For The Better

Maddison

Skie walked down the hall, still blushing from returning Ms. Wheaton's money. The woman had been incredibly kind, which was probably why Skie was so flustered. What was wrong with these people?

"Matthews."

Skie turned around and groaned.

"Maddison, this isn't really a good time."

"Is it ever a good time with you? Hear me out."

Skie stopped walking and looked at Madi with some curiosity. "What do you want?"

"I heard that someone stole $150. It was you, wasn't it."

Skie rolled her eyes. "I plead the fifth. Are you going to go tell everyone now?"

"No."

"No?"

Madi sighed. "As much as that would be fun, it's not worth my time. Are you, uh, leaving the school?"

Skie shook her head. "No, not permanently."

"Good."

There was an awkward silence.

Skie felt a question pop into her head, and decided to ask. "Look, Madi. I know you remember what happened between us."

Maddison nodded. "You stole my doll, and it broke in your bag. You lied about it and got expelled."

Skie slightly cringed at the memory. "Yeah. My question is, why was that doll so important to you? It wasn't expensive, was it?"

Madi looked surprised, but slowly shook her head. "No, it wasn't. And quite frankly, it was pretty ugly. But...it was the last gift my grandmama gave me before she died. My mom...she had problems. Grandmama raised me for most of my life. She had only died a few months before that incident. That's why I was so upset."

Skie felt awful. "Maddison, I'm so sorry. I didn't know-"

"I know. And I've realized some things. I don't need a doll to remember my grandmama. And...she wouldn't want me hanging onto something for so long anyway. I'll admit it, Hazel was right."

Skie furrowed her brows. "What are you saying?"

Maddison smirked and swung her backpack off. Kneeling on the floor, she opened a front pocket and pulled out a small box. She handed it to Skie.

"Open it."

Skie carefully opened the box and gasped. Inside was a little doll she had not seen for 4 years. Small cracks were present on its face and limbs.

"I'm saying I forgive you, Matthews."

"Maddison?"

"Yeah?"

"Call me Skie."

TBC...

AN: I know some people might be upset that there isn't a villain anymore but come on, I couldn't resist the fluff.