Against All Odds

Chapter 4

"Happy Anniversary!" I wished Josh, first thing in the morning.

"Same to you, Mads. I can't wait for you to see my surprise!"

There he goes again with the, Mads. 

Sigh.

But that couldn't possibly hinder me from feeling all giddy and happy inside for our impending meet. I wonder what he has in plans for me? I'm really curious to know his surprise for me. He did say it was an amazing surprise. Moreover, I can't wait to give his present.

However, I can't maintain the same mood for tonight though. Upon thinking about tonight, I have mixed feelings for it. I'm all unsure, nervous, excited, oh, just a whirlpool of feelings. 

An endless, bottomless whirlpool of feelings.

"So, tell me what you're gonna do tonight." Josh asks once more.

"I will wait for you at the campus gate," I respond, for the umpteenth time.

"Good girl." he smiles, and I could just picture him smirking.

Ever since 3 days ago, Josh had me to memorize, well, reciting the same line every time he ask me that very question. According to him, he doesn't want me to forget it. But, how could I forget it?

I am going to meet my boyfriend, Josh.

*~*~*~*~*

"Okay, are we all set?" Bree barges in, just as Zack and I were just in time finished with our respective looks.

Zack opt to wear a plaid buttoned T-shirt with brown chinos. He did his hair up and I could have sworn Bree almost squeal like a small little girl upon laying her eyes on him. Thus, leading me to to conclude that she does have a crush on Zack.

Aww~

I, on the other hand just decided to go with my usual look, a turquoise one shoulder long sleeved top with black shorts, topped of with flats. I just ran my fingers through my hair. No makeup what so ever. Yeah, this pretty much screams Madison Simpson.

I'm not like my sisters who just can't go out without makeup. For years, they've forced me to use at least lip gloss, but I still held strong to my roots. I rather be going out, looking pale like a corpse, exposing the real me than going on looking like Barbie, having lost all my essence.

I'm happy with myself and I have nothing to hide.

"Talk about wanting to go to a party, Madison! You look smokin' hot."

WHAAA??

Okay, not the response I expected, but thanks, I guess.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Zack trying to suppress a laugh. 

So, you think that's funny, eh, Mr. Hot Shot?

"Bree, I dress like this sometimes to class. Moreover, I think you look way better than me." I state, diverging the topic away from me.

Bree has a gold sequenced fitted knee length dress, topped off with wedges. She also did her hair and face. Bree really looks different with make up.

"Thank you, Madison. How do you think I look, Zack?" Bree beam, batting her eyelash with a puppy-dog look towards Zack.

HAHAHAHA.

OH MY.... I CAN'T.

Right back at you, Mr. Hot Shot. Karma just hit you on the face!

I had to bite (yes, bite, teeth and all) one finger to stop myself from laughing like a crazy hyena. It's just so funny to see Zack not knowing what to say and rather taken aback. Moreover, I find what Bree's doing too is also hilarious. 

Talk about flirting 101.

"Yeah, you look hot... yeah." Zack states awkward, rather taken aback by Bree's question.

"Thanks!" Bree cites, very delighted upon Zack's respond.

I glance at him and he flash me a face which clearly states I-will-get-you-back, out of Bree's watchful eyes.

"Okay, you guys lets go have some fun." Bree retort, excited.

As we we heading towards the Main Hall, I could feel the walls and floors vibrating just by the sheer volume and magnitude of the music. If I'm not wrong, they're playing Spectrum by Zedd featuring Matthew Koma. Good choice. One of my favorite songs!

My head began bobbing up and down and my hands started patting my hips to the rhythm of the song.

"What's up?" Zack nudge me on the ribs, tugging me back towards reality.

"Nah, I just love this song." I explain, slightly embarrassed that he saw me moving to the beat.

Zack simply flashed me an exhilarating smile that could just send Bree down to her knees if she ever saw it.

When Bree said that everyone is gonna be there, everyone did attend the party. The hall was just packed to the brim with people. It was hard to maneuver through the swarms of dancing students and along the way, we lost Bree in the sea of humans.

Great.

Abruptly, I could feel someone gripping my wrist.

Oh, no you didn't...

I'm most sensitive on my hands.

I was going to hit whoever it was but held back, knowing the it was only Zack.

"I just don't want to be separated from you. We just lost Bree, right?" he yells, through the thundering beats.

True, but aww~

"Zack, you can place you arm on my shoulder but not the hands. It's just-"

"Yeah, I get it." He cuts in, his tone understanding.

He lets go of my wrist and place his arm on my shoulder.

I decided to lead the way to getting some refreshments (hope it's not spiked or anything), but not before bumping with Nicky and her minions.

"Well, well, well, who do we have here? It's the Boy Wonder and his sidekick."

Seriously? His sidekick?

A wave of laughter erupted from her minions.

I really don't find that's funny. But I am anything but pleased that I'm involved in this issue. I mean, what did I ever do to her?

"Look here, Nicky. Fine, call me names and tease me, yeah, but please don't involve Madison in our issue. It's just between you and me." Zack step forward, facing straight on with Nicky.

"Oooh, look at that, boys and girls, Boy Wonder standing for his innocent sidekick." she jeered, sardonic.

I began to tense up and was about to snipe her a mean comment but Zack shot me a warning look to back off.

Nicky turned to me, her face cynical.

"He's your boyfriend, I take it?" she sneers, her eyes glinting.

"No, I was."

HOLY CRAP!