Troubling Love

Troublemaker

Sarah looked in the mirror, glancing at her reflection. For the first time she had a real smile plastered on her face. It had been months since she felt that feeling of joy and excitement building up in her small body. She fiddled with the small necklace that sat on her chest, seeing the small sparkle in her eye made her stomach erupt into butterflies. Although she couldn't quite ignore the small bundle of doubt that hid in the pit of her stomach. She was afraid that her mother would leave again and break the promise she fought to keep. Though, Sarah wouldn't really be surprised if that promise was broken, she would however be hurt. She'd probably shame herself for believing what Stefani had said. Sarah sighed as she took one more look at herself in the mirror, she then grabbed her backpack and headed downstairs waiting to be driven to school.

Stefani had insisted she drive her girls to school. Elle was reluctant at first and let her know that she didn't have too, but Sarah favored the idea. Stefani insisted that she do so, she was trying to figure out everything a normal parent should do for their children and this was one of them. Yes, she obviously was a mother to her children but she wanted to give the girls a normal life while she had the chance. "Have a good day babies." Stefani smiled as she looked over at Elle who sat next to her and Sarah who sat in the back, "Bye mom." The sisters both said in unison before hopping out of the car and walking towards the school. Elle walked ahead of Sarah, she was in a rush to find her friends. Sarah on the other hand walked fairly slow, she was popular but she didn't have a huge friend group, not to mention that she hadn't been at school in two days. That was a habit of Sarah's, she skipped school but still managed to keep her grades up. The teachers didn't say much to her, knowing Sarah's situation, they felt sorry for both Sarah and Elle. Elle liked going to school, it was her only escape from the sad reality she faced at home. Now that Stefani was home, maybe that'd change. Maybe Elle wouldn't feel like school was her only escape.

The brunette approached her locker, the hall was filled with echos of conversations and it was quite crowded as people roamed around the long halls, stalling before class started. As Sarah placed her notebooks in her locker she felt someone tap her shoulder, causing her to spin around and make eye contact with the person. "Hey." Said a cheerful voice. A familiar, cheerful voice. Sarah smiled, "Hey Addie." The girl responded reflecting the same tone of voice. Addison had been Sarah's best friends for years. The two met when they were in kindergarten and were practically inseparable ever since. Stefani had always seen Addison as her 3rd daughter especially because Addison doesn't really have a family of her own. Her father was only home twice a year and her mother came to see the girl once every 4 months. Although, Addison and Sarah had similar situations, Stefani always saw her daughters any moment she could. Addisons parents never cared too, the last person on their mind was the little girl that sat at home all the time, practically in tears, as she begged herself to stay strong in the silence and loneliness of her home. Stefani had told Addison that she had no problem being her mother figure, Addison even started calling Stefani 'mom' as well. Which made Stefani and Sarah happy, they wanted Addison to feel welcome and comfortable.

"The gang isn't here yet but I saw you and I couldn't help but rush over here." Addison giggled. Sarah hugged Addie, "Aw, I missed you too." She playfully cooed. Addison jokingly scoffed, "Well I didn't miss you that much." Sarah rolled her eyes, "You sure about that sissy?" Sarah questioned with doubt in her voice. Addison chuckled at her question, "Not really. How's mom?" Addison let go of Sarah so that she was able to look at her. "She came home this morning, she said she's going to do a ton of work here and won't be traveling for a while!" Sarah practically squealed. Addisons eyes lit up, "Aww, I missed her!" She said. Sarah smiled, "Come home with me today! She asked about you in the car, she said to let you know that she loves you, and that she misses you very much." Sarah stated as she briefly recalled the conversation Stefani had with her daughters in the car. Addison nodded, "I don't think I have much of a choice do I?" She asked. Sarah laughed, "Nope. You know that she'll drag you home with her even if you didn't want too." Sarah reassured. Before the two got into a deeper conversation the rest of Sarah's friend group came along. "Hey girls!" Madison greeted as she hugged both Sarah and Addison. Behind her was Arabella, Jack, and Josh. Everyone had sweet smiles plastered on their faces, they were all quite thrilled to see Sarah back at school. "Hey Mads, Hey Bella." Sarah greeted. Arabella gave Sarah a brief hug before letting Jack and Josh have their turns. Sarah had known Bella for 7 years, Jack for 6, Josh for 5, and Mads for 4. Josh and Sarah had a relationship that was almost like Elle and Lee's from The Kissing Booth. Josh would do anything to protect Sarah, he was practically her brother. They didn't have an interest in being in a relationship but they did love each other unconditionally. Jack on the other hand was just as protective of Sarah but he had a crush on Sarah for the longest time, not that he didn't anymore. He loved Sarah a lot, he was just nervous to ask her to be his girlfriend, he didn't want to ruin their perfect friendship. Arabella, who everyone calls Bella, was kind to everyone. Bella and Sarah had met in 3rd grade and remained friends throughout Elementary, Middle, and now High school. Maddison, who is referred to as Mads, had been friends with the wrong group of people before she met Sarah. She was quite a troublemaker but when she met Sarah she changed for the better. Sarah saw the good in Mads, the soft side of her that Madison fought to hide. Eventually, Madison opened up to Sarah about wanting to be the kind girl she grew up being. She stopped her smoking addiction and was eventually introduced to Sarah's close friend group. Everyone immediately loved her and accepted her for who she was, they all changed her into the person she was meant to be. "How are you Sarah?" Asked Bella. Sarah looked over at her, "Good. My moms back so that's fun." Sarah told the redhead. Mads squealed, "Yay!! She's back! Mother Monster is in NYC baby!" Mads exclaimed earning a giggle from her friends. "Yes she is Mads, yes she is. You guys should coke over for dinner soon. She misses you guys a whole bunch." Said Sarah. The group agreed, letting her know that they'd be there whenever they could. They had all deeply missed their Mother Monster.