The Monster In My Head

Chapter 8 (Edited)

The rest of the weekend had gone by in a blissful blur for Brian. And when Monday morning came, Brian went about the house getting ready for school, whistling all the while. He drove to school and went through his classes, his smile never leaving his face.

That is, until he saw Max chatting with Madison. They were walking through the halls, stuck to each other's side the whole day. Not only that, but Brian hadn't missed the multiple times Max had found an excuse to put his arm around her or touch her in some way.

As the end of the school day came closer, Brian couldn't help following Max out of the school and into the parking lot. He knew fully he had no right to be jealous, but he couldn't help the gnawing feeling.

"Are you freaking following me?!" 

Brian jumped, realizing that while he had been caught up in his thoughts, Max had noticed he was being followed.

"I...uh...yeah. Yeah, I was. Sorry, but I needed to talk to you about something," he explained. 

Max's eyes widened as he reached out his arms, palms up. "Then let's hear it!" 

Brian hesitated, no longer sure this was a good idea. 

Max sighed impatiently, glancing behind him, where his car presumably was parked. "C'mon, man. I don't have all day." 

Brian straightened, his shoulders squaring, his resolve returned. "I've noticed you and Madison hang out. A lot." 

Max rolled his eyes, letting out a brief, empty laugh. "You and May love to give guys a hard time when it comes to her, don't you?" 

Brian folded his arms across his chest. "May's just protecting her sister. But my concerns are a little more selfish," he admitted. 

Max's reaction looked bored. "Oh, yeah. Madison told me you have a thing for her. But I also seem to remember her asking you to keep your distance for a while." He rose one brow, his expression warning him. 

Brian laughed despite himself. "Yeah, there is that. But I'm working on her. But as I do, I want to know that you're not going to be an added obstacle." 

For a while, Max showed no reaction, but something seemed to shift, and an unsettling grin came to his face. He stepped closer, eyeing Brian. "And what if I am an added obstacle? Hm? What if I don't want to just step out of your way?" 

Brian's eye twitched. Was this guy for real? He clenched his jaw as he decided on a response. "Don't you have enough girls flocking you right now? Why you gotta lead Maddie on too?" Brian watched as Max's countenance hardened, his eyes darkening.

"All due respect, you have no right to ask me to back off. You don't even know that I'm into her, and frankly, whether or not I am is none of your business. So, thanks for asking so politely, it was nice talking to you, good luck with Maddie and ciao."

With that, Max turned, leaving Brian's presence. Brian swallowed, muttering to himself:

"That went well..."

Author's Note

Sorry that was so short, but the next chapter is pretty long so...