Hidden In Plain Sight

Chapter 1

"I can't do this.." I said looking over the cliff.

"Come on Maddie, I'll jump with you. Trust me?" He asks taking my hand.

I nod,"Okay let's do it."

"On the count of three. One... Two... Three... Jump!"

"That's the last time I spent time with Eric. He past away the next day. A drunk driver skipped the red light,he was going 120km/h when he hit Eric's car. I watched how it happened, I was leaving the local book store when I saw him driving past.

I remember the crashing sound of the two cars and I remember running to the car and trying to unbuckle him but I was shaking too much. I clutched his head to my chest, sobbing. I started praying and hoping someone would come to help him.

Someone pulled me off of him. I remember everyone standing around, recording what was happening in front of them. I sobbed into a police officer's shoulder as I watched them try to bring him back to life. No luck...

Oh God please help him,please bring him back to me...

I loved him so much"

"Maddie? Are you okay? Do you need to take a break?" Dr. Stevens asked me.

I only nod, I still have the image of Eric in my head,the day we jumped off the cliff. He was smiling his goofy smile,tongue sticking out. Holding my hand...

If only he was still here, he would've said my parents are bonkers for sending me to a psychiatrist.

I giggle, remembering what he used to call me, Topsy Turvy, he called me that ever since he saw me fall twice walking a straight line.

"Maddie.." I look up. "Our time is unfortunately up,I'll see you next week." she says holding the door open for me.

I grab my bag and make my way out. I guess being a psychiatrist is difficult,having to deal with clients that won't talk or that won't stop talking. I wonder if she ever gets depressed? I'll make a note to ask her in our next session.

I turn the corner and walk down Avenue Road,the street Eric died in. I tried to avoid it but in our little town you are bound to find your way back to it. I try not to cross the street there in fear of being hit by a car.

I also don't drive that much, if I need to get somewhere fast I ride my bicycle away from streets and motorists. You may think I'm silly but I saw my best friend die in a car and I'm not dying like that.

I reach Monna's,the small café on the only busy road in town.  I'm ten minutes earlier like always. I walk into the back and get dressed into my uniform.

"Hey Maddie,how are you?" Michael asks. He works the shift before mine and thinks I have a crush on him for always being ten minutes earlier but seriously I don't. I just hate being not on time.

"I'm fine.  How's business today?" I ask putting on my name tag.

"It's a little slow but it'll pick up in an hour. I'm so glad I won't be stuck with snotty teenagers asking for sugary drinks and giving me attitude!"

"What can I say? I live for it." I say teasingly

"So have you decided yet?" he asks

"About?"

"Our date,in the future."

"Oh right. I need more time,after my finals I'll be free and then I'll take you up on that offer." I say smiling. He nods

"Well I am outta here. Cheers!" he says blowing me a kiss.

Michael was right. Business is slow today, I make myself a cup of hot cocoa and sit and read a book we have to finish for English Literature, Macbeth by the famous William Shakespeare.