What happened in the next hour wouldn’t be the last time. Death never looked more appealing to me than it does now. Last night I felt on top of the world with Jude and now I rather be buried six feet deep. As much as I hate him for leaving me and never letting me tell him I’m sorry, I’m forever grateful that I will have that one last good memory of us at the tree to get me through this.
Chapter Twenty One
Madison
It’s been two weeks since the incident in the maintenance closet and I’ve been doing everything in my power to stay invisible. Surprisingly Chanel has been ignoring me and even Jude too. Even the douchebags in this school stopped their whistling and cat calls, well most did. I should be happy, but I had a gut feeling this was the calm before the storm.
“Madison Bloom! You better get your ass out of bed right now!” Stella comes barging in my room, rips my blankets off, and pours cold water all over me. All I have to say is she is lucky that she’s my best friend.
“It’s Friday night and for the last two weeks you’ve been in bed by eight and living in those ratty pajamas. You’re lucky you’ve been obsessed with those pajamas since you were a kid or they would be in the fire pit. Now you my friend are going to get in the shower and we are going out.”
“Can’t we..” She slapped a hand over my mouth before I could finish what I wanted to say and shoved me towards the bathroom.
“Don’t even think about finishing that sentence! We are the only two sophomores that haven’t been to a party and we are not going to be at the bottom of the social pool. If you don’t come, I’m calling Knox to come hang out with you. I heard he is really loving those heart to hearts you two have been having.” I never took Stella’s threats lightly, so I headed right into the bathroom to get ready. Since telling Knox we would only be friends, he’s been coming over a lot to talk about everything. He really thinks us having all these deep chats and showing me his sensitive side and not a college douchebag is going to make me run in to his arms. All I feel is that I’m a free therapist ready to jump out the closest open window. That is how much he’s been driving me nuts. Whoever gave him this advice to play someone else is a complete idiot.
I finished quick in the shower and threw some curling product in my hair to manage the waves. If I had to go out tonight I was sticking to my black skinny jeans, my favorite band shirt, and my Vans. “What party are we heading to?”
“This guy named Brad from my history class invited us to his frat house. They’re throwing their first party of the year, so it should be good.”
“Ahh Stella, he invited you and now I’m the third wheel. That’s why your making me go, so you don’t have to hang out with him alone.” I can hear Netflix calling my name.
“Stop, no I didn’t! It’s a huge party and no one goes to a frat party alone. Second, I’m here to hang out with you and if I bump into him, I bump into him. No big deal.” I crossed my arms and just gave her the look she isn’t bullshitting anyone.
“Ok part of the reason I don’t want to go alone and meet him by myself is because I’m nervous. The other part though, really wants to go out with you and enjoy our college years together. We have two more years and I want you to take a break from being stuck in your head all day and just have fun, ok? Plus all the guys should be at work tonight, so no Jude to piss you off or Knox’s therapy sessions.” That was a plus, a night with no Jude and free booze. I headed to my closet, rethinking my choice of outfit.
“Thank god you’re changing. No offense, but it looked like you rolled right out of bed. I got the perfect outfit for you, wait here.” Stella was back in a flash holding up a red mini dress, my black leather jacket, and a pair of her black studded booties.
“Damn Stella, those boots! If I had money, I’d hire you as my stylist. Where did you get them?”
“I found them at this cute little boutique when I was out shopping last weekend. Remember, you bailed on me. Since I am the best of all best friends, I bought them for you to cheer you up.” I ran over and gave her a hug. I’ve been a miserable bitch and I don’t deserve how kind she’s always been to me.
“Oh by the way, next time you’re coming with me. No butts about it!” I hated shopping, but I nodded my head agreeing I will go. I needed to show I can be a good best friend too since lately I haven’t been the greatest.
We headed out and started walking to the party. The frat house was only a ten minute walk from our house and when we arrived, cars where lined up and down the block. By the amount of beer cans and red solo cups littering the yard and the awesome music blasting from their house, I could tell this was going to be one of the better parties of the year. We headed inside and I went straight to the kitchen looking for the hard stuff. No way beer was going to do it for me tonight. I needed a night to forget everything and just have fun.
After a few shots of Tequila, the memories faded to nothing and I wanted to keep taking shots to
