Girl Next Door

var sc_project=11267629; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_security="5ce6607d"; var scJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://secure." : "http://www."); document.write(""); Maddie Isabelle York 1 January 1990 28 High School Teacher "Teaching others your gifts, is the greatest thing a person can do."

[maddie-york]

Emmett

“Are you going to finish that? Yeah, probably best you didn’t.” Emmett nudged her back from his seat, in response to her not finishing the remarks about their current ages. It was strange that to him…time had felt like some floating illusion for the past few years. But his mind at the moment currently had no stance on registering the thought, or anything, thankfully, as he’d likely only made things more and complicated and worse earlier that night with his present life. He probably should still be more concerned about ruining anything with Maddie even, yet, with how much fun they were consumed in, with the music blasting, and constantly laughing in their drunken states, Emmett couldn’t bring himself to currently care on that matter either.  He just found himself glimpsing over at every chance he got, eyeing her from his peripheral from the passing lights of the city surrounding them. And luckily, the taxi driver seemed equally as amused still of them. “You’re welcome, bringing the party to you!” Emmett exclaimed to the guy, but before leaning back in his seat, he caught Maddie gentle, comforting gestures. His eyes caught onto hers, a smile plastering upon his features, that despite everything, someone believed that things were going to be all right, from the one person he wanted to hear it from most. “Thanks.” Emmett replied, somehow not as hazily in that moment. “Means a lot.” His grin widened as her head nestled into his shoulder, letting it rest there…until it was only a few more minutes until the cab pulled up.

After attempting to fight her about the taxi bill, to no avail, Emmett sighed, shaking his head amusedly. “I’m – I’m not sure about that.” He practically stumbled himself, but once upright, stood as straight as possible before her. “But…can I make sure you get inside ok?” 

There was very little of Maddie’s brain that was still thinking logically and luckily, or unluckily depending on how you looked at it, the small part that was, was quiet. Because even as she stumbled out of the taxi, giggling as she grabbed onto Emmett’s arms to steady him, that part of her brain knew she was in trouble. She knew that she’d stayed until the club closed because of him, that if she hadn’t have found him sitting there, she’d be tucked up in bed with her dog. Instead, he’d helped make her night into one of the best birthdays she’d had in a long tim and though she would be unlikely to remember any of it in the morning, she was truly grateful. 

Nodding to his question, Maddie grabbed onto his hand as she made her way towards the front door of her building, knocking on the door a few times before laughing. “Wait, I have keys!” Giggling as she dropped his hand, reaching into her small clutch, she rummaged for her key before holding it up to him. “Magic keys.” Unlocking the door, Maddie stumbled as she pushed it open, giggling again as she turned back to him. In that moment, she didn’t think about the consequences or anything but him and just how much she wanted to kiss him at that moment. Standing in the doorway, Maddie reached for him, one arm sliding around his neck as she leaned in, her lips pressing against his without a moment’s hesitation.

[maddie-york]

◙ INSTAGRAM: ItsMaddie uploaded a new photo:

She hates me.

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[maddie-york]

Luke

Luke’s brows only furrowed further. “You’re joking. Seriously, Maddie stop with the deflecting.” Luke tried suppressing a grin at the ridiculous thought. Although knowing how much Maddie was into the sort of thing, their father might have one-upped on him in regards to relating to her in some way. The more Luke thought about it, he seemingly really didn’t. Sure, they had the traveling in common, but that had only been increments of time, in literal different worlds. Would that even be considered something? Did he even try to have anything like that in common with his family in general, besides inherited smarts? It was a striking revelation… Both eyes flickered back to the map on the wall. She did like her present, and in general, they were both trying, that had to account. “Right. Remind to ask about that all next time we see him.”

And in all truth, those churning thoughts only delved deeper as she continued, apparently more blinded than he even initially realized. “— Ok, yeah it was a different school but it was still Ivy League. And you know, they also wanted me to be a teacher, but that didn’t happen. I needed my own life somehow too.” He admitted. “And I don’t know, you have those little things with them, like those shows, I don’t think I have that at all.” It had all been sending links and newspaper clippings, achieving success to make them all proud; exactly why he couldn’t let that all come crashing down on him. That had essentially been his way of relating. “Besides, you make me sound like I was also captain of the high school football team or something.” Luke couldn’t help musing. “— I never knew why you put me on such a pedestal, honestly. But it made me proud, always wanting to live up to that, to not let you down either. I mean ok, I guess I turned out pretty cool.” He nonchalantly shrugged, smirking. Albeit, noting how Maddie’s eyes were starting to well, his expression wiped. “Thanks, but you’re also not a disappointment, Maddie and you know it. At least, can you listen to me when I say that? It might not be my fault, although, I still probably should’ve been more aware.” And this all was what they were working on in the present. “I believe you..just..if you’re hurt by him Maddie, I swear…” Hearing her answer, Luke smiled some, standing up from the chair, actually opening his arms out. “That won’t change. No matter where I am. And I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere anytime soon anyway.”

"Luke, I’m good, but even I couldn’t make this up. Seriously, he loves them. I haven’t had the heart to tell them I haven’t watched much since Scott and Kourtney broke up.” Nodding, Maddie laughed quietly. Although she had always gotten along with her father, they didn’t really have that much in common. He was more scientific and had always been stricter than her mother, although she loved them both equally. “The next York sibling pact, how many times can we get Papa York to talk to Kardashian.”

Running a hand over the top of her hair, Maddie took a deep breath, determined to keep herself calm. “I think that’s why I always struggled, you know? They’re incredible, I mean with everything they’ve accomplished. Mom moved here and spoke no English, she’s now a revered professor, they both did Ivy League, they had the perfect life, the two kids, dogs, we had a white picket fence. Then you, you’re amazing and you did Ivy League and got this amazing job and I’ve always felt that if I didn’t do the same, I’d be a disappointment. I always saw how proud they were of you and I wanted that as well and I feel like I’ve always got to me doing something incredible to the point where I now have no life.” Shaking her head, Maddie offered her brother a small smile. He had always been her protector, she’d always known that if she ever needed anyone, no matter where he was, she had her brother. “Luke, I didn’t tell anyone about this, no one knows, I didn’t want anyone to know, there’s no way you could’ve noticed.” As soon as Luke stood and opened his arms, Maddie made her way over and wrapped her arms around him. Sometimes, she just needed her brother. “You really are the best brother ever..”

[maddie-york]

Talan

“Me too. And considering she finally followed me on Insta. You know that?” Talan couldn’t help asking with a smirk. Remembering those little things did help downplay the issues he was likely blowing out of proportion. And technically, that was a major step. Grinning as Maddie admired the little baby animal herself, Talan knew he could have mutual understanding from her. “See what I mean? And I’d say it likes us, hasn’t started chirping its head off yet or anything. – I don’t know does that mean it doesn’t like someone?” Damn. He really had no idea, but with Maddie being an avid dog owner, she would likely have a better read. “Damn right I will.” Talan nodded, glancing down at Maddie’s dog, relaxing herself on the ground. His lips twisted, knowing reading everything from Google would probably confuse the shit out of him even more. “Really? –- Wait. You will?” Talan’s expression brightened at his friend’s offer. “You’ve got a deal.” He held out a hand for Meeko’s lead. “If I didn’t have this chick, I’d steal her.” Talan then moved more towards Maddie to carefully hand the animal nestled in her scarf over.  

“I did, it came up on my activity thing and I got far too excited. Actually, that’s a lie, I was so shocked I think I actually dropped my phone.” Smiling, Maddie couldn’t hide her happiness for her friends. The instagram follow may be small to some people, but Maddie knew what it meant for Sawyer and Talan. “You missed a trick though, she wasn’t following me for a couple of months so I stole her phone and did it for her.” Looking back down at the chick, Maddie cocked her head to one side. It looked calm enough and from what she knew of animals when they were scared or in distress, they made some kind of commotion. “I think so, if Meeko doesn’t like someone she goes nuts so maybe this is good?” Nodding, the brunette brushed her back before carefully slipping the lead’s handle onto her friend’s hand. “Don’t let her wander to far and do not put the lead down. She’s sneaky and runs off if she feels it because she likes the adventure.” Carefully taking the chick in her hands, Maddie cringed as it chirped. “Ssh, you’re alright.” Holding the scarf to her chest and keeping her arms as still as possible so the bird calmed, Maddie nodded. “But feel free to pick her up and give her a cuddle. She hates me right now for the vet visit.” Making her way inside, Maddie quickly grabbed her vet in between his appointments to ask about the chick. After a few minutes, she made her way back out to Talan. “Hey, so the professional opinion is to not keep it, but if you want to, it’s basic google advice. She’ll go nuts for worms and lettuce, don’t feed her too much bread and she’ll need a bowl of water, she’ll know what to do.” Still holding onto the bundle scarf, Maddie smiled at Talan. “Going to become a chick dad or are you stealing my dog?”

[maddie-york]

Emmett

“Oh ok. You just meant you being old, all good then.” Emmett stated over-exaggeratedly with the alcohol from the numerous shots now blatantly flowing steadily within him. But in all seriousness somewhere within his clouded mind, it was strange how time was moving so fast, yet feeling like the clocks had been turned back into the past. He wasn’t sure what current to go against or what to think anymore in all truth, something just had him thinking not to give up just yet on this city, despite all odds seemingly being against himself in every way with everyone. Supposedly…maybe, just maybe that sliver of motivation came from the fact of his hand currently being intertwined with hers. As predicted, they made it early out to the taxi queue thankfully, but noticing Maddie’s shiver at the same time. “Here.” He lazily took off his jacket, handing it over to her free hand just in case. It was a friendly gesture after all, helping out a friend in ‘need’ right?  Emmett couldn’t help laughing at her answers, not even caring how they both weren’t making any sense at the moment. He stopped entirely short at the way she got into the taxi, shaking his head at himself just as her phone camera flashed. Well, that was sure one picture he wouldn’t ever want black-mailed.  “Yeah. It’s New Year’s!” Emmett found himself exclaiming to the driver’s question. And hey, if the dude hadn’t had a decent night, this likely could be quite some entertainment. “Taxi party to where, get what again?” He asked, turning the best he could back to Maddie.

"Well if I’m old..” Giggling quietly, Maddie reached out to gently poke his arm, although with her slightly blurry vision, she ended up poking his chest. There wasn’t much Maddie was truly registering at the moment, except that her head was extremely fuzzy and she could feel the grin taking what seemed to be a permanent place on her face. If she was honest, she hadn’t really been looking forward to her birthday this year, so much was happening and getting on top of her that she didn’t want to think about. But now, she was so glad she had come out. “Thanks..” Even drunk, Maddie was touched by the gesture. She shouldn’t have come out without a jacket, but her vanity had forced her to brave the chill of the winter night, even if it wasn’t as cold as it could’ve been. Taking the jacket from him, Maddie lay it over her shoulders before pulling it tight around her. Leaning forward once they were both in the taxi, Maddie waved her finger towards the radio console. “Crank it up, it’s New Year’s! Woo!” Laughing as she leaned back in her seat, Maddie held up a finger. “Taxi party to my place!” Giving her address, she nodded enthusiastically as the driver repeated it back to her, chuckling as his passenger was slurring her words. “That’s me! Onwards!” Looking over at Emmett, Maddie reached across with her hand, gently patting his arm and then his shoulder. “I’m really glad you didn’t leave tonight, it wouldn’t have been anywhere near this much fun without you..” Shuffling over, Maddie lay her head on his shoulder for a second before sitting back up as a song came on. “I love this song!” Luckily for everyone with ears, the taxi ride to her apartment wasn’t that long and they were soon pulling up. Handing over a bill, Maddie patted Emmett again before stumbling her way out of the cab. “Do you want to come in for a drink?”

[maddie-york]

Aelish

“Shoulders? Really? I’ve never heard of that before. At least not with dogs but I guess she’s small enough to do that.” This was such a unique dog or at least they were in Aelish’s opinion. “Half the size? Damn. That’s tiny. I can honestly say that I’ve never been a small dog person. Probably because we always had giant dogs but Nala here has kind of warmed my heart for maybe getting a small dog next time.” Aelish grinned, “Now that was a very nice thing to do. I’m sure your mother was very grateful that you didn’t take her new pet away from her even though they belonged to you. We used to have dogs but after the last one past away I just couldn’t bring myself to get another.”

"I think she just likes resting her head on things.. Maybe because she has to look up a lot, her head get tired or something..” Shaking her head, Maddie laughed once. “Now I really do sound like I’m making her into a child.” Nodding, the brunette smiled once more as she glanced between Aelish and her dog. “Yeah about that, I think. Oh, I was the same. We had labradors when I was growing up and I always thought I’d get my own, but then one my friends from college had a little sausage and I fell in love.” Nodding, Maddie reached down as Meeko whined, picking her up and holding her in the crook of her arm as she reached for a treat. “Yeah she was pretty grateful, definitely earned me points in the best child award, that’s for sure.” Nodding, Maddie’s smile fell a little as Aelish mentioned the death of a dog. “I get that, after Bouncer died, my parent’s labrador, my Mom couldn’t bear the thought of replacing him, but then Nala took a liking to her and the rest was history.”

[maddie-york]

Luke

“Maddie.” Luke pointedly stated, knowing exactly what she was doing in terms of attempting to distract him from the true matters at hand. In fact, he’d done it with her before too. Just another similarity apparently coming through that maybe made them not so different in certain ways after all, an explanation for why even after establishing they didn’t truly know one another, he and Maddie could hold deep conversations, understand each other to an extent regardless. “Alright, fine. I’ve heard of them.” Although, Luke couldn’t help making a face at the fact their father knew them, quoted them even once. “What? That’s something I’d never thought Dad would say.” All Luke had basically ever done was work on being an ideal son in their father’s eyes, again, probably too occupied in that sense to realize Andrew York had his own light-hearted moments. Something their mother more than likely had the primary ability to bring out. Either way, it surely could make for quite an actual entertaining conversation the next time he and Maddie were over.

But the thought instantly shook as his sister continued, Luke’s expression going blank while taking everything in. He really had been oblivious to all this growing up, all the accustomed privileges….eyes widening as she mentioned as she finished, Luke carefully thought before starting any response, Maddie’s reveal prompting something within to start to disclose his own pent-up grappling. It would be the only way. “First off, yeah, ok, I’ll now admit I’m a sell-out there, getting into where Mom and Dad went to Ivy League,  but Ivy League is still Ivy League, Mads.” Luke smirked, easily countering with his old ‘comeback’ in return to their age-old ‘rivalry’. “But…you’re also not the only who’s just ever wanted to be perfect with everything. For my sake, for my career’s sake, for Mom and Dad’s sake..for your sake, my sister’s.” He nodded through a heavy breath. “Look at all that you’ve achieved too.” ‘Don’t turn into me, whatever you do..,’ His eyes glancing across at her practically pleaded silently, mind stuck particularly on the part of Maddie becoming isolated in a way. “I won’t ask, I’m just still not convinced he isn’t a major part of the problem though. — Can I maybe do anything? In general?” It may be too late for him, but Maddie? No way in hell should she have to endure this.

"Dad is a secret Kardashian lover, I’m telling you. He said ‘Bible’ the other day when I was picking Meeko up from her doggy date with the traitor and I was so confused, I ran out of there so fast thinking he’d been abducted and replaced with an alien. If he could, pretty sure he’d rename us both with names that begin with a ‘K’. He’s fascinated.” Despite her mood, a small smile lifted her lips as she thought about the odd conversation she’d had with her father. A little part of her suspected he watched it to make sure he kept something in common with his daughter, something that she was truly touched by. “Knew it, I bet you two watch it together..”

There was something to be said about following in your older sibling’s footsteps that made Maddie genuinely believe that if she had more than one child in her future, they’d be sent to different schools. She had followed Luke through school and with the teachers they’d both had, she had big shoes to fill once her brother had graduated. “Please, they were so proud you went to Brown. They wanted me to go there as well but I needed my own life. I spent all of high school being Luke York’s little sister that I had to go somewhere where no one knew my family are brainiacs.” She could feel her eyes getting heavy and she blinked quickly, determined to have a conversation where she didn’t cry. “I didn’t want to be a disappointment. I don’t want you to feel bad about this Luke, because this is nothing to do with you, I swear. You are the most brilliant person I know but I always feel like I’m judged against you. It’s not your fault, I swear it’s not, but being the younger sibling? I always felt I had to do better, to prove I was more than just the little York.” She had never properly divulged exactly how she felt to anyone, no boyfriend, not her parents, not even Sawyer, but for some reason, she knew Luke understood everything she was saying. “He’s not, it’s honestly not.. He’s great and he doesn’t even know I like him. It’s just, I think with everything coming down on top of me right now, it just feels like another area of my life I’m failing in. It’s all me, it’s not him, I swear.” Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Maddie shook her head. “You’re here.. That’s helping.”

[maddie-york]

Talan

Talan’s grin couldn’t help but widen amusedly at Maddie’s perplexed expression, although he didn’t have time to explain any further at the moment as she was whipping out her phone. He attempted posing once figuring she aimed at the device at him for a picture. Talan thought about protesting the matter, but knew Maddie had already sent the photo off. It’d be from her best friend in actuality, the person who no doubt knew her best, and he and Sawyer were definitely good…it was just he felt like he’d rocked the boat a bit too much lately so to speak. And so, he only lightly laughed at the remark, brushing it off the way he knew how. Although, it likely came off pretty pathetic .“Will do. Even though I know she’s cool.” Talan nodded at the dog happily relaxing at Maddie’s feet, probably relieved that the vet was over. “— I uh…” Shit. He didn’t even finish, letting his friend proceed to wrap the baby animal up in her scarf, listening to any tip she may have. The more she spoke, the more his eyes widened. Reality really seemed to keep coming up in more ways than one. “I’m not sure I want to take him in there, Maddie…and I know, we all live in apartments…ok honestly? I don’t know what to do..”

Quickly sending the picture to her best friend when she had taken it, Maddie pushed her phone into her back pocket, her hand winding and unwinding Meeko’s lead. “If it isn’t her phone background within an hour, I will be extremely disappointed.” Looking down at the tiny animal, Maddie felt a little pull on her heart strings. She wasn’t crazy about chickens, but even she couldn’t deny that it was truly adorable. “Just give her a hug before we go and she’ll love you forever. If we weren’t at the vets she’d be lying on your feet.” Glancing down at her dog, the brunette couldn’t help but smile, something her dog was always able to do. “Well if you won’t go in, we need to google the shit out of it but honestly? Professional advice is always best. They’re not going to do anything without permission, Tal..” Tilting her head a little to the side, Maddie reached over to gently pat down her scarf around the chick. “Fine, I can go in by myself but we’re going to have to figure out what to do with this one.” Pointing to Meeko, Maddie shrugged. “You won’t get her back in there quietly with all the treats in the world. If I slip the lead onto your wrist, I promise she will sit still. Sound like a plan?”

[angelprompts]

send me a 👌for my muse to drunkenly confess something

[eifersuchtswahn]

[maddie-york]

Sophie

       Sophie could make a home out of the bakery she works in, invigorated from the moment she steps into the Parisian paradise and inhales the ever-present scent of freshly baked pastries. Not many people can sincerely say that they love their job, but in her case it’s the bona fide truth. Weekends tend to be chaos, both regular and touristing customers floating in and out the door every minute, but she loves it. Busying herself in the kitchen, she’s already baking up a frenzy for Saturday to make sure nothing gets sold out too quickly. Lord knows they don’t need another uproar like last weekend when their macaroons and croissants disappeared by noon. The tinkling sound of their door’s wind chime signals a new arrival, motioning her to head to the front counter since their usual girl left early. Bright blue eyes flicker with warmth as a friendly smile spreads across her face, her hand gesturing to the vast selection of baked goods. “Do you have anything you’d like in particular? If you’re open to suggestions, our blueberry scones just came out of the oven and are still piping hot.”

If there was one thing that always relaxed Maddie when she was stressed, it was baking and stressed she was. But she had no time to bake. Deciding instead to get out of her apartment, the only thing that really stopped her from working, the brunette slipped out her apartment, thankful that she could enjoy a stroll as her mother had taken her dog for a walk. Spotting the all too familiar bakery as she walked the area, Maddie made her way over, pushing the door open to step inside. Raising a hand in a wave as the blonde made her way to the counter, Maddie nodded instantly as she mentioned about the scones. “Yes, one hundred percent yes, I’d love one. Thank you.” Reaching into her pocket for her card, Maddie glanced up at the menu boards. “You serve drinks here right? What goes well with scones? I feel like they’re British so do you have tea?”

[maddie-york]

Aelish

“True. She’s at the perfect height to smell people’s feet. She’d have to really jump up to smell their hair or anything else. Though that would be entertaining to see,” Aelish joked, standing up from the ground where she had been petting the dog. “Wait. A miniature sausage dog? Really? I never knew that was even a thing. No wonder they’re so cute.” She laughed, looking down at the dog. “That’s good to know. If they think dog food smells nice I’m sure they think anything smells good. They’re not the best judge when it comes to how things smell. So do you only have the one dog? Or do you have any more one?”

“Strangely even when I’m holding her, she’s not into hair. She likes shoulders though, although she just rests on them instead of sniffing them, luckily. Maybe she thinks feet are just part of the ground..” Smiling as the girl pet Nala, Maddie nodded, a small laugh sounding from her. “Yeah, you can standard ones which are still pretty small but then miniature ones like Nala, they’re about half the size. I’ve always been a small dog person so I went for the smaller version.” Brushing her hair over one shoulder, Maddie smiled before gesturing to Nala. “She’s my only one. I used to have a spaniel but I went on vacation, she fell in love with my Mom and I wasn’t going to tear the happy couple apart, so she lived with my parents now. What about you? Do you have any dogs?”

[maddie-york]

Talan

Since he seemed to be talking to himself, Talan was relieved to hear the sound of a familiar voice not moments after. “Maddie, sup!” He exclaimed. Perfect. Just the person he needed to see. She had dogs, and maybe would have a much better idea of potentially caring for a pet, despite the fact this was far from an ordinary one. And Talan didn’t have to question or remark anything further on the matter as her expression said it all on the matter. “I found him wandering around.” He nodded. Cool little guy, huh? I just don’t want to go in there, get basic advice. What should I do?” He asked, waving down at her dog. “I’d pet her, but you know.” Talan motioned towards the baby chick again. “Oh yeah! They’re from a tv show, huh?”

"Hey..” Smiling at her friend, Maddie couldn’t help but still look puzzled. If anything, it was just a picture she never thought she’d see. There was Talan, covered in tattoos with a rough edge, holding a tiny, baby chick. “Wait, hang on..” Reaching into her pocket for her phone, Maddie quickly snapped a picture. “I’m going to send this to Sawyer. You with animals? We’ll see if she goes mad.” Sending the picture to her best friend, Maddie nodded as he waved to her dog, carefully setting her back down on the pavement. “She’s good, but yeah don’t let her near it.” Glancing down at her dog who quickly lay across her feet, Maddie looked back to Talan and the chick. “Uh.. I mean dogs are my thing, Tal, I don’t really know much about chicks but you realise it will become a full blown chicken one day, right?” Nodding, Maddie rubbed her forehead gently. “I mean.. It’s a baby so you want to wrap it in something to keep it warm..” Unwrapping the scarf from around her neck, she offered it to him. “You’ll need to find out how to take care of them, how to feed it and make sure it drinks. I don’t think chickens do the milk thing but I’m not really a chicken person.. Want me to go in there with you?”

[maddie-york]

Luke

At first, of course this sounded like a usual conversation that would be exchanged between them throughout the years. Her remark had both brows raising, mouth slightly gape, unable to help a soft, yet amused laugh. Where on earth did she even come up with these sorts of ideas? But it was this ‘out of the box’ thinking they both seemingly had acquired that made them successful with where they were in his eyes. “I’m not going to try that, and I suggest you don’t either to see if they do. — And alright, now you lost me at the Kar—whatever they are again.” Luke made a joking gesture with his hand. But he couldn’t shake the fact that something kept nagging at him that was more behind her words, her current mannerisms. They may be getting to know one another again in a sense, although, Luke still blatantly had intuition. And when she assured it wasn’t anything to do with their previous fight, it didn’t alleviate any of the surfacing suspicion within. His brain racked itself again, and couldn’t help feeling further ashamed if he’d missed something seriously the matter with her. He’d left New Orleans before Maddie was well into high school, and they’d only seen one another in person a few times when she went abroad in college. He swallowed, coming up short.

The more and more his sister went on however, Luke couldn’t help but notice glaring parts of himself, easily sensing the building, edgy pressure in her voice.  Truth be told, ever since they both were young, they were put through many extra lessons beyond their own studies, ensuring the two were well-rounded individuals that always aimed high. It taught them solid determination, but the tension to strive, strive, strive, caused breaking points along the way. Luke didn’t admit it, for he knew how Maddie always looked up to him and albeit confiding in her at certain times, he really never wanted her, out of anyone, seeing him struggle. And so, he habitually proceeded sitting more upright at that, listening intently. “— Don’t even say that. You’re not an idiot.” He’d take that title as of late. “And yes, you are. How do you know other teachers aren’t doing so? You took on a third because you, your superiors know you can do it.” He crossed his arms, waiting for her to finish her drink. “Sit.” Luke then motioned towards the seat across him. “How long has this boy been around? You sure he’s not the one causing all this?” He couldn’t help but ask.  

"You don’t have to pretend you don’t know who the Kardashians are, Luke, even Dad knows who they are.. I know, it’s disturbing. He even quoted them once. I made sure Mom put a lock on the E! Network.” It was something Maddie did often when she could tell a conversation was taking a deeper turn that she knew she wouldn’t enjoy. She deflected but she also knew that now she’d stared opening up, she wasn’t going to be able to stop. Luke was a safe place, someone who could understand without judging her or allowing her to think what she felt was stupid. If anything, he was the one person who might be able to understand what she was dealing with.

“I think it started young, you know? I had to be the best. Mom and Dad made you do one language, I did two, my best friend was on the cheerleading team, I had to be head cheerleader. I had it in my head that I had to be perfect and it never went away.” Rubbing her forehead gently, Maddie looked down as she shrugged. “You went to Ivy League and I saw how proud Mom and Dad were so I busted my ass to get into Yale, still the better school, by the way..” Smirking a little, she laughed once at their old joking rivalry. “The end of first year when I was in a not nice relationship, I nearly broke and then I found cheer again and I got back on track but now..” Shaking her head, Maddie took a deep breath to keep herself calm. She didn’t want to admit how bad it had gotten, but one look at her and you could see. She was exhausted. “I know they’re not because they’ll all come in talking about their awesome evenings and social lives and I’m still sitting there marking. No one else teaches three different subjects. I have no free periods anymore.” Sitting as her brother instructed her to, Maddie shook her head, her hands pushing through her hair to brush it off of her face. “I’m sure. I don’t even know, he’s been there a few months, I guess? He’s such a nice guy Luke and I really like him, but it’s me messing with my head. My thing for him gets worse but there’s no way he’s interested and don’t ask.. He’s just not.” Shaking her head, she attempted a laugh. “I’m rambling, I just need to get my shit together and I’ll be good.”

[maddie-york]

Emmett

Even though there were doubts that still couldn’t help but surface within in regards to Maddie even being remotely interested in him, his current alcohol clouded mind had eased them more or less. It was currently having him focus on well things were going as opposed to the latter, since he’d certainly been stuck on the former for what seemed like a few years now. He thought he had a breakthrough when it came to this potential job, but now that might even have slipped right through his fingers, just as everything else only seemed to be building in an unimaginable way. The one thing that seemingly was going right though, at least for the time being stared right back at him in this very moment, on the dawning of a new year ahead. His laugh re-sounded at her ecstatic remark about her birthday, nodding. “— Wait? Are you calling us old?” Emmett’s voice purposely drawled, the alcohol apparently starting to kicking in more so at present. And luckily, he wasn’t alone it looked like she shared the same issue. It reminded him of the past in a way, his days with the band, days he’d rather not remember anymore however…this wasn’t like that. When she agreed to head out to the taxis right then, Emmett held onto her staggering frame the best he could, trying his own hardest not to humiliate his own self. His eyes remained locked on hers until she shifted, arms falling completely off his shoulders. As they headed outdoors, her hand suddenly slipping into his, he didn’t even question it at the moment, only holding it firmly in return. Finding themselves a waiting taxi, Emmett motioned toward it and led the way in that direction. “– Tacos? How about you try to remember if you had any birthday cake first?” He laughed, dazedly, letting her go inside the taxi first as the driver opened the back passenger doors for them. 

"One of my former students served us tonight, I’m definitely old.” If she had been more sober, she would’ve pouted. Instead, Maddie couldn’t help but giggle again. The brunette had always sworn she didn’t mind getting older, her mantra up until twenty six had been ‘one year older, one year wider’ but as she neared thirty, her positivity on ageing had started to wain a little. Except of course, when she’d had more tequila shots than she could remember. A grin was still in place as they slowly made their way across the dance floor and to the exit of the club, Maddie’s eyes on her feet as she tried to make sure she didn’t trip over anything on her way. Holding his hand tightly, Maddie nodded as he waved to the taxi, a small shiver running down her spine as the cool night air hit her bare skin. “Cake?” Squinting her eyes as her brow furrowed, Maddie tried desperately to remember earlier in the night, as if her life depended on it. “Yes! Yes there was a cake!” Jumping a little, Maddie laughed, one hand moving up to cover her mouth. “Now I don’t know if I want tacos..” Looking at the open taxi door, Maddie tilted her head a little to the side. For that one second, she’d forgotten how to get into a car. “How..” Letting go of his hand, Maddie bent down and almost crawled into the taxi, her quiet laugh sounding the entire time. “Forgot you saw this!” Settling herself, properly, into the back seat, the brunette reached for her phone. “Fun night you two?” Nodding at the taxi, Maddie laughed as she snapped a picture of Emmett. “Can we have a taxi party?”

[alciavikkander]

#i’m sorry #what was that?? #i can’t hear you over the sound of their eye fucking

[maddie-york]

@emmettandersvn

[maddie-york]

Sawyer

       “Hey, now those versions of Maddie are some of the best. Those kids are missing out.” Sawyer shrugged at her latter question, pursing her lips some in thought. “Well, I do have daddy issues. And nobody cooks for me like Mama York, so.. I can’t help but be biased.” As she watches Maddie take several steps and then pause, questioning herself in the middle of the sidewalk, Sawyer’s eyes narrowed in question. She already knew it before she thought it, that something was going on with Maddie, and she was going to get to the bottom of it. “Actually, let’s go to that park around the corner.” So I can grill you in peace. And as she grabbed Maddie’s arm and locked her arm with her own, the two start to make their way towards that very destination. “So, did you want to explain why in the world is Maddie even questioning looking at hot men?” 

“I mean they’re two of your favourite versions of Maddie but when I am trying to convince teenagers that they can trust what I’m saying, asking if the Pope is Catholic probably isn’t the best way to win them over..” Smirking a little, Maddie glanced over at her best friend, a small shrug on her shoulders. “No one cooks for anyone like Mama York. My birthday, I had a hangover from hell, she turns up at my door with home made fried chicken, I kid you not, I cried.” Linking her arm through Sawyer’s Maddie nodded as they began to make their way to the park. Despite it only being March, the New Orleans weather was pleasant, or pleasant enough to sit outside and eat cookies. “Hm? Oh.. No, not really.” She knew she’d never get away with not telling Sawyer, but with things so confused in her own head, she wasn’t sure how to get it out. “I sound so psycho, but there’s this guy at work and I swear, he’s maybe one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, he’s hot and he’s.. So, so hot. He was at my birthday, I remember very little and then I’ve barely seen him since.” As they reached the park, Maddie pointed to a grassy spot near a tree. “There?” Shaking her head, the brunette squeezed her best friend’s arm. “And that’s enough about me. How’re things with Talan? Still enjoying being back at work? Your hair looks good. I’m rambling, shall we eat?”