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

(8) Raising Madison

Raising Madison

Chapter 8

The next day I decided that I wanted to take Madie some place nice where we could spend the day and have fun. It was still early and Madie was sleeping so I quickly searched on the internet for a place where we could go and decided on the zoo. It is a good hour’s drive from my apartment but according to reviews it will be well worth it.

The strange thing is that I kept on thinking of Brooklyn and the more I told myself it is a bad idea to invite her with the more I wanted to. I finally gave in and picked up my phone, my insides filled with a nervous sensation and for a moment I almost hung up but then she answered and as soon as I heard her voice I relaxed.

“Hi, how is Madie?” she asked, cheerfully.

“She’s good,” I replied, wondering if I should make up some story as to why I phoned her. Maybe she’ll think I am crossing the line if I invite her with and in a way maybe I am but it’s not like that. Madie likes her so she can help and I really just want the company.

“How about you?” she questioned, sounding more serious.

“I’m ok,” I answered

“Alright, so do you need me to look after Madie?” she asked when I didn’t continue talking.

“Kind of… I was wondering if you would like to go to the zoo with us?”

There was a long silence before she answered.

“Yeah, I would love to but are you sure about it?” she questioned, sounding both happy and a little worried.

“Yes, I really want to take Madie but I think she’ll enjoy it if you come with and I could probably use the help,” I answered, leaving out the part that I actually wanted the company.

“Ok, I’ll be there in about half an hour then.”

“That’ll be perfect,” I said and then quickly hung up before I said anything to make me or her feel even more uncomfortable.

Madie woke up a few minutes later so I quickly dressed her, fed her and then packed her bag for the day.

Brooklyn’s POV

Preston was ready to go when I arrived at his apartment and I couldn’t help but stare when he opened the door for me. He was wearing baggy jeans with a plain black t shirt but he looked extremely hot and I had to pull my eyes away from him. How old is he and where is Madie’s mother? I wondered as he quickly got Madie and her stuff.

We decided to go in one car so I sat in the passenger seat next to Preston as he drove. It was a bit awkward at first as not one of us knew what to say. Madie on the other hand didn’t seem to notice what was going on as she played and mumbled happily in the back seat.

“Thanks for coming, I’m sure Madie is really going to enjoy having you with,” Preston finally said, making me relax a bit but I couldn’t help but feel disappointed too. I was kind of hoping that he wanted me to come with to keep him company, not that I mind spending time with Madie, in fact I’ve grown to love her but for some reason I felt attracted to Preston and I want to get to know him.

“No problem, I haven’t been to the zoo for ages so I’m sure I’m going to have fun too,” I replied, pushing my stupid thoughts to the side of my head. I have no right to want to know about his life. I am his daughter’s baby sister and that’s all. For all I know  Madie’s mother had to go away somewhere and will be returning to them shortly. I sighed and sat back in my seat, trying not to think about Preston and all the things I wanted to ask him.