Trying to Fix You

Chapter 5 {Noah & Madyson}

Morning had come only it didn't feel like morning because the outside was darkened by gray skies and rain was pouring down with no end in sight. Madyson stayed in bed, she knew she needed to get up for school but she just couldn't. She kept thinking about the night before; Jeremy, the memories, the lady with words like swords. She could hear footsteps making their way up the stairs to my room but she just closed her eyes and waited for more harsh words.

Mrs. Ray slowly pushes open Madyson's already slightly open door and knocks gently. "Madyson? Are you awake?"

Madyson slowly opens her eyes and turns her head to look at her mother. "I'm awake."

"You're going to be late for school."

"I don't think I can go today."

"Are you feeling sick?"

"...Yeah." It wasn't a lie, she really was feeling sick. She was feeling sick because of the memories that would never be forgotten.

Mrs. Ray stands there starring at her for a few moments before nodding in understanding. "Okay, well you should get some rest. I need to get to work, are you going to be alright?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

"Call me if you need anything." She forces a small smile before slowly making her way back out of Madyson's room and softly closing the door behind her.

 ~~~

Jeremy's standing in front of Madyson's locker, waiting for her like he has been for the past fifteen minutes. He sighs and leans his back against her locker.

Noah walks up to Jeremy with a concerned look. "You okay, dude?"

He turns to Noah and nods unconvincingly. "Yeah, I'm just concerned about Mady."

His eyes widen in concern and he speaks quickly. "Why? Is she okay?"

"I don't know, I thought I was making progress with her but then last night..."

"What happened last night?"

"Somebody from town...they brought up the accident and Mady couldn't take it. I had to take her home."

Noah gives Joe a look of extreme curiosity and anger. "What were you doing out with Mady?"

Jeremy looks at the ground, sheepishly and slowly begins to answer his question. He could sense Noah's jealousy. "We were...uh, just getting some ice cream."

Noah raises his eyebrow and begins talking with slight irritation. "You took Madyson out for ice cream? What is with you trying to fix things with her?"

Jeremy's eyes widen in shock and disbelief at Noah's anger. "What is with you not fixing things with her? You should be the one wanting to mend things with her, wanting to talk to her. Why haven't you talked to her since she came back? Were you really in love with her? Did you care about her at all?!"

Noah could feel his face getting redder with every word that came out of Jeremy's mouth. How could Jeremy even question his love for Mady? He loved her more than anything, he needed her but she disappeared and it left him broken. "How can you say that I didn't care about her?! I loved her with everything I had! She left Jer, she left without a single goodbye or reason why. I can't just forget that."

"Without a reason why?!" That girl had every reason in the world to leave this town after what happened that summer! She needs you, Noah. She needs all of us...and I think we need her too. I know I do." He stares back at Noah a moment before turning and pushing through the double doors of the school just as the first bell rings.