Chapter-Sixteen

Brandon POV:

I was pacing in my room in anxiety, not because today is the graduation ceremony a very special day of my life and first step towards successful future but it's because I'm nervous to see Madeline a week after kiss.

The reality of my feelings towards her left me stunned that I'm still not able to grasp it in my mind. I'm her best friend, her buddy. We almost grew up together, my mother treated her like Elena,my brother's love her like they love Elena.

And here I'm feeling something that's unacceptable for me to feel and against the moral of societal teachings.

I don't want to face her yet, I can't. I'm scared what'll happen if I see her again.

For the whole week I have avoided her, ignored her texts and shut her out like she doesn't matter to me. Despite doing all these things I wasn't able to stop myself from thinking about her. I wasn't able to think clearly; the thoughts that occupied my mind this whole week was her lips, her face, her talks, her body and her kiss.

That kiss literally ruined me, my mind and the illusion of having the best relation of friendship with her. I couldn't find it in myself to stop this havoc that's going inside my mind. I feel disgusted with myself for cheating on Laura and also because of kissing my best friend.

I'm sure Madeline hates me now because of what I've done. Out of all boys in the school she allowed me near her and give me the chance to become her friend and now here I'm developing an inappropriate feeling in my heart about her, Disgusting.

The knocking at the door startled me.

"Yes?". I asked.

"Brandon come out. We're getting late". Mom said making me run my hands in my hair, messing them.

I took the quick look of my reflection in the mirror, the black button down shirt and jeans doesn't look semi-formal but at this point I really don't care. My real concern is to face two important girls of my life. I love both of them but in different way.

How'll I face Laura after confessing to her that I kissed my best friend and our childhood friend. I don't know if I'm lucky or not but Laura didn't react the way I was expecting her to react after hearing about my infidelity. She was so calm when I told her about the kiss. She stayed silent for few minutes after hearing me then she said that it's alright if it happened one time and that she forgives me for that. She said she can feel my guilt on this and that's enough for her.

"Brandy mom is calling you down". She yelled from outside my bedroom door.

"I'm coming". I yelled back.

Picking up the maroon gown and hat that we supposed to wear during the graduation ceremony I made my way downstairs and saw my parents waiting for me at the door. They both look perfect, dressed in fashionable clothes.

Without delaying we made our we to the car and started the journey to school. After twenty minutes I was standing in the parking lot of school, staring at the building where I've made thousands of memories with my friends.

"Let's go inside". My mom said with excitement.

I nodded my head and followed them inside the school.

"Daddy it's beautiful here. I can't wait to start high school. I wish Eric and Daren would come with me here ". Elena said staring at everything in awe.

She's a total chipper, looking at the classes and well decorated garden with her big amuse eyes. Eric is a heavy sleeper so when Elena tried to wake him up; he didn't budge and slept peacefully. First time in her life she ignored Eric and decided to come with us.

"Sweetie you still have time in joining the high school". Mom said making dad made a sound of approval which Elena ignored, busy in her wonderland.

Mom and dad was talking with some teachers.

"Brandon". I heard the Jake voice calling me and making me turn to him.

Jake came sprinting my way and hugged me with the force that left me breathless.

"Hi bro! Can you imagine I'm graduating with you guys. You said it'll be impossible for me to graduate this year but here I am". Jake said squeezing the life out of me.

I struggled to free myself from his death grip at which Elena giggled making Jake release me and looking at Elena behind me.

"So princess what are you doing here?". Jake said.

"My school is off today so I thought why not visit the high school and see my brother graduating". Elena replied.

"Well that's good but where's your pain in the butt brother". Jake asked her looking for Erin. Well to put it mildly Eric and Jake don't go along.

"Oh which one? I have three brothers you know?". Elena asked smugly at which I glared at her.

"Right, my mistake princess but I'm asking about the twin one". Jake asked looking ready to flee if he catch the sight of Erin.

"We left him home". She said making him sigh.

"So would you like to visit the cafeteria of school?". Jake asked her smiling ear to ear.

"I would love to". She replied grinning like Cheshire cat.

"Then come along". Jake said taking her to the cafeteria.

I shook my head in amusement, staring at the retreating figure of Jake and Elena.

Jake and I become friends when we started the high school and what bounded our friendship is having same schedule and classes for years. From that day till today he clung to me like bubble gum which is hard to get rid.

He's an amateur boy with the charming personality and most of the time acts like a kid but he's very sensitive from the heart. He want to live fullest the life offers without ever hurting anyone in this world.

He has no mother, no father and no siblings; his parents left him outside the door of the strangers. The people that saw him outside their door were good people, they took him in and adopted him legally. Despite his past he always smiles hiding his pain behind the mask.

My mom love's him the moment I brought him home and dad enjoy his humorous nature. Jake cherishes the love my family gives him and never forget to realize me how much I should be thankful for having a family that is so caring and loving.

I felt the pat on my shoulder and turned around to see Carl and Lee dressed in gown and adjusting their hat's.

"Hi bro". Carl said.

"Hi". I replied.

"Aren't we looking funny, dressed in this gown and hat". Lee whined.

"I agree with you but if that's all I need to do to get the hold of graduation degree then I can tolerate looking funny". I replied.

"Where's Elena?". Mom asked coming looking worried.

"Jake took her to show the cafeteria". I told her and she relaxed.

"Brandon I think we should go to the hall". She said and I nodded.

"Hello aunt Hailey". Carl and Lee said in unison.

"Hi Carl and Lee". She replied and started chatting while texted Jake to come straight to the hall.

We all went straight to the hall where the ceremony was arranged. My parents took the seat and I stared around to search Madeline and Laura.

I saw Laura standing with her girl friends near the podium. She was dressed in blood-red knee-length dress, her perfect curves were on display. She was looking as beautiful as any other day.

Excusing myself I walked to her when her eyes caught me coming to her. She smiled looking at me.

"Hi". I said feeling nervous like I used to feel before asking her to be my girlfriend.

"Hi Brandon". She replied moving closer and hugging me which instantly calmed me.

"You're looking beautiful". I said circling my arms around her waist.

"Thanks baby and relax I'm not angry at you so let's just enjoy today". She said pulling away from me.

I felt relieved that she's not blaming me for something which I happened unintentionally.

"Brandon can you do something for me?". She whispered in my ear.

"Yeah". I said.

"Please don't go near Madeline today. I don't know what'll do if I see both of you together". She said on the verge of crying.

I felt the pain in my heart for making her cry. I hurt her by telling her about the kiss but the guilt was making it unbearable for me to keep that as a secret in my heart.

"Damn! You're looking smoking hot". Mac voice pulled me out of the thought I was falling in.

My eyes snapped in his direction and widened. I couldn't believe what my eyes are seeing, Madeline in a dress. She hate dresses;I haven't seen her wearing one in long time. The last dress she wore was purple one in Elena and Erin's fourth birthday party.

But today she looked so different; beautiful and innocent. The white dress have thin straps which are clutching the material on her shoulder. Her small waist was on display making few girls jealous of her slim figure.

Whatever she has done today with her, it's enhancing her appearance. She smiled at me and my eyes fell on her pink glossy lips reminding the night when I tasted this forbidden fruit.

Before I could go to her and compliment her how gorgeous she looks today, I held myself back averting my eyes and getting back the attention of Laura.

The ceremony ended and I got busy taking pictures with my friends. I was talking to my father when I heard my mom calling me.

Turning to her I saw Madeline standing with mom and Elena. I contemplated between running away and going to mom.

"Yes mom". I asked and keep glancing at my father and sister. I'm hoping for some miracle to happen to me.

"Stand with Madeline I want to click few pictures". She instructed us opening the back camera of her cellphone.

"A little closer will be better". She said after snapping few pictures.

We moved closer following her instruction but Madeline foot twisted making her fall backward. She was about to meet the ground when my arms instinctively went behind her back holding her midair.

Her right hand was gripping my shoulder in a death grip while the left one was resting on my bicep. Her eyes were closed while her body was still tilted back. But at that moment nothing mattered except she was in my arms and my heart have stopped beating.

Her blonde hair were shining like a melted gold and her milky white skin was glowing under the rays of sunshine. I sucked in breath when her innocent hazel eyes connected with mine blurring everything around me.

My eyes were stuck on her beautiful face memorizing it like its last time I'm having a pleasure to stare at her this closely.

Her eyes were accessing our position then they traveled to my face and got stuck on my lips. I heard her suck in a breath which made me aware how close we're at the moment that I could move a little closer and kiss her.

The thought made my fingers twitch and she felt the moment of my hands on her small waist, jumping abruptly like I've burned her.

She mumbled a small goodbye and left. I was still in a haze until Laura walked to me.

"We need to talk Brandon". Laura said making her way at the far end of the garden. I followed her cursing myself for being stupid.

We were standing far from the ceremony she asked me "Brandon what was that?".

"Her foot twisted and I did what anyone would've done". I replied.

"Brandon I know that's a lie. Don't fool me". She hissed clenching her hand.

"I think I'm attracted to her". I said cringing at my own words.

"No you're not". She spat.

"What?". I asked her in bewilderment.

"She's manipulating your mind by dressing short dresses and doing make-up. She thinks that now the school is over it's her last chance to have you. She's not acting like her usual self. Playing with colors when she prefer dressing black, grey's and blues. Do you know why? I know because she wants to have you. She's evoking these feelings inside you by looking all pretty and showing what she can offer you". Laura said with disgust and continued "You aren't attracted to her, you love me baby. Not her, never her". Laura yelled pulling her hair and crying crazily.

I was stunned at how Laura is acting and what she's thinking and accusing Madeline for. The poor girl doesn't even know what I feel about her.

"Laura calm down". I said taking her in my arms stopping her from pulling her hair.

"Why would I calm down huh? Go Brandon! Leave me alone! Go follow that boyfriend stealer-bitch". Laura shouted pushing me away.

"Laura you're crossing your limits. She doesn't even know what I feel about her. She oblivious and I don't even plan to tell her anything. I'm with you Laura. I love you but now your behavior, your jealousy making me second thought my decision". I yelled at her.

"Really? That's because of her". She shouted.

"No it's because of you. You see I could've lied to you and hid the fact that we kissed. But I told you the truth. I took the risk and left it on you to decide what you want. You dated boys all these years while I waited for you to realize what I feel for you. Now you're accusing my best friend for something she have never done. She cared for us as a good friend but your jealousy is making it hard for you to see the real Madeline. The girl who can do anything for her friends". I said taking steps away from her. She fell on the ground on her knees staring at me.

"Don't talk to me until you clear your head about Madeline and about us". With that said I turned around and left her there.

I went back to home with my parents despite the plans of celebrating graduation with my friends.

When we arrived at the house I went straight to my room throwing degree on the bed with the gown I stripped out of my clothes and throw my gym shorts on.

The punching bag was dangling in the air at the middle of the balcony in my room, ready to absorb all my anger.

I know my parents guessed that there's something wrong with me the moment I came back after talking to Laura but they didn't interrogate me instead brought me home and I'm grateful for that.

Making a fist of my both hands I threw the punch after punch on the punching bag creating the squishy sound coming from it.

I don't know how long I have done the punching but the sweat rolling down from my body says otherwise.

I heard the knock at the door and held the bag stopping it from violently spinning.

Picking up the towel and throwing it on my shoulder I opened the door and saw my parents standing there.

I groaned inside my mind because I felt like they're going to lecture me.

"Do you know how long you've been inside this room?". My mom asked with small glare.

But I stayed quiet and dried the sweat from my body.

"Three hours". My dad said.

"I don't know what happened that made you this angry and I'm not asking. But today is a special day, you graduated with flying colors and I don't want you to ruin it with anger. So your dad have this friend who owns the club and his son invited you". My mom said making me frown.

"Which friend dad?". I asked catching dad attention.

"You remember Mr. Carlos". Dad asked reminding me about the man.

"Ah yeah the tall man with bright blue eyes". I asked dad hoping that I got it right.

"Yeah that one. Few of my colleagues sons are his son's friend and they're having a small party in the club. His son invited you to join him". Dad told me.

"Have I met his son before?". I asked him.

"Yeah I think. His name is Steve tall like his father". Dad replied.

"Yeah I remember Steve. He's a nice guy. We hit it off greatly at the dinner Uncle Sam threw last week". I told him.

"It means you're going". Mom said going to my closet and taking out my clothes.

"Fine". I said staring at their hopeful faces.

"Good. Wear this you look handsome in it". Mom said.

"Okay mom now leave, so I'll get ready". I sighed nodding my head at her demand.

My parents left my room and I went to take a shower and get ready.

After I was changed into black shirt and black fitting jeans I sprayed the Cologne and put my silver wrist watch which was a gift from my mother.

Putting on my shoes and picking up my cellphone from the nightstand I left the room.

Biding good bye to my family I left the house. After half an hour of drive I arrived outside the club and handed my car keys to the valet. I entered the club and get hit with the loud music.

I told my name to the man, he took me to the private lounge at the first floor where Sean was sitting with his friends.

Sean saw me walked to me.

"Hi Brandon. I'm glad you decided to join us. Come". He said and slapped my back lightly in friendly way and dragged me to the table they were sitting.

After few drinks, I felt relaxed and started talking about different things but I still felt something missing inside me.

The guilt of ignoring Madeline today when I know there's no one in her family to celebrate her happiness and I'm her only friend. I retrieve my cellphone from my pocket and texted her.

Me:Hi Maddy!

Madeline:Hi.

Me:I was thinking if you're not busy, would you like to join me?

Madeline: Join you where? And why would I join you anywhere when avoided me all day.

Me: I just can't explain to you why I acted like a complete a$$. Now would you tell me if you like to come to this club.

Madeline: It's good that you know how much of an a$$ you were :-P. And what Club?

I smiled reading her text.

Me: I never said I was an a$$; I said that I acted like an a$$ ;-)

Madeline: I'm not eighteen yet, still have a week left on my birthday. I don't think so they'll allow me to enter the club.

Me: They'll allow you. I'll tell your name to the club's owner son; he's my friend,he'll let you in.

Madeline: Brandon why do you want me there?

I told her the truth that I'm really missing her.

Me: I'm bored and I miss you.

Madeline: Isn't Laura with you?

Her question upset me but ignored it.

Me: I had a fight with Laura so she refused to come with me :-(

Madeline:Send me the address I'll be there :-)

I texted her the address and smiled putting my phone back.

_______________________________________

Hello lovelies,

Word count: 3406

So this is the longest chapter till now. I hope this chapter clear-ups more things and make you understand better what's actually going on.

Thanks for voting and supporting the book I'm always glad that you guys are enjoying.

Vote if you want a next chapter as long as this one 😉

Tell me through comments what you think about the story? And how excited you're about the next chapter?

Published Date: 12-March-2017

Thanks for reading 😘😘

~S.sonysa_Ivan❤❤