In Sequence | H.S.

25.

There stood Ella, Miles, Carlson, Sarah, and Mitch surrounding my welcome mat.

"Happy friendsgiving, Mads." Carlson exclaims while wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me up in his embrace.

I laugh and give his shoulder a pat, signaling to let me down. "Happy friendsgiving, Carlson." I turn to allow everyone access to my apartment. "Happy friendsgiving everyone, I should say."

Ella is grabbing a pan from the top of the stack that Miles is holding and sets it on the counter before turning to the oven to preheat it. "These have to bake a little longer, is that okay?"

"When have you ever asked me to use my appliances?"

She shrugs and sets the timer, "I was just trying to be a gracious guest."

This time it's Carlson that scoffs. Miles turns to give him a glare and Carlson plays it off as he's clearing his throat before mumbling, "Gracious and Ella have never been in the same sentence."

"Hey, that's my girlfriend you're talking about." Miles says while whipping his hand to playfully hit Carlson's shoulder.

Ella turns around and gives a vicious stare to the two boys who have already changed the conversation to sports.

"Anywho," She gives a clap and spins around to face Sarah and Mitch who have been standing awkwardly at the entrance. "Come in, stay awhile."

Sarah looks over at me and gives me a slight smile, "I didn't know if you'd want us here."

Mitch gives a side eye and clicks his tongue to the roof of his mouth, "Speak for yourself. Madelyn would never turn me away." He walks over and gives my head a pat before standing amongst the other two guys.

"Why wouldn't I want you here?" I point my question back to Sarah.

She nervously bites her lip and shrugs, "The whole thing with Harry-"

"Stop," I cut her off and her eyes got wide as if she believes she's done something wrong. "What happened between me and Harry is just that..between me and Harry. I'd still like to be your friend. If you'll have me."

She rolls her eyes and stands straighter, "Of course I want to still be your friend, Maddy. Harry doesn't dictate who I'm allowed to be around."

The silence that follows her statement becomes thick. Thick in the way that it weighs heavy on my shoulders knowing that I could've potentially ruined relationships Harry has had for way longer than he's known me. The quiet could've been cut with a knife but instead we let it fall slowly to the ground as if the silence was a drape being laid to rest gently on my shoulders. The silence might have been thick but it was also comforting to know that I still had friends after almost everything that's happened.

The oven beeps giving the signal that it's preheated and also simultaneously breaking the silence.

I grab some plates and bowls meanwhile Ella grabs some silverware and we set the table. The six of us make casual conversation for the next couple hours as we make our way to the living room and relax after stuffing ourselves full with the dishes that Ella happily made on her own.

Ella's family has a personal chef that makes all of their holiday meals and so whenever she gets a chance to bake, she takes it.

"So Mads," Sarah speaks up as she sits down with her and Mitch's drinks. "What are your plans for the next couple days?"

My fingers dance around the rim of my wine glass and I only answer with a shrug. "I'm not sure."

The confused group of eyes look at me with slight tilts to their heads. Sympathy fills their stares as Carlson is the only one to speak, "Are you going to be alone?"