Speak Now

Chapter 16: A madman's lair

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."

-Friedrich Nietzsche
♡♡♡♡♡

Sunday evening, I'm dressed up in black jeans and a silver sweater, tying the laces of my charcoal boots.

The temperature dropped suddenly on Saturday night as storms ran rampant through the town. At first I thought the party would be cancelled but Miranda assured me our shopping spree on Saturday wouldn't be wasted.

But I still shiver in my thin sweater, as I pull up to see the anchor on TV briefing us about the severity of the storms.

"....no problem at all. Sudden weather changes are normal when a new season is around the corner. As Diana will show you,  there has been a similar storm is New York City as well as four other nearby towns."

I watch a news reporter in NYC, trying to speak in her mic as the wind whirls around her, her jacket whipping and flapping against her petite frame.

"Wow..." My mother appears from behind me,"That's some crazy storm. Ours was much tamer, don't you think?"

"I love storms," I say,"They're so destructive and loud and.."

"Definitely not like you then," Mom laughs as she joins me on the sofa,"You're really going aren't you?"

I know what she means. Before Miranda and Adrian and Kayla, I'd hated parties. I even used to avoid school functions. But now I feel.....different. People don't terrify me like before and I'm not afraid to voice my thoughts.

I wonder if it's a good thing.

"Yeah,"I nod and stand up, picking up my friends' birthday presents. When Miranda, Kayla and I headed to the mall yesterday afternoon, Kayla and I managed to lose Miranda and shop for her and Adrian's gifts. I'd bought a book and some jewellery while Kayla had gone for some dream catchers and frames for her room.

"Oh honey," My mom suddenly gets teary eyed as she hugs me, pressing me into her chest,"Your dad would be so proud of you."

Awkwardly, I pat my mom's back,"I'm fine Mom."

She pulls back to study my face,"Yes, you are and I'm so happy."

Suddenly a loud car horn pierces my ears,"Well my ride's here. Gotta go."

Mom kisses my cheek,"Have fun."

As I'm bolting out the door, my mom shouts,"And don't drink Madeley. The doctor said alcohol would trigger...."

Trigger what,  I don't have time to go back and ask because Kayla is out her car and she embraces me,"Hey Mad, you look awesome."

My friend wears a golden sequenced skirt over black leggings and a dark top with long sleeves. I can't help but admire how slim and beautiful she is, with long black hair cascading down her back and warm cocoa skin, contrasting beautifully with her make up.

"Geez Kayla," I raise my eyebrows,"You're going to steal all the hearts today."

Kayla laughs,"Look who's talking. C'mon get in the car."

As we head out of my street, I get a text from Adrian. As usual, my heart skips into my throat. I open his texts.

Him: Can't wait to see you xx

Me: Wait for me ;)

Him: I did my waiting. 12 years of it. In AZKABAN.