Friendzoned

Forty-Three: We can't afford to panic.

We can't afford to panic.

***Madison***

I reached out and gave Joseph a brief hug before I left the room.

That's right.

I did it.

I gave Joseph a hug.

Once I'm sure I'm out of sight and he can't see me, I squeal and dance around for a bit.

I've always wanted to give Joseph a hug, he always seemed like he could use one but I could never bring myself to do it.

I didn't want anything to get in the way of our friendship.

And I mean sure friends hug, but I see him as more than a friend so it's just different. It feels different.

So honestly, I don't know what came over me when I decided to hug him.

He seemed so out of it and he didn't really tell me what the issue was when I asked. I'm a little sad that he didn't tell me but I don't want to force him to tell me anything he's not comfortable with talking about.

Plus we were alone in the newspaper room. So that just added more to the urge to hug him.

William had to leave earlier because he had something to take care of, he seemed a little out of it today too. I should check up on him and see if everything's okay. Will's such a good friend and we haven't been talking much lately since I spend time with Jose and Jessica most times.

Gosh I'm so happy!

Joseph is so cute and sweet.

That hug was meant to cheer him up and assure him that it's gonna be okay but frankly, I'm the one cheered up and assured, probably more than him.

I continue down the hallway still squealing and blushing over what happened, but I'm brought out of my own little world when I bump into someone.

"Oh sorry!" I apologise instinctively, then looking up to see who I bumped into, my apologetic smile turned into a scowl.

I bumped into Sebastian.

Just fantastic.

"What are you so chipper about?" Sebastian simply asks, squinting his eyes at me as if trying to solve a puzzle he couldn't quite piece together.

"None of your business. Now have a nice remainder of the day." I wave a dismissive hand and start to walk away.

I did not need Sebastian ruining my perfect mood.

"Madison! Wait.."

I ignore him.

"Look I'm sorry okay?"

I stop, my back still facing him.

"Please let me apologise. Please look at me." Sebastian pleaded, his tone soft and sad.

Taking a deep breath, I turn around and look him square in the eyes. "Three minutes, go."

He takes a deep breath of his own before continuing, "Look Madison, I made a huge mistake okay? I...I do care about you, I really do. I like you Madison. You're awesome. You're tough, you're strong. You can do anything. You're admirable. I've never felt this way about anyone else before and I guess it just freaked me out. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I thought maybe if I made you hate me, it wouldn't be so hard for me to hate you too and get over you. But I'm still here, I still like you. Seeing you so close with Joseph and not with me anymore, it just hurts. I know what I did was wrong and I'm sorry. Please just...give me another chance."