The Next Door Neighbour (continue)

I had my dinner and I was back in my room trying to finish up my work. I noticed Nicky was in his room too, so I decided that it’s time I tell him I’m the one staying in this room. I opened my curtains and to my luck, Nicky saw me. I smiled back at him. He looked shock, maybe because he realised that I might have also seen his bum.

“What are you doing?” I shouted at him.

“Homework!” he shouted back.

“Maths?” I asked.

“History!” he returned. It was hard shouting back and forth. It was a matter of seconds when my voice dried up.

“You know there’s something called the phone,” I heard Mark shouting from his window.

“Mind your own business,” I shouted back.

“You’re not going to keep shouting are you? It’s really disturbing,” Shane shouted from the other side.

“Leave them alone Shane!” Gillian shouted from her room.

“Yeah leave them alone! I want to know what they’re talking about!” Bryan shouted from his room.

“That’s not fair! Even Bryan has his own room! When am I going to get my own!” Kian shouted.

“Till you have your own money!” mum shouted from below.

“Hi Mrs. Andrews!” shouted the three siblings neighbours.

“You guys better stop shouting, you’ll disturb the others,” mum told us.

“Sure Mrs. Andrews, goodnight!” Gillian shouted.

“Night Gill!” Shane shouted.

“Night Shane! Night Maddy, Night Mark, Night Kian!” she returned.

“Night Gill! Night Bryan, Night Nicky!” I shouted back.

“Night Mark, Night Maddy, Night Kian,” Bryan shouted with a rather annoying female tone.

“Night Shane, Night Madison, Night Mark, Night Kian,” Nicky shouted.

“Night Mark!” Kian shouted.

“I’m sharing the same room with you, duetz! You don’t have to shout!” Mark returned. I laughed back with the rest.

The days pass and we had lots of fun. Cheerleading was turning out fine and our soccer club Gamma managed to reach the finals, thanks to Nicky and Bryan, it was actually the first time people actually seen my brothers played too and there were some talks stating that they were really good. I was proud, but with all that fun there was also some problems. I was so stuck up with my cheerleading that my studies were rotting. I came back one day to be scolded by mum when she saw that I got a ‘C’ for Maths and Science in the last monthly test.

“You better get better grades in the next test or I’m not going to allow you to go for the soccer finals. I jolted back.

“And I’m serious… even dad won’t be able to help you this time,” she said putting my score sheets on the table. I walked back to my room disappointingly. I have another month till the test and right after that would be the soccer finals. I’m doomed! Even cram studies would not work for me. Just at that moment, Shane noticed me in my room looking rather messed up.

“What’s wrong Maddy?” he asked as he came in.

“My scores… mum says that if I don’t get better grades, I won’t be able to see you guys play the finals!” I told him, almost bursting out crying.

“You still have a month, you’ll make it,” Shane said.

“I can’t… I’m dead… my brain’s dead; I can’t manage to study 4 topics of every 6 subjects in just one month,” I told him. He smiled back.

“You could if we studied together,” Shane replied.

“Study together?” I asked.

“A study group, I’m sure it’ll work, we can even call Nicky, Bryan and even Gillian,” Shane said as both of us started to think of our respective partner and finished with a sigh.

“That’s a good idea, thanks bro!” I said, hugging him.

“No problem, why don’t I call them now?” Shane suggested.

“Oh! I better get a shower first, I stink now,” I said taking a whiff of my uniform.

“If this is considered ‘stink’, make sure you don’t get next to Mark,” Shane said as he left my room. I quickly jumped into the shower and got ready, by the time I was ready, it was 3 p.m. it took me nearly an hour to get ready. I took some of my reference book and headed downstairs. I saw that Gillian and Bryan was already over with Shane and Kian.

“Where’s Nicky?” I asked Gillian.

“He said he needed to get ready, an hour ago,” Gillian replied. The doorbell rang and I quickly opened the door. Nicky stood by the entrance, looking rather good even though his hair wasn’t fully dried yet.

“Hi Madison,” he said, with his school bag over his shoulder.

“Hi Nicky,” I replied, again our eyes were locked to each other.

“Umm… the table is here?” Bryan asked us sarcastically. We broke off our eye contact and I move aside to let Nicky in.

“Where’s Mark?” I asked as we sat by the table in the hall.

“He just left to pick Sarah up, she’s coming over to study too,” Kian told me. I took out our homework and we started studying. Mark and Sarah joined us later and it was fun, studying together. Although there were at least 8 of us in the hall, we manage to study quietly. Mum would drop in time after time to fill our mug with her famous orange juice from the K-mart and some cookies which Bryan seem to enjoy the most. I learned a few studying methods from Gill and Nicky. This went on for a few more days and after each day; my grades were slowly growing better.

One Saturday afternoon, I headed to Nicky’s house to continue our study group. Shane and Gillian were out for their daily dates on the weekend. Bryan and Kian had to help coach some of the other soccer players and Mark together with Sarah were at their weekly ‘Vegetarians meeting’.

“What do they actually do in that meeting?” Nicky asked.

“I’m not sure… talking about how celery could be the new chicken flavour?” I joked. We laughed for a moment and continued our work. I was bored for a moment and we decided to take a break. I went over to Nicky’s pile of magazines and pulled out a random one. The magazine I pulled out had a picture of Victoria and David Beckham kissing.

“Nicky?” I asked.

“Yeah?” he replied still sitting by the table.

“Have you kissed a girl?” I asked without thinking.

“I… I beg your pardon?” Nicky replied rather shocked at my question.

“Have you kissed a girl?” I asked again.

“Umm… depends, how about you?” he returned.

“Not really… but I heard you had an old girlfriend, kissed her before?” I asked.

“Umm… yeah,” he replied.

“I don’t believe you,” I said, not convinced by his tone.

“I did too!” he said much more convincingly as he headed to me.

“I don’t believe you,” I replied, standing towards him, face to face.

“Rather you believe it or not, I don’t care, cause I really did kiss a girl before,” Nicky replied.

“Prove it!” I dared him. I saw a glint in his eyes and he suddenly pulled me to a kiss. It felt magical. A moist pair of lips, warm and soft touched mine. My eyes closed and I felt like I was on cloud nine. Suddenly we broke off.

“I… I’m sorry,” he said. I quickly shook my head and we both headed back to the table to continue our studies. I couldn’t concentrate. I can still feel his lips on mine, but it was slowly fading.

“Kiss me again,” I whispered.

“What?” Nicky asked with his eyes growing larger. I got up and headed to him. I put my hands on his cheeks and we started kissing again. I quickly broke off the kiss and started breathing deeper. Nicky was looking at me disbelievingly.

“I… I got to go,” I quickly said and took my things and started running back. I had a mix emotion of excitement, fear and others that I didn’t know. I quickly ran to my room, and sat on my bed. My heart was beating fast as I didn’t know what to do. I started crying and I didn’t know why.

“Maddy?” I heard. I quickly wiped off my tears and looked at the door. Mark was standing outside, looking at me.

“Hey… back from the meeting?” I asked, pulling a fake smile.

“Yeah… why are you crying?” he asked.

“N… nothing. It’s nothing,” I replied back, wiping off more of my tears. Mark came in and sat next to me.

“C’mon, tell me,” Mark said, putting his arms around me.

“I… we… kissed, Nicky and I,” I told him, still having more tears flowing.

“Then why are you crying? I thought that you two like each other,” Mark said.

“That’s the problem Mark… I’m so confused with my feelings, I think that what we did was wrong, and I think that we… that it might not work,” I said, resting my head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

“Don’t be silly Maddy, I know it’s hard to keep track with the feelings inside, but you just have to trust what’s inside your heart,” Mark said.

“What’s inside me heart?” I asked, still not understanding.

“Do you like him?” Mark asked.

“Y… yes?” I replied.

“Do you want to be with him?” he asked again.

“I do!” I replied louder, looking at him.

“Do I really look good in green? I think it makes me look kinda fat,” Mark as looking at his green tee. I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Relax Maddy… It’s alright, It was the same for me when I met Sarah, it was hard, but we managed it,” Mark told me with a smile.

“But what if Nicky thinks I’m weird? I mean… I did force him to kiss me back,” I told Mark.

“You did? Wow!” Mark said surprised.

“Stick to the point Mark!” I scolded him.

“I’m sure he won’t hate you for it Maddy, I think he fancies you too,” Mark told me. Just at that moment, the doorbell rang.

“Great… good timing,” I said madly.

“It’s just Kian or Shane, I’ll come back up,” Mark said as he went to get the door. I walked over to the window and looked at the empty room across my house.

“Where is he?” I asked myself.

“I’m here,” said Nicky. I turned and saw him by my bedroom door.

“Nicky!” I called out, shocked to see him.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Mark said as he pushes Nicky in and closed the door. We stood there, looking at each other awkwardly.

“Are you alright?” Nicky asked, breaking the silence.

“I… I’m fine, why do you ask?” I replied.

“You just ran back like that, I never got the chance to ask,” he said.

“Sorry… I was… kinda emotional at the moment,” I replied and looked out the window.

“Did I hurt your feelings? I’m really sorry,” Nicky replied to me.

“You didn’t… it was just me,” I told him.

“Tell me Madison…” Nicky said.

“Call me Maddy, I prefer Maddy, Madison’s too formal for you to call me,” I interrupted.

“Sure… Maddy…” he replied with a smile.

“You were asking?” I said, facing him.

“Tell me… do you like me?” he asked. I jolted back; my tongue was tied. I was desperate to answer.

“Because I like you Maddy, how you always stand up for me, and how you always talk to me when I was alone in school,” Nicky confessed. I had tears flowing down my cheeks.

“Maddy? Are you alright?” Nicky asked, wiping the tear off.

“I like you too Nicky… no… I love you,” I told him with a smile… pure and sincere. He smiled back at me and we hugged, but something felt wrong and I knew he felt it too.

“Let’s try another position,” Nicky said and turned me around. We stood back to back again, our hands holding each other’s. My head, slumped to his shoulder. It felt even better than a hug. This would be our special hug. He then turned around and placed his hands on my cheeks. He closed his eyes and I closed mine. Our lips met for the third time, but this time, it was the best kiss.

“MADDY AND NICKY SITTING ON A TREE! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” shouted my brothers together with Gillian and Bryan from Nicky’s bedroom window. We blushed deep red at the sight of them. I walked to the window and stick my tongue out at them and closed the curtains. We heard them groaning and we continued our kiss.

Neither Nicky’s parents nor mine knew about us. Our siblings kept it a secret for us, knowing that it’s not their place to tell. The test was up and I was given a good luck kiss by Nicky before we started. I did my best and the results were out after 2 weeks. I’ve got straight A’s together with Nicky in my class, and I have him, Gillian, Bryan, Sarah and my brothers to thank. My mum was proud of us. I too found out my brothers and Nicky’s sister and brother too did very well for their exams. We had only another week of cheerleading practice and soccer practice left before the finals.

“Maddy, do you think it’s time to tell our parents about us?” Nicky asked as we were watching some telly in his room, cuddling in each other’s arm. I looked at him surprised.

“Well… they do have to know it sooner or later, I can’t stand that we have to hide it from them,” I told him.

“Should we tell them alone?” Nicky asked.

“Well… Gillian could be a great help if either of your parents start to panic and so would Mark and Shane if mine does,” I told him.

“Let’s go tell my parents first, Gillian should be with them downstairs,” Nicky said.

“Sure,” I replied, kissing him for a moment and we headed to the kitchen hand in hand.

“Mum? Dad? We’ve got something to tell you,” Nicky said. They looked at us and focused on our hands that were together. Gillian was by the sink, smiling at us.

“What is it dear?” Fran asked.

“We’re together, we’re a couple,” Nicky told them. Our hearts were beating quickly, and our grips got tighter.

“That’s wonderful Nicky! Madison dear, welcome to the family,” Fran said as she hugged both of us.

“You approve us?” Nicky asked. She nodded joyfully.

“I knew it would happen eventually, the way you two are always together,” she replied happily. Then we all stared at Nicky’s father, Kyle.

“I’m with your mother,” he replied. I smiled at Nicky.

“I’ll be back soon mum, we’re going over to Madison’s,” Nicky told her and both of us left. Gillian gave me a smile and a wink.

“Okay… now my parents… what are they going to think? I’m their only daughter,” I told Nicky as we walked across the lawn, hands still holding.

“I hope it goes as well as my parents,” Nicky told me with a kiss on my cheeks. I sure hope so too.

We entered the hall where everyone was. Shane, Mark and Kian saw us together and wanted to excuse themselves.

“It’s okay you don’t have to,” I told them. They smiled back and return to our seats.

“Mum, dad, I’m we’ve decided to be a couple,” I told mum and dad. They looked shock.

“Are you sure Maddy?” dad asked as he took off his glasses. I nodded back nervously.

“That’s just wonderful isn’t it Elliot? They’ve been together for so long… That’s wonderful news Maddy,” mum said and congratulated us.

“Well… even if you two are still young, I think I can trust your choice Madison… you’re a young woman and you have your rights,” dad said as he opens his arms. I was so happy for what he said. I never imagined. I just charged in and hugged him.

“Thanks daddy,” I whispered to him. I got up and headed back to Nicky.

“Take good care of my daughter okay?” dad asked Nicky.

“Sure would Mr. Andrews,” he replied with a smile. It was unbelievable, I’m just 15 and I already have what other girls dreamt of, a caring family, supportive friends, a wonderful boyfriend and very understanding parents. Life couldn’t get any better then how it is now.

“Go Gamma!” I screamed as our soccer club enters the soccer field. Nicky saw me and we winked at each other. Gamma stood by the fields, next to Delta, the opposing team from the finals. Harlem shot Nicky an evil grin but he ignored him. My brothers and Nicky together with Bryan took their places on the field with the others and I was cheering out as loud as I can with my cheerleaders.

The game started off and it went on tough. Both Delta and Gamma were equally matched. It was one of the most exciting matches the school has ever seen. Just as we thought nobody would score, Nicky together with the help of Bryan managed to score a goal just before half time. I was cheering madly at our first score together with our supporters. Harlem on the other hand, doesn’t look too happy. He somehow has a secret grudge on Nicky after his first score.

“That was wonderful!” I screamed and jumped on Nicky, kissing him all over the face.

“Okay, okay… thanks,” he said back and kissed me softly on the lips.

“Yeah, and the rest of you did well too,” Gillian said as she popped into the room.

“Gillian! You manage to catch the game?” Shane asked surprised seeing her.

“Yeah… I wouldn’t miss it, even if I am to skip a class or two,” she replied.

“Thanks love,” he said and kissed her.

“God… I feel like puking right now,” Kian said.

“Yeah… lucky for us Sarah isn’t here,” Bryan said as he looked at Mark.

“Marky!” shouted Sarah as she bursts into the room.

“No!” Bryan cursed.

The second half started and Delta was stronger. The grudge against our club seems to have grown stronger since the last goal. I kept my fingers crossed for the team. There were a few penalties, but nothing serious, we couldn’t afford to lose a player since we only have a right amount of players on the group. Gamma was going doing good when suddenly a striker manage to break through and score a goal which totally broke my heart. Our team called for time out and I quickly got some bottles of water for the team.

“We’re in trouble now,” said one of the players.

“We’ve still got time, don’t give up yet,” Shane told him.

“They’re stronger now… what can we do, you saw it yourself,” cried another player.

“Now that they’ve scored a goal, their grudge wouldn’t be that strong anymore, we should take this chance,” Nicky suggested.

“Yeah… so all we have to do is give it a hundred and ten percent,” Mark said as he pulled his hand out. The others stacked their hands and shouted ‘GAMMA!’

“Good luck Nicky… show him what you got,” I said and gave him a kiss.

“Thanks… I won’t let you down,” Nicky said. The match started and I could see improvement in our team. Their spirit was raised and Delta was falling badly.

“C’mon gals! C’mon guys! Louder!” I shouted at them, as our cheers got louder. The name Gamma was echoing through the skies as our team charged full force. With the excellent teamwork between Kian, Bryan and Nicky, they manage to break through Delta’s defence. Nicky was about to shoot when Harlem charged into him, tossing Nicky on the ground hard. I gasped and ran towards Nicky.

“Are you alright Nicky?” Kian asked. The referee gave Harlem a yellow card, which made the audience felt rather uncomfortable. He then called for time out.

“Oh dear God Nicky… are you alright?” I asked him as I approached him.

“I… I’m fine,” he whispered back as he held on to his shoulder.

“You don’t look fine,” I said and poke his shoulder. He squealed, holding back the pain.

“You’ve sprained your shoulder,” Shane said as he tried examining it.

“It’s okay, I can go on,” Nicky said.

“No Nicky… it’ll worsen up,” I told him as I helped him up.

“I must go on, we’ve got no players left,” Nicky told me.

“But…” I whispered back.

“Can you play?” asked the referee.

“Yes… It’s just a small sprain, I’ll continue,” Nicky told him.

“Nicky…” I begged him, but he silenced me with a kiss.

“Trust me,” he whispered back and got back to his position. I knew he was right, so I pray to God to look after him, I don’t care if we win or lose, I just want to make sure Nicky would be alright. Minutes went on and I can see Nicky gradually weaken. I wished that the match would end soon.

“He’ll make it, c’mon… we got to continue cheering for them,” Tammy said to me. I nodded and continued with our cheers. 15 seconds left and Gamma charged in full force. Bryan, Mark and Kian managed to break through the midfield only to be blocked by another three defenders. It looked like no hope when Nicky shouted something to Bryan… because of the loud cheering I couldn’t hear what he said. Suddenly Nicky ran quicker than he usually did. Bryan kicked the ball up and hit it towards Nicky who managed to catch the ball and break through the three defenders as Kian, Mark and Bryan kept them busy. Just at the last second, Nicky shot a powerful curve ball and it ended up in the goal that caused us to win the game. It was unbelievable and I started crying. Everyone charged at Nicky and the audience went wild. I was so happy for him.

Our first match and we managed to win the school cup. Nicky was crowned best player for risking his injuries to win the game. It was a proud moment for all of us. Nicky was then sent to the hospital to check on his injuries. He came out okay, the sprained wasn’t bad, but he was advised to stay home for a few days. This wasn’t good news cause the next night there would be a party being held by the Gamma soccer club, but Nicky didn’t mind. The others left for the party and I too stay behind to accompany my wonderful boyfriend at home.

“How’s the shoulder?” I asked as I put a plate of chips in front of Nicky. I lifted the blanket and join Nicky under it.

“Getting better,” he said back.

“Are you an angel?” I asked as I rested my head on the thighs. He smiled back.

“What makes you think so?” he asked back.

“You’re a wonderful guy, a magnificent soccer player and you totally changed my life,” I told him.

“So angels play soccer too huh?” he asked with a smile. I smiled back to him. His eyes are so hypnotic.

“I would gladly be your angel, anytime, anyway,” he said, touching me by the tip of my nose. I took his hand and trail in down my cheeks, my neck and down to my heart.

“I love you,” I whispered to him. He replied the exact words. I got up and the tip of or noses touched, I closed my eyes and we continued trailing around our noses and finally our lips met. Soft as satin, sweet as berries I longed for this kiss. My hands trail up his chest and I started unbuttoning his shirt. I felt Nicky’s hand crawling up my back. It was warm and soft. This is where our night of passion started, our first night exploring each other physically and loving every moment together.

I got up and Nicky was sleeping soundlessly. I kissed my angel on the cheeks and I headed downstairs when suddenly Gillian burst in crying.

“Gilly? What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Shane… he… he hates me,” she said between her sobs.

“Why? What happened?” I asked as I helped her onto the couch.

“I… I was in Eric’s room, checking it out when I tripped and fell onto him on his bed… we just laughed it out of a joke when Shane saw us, he misunderstood us and he thinks I cheated on him,” Gillian explained to me.

“That’s bad… don’t worry, I’ll have a talk with him, I’ll settle it,” I told her. She was still crying.

“Go wash up, I’m sure he’ll understand, leave it to me,” I said to her. She nodded at me and hugged me.

“Thank you,” she whispered. I quickly grabbed my jacket and headed back home to see Shane, depressed on the couch. Kian and Mark was with him.

“Shane…” I called him.

“I’m in no mood Maddy,” he replied.

“It was a misunderstanding Shane, she didn’t cheat on you,” I told him. He looked at me with his tear soaked face.

“What do you know? You weren’t even there,” Shane said.

“I talked to her, c’mon Shane, why would Gilly cheat on you?” I asked.

“Shut up Maddy! I don’t want to hear her name,” he shouted back.

“Calm down Shane,” Mark advised.

“What do you care? It’s not you that was cheated on,” Shane shouted at him.

“Gillian did not cheat on you! She would never!” I shouted back at him.

“Shut up Madison! You’re not even from this family!” Shane shouted back. I jolted back shocked. Kian and Mark looked at me with devastating look.

“What did you just said?” I asked. Shane too just realised what he said to me.

“Maddy… I didn’t…” he started whispering.

“I… I’m not from this family? What’s that suppose to mean?” I asked Mark and Kian as tears were building, so was my fear.

“Maddy… please… calm down,” Kian asked, as he got closer.

“Tell me what he means by I’m not from this family!” I shouted back. They looked at me silently.

“I… I’m not… I’m adopted?” I asked them. This time, none of them dared to look at me. I couldn’t believe it. My hands ran through my hair.

“Who am I? I’m not Madison Andrews? I’m not part of the Andrews family?” I asked them.

“Madison, please,” Shane begged.

“No…” I whispered back and ran to my room. I closed the door behind me as I fell to my knees. Who am I? Why am I not from this family? Who are my real family? The questions filled my head. I hugged my legs and started crying my eyes out. I couldn’t take it… I took my bag and started packing in all my clothes. I tossed it down the window and I checked the corridor outside my room. It was empty. I slowly crept out and walked down the stairs. I heard my ‘so-called’ brothers talking to each other, mostly scolding Shane for what he just did. I ignored them and went out through the kitchen door. I ran to my bag and I picked it up. I quickly ran over to Nicky’s house… I need to tell him I have to leave. I didn’t want to approach the front door, so I took a ladder from our house and placed it under Nicky’s window. I climbed up and I started to tap on the window. It was dark in his room but I can see him inside, still sleeping.

“Wake up Nicky!” I called out as I tapped harder on the window. Nicky finally got up and saw my outside his window. He quickly opened it.

“Maddy? What are you doing?” he asked as he helped me in.

“I’m sorry Nicky, but… I have to go,” I told him as tears gathered in my eyes.

“You have to go? What are you talking about?” he asked me, I could hear the nervousness in his tone.

“I just have to go Nicky… I can’t stay here anymore,” I told him.

“Where are you going to go?” he asked me.

“I don’t know… but somewhere other than here,” I replied.

“Please tell me why Maddy, I’m not ready to let you go, we just met,” Nicky told me.

“I can’t, I got to go now,” I told him.

“I won’t till you tell me, let me help, I’m your angel remember?” he said. I couldn’t help but burst into tears.

“I’m adopted Nicky… they’re not my brothers… they’re not my parents,” I told him. Nicky was silent.

“What am I? Who am I?” I asked him.

“You are Madison Marie Andrews,” he said to me. This time, I was silent.

“You are Madison, Maddy Andrews and nobody can take that away from you, even if you are adopted, they’re your family, and you are always considered as their family,” Nicky told me. I hugged him.

“Thank you,” I said. He hugged me back tightly.

“Now rest… you had a rough night,” Nicky said as he tucked me into his bed. I pulled him and kissed him again.

I woke up and I found myself back in my room. I looked around and I saw Shane, sleeping with his head on the edge of my bed. Kian and Mark too was sleeping on the floor opposite my bed. I slowly got up, but I woke Shane up.

“Maddy!” he called out surprised, I could see some dried tears on his cheeks. I looked at him, still finding some words to say.

“I am so sorry Maddy,” he said, as he hugged me.

“I’m fine Shane,” I told him.

“I should have never said that to you,” he replied.

“But eventually I’ve got to know it right?” I asked.

“But not like last night, I was so worried when we couldn’t find you,” Shane said.

“I’m sorry,” I replied.

“Don’t be, it’s my fault, I was so glad when Nicky came over to tell us you were sleeping in his bed,” Shane said.

“Nicky… Thanks to him I’m feeling better,” I told Shane.

“No matter if you don’t have the same blood as us, you are always my Madison Andrews, my little sister,” Shane replied to me. I tear flow down my cheek. I hugged him again.

“And you will always be Shane Andrews, my eldest brother,” I told him. He smiled back at me.

“Don’t forget us too,” Mark said as he stretched his arms out. Kian was next to him with a big yawn on his face.

“Shane was crying like a girl last night when we saw that you were not in your room last night,” Kian said with a laugh.

“Shut up!” Shane said to him. I could help but laugh. I walked to them and hugged both of them.

“A group hug would do!” Mark said as Shane joined into the sibling’s hug. I was grateful and ashamed that I doubted my brothers. No matter who they are, from now on, they would always be my brothers and I am proud of them. We told mum and dad what happened and they almost burst out crying too. I found out that my parents died in a crash and they had no relatives accept one couple who were their best friends. Yvonne and Elliot, together with their three sons, Shane, Mark and Kian. They accepted me into their family without a thought and I was raised as their own.

“Your real name is Madison Marie Lionel,” mum told me.

“Eww… I don’t like it, Madison Marie Andrews is good enough for me,” I said and hugged both my parents. Mum started crying and dad had some tears. I just laughed it out. Even if my parents were still alive, I think would still stay with this family. Shane and Gillian got back together again. I was happy for them, but what I was most happy was Nicky. I can’t imagine what my life would be if he wasn’t there by my side, so from then on, if I’m in trouble, I talk to Nicky about it, and I can assure myself that it would be alright.

“I’m bored,” I said during class, with my chin on the table, looking at the noisy class I was in. Final exams were over and there were only a few more days of schooling left before the summer holidays. Another big yawn came. I hand came upon my face as it wipes the tear off.

“It’s just two more days,” Nicky said to me.

“Ugh… thank God your back, I was suffering back here,” I told him as I got up from the table. Nicky pulls his chair next to mine.

“I was just off to the toilet… I couldn’t stand it anymore,” Nicky said as he sat on his seat. I laid my head on his shoulder.

“Summer holiday’s is coming… what are we going to do?” I asked Nicky.

“There’s only one thing to do,” he replied. I sat upright and looked at him.

“The beach,” he replied with a smile. I too started smiling.

“Yeah… we can all go together,” I told Nicky.

“A family picnic… I’ll get my family, you get yours,” Nicky suggested.

“Cool idea! I can’t wait!” I told him excitedly. Nicky smiled back.

“Oh… Your really my favourite angel,” I said, pinching his nose.

Finally school was over and off with our plans to the beach. Both of our parents didn’t want to join, so it was down to Shane, Gillian, Kian, Bryan, Mark, Sarah, Nicky and I. We got all the things we need and borrowed Dad’s SUV to be driven down to the beach. The weather was perfect and the beach wasn’t too crowded, so we managed to find a perfect spot. We started building sand castles and other stuff out of sand. I made a small tiny castle next to Nicky’s beautifully sculpted ‘Great Wall Of China’ and Gillian’s ‘Pyramid of Giza’.

“What’s that? A crab?” Kian asked as he looks at Bryan’s sculpture on the sand.

“It’s a lion you deutz,” he scolded back.

“And is that an octopus?” Mark asked as he looked at the other sculpture.

“It’s a penguin!” Bryan shot back. I couldn’t help but laughed back. Shane finished and unveils his giant castle on a mountain.

“Cool,” Sarah said as she checked it out. Shane couldn’t help but blush.

“Incoming!” shouted Gillian and her volleyball smashed the castle.

“Uh oh!” we whispered to Gillian as Shane saw what she did. Gillian was standing nervously at the other side of her pyramid. Shane quickly grabbed Gillian and tossed her into the sea. We joined in and started wrestling each other into the water.

“Ack! I think I drank too much sea water,” Bryan said with a rough voice.

“Thanks Mark… now my pants is filled with sand,” Kian said as he tried to shake some of it out. I walked to a secluded area and climbed on some of the rocks there. I sat on it and enjoyed the sound of the waves. I felt a little chilly when Nicky sat behind me and wrapped himself around me with a towel.

“Just what I need,” I told him.

“I saw you shivering,” he replied. We sat there in silence, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company.

“I had a great day today,” I told him.

“Me too,” he whispered and kiss my cheeks.

The next day, Nicky ended up with a fever. I went over for a visit.

“Feeling any better?” I asked.

“Trying to,” he replied as he had a towel on his forehead.

“Must be bored out of your skull in here huh?” I asked him.

“Kinda… thanks for coming,” he replied.

“Anyway, I’ll go get you some magazines later,” I suggested.

“It’s okay, I don’t need them as long as you’re here,” Nicky replied.

“I can’t be here all the time… but I’ll try,” I said. He smiled back and we started talking. Soon Nicky feel asleep and I tucked him in. I got out of the house and headed to the nearest newsstand.

“Let’s see… football… celebrities… gossip… ah! Comics!” I said as I grabbed them all. I paid the guy and headed back home. As I was walking back, I felt someone following me. I turned around, but nobody was there. I started to panic and made larger steps back home. Just as I turned around a corner, a shabby man stood in front of me. He looked like a drug addict.

“You dropped this,” he said with his alcohol breath as he passed me the comic I bought earlier. I looked in my bag and noticed that it was really gone.

“T… thanks,” I stuttered as I took the comic back and put it into my bag. He had a smile on his face, but not the kind of smile that greets friends. It was more of a dirty grin. I quickly passed him and ran into Nicky’s house. I felt relieved as I got in. I looked out the window and noticed that the man was gone. I quickly shook it out of my head and headed into Nicky’s room.

“Maddy, where did you go? I just woke up and you weren’t here,” Nicky said as he saw me.

“I just got you some magazines,” I told him and put the magazines beside his bed.

“Thanks, but you shouldn’t have,” he replied. I shook my head.

“I don’t mind,” I replied, but the drug addict keeps coming into my head. Nicky saw my concern face and asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh… nothing, just in deep thought… that’s all,” I told him.

“I would hug you now if I don’t have a fever,” Nicky said with a smile. I just bend down and hugged him for a short period of time.

“I better go now, mum would be back,” I told him. He nodded and I kissed him softly on the lips and left. Just as I walk out of the house I saw an envelope by the door. ‘Madison’ written on it. I took it up and opened it. There was a piece of paper in it with scribbles everywhere. ‘Marry me Maddy’ ‘I love you Maddy’ ‘I need you Maddy’. All kinds of scribbles were in it about me and I know that Nicky would never do something like this. I looked around but there wasn’t anyone nearby. I just tore the letter and chuck it into the bin as I headed home. These letters never stop coming. Everyday I would get something like this and I just chuck them into the bin, but as days progress, the letters became much more awful. Phrases like ‘I want you to die with me’ and ‘I will kill you my love’ were written. This letters were starting to scare me, but I never showed any of my brothers or Nicky about it.

Till one night as I was walking home with Tammy from a school magazine committee meeting, just as we reached a corner, we heard footsteps following us.

“What was that?” Tammy asked.

“I’m not sure,” I replied nervously as the steps became louder. We quicken our steps. I was worried since it’s still a few more blocks before we reach my home.

“I’m scared Maddy,” Tammy whispered as our grips got stronger.

“Let’s walk faster,” I told her as we started jogging back.

“Madison…” we heard a faint voice from behind. This time, our jog turned into a run. Tammy started crying but I held on tight to her hand as we began running faster.

“Don’t leave me Maddy,” said the faint voice again. I saw a big pile of empty boxes near the ally and I pulled Tammy and we hid by them. We hid behind the shadows and waited. Soon a tall black figure appeared and he looked like he was looking for us. He looked around and soon left. I slowly got up with Tammy and we walked out the ally. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and I started screaming.

“Madison! It’s me!” Mark shouted. I stopped and I quickly hugged him.

“Maaarrrrkkkk~!!!” I started crying and Tammy too joined in. I was very relieved to see Mark there and he brought us home safely.

“What happened?” mum asked as she saw Mark holding Tammy and me as we cried.

“I saw them by the alley and I approached them, suddenly they broke into tears,” Mark told her.

“Bring them in,” she said as Mark pushed us inside.

“We… he… they…” Tammy and I tried explaining, but our fear still had the best of us.

“You don’t have to explain now, c’mon, lets put you two in bed, I’ll call your mum and tell you you’re staying overnight,” mum told Tammy. She nodded and we both got into my room. We were tucked in and I fell asleep quickly.

I got up the next morning and saw Tammy still asleep. I washed up and headed downstairs. Everyone was up and in the kitchen having breakfast.

“Morning Maddy, how are you feeling?” Kian asked as he saw me approaching the kitchen.

“Fine… just fine,” I whispered back as I sat by the dining table.

“What happened last night?” Mark asked. I explained to them everything that happened.

“Why would someone do that?” Shane asked. I got up and headed to the bin and took some of the letters I got that I threw away. I showed it to them. Dad and mum had the most worried looking looks on their face.

“We should report this,” dad said.

“But what can they do? We don’t even know who is doing this,” Kian said.

“We could have some officers patrolling our block, at least we’re doing something,” dad said. I agreed. Dad took me along with mum and Tammy to the police station. We lodge a report with the letters I got and the officers agreed to patrol around our area. We dropped Tammy off at her place and went back home. We just got home and I saw Nicky with my brothers in the hall.

“Are you alright Madison?” Nicky quickly asked as he got up and headed to me.

“I’m fine Nicky,” I told him.

“Thank God… I was so worried, why didn’t you tell me about the letters?” he asked.

“I thought it was just some prank someone pulled,” I told him as we sat by the hall.

“That’s understandable, but who would do it?” he asked me.

“That’s the problem, I don’t know who… but some officers has agreed to make some patrolling around our area,” I told Nicky. He smiled back at me and gave me a hug.

“If there’s any trouble, just call me okay?” he said.

“Thanks,” I replied.

After our police report, I stopped having threatening letters. I start to calm down. I took a part time job at a nearby convenience store even when Nicky advised me not to, I could help it and I need the money to buy Nicky a football jersey he liked. I told him I wasn’t taking the job, but I sneaked behind his back every evening for work, telling him I have my usual girl talk with Tammy. I was walking back from work before it was dark; the incident had made me afraid of going back in the dark. I was walking back and never expecting that anything would happen when I was suddenly pulled into an empty alley. I tried to shout but I couldn’t as a hand silenced me. There was a bad odour coming from the person that was pulling me in. He quickly taped my mouth and tied my hands.

“Maddy… I finally got you,” said the drunken drug addict that I saw days ago. Tears starting to fall from my eyes as fear got hold of me. He carried me over his shoulders as I struggled to break free; he was strong and managed to overcome me easily. I was then brought to an abandon factory not far away.

“What do you want from me?” I shouted at him as he removed the tape from my lips.

“I want you… you’re very pretty,” he said as he touched my cheeks.

“Don’t touch me with that filthy hands of yours,” I said as I saw his stained hands.

“But I love you Madison… I’ve got to thank that boy for introducing me to you,” he replied.

“What boy? Who?” I asked furiously.

“Harlem I think his name is,” he replied as he walked around me.

“Harlem? I knew it! That filthy good for nothing pig!” I swore.

“He was so pissed about your boyfriend… speaking of which… I’ve just left him a message,” he replied to me.

“Nicky? What do you want with Nicky?” I said as I heard him talking about Nicky.

“Harlem wants me to teach him a lesson… and I’m sick of him having you all the time,” the drunk replied as he pulled out a gun. My heart started racing.

“No… please no! I’ll do anything, just don’t kill Nicky!” I screamed at him.

“I want you, but I don’t think I’ll be able to have that till I get rid of your boyfriend,” he replied.

“Please don’t, not Nicky!” I cried.

“He would be here in a moment, I got to go love, see you soon,” he replied and kissed my cheek.

“Please don’t! NICKY!” I screamed. He then blindfolded me and gagged me. I couldn’t help but cry as I shouted for Nicky. I sat tied to the chair for nearly 15 minutes when I heard someone walk into the room.

“Madison!” I heard Nicky calling me.

“Hold it right there, move another step and she’ll be dead,” I heard the drunk. I tried to shout for Nicky, I want to tell him about the gun, but I was gagged hard, so hard that I almost threw up.

“Let her go, she has nothing to do with me and Harlem,” Nicky said.

“Get into the other room,” said the drunk.

“I’ll come back for you Madison!” Nicky shouted at me. I cried again as I heard them heading to the other room. I struggled to get out of the rope, so much that my wrist started bleeding, but I couldn’t feel the pain as I was worried too much of Nicky. Suddenly I heard a gunshot and a sadistic laugh. My heart started racing again and I start to panic.

“Madison!” I heard someone call me. Suddenly my blindfold was removed and I saw Shane, Mark and Kian. They then removed my gag. I saw Harlem standing behind them.

“You sick FUCK!” I shouted at him.

“Madison I didn’t know he would have a gun! I got your brothers as soon as possible,” Harlem cried.

“Nicky’s in trouble, get me out of this!” I told my brothers. Mark quickly releases my knot and I ran to the room where I heard the gunshot with the others behind me. The room was large and I saw Nicky and the drunk above the railings.

“Nicky!” I shouted at him. Both of them saw me.

“It’s too late now Madison!” the drunk said. I heard another gunshot and suddenly I saw Nicky ramming into him, the drunk lost his balance and fell down the railings onto some of the machinery. I saw him lying on it motionless and I quickly ran up to the railings above.

I covered my mouth as I saw him. Nicky had his back on the wall, sitting there motionless.

“Nicky…” I whispered, calling him as tears started crawling out. He didn’t reply, his head hanging down as I saw some blood on his tee. I slowly walked to him. My brothers got to us, but stopped as they saw me.

“Madison…” the called me softly. I bent down and tried to look at Nicky, but my tears blurred my vision. I touched his cheeks; it felt a little cold.

“You can’t be dead Nicky… I still need you,” I cried. He still sat there.

“I need my angel… I need you,” I whispered as I hugged him.

“Ow…” I heard a squeal. I looked at Nicky and saw his eyes half opened.

“Nicky! You’re alive!” I said in shock.

 “Angels don’t die till they finish their job,” Nicky whispered to me with a smile.

“Thank you,” I told him and noticed that his shoulder was still bleeding.

“You’re shot!” I quickly said.

“Yeah… unfortunately, Angels can’t recover that fast without help,” Nicky said I he held back the pain.

“Help here! Now!” I shouted at my brothers. They helped to get Nicky to a hospital and we lodge another police report. The drunk was dead and we didn’t lodge a report on Harlem either. If it wasn’t for him, Nicky might be dead. Harlem was mad at how Nicky embarrassed him in the football game and he got the drunk to teach him a lesson, thinking that the drunk might just scare him a little. Both Nicky and I forgave Harlem and he became part of our group, he learned his lesson and now he was a perfect gentleman, Tammy’s dating him too. As for my brothers, I couldn’t thank them enough either, they brought Nicky to the hospital as soon as possible and Nicky was saved. I could never ask for anyone better than them.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked Nicky as I step into his room.

“Better,” he said with a smile. I then put a wrapped box onto his bed.

“Happy birthday,” I said to him.

“Oh wow! What did you get me?” Nicky asked as he shook the box.

“Open it,” I told him. He quickly tore it open and pulled out a Leeds’ soccer jersey.

“You actually got me this?” Nicky asked.

“Yeah… it was hard to bid for it on the Internet,” I told him.

“Thanks love, oh! I got something for you too,” he said as he reached for the side table.

 “It’s not my birthday, why did you get me something?” I asked him.

“To show you I love you, close your eyes,” he said. With a smile I closed my eyes. I felt Nicky holding my hand and slipped something onto my finger, I knew straight away what it was. I quickly opened my eyes.

“Oh my God! How could you afford this?” I asked as I saw the diamond ring.

“When you off behind my back working, I did the same,” Nicky said.

“Why did you get me this?” I asked as I looked into his eyes.

“Marry me Madison,” he said. I couldn’t believe it. He was proposing to me.

“Yes Nicky… I accept,” I said with tears. He hugged me and we started kissing.

“When would our wedding be then?” I asked.

“After we graduate… which is in a few more years,” he said.

“I can’t believe that I’m 16 and I’m already engaged,” I said to him.

The End