My eyes widen.
“You told him?!” I ask, shocked.
“I-I-” It’s the first time I look at him since my little depressing thoughts, and he looks embarrassed, almost red. This could be so funny if I weren’t involved.
“You know, Maddie, as a mom, I want to scold you so bad.” Aunt Lori starts, but then the tips of her mouth start to go up. “But as your aunt and former teenager,respect.” She hits her chest, smirking.
“MOM!”
“LORI!” My father and my cousins shout at the same time.
Linda is with her arms crossed, a little bit mad, and Patrick is with his face near hers, smirking.
“Don’t you think that’s enough proof? I won.” He states, pleased.
Emily and Joey are enjoying the show. They probably expected this from their son, but my dad… He looksstunned. Like the math doesn’t add up.
“I’m going to clean the dishes.” I blurt out, getting up. Jake also gets up.
“I’m going too.” He says.
“Ohno no no.” My dad laughs dryly. “You’ll stay here with me.” My dad points a finger at him. Like Jake and I would do anything in thekitchen. Honestly…
“Yes, sir.” He speaks, scared.
Never in this lifetime did my dad talk to him like that, and never did he respond withsir.
“Jesus Christ,John.” My aunt admonishes her brother.
“This is all just too good.” My best friend giggles, a hand covering her mouth, and Riden snorts.
“You.” I point at her. “If I can’t take him, you’re coming with me.”
“Alright!” She cheerfully says.
I sigh and drag her by the hand, forgetting about the plates.
“I have to admit something.” I woefully say to her.
“You’re falling for him.” She crosses her arms.
“Uh, no. Ilikehim. Not there yet.” I think out loud.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Alls disagrees.
“I’m so frustrated!” I groan. “To top it off, he likes another person.” Pause. “It’s not fair.” I whisper.
Tears start to form in the corner of my eyes. Allison hugs me.
“What did I get myself into?” My voice cracks. “How am I even going to the wedding tomorrow withhimand act clingy and super in love, knowing that it’s all fake to him and not to me. I thought I could be different. I thought I wouldn’t feel anything for him. I thought I had a settled wall. He climbed it and passed it so easily, it’s not fair!” I say again, fully ugly crying. “I mean, my therapist said I was a masochist, but I didn’t think I was also stupid!”
“Mads, look at me.” She grabs my shoulders. “You are my best friend, and you will get past this. If I were you, I would just call it off and then let time heal. Even though that’s a stupid decision.”
I get off her and look dumbfounded at her.
“I think it’s a solid decision. It’s a wonderful one. It’s great. It’sideal.” I reason.
“It’sstupidbecause he obviously has feelings for you!”
