walls ✰ m.c.

Chapter 5

The next few days were quite simple. They were filled with a few phone calls from Michael and multiple texts from Julia about the party that was well, tonight. She said something about getting back in town late, so she would have to meet all of us there a little late.

Right now I was sat at a circular table in the middle of an empty sub shop, Lue and Annabel on either side of me. I was lost in my thoughts about tonight, so I sat quiet, stirring my drink with my straw.

"Maddie?" Annabel snapped her fingers in my face. "You alright?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. I just zoned out." I sat up straight, taking my elbows off the table and placing my hands in my lap.

"What are you wearing tonight? It's like dressy, but not too dressy." She flicked her eyes from me to Lue, looking for any idea.

Lue began rambling on about her skirt versus dress dilemma, exchanging a few ideas with Annabel. I kept my attention on the both of them and subtly pulled out my phone. I had a text from Michael asking for my address and a text from my mom saying I needed to come home. I replied instantly to my mom, feeling a bit worried because she usually lets me stay out unless it's something important.

"Hey guys?" They stopped their conversation and shifted towards me, watching me stand up. "My mom just told me to get back home, and it's worrying me a bit. So I'll see you guys tonight, alright?" They pulled me in for a group hug, followed by a few "aw"'s.

"Don't stress, it can't be something too bad." Lue said, gripping my shoulders. I smiled slightly, keeping quiet. "Call us when you find out." I nodded my head and turned back to the same doors I entered in.

-

"A whole month?!" I yelled out.

"But isn't it exciting?!" My mom called back.

I didn't quite know what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting her to tell me that she's going on a business trip for a whole month. Of course I felt excited for her because she was basically getting promoted after it, but a whole month without the person who keeps me together? I just didn't know how exactly how to feel.

My mouth hung open, not knowing what to say.

"I leave tomorrow night. I know it's unexpected and quick, but my airfare is paid for and so is the hotel that they're letting my stay in, and it's a nice one at that." Her voice got quieter, and she took a deep breath. "I know it's a long time, but I think we can manage. It's a really big offer that I had to take and I know you-"

"No mom. I'm excited for you. I really am. It's just-wow. This is going to make things so good for us." I pulled her in for a hug, squeezing her tight. We stayed like this for a while, letting the comfortable silence surround us. I pulled back, my hands on her shoulders. "I'm going to go upstairs and get ready, okay?" I gave her a sincere smile.

"Right, right. Oh, and am I still meeting that Michael boy?" She calls at me as I'm going up the stairs. I stopped in my tracks, completely forgetting to tell him.

"Uh, yeah." I turned around slowly and furrowed my eyebrows even though my mother couldn't see me. "He should be here in about 2 hours." I jogged back up the steps and into my bathroom.

I picked up my phone, immediately calling Michael. I studied my reflection as the rings went on, fixing my messy hair I was about to re-curl.

"Hey." His voice was calm and deep, as if he'd just woken up.

"Hey, sorry for the short notice, but my mom says she wants to meet you tonight. So for the sake of us both, be nice okay?" I said as my words jumbled together.