Raising Madison (The third book in the 'The girl in the attic trilogy')

(7) Raising Madison

Raising Madison

Chapter 7

Preston’s POV

Brooklyn didn’t reply which caused me to be slightly nervous but I pushed it to the back of my mind and continued on enjoying the day with Madie. We didn’t do much but I love spending time with her so it didn’t matter.

The next day I went to work and luckily my boss wasn’t mad or at least he didn’t take it out on me if he was. The day went well and soon I was back home with Madie, where I belong.

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time with her and the following week passed without any trouble but when the weekend arrived it was time to step up and make a decision. My boss wanted me to go in to work for a few hours on Saturday and I could easily leave Madie with my mom but I haven’t heard from Brooklyn since the message she sent me and I really wanted to make sure that I could still rely on her, plus it was the end of the month and I had to pay her.

I know how I treated her was wrong. She was only trying to be friendly and helpful and I ran away like a freaked out crazy person. She has no idea what’s happened in my life and she doesn’t deserve to be treated that way.

I sighed, hoped for the best, picked up my phone and dialed her number. She answered after the third ring, making me feel a bit better, at least she was answering my call. I wanted to apologize but couldn’t get myself to do it, I was scared she would ask for an explanation as to why I acted the way I did and I wasn’t sure if I could give her one. So I just asked her if she could watch Madie on Saturday and to my surprise she agreed without a complaint.

I got up early Saturday morning to make sure that I was fully dressed and had eaten and fed Madie by the time Brooklyn arrived. She was her normal friendly self when she did and I felt comfortable leaving Madie with her.

I only had to be at work for a few hours and then quickly rushed home. When I got there Brooklyn was sitting on the floor with Madie, surrounded by toys and laughing happily. The sight brought a smile to my face and I genuinely felt happy at that moment. I made the right decision in hiring her and now I had to apologize.

“How is she?” I asked which was a very stupid question considering her eyes were sparkling and she was laughing and playing.

“She’s fine, seems to be enjoying our little game,” Brooklyn answered, sounding like she was enjoying herself too.

“Thanks, I don’t know what I would have done without you,” I replied, joining them on the floor.

“You would have found another baby sitter,” she said jokingly.

“I guess but she wouldn’t have been half as good as you,” I said, feeling a bit stupid as the words left my mouth.

“I don’t think that’s true but thanks anyway,” she said, a genuine smile on her face.

“It’s the truth Brooklyn, you’re amazing, Madie absolutely adores you,” I said, stating the obvious.

Brooklyn played with Madie for a few more minutes before getting up and gathering her things.

“Hold on a second before you go, I have to pay you,” I said, jumping up and digging my wallet out of my pocket. I quickly counted out her money, adding a bit extra and then walked her to the door.

“Thanks for everything and… sorry for the way I treated you the last time you were here,” I said as I handed her the money.

“It’s a pleasure and don’t worry about it,” she replied, smiling sweetly as she put the money in her purse without checking it.

“Ok, so I’ll call you if I need you,” I said, quoting her words.

“Yeah and not just for Madie, if you need to talk, I’m a good listener,” she said and then quickly made her way to the elevator without looking back. Maybe she was scared of how I would react to her offer but instead of getting angry at the idea of talking to her about Katie I just felt nervous because I think I really wanted to and deep down I knew I needed to.

I’ve been keeping to myself since Katie died. I haven’t spoken to any of my old friends and the only people who know what happened are my parents. I didn’t’ tell anybody at work or college and maybe talking about it would be good for me and Madie. The only problem is that I am scared, I can barely think of Katie without breaking down so how on earth am I suppose to talk to somebody about her? I shook my head and closed the door behind me. I might just take her up on her offer but not right now. I’m strong enough yet.