A Monster Dream

17

It was time for me to go to school, so after I finished getting ready, I called out, "Mom! I'm going to school!"

"Did you eat?!" she called back.

"I'll eat at school!"

"Ok, baby! Good luck! Love you!"

"Love you too!"

I went to school, hoping I wouldn't run into Alicia or Brian. It's not like they were in my classes. I could only run into them at lunch, in the hallways, or after school.

I might be ok.

I never told Stefani about this, but I figured she probably knew. I didn't wanna remind her of them. Not until everything was fixed.

Until Brian wasn't a threat anymore.

Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side. When is it, anyway?

I ran into Alicia at lunch. She sat next to me.

I faced her, crossing my arms. "What do you want?" I sassed.

"Please, Maddie, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I broke up with Brian. He wasn't mine to date anyway. It was wrong from the beginning. I wanted to tell you, but Brian...you know how he is."

You don't know the half of it...

She continued, "Please, Maddie, all I want is for you to forgive me. I was an idiot, I know but I was in love. I hope you can understand."

I thought about it for a moment, considering Stefani's advice, and sighed. "Ok, Alicia. I forgive you. I have something to tell you after school, but we have to get away first."

"Ok, whatever you want, Maddie. I'm just happy I have my friend back!"

I smiled. "Same here, Ali."

"So, I bet you're getting really excited. It's only four more months until Lady Gaga's concert."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot."

"You forgot?! How is that, like, possible? You love her."

"Well, I had a rough weekend. My mom...died. My dad...killed her. Oh, and I met Lady Gaga."

"WHAT?! OMG! That's amazing!"

"Yeah, it is. She's been really sweet."

"OMG! You're friends?!"

"No, she's adopting me. Isn't that crazy?!"

"OMG! Yes! That's awesome! You must be freaking out about living with her."

"Well, at first, but then I went through some things. And by the time I was feeling like myself again, I had gotten used to it."

"Well, I'm glad you got to meet her. Is it possible...you know, if I can...maybe-"

"Meet her?" I finished for her.

"Yeah."

"Of course. She'd love to meet you. I'm sure."

"Yay! How about today?"

"Oh, well I should probably...oh,  I'm sure it's fine."

"YAY!! OMG, you are like the best friend ever!"

I laughed. And we hugged.

After school, we met up and were about to leave, when someone grabbed my wrist. I struggled to get away. Alicia tried to help me, but got pushed aside. Then something hard hit me in the back of my head and I watched the world disappear into darkness.