Prologue

I growled slightly under my breath. I

couldn’t believe he actually stood me up.
I knew he would get caught up at that
party.

So here I was, standing outside of the art

gallery.

I waited for another hour in the cold air.

I took out my cell and texted him.

Where r u?

I constantly checked my phone, but with

no avail, he didn’t reply.
I should’ve expected it. Beck was a cool
and popular guy. Maybe our friendship is
not meant to be.

The guy who owned the art gallery

closed the doors and turned off the bright
lights.

“You alright, kid?” he asked me.

I lifted my head to him and smiled

slightly.

“I’m fine. I just need to get home.” I

stood up from the cold bench.

“Were you waiting for someone?” he

asked.

I glanced at him from under my dark

honey hair.
“No.” I answered in my quiet voice then
turned the other way, heading down the
street.

I didn’t feel like calling my mom or even

Brenda to come pick me up. I didn’t
want them worrying over my feelings.

I turned down an alley to hurry through a

neighborhood when I saw a group of
drunken men.

I started to breath heavy. I didn’t want to

cause any trouble so I turned back.

“Hey!” one of them called to me.

I ignored it and kept walking until

someone grabbed my arm. My throat felt
dry so I couldn’t choke out a scream.
“Hey! We were talking to you!” the
drunken man slurred as his friends
followed him.

“I-I’m sorry.” I whispered.

I started to twist my arm from his grip,

but it just got tighter.

Just chill out for a minute, Maddie. Try

to talk yourself out.

“Tell us your name.” another spoke from

behind me.

I twisted my arm again.

No luck.

“Um…” I tried to stall.

“Tell us!” the one who had my arm
hissed, tightening his grip.

“Maddie.” I bit my shaking bottom lip.

“Maddie…” they all mused.

I took this chance to make one final twist

and turn sharply out of their dirty hands.

I didn’t make it far as one of them

tackled me to the ground.

“Mmmm…she smells like vanilla.” He

mused in my ear.

I started to shake.

“L-let me go.”
I started to wiggle around, but
immediately stopped when I felt my coat
drop to the floor.

“No.” I said weakly.

Another piece of clothing fell.

“N-no.” I said again.

More clothing.

Struggling, kicking, punching, hurting,

pinning.

I felt something brush against my

breasts.

“No.” I closed my eyes as tears leaked.

I felt something brush on my core, then,
with a heavy gasp, breaking through my
virginal barrier.

“NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!”

Beck.

Beck…

BECK!!!!

Soon they left and rain came. I cried and

screamed Beck’s name. He didn’t come
though.

No one did.

Beck
Lauren pressed her lips to mine again,
teasing my mouth with her strawberry
tasting lips.

“Mmmm…” she hummed into my mouth

as she took my bottom lip into hers.

“Hey! You two!” a teacher called.

We broke contact and jumped away from

each other, grinning wickedly.

“Sorry, Mr. Cox.” I apologized. Lauren

would never.

He frowned then turned back to his

classroom.

“Now where were we?” Lauren smiled

seductively and grabbed my shirt.
I smiled back.

“Heading to class.” I finished for her,

prying her hands off.

She frowned and pushed back her brown

hair. It was curled elegantly around her
tanned face. Her thin lips turned into a
smile as she put her hands on her curvy
hips.

“We should head to class.” I smiled,

grabbing her hand.

She grinned up at me then shrugged.

“Fine, I’m probably going to fail

though.”

I led her to her first period then headed

to mine.
I ran a hand through my black straight
hair. I was naturally tan. My body was
lean and tall with minimum muscles. I
didn’t usually brag, but I was a good
looking guy.

I walked down the hallway, texting on

my phone when I heard my name.

“Beck!” something heavy grabbed onto

my foot.

“Beck, Beck, Beck, Beck!!!” my

younger sister, Brenda, called to me as
she latched herself onto my leg.

“Okay, okay. You caught me. What do

you want?” I asked with a hint of
annoyance.
She looked at me with her hazel eyes and
smiled.

“We need to get to class.”

“No shit.” I answered.

“GASP!!” she gasped.

“What?”

“You said the S word.” She giggled.

I sighed and nodded as we headed to

class.

“Today we will be working on the

mysteries of Romeo and Juliet.” The
teacher announced.
Everyone in the class groaned and I
turned to my friend, Matt.

“Tell me why we signed up for this class

again?” I sighed.

He snickered and looked up at me from

his dark curls, staring at me with his
green eyes.

“Hot chicks, dude.” He grinned.

I rolled my eyes at his small brain then

turned my attention back to the teacher.

“You will get a partner and will study as

much as you can about this book. Write
an essay on it about how you felt towards
the book. You can write anything you
want…as long as it’s thirty pages.” The
teacher smirked at the groans.
“Okay, now…” she called out names,
girls with boys.

“…and Madeline with Beck.” The

teacher said.

Madeline…

I turned in my seat to see her in the

corner of the room. Her desk was facing
the window and her small, pale hand
cupped her chin.

Her light green eyes were not focused;

they were just watching birds fly by.

Many people in the school said she was

weird. I didn’t know her that well so I
wouldn’t know.
A lot of the rumors about her were about
how she doesn’t talk.

Her hair was straight and falling down

her back with a bang on top of her eyes.
It was reddish brown and shiny.

Her face was heart shaped and her red

cheeks were covered in freckles.

Her nose was button like and he lips

were full. The top lip bigger than the
bottom one.

Her figure was slim with curves like any

other girl, but she was pretty. I admired
her natural beauty. Her face wasn’t
covered with makeup at least.

I stood in front of her, waiting for her to

at least acknowledge me.
I was thinking about tapping her when
she finally sighed and turned her eyes on
me.

I suddenly felt uneasy. I felt naked under

her patronizing gaze. It was like her eyes
were looking through me.

Slowly, her eyes turned softer and she

frowned slightly.

“Hey,” I greeted.

She didn’t answer.

“I’m your partner.” I said, sitting down

across the wooden desk.

No answer.
“Do you want to start now?” I asked with
raised brows.

Her lips didn’t move.

I frowned.

This was getting aggravating.

“Are you going to say anything?” I

hissed.

She narrowed her eyes at me while

raising one brow.

I finally sighed and let my anger calm

down.

She tore out a piece of paper out of her

blue notebook and started scribbling on
it.
When the bell rang, she was gone, but a
paper was on her desk.

I read it.

Meet me at my house. Not that

hard to find, Beckett.

I frowned at my full name, but shrugged.

I knew where the old Hawkins house

was. And to be true to her word, it
wasn’t that hard to find.

Matt was suddenly in front of me,

grinning.

“Man, that girl is hot.” He sighed.

I frowned at him.
“She doesn’t talk.” I replied.

“Good. Talking is overrated.” He

smirked.

I laughed at him, despite myself.

I hopped out of my blue pickup truck. It

was still shiny from its last wash.

I locked it and it beeped in response,

lighting it headlights.

The Hawkins’ house still hadn’t

changed. It was at least forty years old.
The house was surrounded by corn stalks
and an old barn in the back that was
surely holding horses.

The house was white and pretty big. It

was about five miles from the city. I
didn’t know why Madeline went to
school all the way downtown.

I walked to the front door and

immediately the door opened.
A beautiful blonde woman smiled
warmly down at me.

“You must be Beckett. Maddie said you

would be coming over.” She smiled.

Maddie? And she talks?

“Um, yeah. We have a project to work
on.” I smiled back.

“Good, um…just follow the music and

you’ll find her.” She said then gestured
for me to come in.

I headed inside and looked around. It

was beautiful and open. I liked it.

I suddenly heard a guitar being lightly

strummed. It was beautiful.
“Great, isn’t it?” the mother asked me,
smiling.

I grinned back, “She’s good.”

“Yeah, she’s been playing since her

mother died.” Her smile turned sad.

“Her mother died?” I questioned with

raised brows.

“Yes, five years ago. Cancer. And her

father died in a car crash with my
husband. She stopped talking. Only a
few words now and then…” she trailed
off, tears were forming in her blue eyes.

“You’re her foster mother?” I asked

hesitantly.

“Oh, no. I’m her auntie.” She said.

“Oh, well…I’m going to go up.” I said
awkwardly as I headed up the stairs.

The music was a quiet lullaby. I walked

to the room and cracked open the door.

Madeline was looking down at her

guitar, strumming it with her creamy,
small fingers.

She played for awhile as I stood there,

watching.

She finally sighed and turned to see me

peeping at her.

I immediately turned red and walked in.

I sat across from her on the hard wooden

floor.
She looked back down at her guitar and
started strumming again.

“Um, do you want to start?” I asked.

No answer, just music.

“Okay.” I said awkwardly as I put down

my book bag.

More strumming.

“Madeline? Are you going to answer

me?” I asked, growing frustrated.

Her strumming got louder.

“Fine, I’ll just go.” I sighed and stood,

grabbing my things.
I started towards the door when I heard a
soft, delicate voice.

“I didn’t think you would give up so

easily, Beckett.” She spoke from behind
me; her strumming slowed and came to a
soft ending.

She was talking? To me?

“Don’t call me that.” I said after I

recovered.

“Don’t call me Madeline.” She

whispered back.

I turned to see she was watching me.

“What do you want me to call you then?”

I asked.
“Maddie. Call me Maddie.” She
whispered, “And I’ll call you Beck,
Beck.”

“Maddie, then. Are you going to help

with the project?” I asked.

“Here’s the real question. Do you really

need my help? I mean you are THE
BECK. So as much as I’ve heard, you
have an A+ average, you date the top
cheerleader, and you can throw a football
fifty meters. So, really? Do you need
Madeline Ava Hawkins’s help?” she
asked sarcastically in her soft voice.

I frowned.

“The real question is…do you want to

help me?” I asked.
She was silent for a few minutes.

“Touché.” She whispered finally and

turned to give me a small smile.

I gave a full blown grin back.

I strolled down the stairs, a grin on my

face.

Hell, I made a big accomplishment

today.

I made Madeline (AKA Maddie) smile

and talk today.

We had finished half the work then

ended up just listening to her strum her
guitar. She was really good.
Her auntie was sweeping the porch and
whistling a tune that I didn’t recognize.
She looked up at me and smiled.

“How was it? I hope she at least looked

at you.” She rolled her eyes, trying to be
playful, but I knew she was half serious.

“We talked and did the work.” I

shrugged, trying to be nonchalant and
walked past her.

She was frozen for a second until she

hurried to catch up with me.

“Wait! She talked to you?” she asked

breathlessly.

“Yeah.” I nodded.

She squealed.
“She hasn’t talked to no one except me
in years! Oh, are you coming over
tomorrow?” she asked urgently.

“Yes.” I nodded again.

“Great!!” she screamed and jumped a

little.

Happy tears were running down her face

and dripped onto the dirt road.

“Great.” I smiled back and got into my

car.

She waved as I drove away, a giant smile

lighting her face.

“See you tomorrow!” she screamed then

hopped off happily inside.
I felt an arm wiggle its way through
mine.

“Where were you last night?” Lauren

asked.

“Um, I was out.”

For some odd reason I didn’t want her to

know I was at Maddie’s house.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

She suddenly skidded to a halt, thus

stopping me as well.

She turned me around to glare at my

face.
“Your not…cheating on me, ARE
YOU!?” she hissed.

“What? No!” I almost yelled.

Her glare softened and she smiled. She

kissed me swiftly then strolled down the
hallway and around the corner.

I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes.

I would never cheat on her…would I?

Well, obviously you’ve never met

Maddie Hawkins.

I drove to her house again and this time

her auntie was on the porch, sipping
some tea and reading a book.
Chickens were clucking on the dirt road
and flying when I came through.

The auntie put down her book.

“Beck, so good to see you again.” She

smiled.

“You, too…aunt.” I grinned back.

“Oh, just call me Theresa.” She

shrugged.

“Theresa then. I’m going to head up.” I

said.

“Oh, she’s not in the house, she’s in the

barn with Valentine, her horse.” Theresa
pointed to the barn in the back.
“Oh, thanks.” I thanked then headed to
the barn.

When I finally made it, the barn door

was closed. I pushed it and it creaked
open.

The first thing I saw was pale, long legs.

They were creamy and attached to them
were some small denim shorts. Attached
to that were a white camisole and a pink
and white checkered button up, showing
the white camisole. Attached to that was
Maddie.

Her hair was curled messily and in a

ponytail on the nape of her neck. She
was brushing a brown horse.
“C’mon in, Beckett.” She called softly
and the horse neighed in response.

Maddie smiled softly and kissed its face.

“I told you not to call me that.”

I started to set down my stuff when her

small voice stopped me.

“I wouldn’t put that down if I were you.”

She warned softly, not even looking at
me.
I looked down to see I was about to put
my book bag in some shit.

I huffed and tossed it back on my

shoulder.

Maddie started to lead the dark horse,

Valentine, to a stable. She locked him up
and took off his saddle.

She refixed her ponytail, putting it into a

messy bun.

She finally turned to me and sighed.

“Are you ready to start?” she asked

softly.

“Sure, whenever your ready.” I

shrugged.
I handed her the Romeo & Juliet book
and she sat down. She started reading it
swiftly.

I sat down and watched her read.

As I was saying earlier, I admired her

natural beauty, the natural hair, her petite
figure, her creamy skin, her dotting
freckles, and her big doe-like eyes.

After two hours of watching her, the sun

started to set and she closed the book
with a loud BANG! causing me to jump
and look back at her.

“How was it?” I asked.

“Stupid, horrific, bad, and lazy, but that’s

just my opinion.” She shrugged.
I chuckled and grabbed the book from
her.

“Romeo & Juliet is a classic. Why do

you have to be so opinionated?” I asked
her, twisting the book in my hands.

She didn’t answer. She stood up and

frowned down at me.

“You should get home. I’ll see you

tomorrow.” She said quickly and quietly
as she ran towards Valentine.

I frowned at her short goodbye as she

jumped on the horse.

“Wait!” I called as the horse took off

with her on its back.
The next day at school, Maddie was
hardly there. I didn’t see her in 2nd period
or in 5th.

Maybe I upset her.

I sighed as I passed the library. Then

when I saw a hint of red I turned my
head to see Maddie on a bookshelf,
reading a thick book.

I walked inside and started towards her,

hiding behind bookshelves to get a closer
look.

I was behind her when I heard her

sighed.
“Just come out already, Beck. It gets
annoying.” She sighed softly and swiftly
turned to me.

I was stunned by the closeness. I was in

between her legs and she looked back
down at her book. I made no motion to
move.

She turned a page and I looked on the

bottom to see what she was reading, but
her creamy hand quickly blocked it.

“Not a chance.” She smiled victoriously.

I was stunned again. Her smile was

beautiful. Her pearly white teeth shining
at me while her full lips encased.

I grinned back and shrugged.

I sat next to her on the bookshelf, just
enjoying her company.

I leaned against my locker, waiting for

Matt when I saw Maddie come down the
hall.

She glanced at me then went down to her

locker.

Matt grinned at me while Brenda situated

herself next to me, listening to music.

I rolled my eyes as she bobbed her head

to the music, shaking her black hair.

I turned my head back to Maddie as she

put in the combination and opened her
locker.
Suddenly, everything went in slow
motion.

There a rattle above her and she looked

up.

Before Maddie could stop anything, the

bucket that had been over her head,
slinked over, splatting her head with blue
paint.

It splattered everywhere, covering her

books and book bag, along with her
white button up she had been wearing. It
stained her hair and she closed her light
green eyes at impact.

Everyone was frozen for a second, hell,

even Brenda stopped dancing.
Suddenly, everyone broke into laughter
and pointed at horror-struck Maddie.

Brenda, Matt, and I didn’t laugh.

Lauren and her friends followed her as

she walked up to dripping Maddie,
chortling.

“You look a little blue, Madeline!” she

laughed.

“Oh, she’s going to cry.” Another teased.

But Maddie didn’t. Unlike most girls,

who would just burst into tears and run,
Maddie was still frozen, glaring at my
girlfriend.

Lauren leaned into the stained girl and

whispered into her ear.
She straightened back up and Maddie’s
eyes darted to me.

I opened my mouth to say something, but

snapped it shut.

What could I say?

She shook her head at me then turned

and walked off, leaving the school.

Later that day, I went over Maddie’s

house.

I stopped on the dirty road and looked up

to see Theresa with her head in her
hands. She was sitting on the porch,
shaking.
She looked up at me with swollen eyes
from crying.

“Beck…” she whispered.

I nodded grimly.

“What happened?”

“She didn’t tell you?” I whispered.

She shook her head.

“Prank at school.” I sighed.

She nodded.

“She’s in the woods. There’s a bath

down there. She likes to go there and
think.” She shrugged.
I nodded and headed down.

I stumbled over rocks and dirt until I saw

the bubbling water.

No one was in it and it was like a Jacuzzi

except it was made into the ground with
rocks circling it.

Suddenly, Maddie emerged from it, her

mouth gasping for breath and her hair
falling down her back (And no paint!).

She opened her eyes and they widened

when they saw me.

“Dammit, Beck!” she shrieked loudly,

the loudest I ever heard her speak and I
jumped a little.
She clutched her chest underwater and I
understood her outburst.

She was naked. Dear lord…

I quickly covered my eyes and began to

sputter apologies.

I heard splashing and the rustling of

clothes.

I opened my eyes hesitantly and gulped

with nervousness when I saw her in a red
bathing suit, two piece.

“Skinny dipping? How cliché of you.” I

grinned at her, trying to lighten the
mood.
She rolled her eyes in disgust at me and
wrapped a big white towel around her.
She walked around me and I sighed.

“C’mon, Maddie…”

I reached for her wet arm and as I soon

as I touched her electricity flowed
through me, followed by a warm glaze.

She turned her wide eyes on me.

We stood there, staring at each other.

She was the one to finally break it and

started back to the house.

I followed after her. I matched my pace

with hers.

“Are you upset?” I asked.

She didn’t answer.

“Maddie?” I called.

No answer.

“Would you talk to me?” I frowned.

Silence.

“Oh, not this shit again! Really? The

silent treatment?” I growled.

Her lips didn’t move.

“I am so tired of this shit!” I sighed.

I didn’t realize I was talking to myself.

I turned around to see Maddie was sitting
down with her head in her hands.

Her body was shaking and I made a

move to sit next to her.

She was crying softly.

I was just about to put my arm around

her when she said something.

“Just go, Beck. I don’t want anyone here

right now.” She whispered. I hesitated,
“Go, Beck!”

I nodded even though she didn’t see me.

I headed back to the house and frowned

when I saw Theresa standing on the
porch, clutching her hand to her chest.
Her eyes turned sadder when she saw me
alone. Her shoulders slumped and she
waved goodbye as she went back into the
house.

The next day, Maddie didn’t come to

school.

I talked to my friends and sister about it,

but all they said was:

Lauren: “Good, I’m glad that freak is

gone. She shouldn’t be allowed at this
school.” She scoffed.

I rolled my eyes and growled under my

breath.

Matt: “That girl looks even hotter in

blue.” He sighed.
Brenda: “…………..Who’s Madeline?”
she frowned.

All of my friends were idiots.

But those were just my closest friends,

all the rest wanted to fuck me, be me,
love me, or kill me.

Later that day I went to Maddie’s house.

As soon as I got to the door, Theresa

pulled me in.

“Great! You’re here!” she cried in

rejoice.

“Yeah, I’m here.” I said.

“She hasn’t come out of her room all
day.” She sighed worriedly.

“I’ll make her.” I smirked.

She smiled back and pushed me up the

stairs.

“And be gentle!” she warned.

I nodded and opened her bedroom door.

Maddie was curled up in a ball on the

floor, leaning against her bed.

I sat across from her as I sat down my

book bag.

She didn’t speak.

I crossed my legs Indian style and stayed
silent.

I started tapping my hands against my

converses.

“Have you ever been to an art gallery?”

she whispered after a few minutes, her
voice was raw from not talking.

She didn’t look at me though.

I frowned.

“Art gallery?”

I had heard of an art gallery before, but

hadn’t been to one in my whole life.

“Yes, I have posted some of my art in

some, and I was wondering if you would
like to go with me to see the grand
opening in three weeks. Theresa won’t
be able to make it.” She finally looked at
me with her big eyes.

Once again I was stunned by her beauty.

How could anyone breathe around this

girl?!

I sighed then nodded.

Her face lit up and my breath was taken

away (Corny shit, I know, but that’s
what happened).

“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked

after a few silent minutes.

She sighed and uncurled herself, sitting

like me.
“It was your girlfriend.” She hissed.

I frowned.

“It was not Lauren.” I argued.

“Your girlfriend’s last name is Mallory

right?” she asked.

“Yeah, so?”

“Well, did you know in German that

Mallory means unlucky?” she smirked.

I grimaced at her and scoffed.

“It does not!” I argued.

She rolled her light green eyes.

“Whatever. I should probably go
downstairs. Theresa has been worried
sick.” She sighed as she stood up.

I followed after her as she walked

downstairs. Theresa enveloped her in a
crushing hug, tears running down her
face.

“I can’t loose you. Please…” she

whispered into Maddie’s hair.

Maddie returned the hug and I headed

for the door.

“Beck!” I turned to the sound of my

name and felt warm, slender arms wrap
around me.

I looked down to see Maddie was

hugging me.
Her body was smaller than mine, but the
right height.

I wrapped my arms around her as her

vanilla smell encased me.

We finally let each other go after a few

moments and I left with a smile on my
face.

My locker slammed in my face.

I turned to see Lauren glaring at me.

“Where were you yesterday? I called and

called, but you never answered.” She
sneered.
I frowned.

I wanted to see Maddie’s grin.

I reopened my locker before turning to

her.

“I wasn’t in cell phone range.” I replied.

My locker door slammed again.

I sighed.

“Where were you?” she repeated.

“I was…um…getting your birthday

present.” I shrugged as I opened my
locker again.

“My birthday was two months ago.” She

growled as she slammed my locker shut.
“He was with me. Shopping.” Brenda
sneered as she broke through us.

Lauren and Brenda never ever got along.

They were always glaring at each other.

“Well, that explains why he was out of

cell phone range.” Lauren growled.

“How so?” Brenda asked.

“He was blocked by your fat ass!”

Lauren retorted.

“Please, you’re the one wearing clothes

two sizes too small.” Brenda snarled.

“Are you calling me fat?”

“Jesus called you fat.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. I got in
between them and pushed them away
from each other.

“Would you guys stop? It’s so tiring.” I

sighed.

“Where were you, Beck?” Lauren asked.

“Places.” I sighed.

“WHERE!?” she screamed.

“Away from you.” I shot back and went

to class.

I passed the music room and was

immediately grabbed by sets of arms.

“Hey!” I choked out.

“Shh!” Matt hushed.

“Dude, what the hell?” I frowned.

“Shh! Listen…” he trailed off and

pointed to the music’s room door.

I pressed my ear to the room and heard a

sound of a guitar and a beautiful voice.

“…You tucked me in, turned out the light

Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that

Brushed my teeth and combed my hair

Had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when I looked
back

You had to do it all alone

Make a living, make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be

And when I couldn't sleep at night

Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to
me…”

I smiled widely at my friend who smiled

back.

He suddenly frowned and dashed around

the corner. I frowned in confusion.

“Beck?” I heard the delicate voice

behind me call.

I inwardly cringed. I was in trouble.

I spun around to see Maddie’s confused
face. Her guitar was strapped to her
back.

Suddenly, her cute freckled covered

button nose scrunched up in disgust.

She sniffed my shoulder and cringed.

“You smell like rat’s ass.” She stated

simply and quietly.

I sniffed my shirt only to find out it

smelled like Lauren’s perfume.

I sighed.

“It’s just Lauren’s perfume.” I assured

her.
She tilted her head to the side in innocent
confusion.

“Lauren smells like rat’s ass?” she asked.

I grimaced as she smirked and walked

around me.

I grabbed her by her guitar and she

sighed as she turned to me.

“Is there something else you wanted?”

she asked innocently.

“Do you have a problem with my

girlfriend?” I questioned, gazing at her
intently.

She scrunched up her cute face.

“Of course not, Beck. I mean she is the
girl that dumped paint on me. And she is
the girl that insults me. And she does
smell like rat’s ass. What is the
problem?” she shot back sarcastically.

I frowned again.

“I told already she didn’t do that.” I

hissed.

She sighed.

“Are you coming to the art gallery in two

weeks? I really need you to be there.”
She almost pleaded.

I sighed, too.
“I promise I’ll be there, Maddie.” I
whispered as I brushed my fingers
against her cheek.

She smiled and walked around me,

walking around the corner, after waving
goodbye.

I arrived at her house two days later,

wanting to say hi.

I knew I didn’t need to be here anymore,

since we finished our project, yet I still
yearned to see her.

I turned to the corner, towards the barn

only to see Maddie and Theresa talking
quietly.
Maddie held her guitar in her hand
tightly.

Theresa

I walked outside to see Maddie was still

sitting on the door of the barn.

I sighed.

She had been out here all night, crying.

She would usually do it in her room, but

I got worried about her.

She never cried around Beck though.

He made her stronger someway and even

changed her.

Sometimes she refers to me as mom.

Sometimes she calls me a bitch for
taking everything away from her.

I walked over to her and sat down. She

turned to peek at me from beneath her
long lashes.

“You done with the song, honey?” I

asked quietly.

“Yes.” She replied, quieter, and turning

away to look at the sun.

“What is it about?”

She turned to me with sad eyes.

“You…me…us.” She whispered.

“Can you play it for me?” I questioned.

She stared at me for awhile and I thought
I hit a nerve until she sighed and turned
to her guitar.

People singing:

Theresa

Maddie

Together

“You tucked me in, turned out the light

Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that

Brushed my teeth and combed my hair

Had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when I looked
back
You had to do it all alone
Make a living, make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be

And when I couldn't sleep at night

Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to
me”

“Sing with me, mom.” She whispered to

me.

I felt tears brim my eyes as I

remembered the old nursery song.

Caterpillar in the tree

How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream

Wish you may and wish you might

Don't you worry, hold on tight
I promise you there will come a day

Butterfly fly away

Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away

Flap your wings now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all
come true

Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away

We've been waiting for this day
All along and knowing just what to do
Butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, butterfly
fly away

Butterfly fly away

Butterfly fly away

Tears shined both in our eyes as we

stared at each other happily.
“I love you…mom.” She whispered.

“I love you, too, honey.” I whispered

back, engulfing her into a hug.

Beck

I decided this was their private moment

as I got back into my car and drove
away.

The next day I came, Maddie seemed

happier. She smiled often and laughed at
my witty comments.

Before I left, I kissed her lightly on the

forehead, basking in her vanilla scent.

“Goodnight, Beck.” She whispered,

stepping away from me.
“Goodnight, Maddie.”

The next day at school, I completely

ignored Lauren.

All she did was bitch and moan about

how she presumed I was cheating on her.

I went over Maddie’s house later on and

Theresa smiled widely at me, pointing to
the cornfield.

“YOLADY YOLADY
YOLADYOOOO!” I called.

Maddie let out a high whistle in return

and I took off after it.

I heard her high pitch giggle as she

headed towards the falls.
There was a low waterfall in the back of
the forest where she liked to think.

I saw her small body take off into the

woods and I followed after her.

“Maddie!” I called out to her as I saw her

in front of the falls.

She had on small shorts and a tank top.

She smiled widely at me before grabbing

the rope that was attached to the giant
oak tree and flinging herself onto it.

She swung back and forth until she let go

of the rope and fell into the water.

“Maddie!” I chuckled then started to

become uneasy when she didn’t rise.
“Maddie!” I cried in panic as I started to
take off my shoes and socks.

I threw off my shirt and started to dive in

when her head reached the surface.

She grinned widely at me and her eyes

roamed my half naked body.

“You like what you see?” I teased.

She shrugged indifferently.

“I’ve seen better.”

I rolled my eyes and sat down to put my

feet into the water.
She swam over to me and raised her
body up to mine. She sat next to me and
smiled brightly.

I brushed my fingers over her wet cheek

as she grabbed my other hand.

“Jeez, you’re soaked.” I complained.

“Why thank you. I know you like me

better when I’m wet.” She grinned.

I rolled my eyes as she started to dry up

from the sun.

“We should head back to the barn. I want

to show you Valentine. He just got his
mane trimmed.” She was obviously
excited.
She skipped happily to the barn with me
trailing behind her, checking my phone
every time it dinged when I got a
message from Lauren.

I ignored them as we walked into the

barn and Maddie untied her horse.

It neighed as she tied it to the pole.

“Isn’t it nice?” she asked.

I looked at its hair and nodded.

“Actually it is. Did you do it?” I looked

at her.

She shook her head.

“No, Theresa.” She replied.

“Hmmm…” I hummed while nodding
my head.

“Let’s go back to the house. I smell

dinner!” she chirped happily.

“You know you really have changed.” I

grinned.

“I know I have. The teachers aren’t

offering therapy anymore and I actually
say hi to people.” She smiled back.

I pushed her against the barn’s wall and

smiled mischievously down at her,
trapping her with my arms.

“You know that’s all because of me,

right?” I whispered to her.
“Yeah, and Theresa is a unicorn.” She
retorted sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes.

“No really. She shits out rainbows and

everything.” She said sarcastically,
smirking slightly.

“I’m just kidding, Beck. You really have

changed me. And…I thank you for that.”
She whispered sincerely.

“Don’t bother.” I whispered back.

Our faces were close together and I

glanced down at her lips.

Before I could catch myself, my lips

covered hers and my eyes stayed open as
I watched hers widen in shock.
I immediately parted from her and
watched her with cautious eyes.

She grimaced up at me.

“Should I slap you?” she whispered.

“Probably.” I replied, just as quiet.

She nodded, but grabbed the back of my

neck to kiss me.

Her mouth parted hesitantly and she

slipped her tongue into my mouth.

I picked her up by her thighs and held

her tightly to my chest, our lips moving
in sync.
Someone cleared their throat from beside
us and we both turned to see Theresa.

We jumped away from each other,

holding our hands up, palms out.

“Sorry.” We said in unison.

“Mmhmm. Time for dinner. And

someone is here to see you, Beck.”
Theresa turned and left.

I frowned in confusion and Maddie

walked in front of me.

“I’ll see you later, Beck.” She replied

quickly then turned and ran towards the
house.

“Wait!” I started after her, but suddenly

Brenda was in front of me, grinning.
“Hi!” she greeted.

“What are you doing here?” I growled.

“I came to warn you that Lauren is

hunting you down.” She grinned and
shrugged.

“For what?”

“Something about you cheating on her,

oh, I don’t know. Let’s talk about why
you kissed Madeline.”

“How did you know about that?” I

growled.

“Oh my God! You really did? I was just

kidding!” she squealed.
I scoffed at her.

“Let’s go home.” she insisted.

Maddie was just coming out of her house

and Brenda went to hug her.

“Oh, I have heard so much about you!

I’m Brenda! Beck’s sister. I love your
hair and you are really pretty! Anyways,
my number is 555-0987! Tootles.” She
grinned at her and got into my car.

I started after her, but Maddie grabbed

my wrist.

I turned to her to see she was eyeing me

worriedly.

“I want us to still be friends.” She

whispered.
“Of course. I wouldn’t give up our
friendship for nothing.” I bluffed.

I wanted to be with her.

She smiled.

“Don’t forget the art gallery is having

my art hung up tomorrow night. 9
o’clock sharp.” She reminded me.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I

smirked and got into the car.

“Where the hell were you!? You were

supposed to be at my house helping me
with my French!” Lauren rambled.
I turned to her as I closed my locker and
sighed.

“Je vais le faire à vous ce soir.” I

promised in fluent French.

“What?” she asked in confusion.

I rolled my eyes.

Maddie would’ve understood it.

“I’ll make it up to you tonight.” I

repeated.

“Great! There’s a party tonight!” she

grinned.

Something in my mind clicked, but I

shoved it away. I needed to pay attention
to my girlfriend.
Later that night, Lauren picked Brenda
and me up. We rode to the party at
Matt’s house.

The whole school was there, but I felt

like something was missing.

I quickly shoved the thought away and

wrapped my arms around Lauren’s waist.

We started dancing, getting drunk, and

kissing.

I no longer had that empty feeling, it was

filled with beer.
Brenda whispered something in my ear
over the thumping music, but I didn’t
hear it.

She took me outside so I could vomit

into the bushes.

She got into my car and drove off with

me in the backseat.

That was all I remembered.

Madeline

I growled slightly under my breath. I

couldn’t believe he actually stood me up.
I knew he would get caught up at that
party.

So here I was, standing outside of the art

gallery.
I waited for another hour in the cold air.

I took out my cell and texted him.

Where r u?

I constantly checked my phone, but with

no avail, he didn’t reply.

I should’ve expected it. Beck was a cool

and popular guy. Maybe our friendship is
not meant to be.

The guy who owned the art gallery

closed the doors and turned off the bright
lights.

“You alright, kid?” he asked me.

I lifted my head to him and smiled
slightly.

“I’m fine. I just need to get home.” I

stood up from the cold bench.

“Were you waiting for someone?” he

asked.

I glanced at him from under my dark

honey hair.

“No.” I answered in my quiet voice then

turned the other way, heading down the
street.

I didn’t feel like calling my mom or even

Brenda to come pick me up. I didn’t
want them worrying over my feelings.
I turned down an alley to hurry through a
neighborhood when I saw a group of
drunken men.

I started to breath heavy. I didn’t want to

cause any trouble so I turned back.

“Hey!” one of them called to me.

I ignored it and kept walking until

someone grabbed my arm.

My throat felt dry. I couldn’t choke out a

scream.

“Hey! We were talking to you!” the

drunken man slurred as his friends
followed him.

“I-I’m sorry.” I whispered.

I started to twist my arm from his grip,
but it just got tighter.

Just chill out for a minute, Maddie. Try

to talk yourself out.

“Tell us your name.” another spoke from

behind me.

I twisted my arm again.

No luck.

“Um…” I tried to stall.

“Tell us!” the one who had my arm

hissed, tightening his grip.

“Maddie.” I bit my shaking bottom lip.

“Maddie…” they all mused.

I took this chance to make one final twist
and turn sharply out of their dirty hands.

I didn’t make it far as one of them

tackled me to the ground.

“Mmmm…she smells like vanilla.” He

mused in my ear.

I started to shake.

“L-let me go.”

I started to wiggle around, but

immediately stopped when I felt my coat
drop to the floor.

“No.” I said weakly.

Another piece of clothing fell.

“N-no.” I said again.

More clothing.

Struggling, kicking, punching, hurting,

pinning.

I felt something brush against my

breasts.

“No.” I closed my eyes as tears leaked.

I felt something brush on my core, then,

with a heavy gasp, breaking through my
virginal barrier.

“NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!”

Beck.
Beck…

BECK!

Soon they left and rain came.

I cried and screamed Beck’s name. He

didn’t come though.

No one did.

I opened my eyes when I felt heavy rain.

I could tell it was morning from the
lighter sky.

My core ached and was bloody. It ached

to move.

My thighs and arms were dotted with

bruises.
I stood up and limped to the street.

After awhile, I couldn’t stand on my

wiggly knees anymore.

I rolled down and hit the wet pavement.

I heard beeping and the scrape of tires on

the road.

I opened my eyes to see the tires heading

for my head and I waited with
anticipation.

I wanted to die.

I waited and waited, but nothing

happened.

I felt arms wrap around me.

“Maddie? Maddie! Answer me!” I heard
a familiar voice.

I slowly opened my eyes to see Brenda.

She looked at me with her hectic brown

eyes then sighed with relief when she
saw mine.

“What the hell are you doing in middle

of the street?!” she cried then she got a
better look at my body.

“Maddie? Why are you bleeding…Oh

my God!” she choked out.

She grabbed me into her arms and put

me into the car.
“Hospital! That’s right! I’ll take you to
the hospital!” she said as she made a
sharp turn and I groaned with pain.

“No…hospital.” I groaned.

“I have to, Maddie—”

“No fucking hospital!” I growled.

“Okay, okay. Where do you want me to

take you?”

“I don’t know. Anywhere.” I sighed.

“Fine,” she replied as she pulled into a

driveway.

I didn’t know the house, but I

immediately identified Beck’s car.
She grabbed me out of the car and I
leaned on her or strength.

She hauled me to the bathroom and

started a bath.

“Take a bath and I’ll go get some clothes

for you.” She insisted as she stopped the
full tub’s water.

I nodded and stripped as she left.

My thighs still ached and my core

burned. I sat down in the water until it
turned pink from my blood.

I let sobs wrack my body.

After awhile of crying, I stepped out of

the shower and faced my reflection.
My face was deathly pale and my eyes
weren’t happy like they were days ago.
No blush even in my cheeks.

I wrapped a white towel around me and

limped out of the bathroom.

I immediately bumped into a hard chest

and familiar arms wrapped around me.

Beck

I woke out of the bed with a hammering

headache.

I actually cried out in pain as I clutched

my head.

I heard the running of bath water and I

knew Brenda was occupying the
bathroom.
I staggered out of my bed and opened my
door. Brenda was there, glaring at me.

“My head.” I groaned.

“You jerk.” She slapped my across the

face and my ears rung.

“OW!” I cried.

“That’s what your ass get! Did you know

Maddie had an art thing last night?” she
hissed.

My eyes flew open and my reminder

crashed through my head.

That was what was trying to break

through the barrier last night.
“Where is she?” I growled at her.

“In the bath. She’s bleeding.” She

whispered.

“Bleeding? Why would she be

bleeding?” I frowned.

“I think she should tell you herself.” She

whispered and turned to her room.

I walked to the bathroom and pressed my

ear to the door.

I could hear Maddie’s soft cries and it

broke my heart.

Suddenly, the door swung open and she

bumped into me.
She was only in a towel and she was
horribly pale.

She looked up at me with dead green

eyes.

“B-B-B-B-B-e-e-e-c-c-k-k!” she
stammered and fell to her knees.

I fell with her, wrapping my arms around

her small frame.

She cried into my chest.

Suddenly, she was angry and pounding

her fists onto my chest.

“Y-You did this! You weren’t there!”

she cried.
“What? What do you mean I wasn’t
there!?” I frowned; her thumping on my
chest was ringing into my ears.

“They…they took everything!” she

yelled as tears collected in her eyes.

“Who? What did they take?”

“You weren’t there! You…weren’t…

there.” she cried.

“Brenda!” she called.

Brenda came out with her car keys.

She shooed me away, grabbing Maddie

by the hand and threw clothes at her.

They walked outside, well; Maddie

limped, and got into Brenda’s car.
“Maddie!” I yelled, but they were
already gone.

Later that day, I drove to her house and

knocked on the door.

Theresa came out yelling.

“What did you do? What did you do to

her?” she cried.

“I didn’t do anything!” I answered.

“She hasn’t come out of her room.” She

replied.

“Maybe I can help.” I insisted.

Theresa hesitated then nodded.

I walked up the stairs and tried the door.

It was locked of course.

I tried knocking.

“Maddie! Maddie, open the door.”

It was quiet.

“If you don’t open the door we can’t

talk.”

No words.

“Answer me, Maddie.”

No answer.
I tried the door again and soon got tired
of this game.

I shoved my shoulder against the door

and it opened from the blow.

Maddie was on the floor, rocking back

and forth.

She was clutching onto a picture,

muttering words to herself.

“They took it. I’m filthy. All gone.” She

whispered to herself as tears fell from
her eyes.

I walked in front of her and sat down.

I grabbed both sides of her face, but she

flinched from my touch.
I felt my heart fill with a twinge of pain
from the rejection.

She glanced at me then looked away,

rocking back and forth.

“They took it, Beckett! And you weren’t

there!” she cried.

I reached for her again.

“Don’t touch me!” she yelled.

I flinched and leaned away.

“What did they take, Maddie?” I asked.

“Don’t call me that.” She whispered.

“But—”
“Don’t ever call me that, Beckett.” She
growled.

I was stunned by her words.

She continued to rock.

I trailed my eyes up her legs and saw all

the purple and black bruises.

I frowned and turned to look her in the

eyes.

“What happened?”

“I’m filthy!”

“What happened?” I asked more firmly.

“I can’t…”
She shook her head as she gripped her
hair with her small hands, squeezing her
eyes shut.

“What happened?!”

“They raped me, Beck! They took

everything!” she convulsed with sobs.

I froze where I was.

Everything clicked together.

She needed me there with her. And I

wasn’t. They raped her. I wasn’t there.
She could never forgive me.

I grabbed her hands, but she snatched

them away from me.
“I can’t, Beck. I’m filthy.” She cried.
“Just go. Just leave.”

“No, I won’t leave.”

“LEAVE!” she shrieked.

I flinched again and stood.

I walked out of the broken door and

passed Theresa. She frowned sadly at me
as I strode down the stairs.

For months, it was the same thing. I

would come over everyday yet Maddie
never talked.

Theresa would give me some food then I

would go to her room and convince her
to eat. She barely did. It was rare when
she did eat.
She was getting skinnier and skinnier.
The bags under her eyes were getting
more noticeable.

Theresa tried therapy, but every time we

did she screamed and cried for hours.

Madeline

The pain in my chest was getting worst. I

couldn’t speak without my throat
burning, so I decided not to.

I would not eat until I was clean. I

scrubbed every inch of my skin everyday
until it bled. Nothing worked, I was still
unworthy.

I cut my filthy skin to get rid of the pain,

it didn’t work either. The blades weren’t
sharp enough to tear the filthiness that
had become me.

Beck was trying. I knew I continued to

hurt him and Theresa. They weren’t
going to be in pain anymore.

“Have a nice day at school, honey.”

Theresa whispered to me.

I turned to her and nodded.

She brushed my messy hair out of the

way and smiled sadly.

I turned from her and got out of the car.

She took off.

I sat on the bench by the school. Luckily,

no one was here.
I dug in my gray backpack and took out
the pills. They were really strong for
heartburn. Enough in to kill.

I took out my bottle of water and peered

at the different colors of pills.

I grabbed a handful and started shoving

them in my mouth.

Swallowing.

After five minutes, the drugs started

doing their job. My vision started to get
hazy and it got harder to breathe.

I slumped on the bench, laying my head

on the cool material.
It wasn’t until I saw Beck; I realized
what I had done.

Beck

I slammed the door of my truck as I

repositioned my bag on my shoulder.

I was here for an earlier hour of

studying. Helping Theresa with Maddie
was getting harder and harder.

I sighed as I walked towards the school

when some movement caught my eye.

I turned to see Maddie on the bench. She

was breathing heavily and lying on the
seat.

I frowned as she watched me with her

empty, sad eyes.
“Beck…” she whispered from her dry
lips.

I ran towards her, dropping my bag on

the ground. She was pale, paler than
usual.

I grabbed her in my arms and fell to the

ground with her.

“Maddie. What happened?” I demanded

as I shook her fragile body.

She didn’t answer.

A bottle rolled from her slender fingers

and hit my shoe.

“Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no, no! Maddie!

Hang on!”
I reached for my phone in my pocket, but
her cold hand stopped me.

I raised my eyes back to hers as tears

sprung from her eyes.

“I lied.” She whispered.

I was confused. Why was she worried

about a lie?

She was dying!

“I love the book Romeo & Juliet.” She

explained.

She released my hand and cupped my

cheek as she breathed heavier.
“I’m so sorry. Take care of Theresa…
Beckett.” She smiled slightly.

Tears started falling from my eyes, too.

“You’re not dying on me, Maddie!

Please.” I whispered.

I grabbed her forcibly and buried my

face in her vanilla smelling hair.

“These violent delights…have violent

ends. And in their triumph die, like fire
and power…” she trailed off, looking
deep into my eyes.

She pressed her soft lips to mine. I could

taste the medicine on her mouth. She
wiped the tears from my eyes as she
parted from me.
“Which as they kiss…consume.” She
whispered.

Her eyes started to droop and she started

to convulse in my arms.

“Maddie!” I hissed as she shook in my

arms.

Then she was still. Not moving or

breathing.

“MADDIE!”

Theresa shook in my arms, sobbing.

“She’s going to make it.” I whispered

again and again.
Brenda was quiet in her crying, biting
her nails and making small whimpers.

Finally, the doctor came over to our

chairs.

I knew the answer, but I didn’t want to

hear it.

“D-did she…?” Brenda trailed off.

The doctor was silent as he shook his

head.

I heard Theresa let out a loud wail as I

heard my voice reach outcaves.

Before I could catch myself, I ran out of

the door. I could hear my sister calling
me, but I didn’t care.
I got into my car and drove to Maddie’s
house. I ran to the barn and opened the
door.

There was a note.

I picked up the paper and read.

If you’re reading this, then I’m

sure your Beck.

You were always smart. I will

definitely miss you.

You gave me light, a reason to

live, and a reason to smile. I
know Theresa is a wreck, she
will be for awhile. Please…for
me…take care of her.
I don’t believe in Heaven or Hell
or good or bad.

I believe in soul and spirits, if I

was good enough for the spirits
then I am with them now.

I love you, Beckett. I will see you

in the after life. Please don’t
forget me.

PS: check the art gallery.

I was already crying when I was done,

but shook it off and ran out of there.

I got back in the car and drove to the art

gallery I was supposed to meet her in a
few months ago.
I ran into the gallery and ignored
people’s stares.

“Excuse me, do you know where

Madeline Hawkins’s work is?” I asked a
receptionist.

“Um, in the back.” She answered.

I nodded and walked to the back.

There were pictures of me, Theresa,

places, animals, houses.

They were all beautiful.

I smirked at the last one. Maddie was

asleep in my arms, paintings under us.

“Beck!” I heard her voice behind me.

I turned, but no one was there. I fell to
the ground, and leaned against the wall.

“I love you, too, Maddie.” I whispered

into the air.

Madeline

I smiled as I heard the words escaped his

full lips.

“Beck…” I whispered.

I loved him and he loved me.

I leaned down and pressed my lips to his

warm forehead. He could not see or hear
me, but I still loved him.

I turned away, leaving my life behind.

My name was Maddie Ava Hawkins and
I was free.

The eND