No Strings Attached (SUSPENDED)

Chapter 15

I'm so deep in my thoughts as I'm walking through the hall that I don't realise there's someone right in front of me until I walk straight into them. I quickly spurt out an apology, looking up to see who I walked into. Madison gives the smallest smile while I stand there staring at her. It feels like an eternity that we're stood staring at one another.

"Can we talk?" Maddie whispers, breaking the silent stare. I look at my feet, preparing to reject her offer. I've already had a terrible day; I don't need this as well.
"Please," she says, her voice breaking. I look up to see her eyes filled with tears and all my resolve fades. I nod and lead the way to a private room for us to talk.

"Maddie, I can't do this right now so please make it quick," I say with a sad sigh. Her tears fall onto her face as she begins to talk.
"Alex, I promise, I didn't want to hurt you. I didn't have no choice but to tell Katerina about that night," she's hiccupping on sobs as she tries to explain herself. Tears fill my own eyes as I interrupt her.
"Tell me how you didn't have a choice," I demand. She shakes her head as her crying intensifies. My tears begin to fall.
"It's not that simple," she cries.
"It is that simple, Maddie. I don't understand how you had no choice but to sell my private life to the devil," I say, taking a breath before continuing, "you have it so easy here, you're popular, you don't get shit from anyone, so tell me how you didn't have a choice?"
"I can't," Maddie replies through a sob. I shake my head.
"I can't forgive you unless I know the truth," I say before leaving the room with a heavy heart, hearing Maddie sob her heart out as I walk away. I wipe the tears from my face and leave the building. Fuck school today.

* * *

I spend most of the day walking to clear my head. It doesn't help. Now I'm just alone with my thoughts and my feet hurt. The sun is beginning to set as I approach a park. The park is essentially just a path around a pond, but it's pretty and full of benches, perfect for my aching feet. I stroll up to a bench and plonk down onto it. The sky is full of pink and red clouds. Red sky at night, a shepherd's delight. The small poem brings a smile to my face. My dad always used to recite that exact same line when I was young, and I've never forgotten it. I miss being a kid. Everything was so much simpler, but I guess life just isn't that easy in the real world.

I sit by myself for near enough an hour, just watching the sky transform from pinks and reds, to a dim orange until finally it's pitch black. Watching a sun set is all fun and games until the sun sets. Then you're in a park, in the dark, alone. Not your best idea, Alex.

I quickly stand up and start making my way to the park's exit. As stubborn as I'd like to be, I also want to be home in my own bed, and the thought of my bed trumps my pride.

The entire park is silent. The eeriness of the place at night brings goose bumps to my skin. I really shouldn't have stayed this late. I begin to pick up my pace, heading for a well-lit area of town. The cold creeps in. I shiver. There's a rustle from nearby. I jump, turning around. Nothing. It's just a rabbit, Alex, don't freak yourself out. I carry on walking, faster again. This park is fucking scary. I hear a twig snap. I'm on the verge of tears as I spin around for a second time to find nothing. Chills creep up my neck and the hairs stand up on my arms. There's someone following me. I'm speed walking at this point. All it takes is another rustle to make me break into a sprint. I run as fast as I can to get out of the park. I swear I hear footsteps behind me. But I'm not looking, that's how bitches in horror movies die.

I run until I'm in well-lit street full of houses. I slow down to catch my breath before looking behind me. Nothing. I laugh under my breath at my stupidity. There was nothing behind me. I just creeped myself out. I start to head home, not before placing my key in between my fingers. You know. Just in case.

Its great fun being a girl.

* * *

Unknown: She ran. I lost her.
HIM: Did she see you?
Unknown: No.
HIM: Good. Keep an eye on her. I'll inform you of the next stage soon. 
Unknown: Yes, sir.

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A/N: Chapter 15 is officially here! I know there's no Oliver in this chapter and I'm sorry but gosh guys, this isn't just your typical romance book 😉

Chapter 16 will likely not be up until approximately two weeks' time; I've got a really busy few days ahead so I won't have much time to write. But in the meantime, please vote and comment what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Xox Zoe. 

p.s. listen to Kim Petras, you won't regret it.