Before Everything

Chapter 4

Maddie's Pov

After school, I went straight to the library to study for upcoming exams. I prefer studying in the library because I don't like being home alone since my parents are working all the time and Ty is not there. Silence is good but sometimes it distracts me too much and I need to get some people around me.

I took my favorite spot in the library, a peaceful corner with a table, and started doing some math exercises.

Soon I heard the chair next to me being pulled out. I glanced up and saw that it was Mike. I just ignored him and continued doing my exercises.

"Hello stranger, fancy seeing you here", he said while taking a seat on the chair.
"What do you want, Mike?" I asked him without lifting my gaze from my book.
"I just came to my favorite spot in the library to get some studying done," he said while giving me a crooked smile and flashing his pearly white teeth.
"So, do you mind if I take a seat?"

He asked the question with a fling on his eyes even though he had already sat down.

"Yeah, whatever go ahead. I don't care."
"I thought you weren't a nerd and here you are, in the library. Studying," he said in a teasing tone.
"Just shut up, would you," I said getting a little frustrated with the math problem.

Thank God he didn't say anything to that. He took out his literature book and started writing an essay. I got really bothered because I noticed that he made a grammar mistake.

"Umm... you made a grammar mistake there," I pointed his paper.
"Oh, thanks I didn't even notice," he gave me a heartwarming smile which made my heart stop beating for a second. I gave a small smile in return.

"By the way, you've been trying to solve that problem for a while now. Want any help?" he asked me.
"That would be nice, thanks!" I answered giving a grateful smile.

He helped me with math and then I helped him with his essay. And he was really focusing and concentrating. It surprised me because I didn't know that he's good at school. I always knew everyone thought him as the perfect student and I never gave it a deeper thought. And when you think of a hot, I mean, decent looking basketball player, you don't necessarily think of a nerd.

"You're actually really good at math," I commented.
"Thanks, I guess?" he said awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I mean it. What do you want to do after high school since you're graduating this year?" I asked him out of curiosity.
"I'll go to Harvard and study law and then start working in my dad's law firm. And with time, I'll take over the firm", he said in a monotone voice.
"But that's not something you want and I asked what you want", I replied and realized I said that maybe a bit too friendly.
"What! How'd you know?" he asked with a surprised face.

I was happy he didn't mind my straight words.
"Well, first of all, you sounded so bored. And your whole expression says already that you don't really want that. And that it's just something your parents want. So, what do you really want?"
"Yeah, you're right. But I feel like it's more my father who wants me to become a lawyer. I think mom doesn't kind of wants me to be a doctor. But this is just so confusing, I don't really want that but I don't really have a choice. However, if I had a choice I'd probably study medicine and become a doctor," he sounded so sad and sorrow filled his voice.
"And why don't you have a choice? Everyone has a choice. You should just go tell your father what you really want and start chasing your dreams," I told him sincerely.
"You know, nobody has ever encouraged me like you just did."
"Really? Well, you're welcome," I started looking for my phone to see the time. I couldn't find it anywhere.

"Hey, Mike, have you seen my phone?" I asked while going through my bag.
"Yeah, is this your phone?" he had the same playful look and handed me my phone.
"Thanks!" I checked the time and saw that it was already late and I should hurry if I wanted to make it in time for my practice.
"Oh, crap... I have to go now," I started picking up my stuff quickly.
"Why do you have to go?" he asked while helping me pack my bag.
"Ummm... I have stuff to do. Thanks for the help by the way," I told him while turning away from him.
"Yeah, no problem. I'll see you around," he sounded a little distant but I didn't have any time to turn around.

While I walked towards Georgie, I was putting my hair up for a neat bun. When I got into my car, I realized that I only had 30 minutes to get to the studio. And with New York's traffic, I couldn't have any chance. I started driving and hoped that I'd make it in time.

While driving, my mind drifted to Mike. I actually really enjoyed his company. We spent such a long time talking to each other and not once did I feel awkward. And he even told me quite personal things. I really hope that we can get to know each other and maybe even be friends. But at the same time, I had one question in my mind. "Why would he want to be friends with a nobody like me?" Maybe he's just playing games with me. He is one of the basketball guys who are known for their player skills. But somehow, he doesn't seem like that. But then... Yeah, that's probably it. I should stay away from him from now on.

And before I even knew it, I arrived at the studio and I even had 5 minutes to change. I ran inside and quickly greeted Olga while running to my dressing room. I was done exactly on time.
"Now now Madeline... why are you just on time? Usually, you're always at least 10 minutes early," Olga asked me with a teasing look.
Before I even got the chance to say anything she said loudly, "Has our dear Madeline found a boyfriend!?"

I got so embarrassed and I had to correct her.

"No, I just lost track of time, Madam."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Start stretching and when you're done, put your pointe shoes on. We'll begin going through your new choreography. You'll perform it next week at the opera house here so you don't even have to travel."
"Okay, that's nice."
"And remember that you're traveling to Moscow in two weeks. Have you organized everything with your teachers at school?"
"Yes, I talked it through with the principal yesterday."
"Good. Now, start stretching," she said and clapped her hands a couple of times.

I started stretching immediately and warming up my body. Then I put on my pointe shoes. I love putting them on because it always reminds me of the very first time when I put them on.

"Madeline, are you ready? Let's see it from the beginning."

I was having a hard time walking to my car after practice. My legs were killing me. And I swear I couldn't feel my booty. The new choreography has so many jumps. When I arrived home, I went straight to the kitchen. I was dying from starvation since I forgot to eat before practice because of a certain one... well anyway... When I entered the kitchen, I saw my mom pulling out a freshly warmed lasagna from the microwave.

"Oh, honey you're home just in time. I warmed this plate for you know you'd be hungry after practice. So, how was your practice?"
"As usual. We started doing a new choreo and my legs are dying. Also, I have a performance in two weeks. Can you make it with dad?"
"Of course. We'll be there. I also wanted to ask would you like to model for my newest holiday collection?"
"Sure, that would be fun!"
"Okay, good to know. There's still some time for the photoshoots. And we do need a second model... maybe a little girl... Anyway," she snapped out from her thoughts, "I'll go run a bath for you to help relax your muscles."
"Okay, thanks, mom. You're the best!"

I finished devouring the amazing lasagna and went upstairs to take that bath. After the bath, I felt so relaxed and sleepy so I went straight to bed. I lied on my back and started thinking about Mike again. I couldn't stop thinking about that heartwarming smile he gave me when we were studying. I fell asleep with the thought of Mike and his perfect Pepsodent smile.

In the middle of the night, I woke up when I heard my phone beeping. I looked at my alarm clock to see the time. It was only 4 a.m. and I thought that the message must be important. I saw that it was from Nia.

Nia: YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT RUMOUR I JUST HEARD!!!!

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Authors' note

The question of the day:
- What's your favorite pizza topping?

What should Mike do with his future?

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~ Jurinasa