a terrible voice to mock John. "He said something like, 'You have no rights with her!' Or 'You're gonna get what's coming for ya!'"

"I wouldn't worry about John. He's all bark, no bite. He knows that he would get ganged up on if he lays a finger on anyone."

Madeline nodded her head which still rested on Jay's shoulder.

"Hey Blue-Jay?" Madeline asked, lifting up her head. Jay turned his head towards her. "Would you gang up on John?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"It depends on where, why, and how." Jay answered.

"So definitely nowhere public?"

"Correct." Jay nodded. "Hey Mads-Hatter?" Jay and Madeline chuckled.

"What you need, Blue-Jay?"

Jay opened his mouth to say something, but instantly shut it. "Never mind."

"You do that a lot."

"Do what?" He joked.

"That!" Madeline half-yelled.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Madeline punched him in the arm again. "Ow!"

"That's what you get!" Madeline stuck out her tongue.

"Get what?"

"Jay!"

Sorry for a shorter chapter. I promise I shall make up for it! Thanks for all the support guys! You guys are awesome! Give yourselves a pat on the back!