“A surprise, but I got to head out to go shopping. I’ll see you later tonight?”
“Yeah I’ll be home later. I’m going out for pizza with Brad, I’ll bring you home leftovers.”
“You’re the best!” I kissed her on the cheek and jogged down to my car. I may not have a mother, but with Delilah and Stella always taking care of me, I think my mama would be happy that they are in my life.
I headed downtown to a little retro thrift store I’ve seen while out and about. I loved Declan’s idea for our costumes for the party. He was going as Jason and I’m going as a dead camp counselor. I loved the idea since, “Friday the 13th”, is one of my all time favorite Halloween movies and I guess Declan’s too. Maybe because I was thinking of horror movies, but I noticed a black car driving slowly behind me. By the time I got to the thrift store, it sped away and I chalked it up to me just being paranoid.
I was able to find retro booty shorts and tube socks. Luckily, I had a Camp Crystal Lake t-shirt back home. I was at the checkout ready to buy my things when suddenly I felt someone staring at me. I looked back and I briefly saw a woman turn abruptly from the window outside. It honestly looked like Mrs. Montgomery, but she wouldn’t be ten feet within a thrift store if it was the last clothing store in the world. I really needed to stop watching horror movies.
“Hello?” My phone rang showing Doc’s name on the screen.
“Hello Madison. How are you today?”
“I’m doing good. How’s the boring office life?” I loved to bust his balls and I think he looked forward to it too.
“How can it be boring when you’re my patient. How’s school?”
“School is school, but I’m passing all my classes.”
“That’s good to hear. How’s Declan?” For the love of God.
“What is with you and everyone asking about Declan and me? Is it somewhere written down that a man and a woman can’t just be friends? We will only be friends and that is it.”
“No it is not written down and I am strong believer that you can be friends with the opposite sex. I was asking how Declan is because last session you told me you made a new friend who is dealing with losing their father.” Shit, my bad.
“Oh… I’m sorry. Everyone’s just been trying to push us together. Well everyone besides Knox and Jude. Declan is doing ok. Sometimes he likes to talk about his dad and other days he acts like nothing has happened.”
“The best thing you can do is be an ear when he needs you to listen and a shoulder to cry on if needed too. I have to ask though, why not give Declan a chance? It seems like you two hit it off and have a lot of things in common.”
“He’s attractive, but you know deep down to your bones when you find your person that’s it. I knew that when I was ten years old and Jude knocked the spaghetti sauce all over this bitch named Bethany. He tried telling me they did it to all of the new students as a welcoming hazing, but I knew it was a lie. I always pretended I didn’t have a clue when he would stick up for me against the bullies.”
“Wow you two have a long history together. Do you really think though you can love like that at such a young age?”
“Love doesn’t have an age. Was it bad timing because we were so young? Yes, but you can’t control when you meet your soulmate. All you can do is realize it might not be the best timing, but if it’s meant to be, the right time will come.” I never thought I would be one of those girls who believe in romance like Stella.
“Those are some wise words. I hate to bring it up, but what happens if Jude doesn’t share those feelings back? I know I am your therapist, so excuse the informality, but it really grinds my gears what he has been doing to you.” Me too Doc. Me too.
“He honestly probably doesn’t feel the same and I’m ok with it. I know one day I need to move on, but I can’t give my heart away when he hasn’t given it back yet. Trust me I would love to love someone like Declan, but the last thing I am going to do is jump in and not have both feet in the water. Look what happened with Knox.”
“Madison I am so proud of you. You seem like you are coming a long way since you moved down there. I’m happy you’re staying real about the situation and I hope for you it works out. Just do me a favor and if you do meet someone that has the potential to be your person, don’t rule them out quick.” Dr. Fully was probably one of the realist therapists I’ve had.
“Doc, I already have. I have to get ready for the party tonight, talk to you on Monday?”
“Very well, talk to you soon.” Doc said with a hint of amusement.
I have no idea if Jude feels any certain way about me like I do about him. Some may even say I am crazy for even having feelings for someone who has been so awful to me. There are times where I wish I can just shut my feelings off for him and there are times I tried, but it’s like telling your heart to stop beating.
Chapter Twenty Five
Madison
I was never one who would get overly excited about parties, but when it came to Halloween, I was more excited than a kid on Christmas morning. I love that it was the one day I could pretend to be someone else for the night. It was always a well needed break even
