cool kids ∙ m z

fifteen; brother

Maddie-

My legs stopped as I got to a familiar household. My body ached, but I pulled myself onto the porch, and rang the doorbell.

The door opened.

"Maddie? Come in dear."

I walked in, my arms folded stiffly across my chest.

"Is he-"

"Yes, I'll go get him. Sit here."

I sat down on their couch, it felt so soft and welcoming, my couch at home felt uptight with responsibility.

"Maddie?"

I looked up and met his green eyes.

"I need help."

Tommy rushed down the stairs.

"What happened?" He asked, handing me a blanket.

I slowly told him about Kendall and her showing up to the dinner.

"So I ran here. I couldn't stay in that stupid house." I finished, my heart still pounding.

"Maddie. I know you hate when I say this, but I think you need to stay." Tommy said, his hands folded in his lap.

I groaned and stood up.

"I can't, don't you see? If my mom and Jack decide to get married, then Kendall will have to live with me. And her stupid, perfect, nosy sisters. God, they are so annoying. My mom just doesn't understand."

"Look, your mom might not understand what's going on in your head, but that's because you don't tell her. And I can't tell her for you, that's your battle to fight."

I sat back down and wiped my eyes.

"What am I going to do?" I said, looking at him.

"You can start by going home."

"I-"

"Maddie. How about we call your mom and tell her your alright? And then we can take you home." He put his hand on mine.

"Look, I'm sure the last person your mom wants to see is mine." I argued.

"My mom won't need to talk to her, I'll drive you. Just let me call your mom, okay? She's technically my mom, too." Tommy replied.

I hesitated, but he finally convinced me that calling her would be a good idea.

So he left the room, and his mom came in.

"Maddie? I made you some tea, I didn't know what kind you liked, so-"

"It's fine. I like any tea, thank you."

Tommy's mom handed me the mug and I sipped it. She took a seat next to me.

"I hope you know that even though your mom and I aren't on a good page, I still care about you and you can always come here whenever." She said.

"Thanks, Ms. Johnson." I stated briefly.

Tommy came back into the room.

"I called your mom, she's hella mad, but I told her that you are okay and I will drive you home."

Ms. Johnson nodded and I set down the mug.

"Is it okay, I mean- If I stayed a little bit longer?" I hesitated.

"Of course."

I pulled my legs into my chin and I played with my hair, now frizzy and dry.

"I can't go home, Tommy." I whispered.