Speak Now

Chapter Three

Something cold and very, very wet was pressed to Madeline’s forehead. She scrunched up her nose, feeling that her glasses were no longer on her face. Reaching up to rub her eyes awake, someone grabbed hold of her wrist. Madeline reluctantly opened her eyes to see who her hand’s captor was. She hadn’t even noticed that her head was being elevated until she looked up into Alfred’s big, blue, worry-stricken eyes. Alfred let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that her eyes weren’t dilated. Madeline had hit her head pretty badly – loudly enough for everyone to hear, and stop what they were doing – when Francis had made the big announcement. Julchen was, of course, the first to react, running over to help her friend up off the floor. When she wasn’t responsive Alfred took over with his “hero” act, taking Madeline into his arms and placing her gently on the couch, resting her head on his lap. He directed Julchen to get a cool damp cloth for her head, and had Francis go get a blanket. Alice was checking her pulse for irregularities, and began gently pressing her fingers around Madeline’s crown, inspecting for any obvious breaks, bumps or worse, blood. Alice smiled faintly when she discovered only a small bump from Madeline hitting the coffee table on her way down. Francis covered her in a small comforter, and Julchen pressed a cold – and almost sopping wet – wash cloth to Madeline’s forehead. Alfred tucked her glasses away in his shirt pocket for when she awoke.

Madeline had been out for almost twenty minutes – much to Alfred’s dismay who had gotten bored quite a few times, but refused to move for fear that he’d disturb his sleeping sister. When Madeline finally woke up, she looked like a scared and confused doe looking into the eminent death of oncoming headlights. Alfred quickly began soothing her, trying to keep her calm. She’d always slept with Kumarie since they’d both been really little; the stuffed polar bear kept her from experiencing her reoccurring panic attacks. Alfred was mentally kicking himself for not thinking of having someone run and get it for her while she’d been out. Julchen, however, was mentally slapping herself – and Francis – for not realizing sooner. Julchen had always known Madeline had had a fondness for an old family friend from across the sea, but she hadn’t realized it was Francis. Or rather, she felt more distressed over not guessing Francis’ intentions of today’s meet up. If she had, maybe she’d have been able to convince Maddie to stay back at the hotel, or maybe go do some shopping with Julchen instead. Anything other than this would’ve been perfectly fine.

Antonio and Lovino had been the first to leave, since they had to drive back to Antonio’s home in Spain. After about ten minutes or so Feliciano was getting bored and into trouble so Ludwig took him back home to their flat in Germany. Turned out, everyone but the American twins had stayed with Francis at his estate, so they decided it would be best to just take their leave while they had the chance. Julchen was the only one who stuck around. Alice didn’t bother sticking around the living room. She had decided to go do her shopping and other daily activities the moment her opportunity came. Francis was considerate enough to stick around, but when Madeline awoke he was busy in the kitchen.

Alfred lifted the cool cloth away from her face, trying his best not to let water drip into her eyes. Julchen went into the kitchen to grab a towel for them, but was stopped when she saw Francis slumped back, leaning on the counter. His head was tilted back, like he’d been trying not to cry. A smirk began to form on Julchen’s lips. “Vhat’s wrong, Francy pants? I’ve never seen jou so upset before. Und over a little girl? Please. Aren’t jou manlier zhan zhat?” she sneered.

“Oh be quiet, you ‘eartless bitch! Anyone would feel upset over seeing such a cute petite girl faint over ‘is words!” the Frenchman declared dramatically. Julchen just rolled her eyes. Antonio, Francis and herself had been on/off friends for years. She was used to his overly dramatic outbursts. Francis breathed in deeply. “Is she alright?” he asked after a brief pause.