Madison and The Monsters

15. The Invitation

 Madison woke up early to find she was cold and surrounded by dew covered earth. Her back ached from being pressed against the rock well. If she had had a pillow her neck might not have seemed like she had slept in a miniscule box. Having thought about last night before becoming aware of her surroundings she wasn't shocked. She was uncomfortable but not confused. When she sat up she noticed a strange hoody lay on her as though it were a blanket, it must have been the Grundwasser. She knew she was a mess but she could just sneak into the school change rooms to deal with that. Looking at her watch she realized she would have to hurry.

As she approached the school she made sure none of her peers were paying attention. Everyone seemed quite focussed on whatever they happened to be doing. She gently pushed the metal door open. After a cold night in the woods the school's warmth almost made the building seem pleasant. She walked along the tile floor wishing she could sink into it. When an older boy changed his position the door came into view. Madison noticed a teacher standing too close to the door for her liking. If she could go through the door without being noticed it would be a miracle. She clenched her fists as though it would give her some superpower she didn't know about like invisibility.

When she felt the cold metal door knob against her skin she was certain she'd done it. She wasn't avoiding trouble she was simply avoiding being in trouble while in wet clothes. As the doorknob clicked she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Without meaning to she jumped as though it was a monster rather than a teacher. She turned her head slowly in order to ease into the inevitable. Mr. Michaels a grade nine teacher she'd never spoken too. She took a deep breath and waited for him to say something or other.

"Madison how about you come to the office with me," Mr. Michaels said as though the order was a suggestion.

She didn't say anything, but she did follow him. What choice did she have? At that point her peers had gained an interest in whatever was going on. Without trying her eyes landed on Martin's. He gave her a smile that seemed to say he had been worried, or perhaps she was looking into the smile too much. Only a few of her peers were actually watching but it seemed like they all were. Mr. Michaels opened the door to the office allowing Madison in before he entered.

He led her to the room of the guidance counselor. The most qualified person that was there to speak with her. She had seen him after every major occurrence involving her at the school. Despite knowing it was inevitable she still wished she hadn't come to school. Mr. Michaels knocked on the door and it was opened relatively quickly. The counselor smile when he noticed Madison. He hurriedly ushered her in.

Madison once again found herself sitting in a chair across from someone who wanted to fix her. Problem is how do you fix something that's not broken or at least not broken how you think it is. Fixing a clock is difficult if you can see the problem yet you disregard it. They were confident they knew what the problem was and ignorant to the truth. Their arrogance caused ignorance. Madison was unfortunately surrounded by both. She was getting frustrated by the arrogance of those around her.

"Madison everyone's been really worried," Luke stated.

"I expected so much," she whispered.

"Then why?"

"I was done with people not taking me seriously."

"Madison you can't just run away."

"Well I'm pretty sure I just proved otherwise."

"Madison I'm serious."

"So am I."

"You shouldn't run off. You worried everyone."

"I didn't mean to worry anyone but I had to get away."

"I get that you choose flight but you have to think about the consequences."

"Fine."

"Are you okay?"

"Sure," she muttered.

"Kid I'm trying to help you."

"Well stop. I didn't ask for your help. If you aren't going to actually be helpful it's pointless."

"Just because you've given up doesn't mean I will."

"I haven't given up. I fight my battles every day, and I'm not stopping anytime soon. Just because I don't accept others' failures at helping me doesn't mean I've given up. I'm fighting; I'm just doing it on my own."

"Wouldn't it be nice to have someone helping you?"

"If they were any good at it."

"No one's perfect."

"How about if they weren't arrogant?"

"Madison."

"Just because my dad gave up doesn't mean I will."

Luke took his eyes off the child when his phone made a ding sound, "Your mum's on her way."

After twenty minutes of quite awkward speech the door burst open. Madison couldn't help but stare at her mother; she looked as though she had been in a tornado. At the thought of it being her fault she found it was difficult to sit still, she was uncomfortable. Though getting physically comfortable was no help as that wasn't the problem.

"Madison!" her mother exclaimed wrapping her arms around her.

It was the kind of hug where people joke about not being able to breath. Normally Madison would have commented on her breathing ability but she couldn't find the words and not because she was being suffocated. She had known this was inevitable but unlike normal she hadn't even thought of what she'd say. Some things she avoided until they occurred. She would cross those bridges when she came to them.

"My baby girl, I was so worried," he mum whispered into her hair. Still Madison stayed silent.

Her mother suddenly pulled back, "you can't run off like that! And staying away all night!" Madison didn't say anything. Unlike with Luke she knew saying such things to her mother wouldn't end well.

"Sorry," Madison whispered still trying to get comfortable not realizing physical comfort wasn't the answer.

"You better be young lady! We'll talk about the punishment after school," her mum stated.

"After school?" Madison questioned.

"I have to work," she stated before setting down her backpack and leaving the room.

"Well I'm going to change now so I'm not late for class."

"Madison, please remember what I've said, and think about it."

"It's not like we talk because I'm forgetful," Madison muttered as she headed to the change room.

No one bothered her before, during, or after changing. She noticed the occasional curious glance as she had headed to the change room but nothing more. Despite being in the excessively cold change room the change of clothes were still warmer than what she had been wearing. At that moment she found herself very glad she'd put a hair brush in her school bag. She'd have to thank Alice for the idea. After changing her clothes and brushing her hair she almost looked presentable.

When the bell rang she hurried to class with her backpack as she had no time to put it in her locker. She sat down in the back beside Alice as she always did. A grin flooded Alice's face as she saw her best friend. Luckily for them the teacher was running late so they could talk freely.

"I was super worried after your mum called us. Oh I have some exciting news!"

"What?"

"Alexis, Lucy, and Cassandra invited us to a sleepover party!"

"They hate me and the feeling may be mutual."

"This is a chance to change things."

"You can go without me."

"That's an awful idea that could turn out really bad."

"I think that tells you the whole thing is a bad idea."

"Please!"

"Fine," Madison mumbled.