Madelaine

Chapter eight

   It's been exactly two days since the party, and all I've been thinking about is Aiden. I feel like we left off on a bad note and it wasn't settling right with me. I wasn't sure how I felt about him, and I sure as heck wasn't sure about his feelings towards me. One minute he's kind and caring, then he's possessive and rude. I'm getting whiplash from that mans mood swings. Plus, there's the fact that I've only just met him. I shouldn't be having this stranger take up so much of my thoughts.

   I shook the thoughts from my head, I don't need to have him consuming my mind. Today was the day that I would start applying for small colleges around Philadelphia. I was nervous because this was my best shot at being able to start providing a real living for myself. Working at the cafe and the diner won't be enough forever. So I'm deciding to start thinking more about me and what I want. My dream career; to be an artist.

   My stomach growled hungrily, telling me it was about time to get some food. I'd been working on my college applications since 9:30 this morning and it was just past 1:00. I put the applications that could go into the mailbox in envelopes and placed the others in a tray on my desk. I went to my closet and grabbed a white sweater, leggings, and my old combat boots. I threw my clothes on before grabbing a coat and my wallet. The weather here was getting colder and colder everyday as it got closer to winter. I was excited for the snow we'd get, but I wasn't the biggest fan of feeling like my limbs were going to freeze off.

   Leaving my room I walked through the living room and noticed the guy I met not to long ago was here again, I believe I remember his name being Derek. It was a huge surprise, my mom never brought the same guy around twice, he usually left once he got what he wanted from her. He and her were snuggled on the couch watching a hallmark movie, and Lily was sitting on the floor playing with a new toy. Looking around the house, it looked cleaner, no alcohol bottles littered the side tables or the counter. The room looked dusted and vacuumed and smelled like cinnamon instead of the slight stench of vodka. "Hi sweetie," my mom greeted, looking at me standing behind the couch.

"Hi mom," I said with a smile before going around the couch and towards the door. "I'm going out to get lunch and put my applications in the mail."

"No need to buy lunch honey, Derek made a lasagna. It's sitting on the counter, if it's cold you can warm it up in the microwave."

"Oh okay. I think I'll eat when I get back then," I said meeting eyes with Derek as he gave me a small, nervous smile.

"Okay, be safe and be sure to not be long. I want us to have a family dinner when you get back." I nodded my head before leaving the apartment, shocked at her words and change of behavior. I was also confused at her sudden want to participate in our lives more. It was crazy to think she could be sober long enough to care about anything I did. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about Derek, but hopefully tonight I could have an idea about him.

   I honestly wasn't sure that mom would ever be in a serious relationship after Dad. They were so in love. When I was a kid, I dreamt of having a love like theirs. The way they looked at each other when one entered the room. They made each other happy when life was rough. I'm not looking to replace my dad...but I hope Derek can try and be that for her like my dad was. I can see that Derek is at least trying and makes my mom happy. I don't expect a guy to be what changes my mom though, I want her to do it on her own. There's nothing wrong with help and support though. I just want this change in her to be genuine. The last thing Lily and I need is her to relapse so soon. She's finally turning into someone I can call mom again.

I walked the short distance to the mail center, which was right next to the college which had the cafe I worked at. I was really craving a nice warm coffee, so I quickly placed the applications in the mailbox and made my way towards campus. The campus was pretty quiet for it being a Monday, normally it's bustling with students. I guess with the weather getting colder people didn't feel like being outside to study and hang out, it was like 50 degrees outside.