Before Everything

Chapter 11

Mike's Pov

When I woke up, I instantly started to think about Maddie. I love her eyes. And her smile. And her hair. And her character. Actually, I love her overall very much. Or I won't say that I love her. That's too strong of an expression. Let's say that I fancy her very much. Okay, that sounds terrible. I'll just say that I like her. Gosh, life is difficult sometimes.

I was ready quite quickly and when I arrived at school, I started to look for Maddie. I just wanted to see her face and give her an awkward smile. Although I couldn't see her anywhere.

I was kind of confused because she's usually always at her locker at this time. I had to run for my class which was on the other side of the school. I actually never hang out on this side of the school. I have all my classes on the other side. I'm here only when I want to see Maddie or when I have gym glass or basketball practices.

My thoughts were constantly on Maddie. I couldn't focus on anything else but her. Had something happened to her? Was she in the hospital? Was she in a car accident? Should I visit her? Ugh, what's wrong with me! Calm down, Mike! That was all I could think about.

Then I saw Nia. I ran to her but when I realized that it would look too desperate, I changed my run to a cool walk. But now when I think about it, I'm pretty sure it didn't look that cool.

Nia looked at me as she closed her locker. I was trying to play it cool.

"Hi. Do you know where Maddie is?"
"Yeah. I know where she is. Why?"

What should I say so that it won't sound too obvious... Again, that was all I was thinking about. But then I decided to throw the Mr. Field card. I always use it.

"Well, I just needed her opinion on this one school project that Mr. Field gave to me."

Nia looked kind of suspicious but she softened and believed me. Score for me.

"Maddie is in Russia. In Moscow."
"What is she doing in Europe?"
"You can ask her yourself."

I knew that she had a performance there, but I also knew that she doesn't want anyone to know about her being a super famous ballerina, so I just went with it.

"Okay well, can I have her number? I really need her opinion on the assignment."
"Yeah sure. I'll send it to you on Snapchat. What's your Snapchat?"

Oh, my. I am so embarrassed about my Snapchat name. I made my Snapchat when I was way too young to understand that I would someday regret my pre-teen brains choices, and because you can't change your username, I've just lived with it. But at that time, I felt so embarrassed.

"Mmm..." I coughed. "ilovemymommy12," I said quickly and silenced my voice.

Nia looked at me and tried to hold the laughter.
"Excuse me... I didn't quite hear you."

Oh, I so knew that she heard me. But I was dumb and repeated the username again.

"ilovemymommy12"
"OH. MY. GOD!!!! Were you like 8 when you made your Snapchat!?" She cry-laughed.
"I was 10. So don't judge me." I said with a laugh.
"You do know that you can change your username without making a new user?"
"No!! Please tell me how to do it!"

I was super happy that I got my username changed and I was even happier that I got Maddie's phone number. Now I could text her anytime I want. Okay, that sounded creepy but you know what I mean. Unless you are a creep and a stalker. Then you misunderstood me.

As I was walking towards my car at the end of the day, a boy who looked like a tourist was wondering in the parking lot. He turned out to be a new exchange student. His name is Louis Thompson and he's from Doncaster. I promised to guide him in our school.