Page 53 of Cry Madness

Maddox: Sweets for my sweetie

Me: OMG how cheesy

He answers with a cheese emoji.

Maddox: Cookie good?

Me: Delicious

I can’t believe there was a time when I thought I wanted nothing to do with this man. Now, here I am, excited to see him again.

Me: Busy later?

Maddox: Yes

That sucks, but I don’t let him know I’m desperate to make up for all the years we lost. Instead, I simply text:

Me: K

I turn on the shower and drop my clothes, and I’m about to step into the stall when my phonebings.

Maddox: Not even gonna fight for me huh? I’m crushed

Me: Asshole

Maddox: Ill be busy w/u silly

Oh.

Well.

Maddox: Wear red underwear

The warmth of a blush radiates down from my cheeks, settling right between my legs. What a remarkable transformation this is, a stark contrast to the living corpse I’ve been for the past few years. Only a week ago, I was still an empty shell, clinging to misery because that’s what became safe. But with his undeniable charm, Maddox shattered the wall I meticulously constructed around myself. He dismantled it brick by brick. Now, here I am,naked in my bathroom, excited to spend time with him later. Hoping he’ll kiss me again because being in his strong arms is a sanctuary.

It’s home.

For the first time in what seems like an excruciating eternity, I’m happy again, and right when I’m about to text him back, a new notification pops up.

Maddox: Please

The truth about being best friends with Maddox since we were seven years old is that I have an intimate understanding of how his mind works. For him, the word ‘please’ carries a heavy weight. To Maddox Hathorne, it is synonymous with desperation—with begging.

Me: Perhaps

Me: Dare you to find out if I do

I also know Maddox loves a challenge.

Maddox: Tease

I send him a winking face emoji, then hop in the shower, taking extra time to shave my legs. My hands shake as I slide on my prettiest red lace panties. I had a sexier pair, but I think they—embarrassingly—got lost in the laundry because I can’t find them anywhere. But it’s whatever, and I don’t overthink donning the matching bra. I cover the racy lingerie with a red pleated skirt, thick, black thigh-high stockings, and a black cropped sweatshirt. I’m color-coordinated, and with my backpackdangling off my shoulder and what I’m sure is a goofy smile, I head toward the front door.

Today will be a good day.

Leaveit to Scarlett to ruin a perfect day.

This morning, I woke up freed from the invisible chains that tethered me to darkness and imprisoned me in solitude. I wasn’t even mad at Scarlett because her petty attempt to drive a wedge between us backfired spectacularly. What she tried to use as a weapon was, in fact, the gentle push I desperately needed to demolish the last barrier that loomed between Maddox and me.