Inside Grayson Foster's bedroom

03: Sharing is Caring

[Madison Fren POV]

I felt my stomach twist into a knot as my mom and I pulled into the huge driveway that hadn't changed every since I was a child. The same trees stood around the asphalt and the cracks still hadn't been fixed. She shoved the car setting into park, not bothering to turn it off; she wasn't staying—I was.

"Remember," my mom starts off. "No going to parties with alcohol, no staying up past 11 on school nights, make sure to study—I don't want to see one F on your midterm. Thank Mrs. and Mr. Foster for letting you stay here while I'm away, and don't ever disrespect them—"

"Mom. I get it." I aspirate a worried laugh, and lean out of the passenger seat to suffocate my mom in a tight hug. "How long are you going to be gone again?"

"Just a couple of months." My mom reassures with a smile as we pull out of the hug. It takes a lot in me to not cry, but also not to jump with joy. I'm staying over at Violet's house while my mom takes her job vacation in Paris. It's an endless sleepover with my best friend. Sadly, that meant a sleepover with her stubborn brother, as well.

"Alright," I smile at her, shoving my door open. "Have fun in Paris." 

Right as I shove my door open, my eyes snag over to the Foster's house. It's huge, and right now, their family was pouring out of the doorway. 

"Grayson, I'm not saying it again. Go get Madison's bags." The usual calm and caring voice of Violet's mother, Lucy, was stern and agitated as she shouted at Grayson. 

My mom looked up at me as I prepared to shut the door. "Lastly, remember I love you, sweety."

"I love you too, mom." 

My eyes darted from my mom to the boy shuffling through his lawn. He wore normal jeans in which his hands were tucked into, and a baggy red shirt. As he walked over to the trunk, our eyes briefly met. A crooked frown slumped onto my lips as I noticed his tweaked, mischief smirk. 

"Actually, I can get my own bags!" I call out to him.

"Sorry. Parent's orders." Grayson grins as he yanks out my two duffle bags. I didn't need to pack much because I usually just borrow Violet's clothing anyway. Half the shirts in those bags were probably hers to begin with.

"Okay, honey. I'll see you when I return home. Don't forget to call me and tell me how things are." My mom says, shoving her gear into drive. I flash her a weak smile and wave as she pulls out of the drive way, but not before calling out "thank you" to Mrs. and Mr. Foster.

I followed far behind Grayson as we headed inside. I received welcome hugs from Mrs. and Mr, Foster. It didn't take long before being tackled into a choke hold by Violet.

"This is going to be so much fun!" Violet beamed. "We can watch movies, play the xBox and we can even share my bed if you want. You can go unpack your—"

"Actually, Violet, sweety." Ms. Foster chirped into our conversation. My eyes followed Grayson as he hauled my bags up stairs. He'd better not touch anything. "Maddi will be staying in Grayson's room."

I nearly lost my footing.

"Excuse me?" I say in the politest way I could.

"As you know, we don't have any guests rooms. And we figured that since you and Grayson tend to not get along, you'll be able to focus on your studies and get to bed early. If you stay in Violet's room for bedtime, you won't be doing much sleep or school work." This time it was Mr. Foster who informed me.

"But—"

"Don't worry. You can hang out with Violet in her room anytime of the day. But when it comes to bedtime or study time, Grayson's room is yours as well." Mr. Foster smiled. "There's no need to show you around, you already know this place better than anyone here."