It's Jaelena

Chapter Five

Madison Wright was, sure enough, in the kitchen. She was pouring milk into a bowl; an open bag of Lucky Charms sat on the counter. "Oh, hey Paige," she said, glancing up at me. "I'm hungry, so I'm just getting myself a little snack." She laughed a little. "Honestly, considering how much I eat, I'm surprised that I'm not fat."

"Good metabolism," I said enviously. Just like Lena, I couldn't help but think, remembering how much Lena would eat. Ice cream, chocolate, In 'n Out...Lena ate so much, but she miraculously managed to remain slender. I, unfortunately, have a penchant for gaining weight. Dieting sucks, but it's worth it. What's life without good looks?

"I guess so," murmured Madison. She slid the bowl into the microwave and set the timer for twenty seconds. "So, why did Mom send you here? To tell me to eat less?"

"She wanted me to hang out with you," I admitted, feeling a bit awkward suddenly. "Um, so what do you want to do?"

Madison shrugged just as the microwave pinged. She took the milk out of the microwave and filled the bowl to the brim with Lucky Charms. Then she shoved a spoon in and leaned against the counter. "Once I finish eating, we could go to the library," she offered.

The library was frankly one of the last places I wanted to go; after Lena's death, I gave up on all things academic, and that included reading. Reading books was now as appealing to me as eating rocks. But I had to keep Madison happy, or else she'd tattle to Mom, and I'd be out on the streets before I could say "cash".

"Library it is," I said, hoping I was doing a good job of faking enthusiasm.

I watched Madison while she ate. I know, that sounds creepy, but I had nothing else to look at but her. Anyway, it turned out to be a bad decision. All I could think about was how similar she was to Lena. They had the same dark hair, same brilliant smile, and, come to think of it, even similar voices. Like Lena, Madison spoke with a careless, almost-distracted tone.

Madison was like an aged version of Lena.

"Okay, I'm done eating," Madison said suddenly. She set her bowl and spoon down in the sink. "I'm gonna get a few things from my room. Wait for me, okay?" Without waiting for my response, she sprinted away.

I still can't believe she's my cousin, I thought. She'd be more believable as one of Lena's relatives. There's no way we're actually related. Something is wrong with Madison, and I'm going to find out what it is.

No, the logical side of my brain said. You're just being paranoid, Paige. You dislike Madison because she reminds you of Lena and she's taken over your old bedroom. Well, you'd better get over it or else you'll be begging for money on the streets for the rest of your life.

I didn't have time to wage a full-out mental civil war, because suddenly Madison returned, slightly out of breath but otherwise okay. "This," she announced, holding up a blue tote bag, "is going to make for one interesting library trip."