In Sequence | H.S.

25.

I nod, "Yeah," I sip the last of the wine in my glass. "In my defense, I'd rather be alone than be with people who don't want me there."

"I wanted you there, Maddy." Ella insisted.

"I know you did but I would just feel like a third wheel and I don't want to be intruding on your and Miles' first real holiday together. Trust me, I'll be okay."

Miles grabs the elbows of his sleeves to pull them up and bends to lean over his lap while giving me a look of sympathy. "Madelyn, did your dad not call you?"

Why would he ask me that infront of everyone?

I nod my head and can taste the traces of blood from biting the inside of my lip. My guests' faces were covered in bits of confusion attempting to be masked in concern - probably wondering why Miles had even asked anything about my dad.

"He told me that he wanted to spend the holiday with his new girlfriend and her family because he feels as though he owes her parents his undivided attention," I pressed my fingers into the back of my neck to try and distract myself from the uncomfortable conversation and alleviate tension. "I think he's really serious about this one and wants to impress more than just her."

My dad, after my mom died, went through phases of dating where he wanted to do everything for them. He wanted them to depend on just him and no one else. But the fact that he wants to include her family for a holiday, shows that this might mean something to him.

And who am I to get in the way of that?

"It's really alright and I promise I have no problems being alone."

Soft whispers escape Sarah while she looks at Mitch with a tightlipped smile.

Carlson slaps his hands on his lap and clears his throat, "So, aren't we excited about the little bruins?"

I know for a fact that he is thrilled to be a mentor for the kids. Carlson called me almost as soon as their ice time was over to talk my ear off about how this was one of those moments that he's always dreamed of - teaching little kids how to improve on the ice.

Although Harry would tell him that he needs to get on their level and learn a thing or two.

Miles' eyes lit up as he went on to tell a story about the kid he'll be mentoring. "You should have seen his face when he found out that it was me!"

A few hours pass and as the bottles and our glasses get emptier, the conversation dwindles into light goodbyes and see you laters.

"I'll call you tomorrow while we're on the road," Ella whispers in my ear as she gives me a tight squeeze. "I promise when I'm back then we can do something."

I pat her back and give the ends of her hair that tickles my wrist a slight tug, "El, I will be fine. I'm a big girl."

She pulls away from the hug and puts both hands on either side of my face and gives my forehead a drunken and dramatic peck.

"I love you, my Maddy," Ella tells me as Miles grabs her arm and pushes her towards the door while giving me a smile. "And don't you forget it." She quickly turns around one last time and points at me while following it with a salute.

I kiss my hand and extend it in her direction, "I would never dream of it, Ellie Belly."

Next in line for the exit was Sarah and Mitch. They've been quieter ever since I mentioned that I was spending the holiday alone - which is odd.

Mitch grabs her coat and is holding it up for her to slip her arms in the sleeves while she switches the leftovers she's holding to the opposite hands. Her demeanor isn't one of discomfort but it makes me feel like a shitty friend for her even to question whether or not I wanted her attendance tonight.