Chapter 5

Maddie

I stared at myself after I was done weaving my long chestnut hair into braids. Using my scrunchie I tag them at the end of the braid.

Will Carlson love this? I found myself asking. Why do I have to do the things he loves? It should be Jamie dumpass.

I corrected my backpack, and I locked up my door before leaving. It's been three days since I missed school, not after what happened at the party. Carlson has been a good friend not friends, tutor who has been helping to cheer me up and give me updates based on things taught in the class. Carlson asked me to have a coffee with him at my favorite coffee shop.

It's so simple since an an A student missing a few classes isn't going to stop me from achieving my academic pursuit.

The moment I stepped out I met Veronica with her squad who blocked my path. I cursed hoping she didn't come to cause trouble again. I'm already tired of her.

“Going somewhere desperate virgin” I rolled my eyes and tried to walk out but she drags me back and have her girls hold me in place side by side.

I tried to get free from them but its difficult having two persons hold me side by side.

Veronica brought out her phone and began to stream me again.

“Let's see what she have beneath those old gumpy cardigan of hers”

She wants to strip me again, they all laughed as my favorite cardigan from my mother was ripped apart. Anger soured inside of me.

I have promised to cherish that gift forever, I didn't care if Veronica thinks it will suit her great grandmother. She has crossed the line and I'm going to show her what it feels like to step on my toes.

Carlson's words rang in my head.

“If you can't verbally abuse her, punch on to the face”

My hand had the mind of its own as my bulge hand flew to her nose. A metallic scent filled the room.

Veronica’s eyes filled with horror of both surprise and shock touch the bridge of her nose as the red dripped down.

“What do you just do?” She asked, shocked enough her squad freed me scared of having a bleeding nose just like Veronica.

I sprinted out running till I got to the cafe, my heart beating so fast. I have never been so brave to kick someone's ass.

Before stepping into the cafe, I took a deep breath calming myself down with a bright smile that spread on my face.

The place wasn't much filled, I spotted Carlson sitting alone at the far end of the cafe. He stood up when he saw me coming.

“Hey, sorry am late”

“It's cool, anything for you”

“Take a seat” he gestures for me to take a seat right in front of him.

“She's in here, I'm sure of that” Veronica's voice, she walked in with not just her squad this time but with a huge looking fat cop.

Veronica had a hankie on her nose exerting pressure on her bleeding nose.

“She's the one” Veronica points accusing finger at me and for some reason I didn't feel scared probably because I'm with Carlson.

He has been my peaceful place.

“Maddie Malone, you have been reported causing violence, you have the right to remain silent or whatever you say will be held against you in the court of law. Put your hands in the air and turn around”

I did exactly as she said, she drags my hands down like a criminal and cuffs it.

“Wait wait, what is going on here”

“Maddie punch me on the face”

“Really, she did that. But she won't if you didn't cross the line. You have been bullying Maddie recently. I'm sure you must have a video of Maddie on your phone”

“Hold on, are you the quarterback?” The cop asked.

“Yes, you have been to one of my games. I have seen you few times”

“Yeah dude, you're really hitting it hard. I can't wait for the next match. I'm a fan”

“I will have a space for you”

“I appreciate man, peace”

The cop turns to Veronica.

“Maddie here was only trying to defend herself from Veronica”

“Young lady, could you please hand over your phone” but Veronica never did.

“I'm sorry for the interruptions. You have a nice day” the cop freed my hands and walked away right out of the door.

Veronica yells.

“This isn't over yet, I will make sure to deal with you”

This time I won't take her threat for granted.

She walked out leaving me behind with Carlson.

“You did it,” Carlson cheered on. I haven't seen a big fan like Carlson.

He drives me to be a better version of myself. He sees me for who I am.

“You just passed Defence 101. Congratulations. I'm sure Veronica won't be crawling on your skin anymore”

We got done from the cafe, Carlson took me shopping. To my favorite online shopping.

Shein

“Why are we here?”

“Changing your wardrobe should be another strategy. You don't go about wearing baggy clothes. You need to show Jamie what you got”

I squeal in excitement.

“Yes”

“I'm sure he will like to see you look hot”

I went on to try more clothes which Carlson had to approve of. It felt like I'm on a date with him.

Carlson steps out to answer a call when my eyes fell on Jamie walking in, he wasn't alone but had someone by his side.

Not Veronica but a different girl.

Can I really meet up with this?