Just Surviving

chapter 2

It has been a week since I have skipped school to go to the beach. I went for the rest of the week due to my Moms threats to send me back to the therapist I was seeing. After my Dad died my though I needed to talk to someone and since she was at work all the time and she thought money could solve everything she paid for a Therapist to see me. Today is Saturday so as usual I am at home reading books and watching Netflix. Today am I reading The Gift Stealers and it reminds me of my life the main character whose name is Veu was taken from her family after her test and is being threatened be a bully who is named Lag. If you think about I was taken from Kentucky and am being bullied by Taylor and the minions.

I am taken out of my thought by Mom screaming my name from down stairs. "Madison, get down here now I want you to meet someone." Who could she want me to meet? I hope it isn't a boy she is trying to set me up with. As I get down stairs I realize that, that was not her intention. At the bottom of the stairs is a man with salt and pepper hair color and tan skin, if he wasn't so old he might be attractive. Next thing I notice is that his arm is around my Moms waist. "This is Dr. Phillip Smith and he works with me." "Is that all he does?" Even though I just mumble it under my breath my Mom snaps her head toward me. "I have been seeing him for a couple weeks now and I thought it was time you should find out." "Well It is very nice to meet you Madison." He extends his hand out towards me but instead of taking it right away I stare at it. Finally after my Mom clears her throat, clearly getting mad, I shake his hand. "Phillip and I are going out for dinner so I will be home around 10." Once I lock the front door I grab my car keys and get into the car. I don't even need to use google maps anymore because I know where I am going. I pull into my usual parking spot and automatically feel the stress slip away when I step into the sand. The beach is crowed with people today since it is the weekend and 90 degrees. Some might turn away at the sight of all the people but I know a spot that has no one near it. While walking I pass my favorite house on the beach, It is three story's and has a giant walk around porch on the top and lower levels. To top it off it has a grey/blue color. After walking a mile or so I sit on my spot and enjoy the quite. This place doesn't have any people due to them not letting cars down this far.

The waves are choppy today due to the hurricane just off shore that is supposed to hit in a couple of days. I hear footsteps come up behind and grab my car keys so that I can jab an eye if needed. When I turn around I see Cole standing behind and resist the urge to gag. "Hey your Madison right?"

"I thought you would know my name since you hang out with Taylor."

"I don't hang out with Taylor, I hang with Harry and she just tangs along. By the way I don't agree with the way she treats you." His last comment throws me off guard and for a second I believe him. "Are you trying to get to know me so that you can report back to her?" He wrinkles his eyebrows and acts like he is about to say something but then stops himself. "What? Did I blow your secret?"

"No, but Claire told me that you had a wall built up but its bigger than I thought."

"Wow you're really commuted if you talked to my friends." He shakes his head and stares out to the ocean like he is thinking about something. It was then that I finally realized that he found my secret spot. "Wait, how did you find this place?" "I live right on the beach and walk by here every day so technically you're in my spot." He flashed me one of his award whining smiles that has probably gotten him thousands of girls. "Oh really? Well then I guess we will have to share." I cannot believe he is making me smile after only two seconds ago I was being rude to him.

"Hey if you want to let your guard down, I am having a party tonight at my house and I would love for you to come."

Due to me being distracted by his beautiful smile I forget to think about Taylor and her minions and say yes to his offer. I have been watching him since freshman year and maybe he isn't like the others and is really nice. "Well I have to go get food and stuff for the party so, I will see you later." As he walks away and goes through his back door I realize what I just agreed to. How could I have been so stupid? I get up and walk back to my truck and as I go kids run around with kites and shovels weaving around me. I get in my truck and immediately call Claire. She forgave after I apologized to her but I don't know how many times she will keep doing it. I really need to work on that. "Hey Madison, what's up?" "I just got invited to Cole's party." "Are you serious? His parties are legendary, are you going?" "I want to but Taylor will be there, will you go with me?" "Off course! I will be at your house in an hour to get ready!" Before I could even say goodbye she hung up the phone and I was left in the silence of my car. I bang my head on the steering wheel a couple of time and start the ignition.

When I get home I still have a while in till Claire comes so I pick up my book and keep reading. Even though it feels like 5 seconds Claire is suddenly at my door 30 minutes later. She has 5 bags with her and her makeup case in her hands. With a smug look on her face she says. "Are you ready to get beautified?"