Open When • JO MFZ COMPLETED

Chapter Five • When You Miss Me

Mackenzie's POV

I was doing better. At least I thought I was. It wasn't until today where I realized I'm not. I'm just hiding behind a false smile.

I don't know what it was, but something today made me miss him even more than I already did. That's why I didn't get out of bed when my alarm went off at five forty-five this morning.

I was unfortunately rudely awakened by my mother.

"Mackenzie, you have to get up for school," Mom says.

I groaned and rolled over. "I don't want to go," I complain.

She sighs and sits at the edge of my bed. "Why don't you want to go?" She asks quietly.

"I miss him," I muttered.

She nodded and patted my thigh. Then grabbing my hand, holding it tightly. Just then my door opens again, this time Maddie walks through the door.

"Kenz, what are you still doing in bed? You have to get ready for school," Maddie says walking over.

"Your sister doesn't want to go to school. She misses Johnny too much," Mom explains, updating my sister on the moments before she came.

Maddie looks at me with sympathy. She sits down and hugs me tightly. Patting my back and holding me. When she lets go she looks me in the eyes.

"I've told you. Time and time again, it'll be okay Kenzie. You did so good. What happened?" Maddie asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know."

Maddie nods and looks up at me. "Will you try to go to school today? If you really can't do it, I'll bring you home. Deal?" Maddie bargains.

I nodded, getting out of bed. Both my mother and sister smiled at me. Mostly of the fact that I got out of bed. They left my room so I could get ready.

Since today I wasn't feeling it, I had skinny jeans, an oversized New York Knicks hoodie and black and blue Vans high tops. I did my hair in French braids and did very little makeup.

I ran downstairs grabbing a granola bar and a bottle of water before I ran out the door to Maddie's car.

-

I walked through the halls, making my way to my locker. I have yet to see my friends today. Even though the bell hasn't rung yet.

When I get to my locker, I put my combination in. 15 right, 35 left, 5 right. I opened it up and got out the books I needed for my first two classes.

Then I feel a presence behind me. Then an arm leaned against the locker above me. I look to my left and see him lean against the lockers smiling.

"Hey baby girl," he smiles.

"Hey babe," I smiled back.

"You okay? You look upset," he asks. "You know Johnny don't like when his girl is upset. What can Johnny boy do to make his girl feel better?"

I laughed and closed my locker, turning to him. "Well, Johnny boy can stop talking to himself in the third person," I begin. "And I'm fine, just nervous I guess."

"Why? Big test?" John asks.

I nod, "I have one for AP US history, then AP psych. I don't think I'm ready."

"I know you can do it Mackenzie," he smiles.

"Mackenzie? You never call me Mackenzie unless you're mad at me."

"Mackenzie"

"Mackenzie"

"Mackenzie"

I heard the bell ring, causing me to flinch. I look behind me and see my friends and Maddie standing there.