Chapter 003

Madison's POV

I paused for a moment, trying to recall if I could remember his name before it occurred to me that I didn't ask, and he didn’t introduce himself.

"Hello, Maddy. I'm waiting....who's this stranger that knocked up this uptight virgin?" She chuckled.

"I have no idea. I didn't even ask his name." I sighed with exhaustion.

"And I'm not uptight."

I didn't even know if I should regret what I did or if I should be happy.

"Why do I feel like you are enjoying this?" I frowned.

"Of course I am. Finally, you can date a boy, and it's not going to get weird when he finds out that you have a boyfriend." She explained.

My mind suddenly flashed to my many attempts at having a boyfriend, but it all backfired when they realized I was a virgin.

"I guess you're right., I replied with a nod.

"So, how was your first time?"

"Well..."

My voice trailed off as I played with a strand of my hair, biting the side of my lip as memories of last night flooded my mind.

"You little slut, you must be having flashbacks." She laughed.

"I'm guessing it was really good," she added.

"Honestly, it was amazing. I am never dating teenage boys ever again." I giggled.

"I'm starting to get curious about this stranger. From the looks of it, I think you're interested in him."

"Of course not. It was just a one-time thing, and the possibility of us running into each other is slim because I don't even think he lives here," I replied.

The thought of us not meeting again made me feel bad for a moment, but I quickly had to snap myself out of those thoughts.

"You never know what happens, but just look on the bright side and cheer up. I'm here for you always."

Her words were so calming, and I exhaled, freeing myself from all the pent-up emotions I kept in my chest.

Bethany had a way of always making me feel better whenever I was down. These are some of the reasons why I love my best friend so much.

"Thanks, Beth. I've got to start packing before Mom kills me."

"Sure, I can't wait to see you again." She squeaked with excitement.

I ended the call and tossed my phone on my bed.

My eyes suddenly flashed over to my wardrobe, and I sighed.

The next day, we packed our stuff into the trunk, and my mom fired up the engine.

A part of me was still mad that she didn't care about what happened to Dad, plus this sudden move to another city.

I turned my face to the window, trying to look at anything that wasn't her because I was ripped off.

I could see her stealing glances at me from time to time, but I ignored her.

I heard her sigh in frustration, and I scoffed; served her right.

"Honey, how long will you stay mad at me?" She asked.

I could tell she was struggling, but I didn't want to pay attention to it, or else I'd get soft.

"As long as possible," I retorted.

"Are you mad at me because of what happened with your father?"

My response was silence, and it missed her.

If she could, she would have thrown me outside.

"I know you harbor this stupid notion that your father loved you, but trust me, he didn't." She said firmly.

I felt the anger rising inside me because I knew, even though I tried to tell myself otherwise, it was true.

"Don't talk about him like that," I said, in tears.

"Maddy, please don't waste your tears on a man that didn't value you or us."

She reached out to ruffle my hair a little bit.

"I'm here, so don't think about him, or else I'll get jealous." She giggled.

I had a smile on my face, but I tried to hide it.

"Stop being such a hard ass." She pouted.

She tickled me, and I burst into laughter.

"Mom, stop," I chuckled.

"Eyes on the road before you kill us both. I have no intention of joining my dad yet."

****"

One Month Later

It's been a while since we settled in New York, and it has been amazing.

I got to go to the same school as my best friend; what more could I ask for?

I stared down at the pile of books scattered on my bed.

If my mom saw the books, she was going to get pissed off because she warned me several times to use the table she made especially for me.

"Ding dong."

I froze as my heart stopped when I heard the doorbell ring.

I quickly rushed over to arrange the books on my table.

It was already past noon, but I was still in my pajamas.

"Mom is going to kill me," I mumbled in confusion.

I heard the doorbell ring again, and I rushed downstairs.

I knew she was going to scold me for not bathing and keeping her waiting at the door.

"I'm coming," I yelled, giving her assurance that I was almost at the door.

I swung the door open, and I stumbled back in shock.

Was this a dream, I thought?

This couldn't be happening.

I flickered my lashes furiously and realized I wasn't dreaming.

The person in front of me was the man from the bar; the one I spent that night with.

A man I tried to take off my mind, but it didn't work. I just found myself craving him every single day, which was weird because we didn't even know each other.

Although Bethany assured me the feelings were going to fade away, unfortunately, they didn’t.

Maybe the reason was because I didn't want them to leave.

I wanted him.

He waved a hand over my face with concern.

"Are you okay? You're having a nosebleed." He said.

"Fuck." I cursed under my breath when I felt the blood running down my nose.

"Maddy, why are you still in your pajamas?" My mom yelled, coming up behind him.

"Are you okay?" She asked, her tone softened when she saw my nose.

"Here," he said, giving me his handkerchief.

"Thank you." I hurriedly used it to dab at my nose.

"Mom, who’s he? And why is he here?"

I asked quickly.

This was all so shocking, and I needed answers.

I raised a brow when I saw her hook her arm with his.

"This is my fiancé, Derek Salvador.”