This Is a Wasteland

Part Three

“Addie.” I hear a voice say.

My eyes open and I see Hime leaning down on my bed.

“I’m heading out right now to have breakfast with Jess and then I’ll be with Vic at Hopeless. Dad and Mom are at work so you’ll be home alone for a while. Let me know if you need me at all and I’ll come home.” He says kissing my forehead.

He walks to my door and lingers for a moment.

“I love you, Adds.” He says shutting my door.

I sit up and stretch.

My phone starts playing the familiar ringtone and I jump a little.

“I don’t mean to be a bother but have you seen this girl? She’s been running through my dreams, and it’s driving me crazy it seems.” My phone plays as it buzzes.

I yank it from its charger and press accept when I see Vic’s name on the screen.

“Mads! Hey what are you doing?” Vic asks.

“I just fucking woke up.” I snap at him.

“Whoa. What the fuck did I do?” He asks defensively.

I take a deep breath and sigh.

“Nothing. I’m sorry for getting snappy. I’m just going through a lot right now.” I say with a sigh.

“I’m sorry. You want me to come over and we can talk about it?” He asks.

“Yes, but you can’t tell Mike you’re coming to my house.” I say in a rush.

“A-alright. I’m coming over now but I have to leave at 11:35.” He says.

“Okay. Front door should be unlocked. Just come up, I’ll be in my room.” I say hanging up.

I glance at the time on my phone. 10:49 am.

Suddenly my text tone goes off and Tony’s name pops up on my phone.

I unlock my phone and read the message.

Tony: Hey. I’m gonna head over after Mike leaves if that’s alright with you.

Maddie: That’s fine. Do you wanna sleepover?

Tony: Sure J

Maddie: See you later J

There’s a quiet knock at my door and I look up and see Vic.

“Hey.” He says in almost a whisper.

“Hey.” I say even quieter.

He walks over to me and just hugs me.

“Are you alright?” He asks.

“No.” I admit.

“What’s wrong?” He asks pulling away to look at me.

“Your brother is an asshole.” I say quietly.

“Did you see the pictures?” He asks quietly.

“What? You fucking knew and you didn’t tell me!” I ask angrily.

“I just found out about them this morning! Mike showed them to me, but you don’t know the story behind it!” Vic says loud.

“What’s the fucking excuse?” I ask rolling my eyes.

“Mads, calm down first. Take a breath.” He says.

I take a deep breath in and let it our slowly.

“Okay. The girl in the picture is Mike’s best friend that he’s known since fourth grade. He asked her to go with him to go find a necklace for you since your four year anniversary is coming up. She saw a photo booth, dragged him into it and they started taking pictures. The last one she grabbed his face and kissed him. He wouldn’t do that to you Mads. He loves you.” Vic says calmer.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so confused.

“Don’t you believe it?” Vic asks.

“I don’t know.” I say quietly.

“Why?” He asks.

“I just don’t know, Vic. I’m confused. I’m really confused and I don’t know what to feel right now.” I say crying.

“Shhhh.” He says hugging me.

He holds me for a few minutes while I cry desperately.

“Do you still love him?” Vic asks looking into my eyes.

I pause for a minute and stare at my hands.

“Maddie. Do you still love, Mike?” Vic asks sternly.

“I don’t know, Vic.” I say looking back up to meet his eyes.

“Do you still want to be with him?” Vic asks.

“Yes! I mean we’ve been together for so long and we’ve talked about our future and I don’t want to throw it away just because I’m confused about how I’m feeling.” I say stumbling on my words.
“Mads, don’t be with him if you don’t want to. If you don’t love him don’t be with him. If you do love him stay with him. Don’t feel like you have to be with him just because you’ve been together for so long. I know that if you guys don’t work out you’ll still be friends. Just think about how you feel and don’t hold back how you really feel because you’re afraid to hurt someone’s feelings.” Vic says.

Suddenly, I feel guilty.

“I really have to go, but just remember that I’m here for you. Okay? I love you and just remember what I said. Also remember that you’ll still be friends with him if things don’t work out. I know Mike and I know he’s not going to not be friends with you because you don’t want to be with him.” Vic says giving me a hug.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He says walking out my door.

Fuck.