caught in the crossfire;

Madeline Powell. 22. Bisexual. Single. Works at the The Dining Room.“I didn’t realise it was so crazy here… um.. I really just want to go home.”

[freya-powell]

@madeline-powell​

Freya had pretty much bolted last time, not wanting to make Maddy feel worse but she’d been beating herself up over it since, so when she looked up and saw her sister walking into the Hot Spot, she was quick to stand up and move over. “Hey, I… I think we should really talk.” They needed to get this all out in the open.

[madeline-powell]

Madeline had been talking to Cole, the two of them had been spending a lot of time together and she was thankful for that. He was helping her through a lot and was lucky to have him. Which was why she was coming to see him now, but that was when she noticed Freya. “Right. Yeah. We should. Do you umm..want to sit down or something?”

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

~

“All the questions in the world and you’re going with that?” Cole teased, delaying his response. After a moment, he slowly reached for his drink as though opting to drink instead of answer, but then laughed. Cole was just buzzed enough that he probably could tell her, but what the hell was he even supposed to say? It had taken him far too long to even admit the truth to himself and, honestly, his feelings for Maddy terrified him. No, he wouldn’t tell her. He would just…

“Maddy, you’re amazing…” He looked down at his drink, still considering his other option, then sighed. “After everything with Sarah… I don’t know, I wasn’t really me anymore. I didn’t keep in touch with my friends and I was all over the place trying to make sure everyone in town was safe. Then I met you.” He chanced looking up at her again, not really sure where the alcohol was taking him. “I was-…” God, this was so lame and yet the words kept tumbling out. “It was like I was drowning in this shitty town and you helped me to breathe again. All I ever want to do is make you smile… You deserve to smile. You’re so strong, and smart, and funny, and I just-… If anything ever happened to you I’d absolutely lose it. You’re so important…”

“Yup, that is what I am going with.” Madeline stated, looking over at him for a moment. Of course she was curious about what his answer was going to be. Reaching for her own glass, she took a drink as well. Just waiting for his answer, her mind went to a million different answers. Did he like her for more than a friend? Or were they just destined to be just friends? Although if she was honest with herself, she wanted more than just friendship with him. And just maybe tonight she would admit that to him. 

Listening to his words, Maddy couldn’t believe what he was saying but she understood it perfectly. Did he want to be with her? It certainly seemed like it. Standing up, Maddy moved into his lap this time and her arms went around his shoulders. “Cole, you are amazing, and there is no one else that understands me the way that you do. I want to make you smile and I can’t wait to see you throughout the day.” The blonde told him, her fingers going through the back of his hair gently. “And I want to be with you. Like in a relationship with you.” Taking a moment just to look at him, that was when Maddy decided to lean forward and press her lips against his. Kissing him softly. 

[c-oleclarke]

It was just the two of them, but Cole couldn’t resist pulling out his new game ‘These Cards Will Get You Drunk’ as Maddy and him waited for the Bells. The window of his top floor apartment was open, so they could hear the distant sounds of partying all around Baberton and the generic New Year’s Eve show on his tv provided background music. Cole flipped over a card that was clearly intended for a larger group, so tossed it aside with the other discarded cards and flipped over a new one. He read it out, “The person after you can ask you any question. You can either answer truthfully or refuse to answer and drink.” Cole smirked, looking over at Maddy. “Ask away.”

@madeline-powell​

[madeline-powell]

Maddy was really enjoying her time with Cole. Like seriously, she was having just the best time. She couldn’t deny how she felt for him. Looking over at him for a moment after he asked that question, she took a long drink before setting it down. “Okay, lets see here. How do you really feel about me?” She questioned, raising a brow slightly.

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

“You are absolutely welcome.” Cole flashed her a smile before nudging her, “Come on, you don’t have to thank me for hanging out with you. Believe it or not, I actually do this voluntarily.” He teased her, not quite able to hold her eye contact for longer than a few seconds at a time, but that didn’t stop his gaze from constantly drifting back. “You should put a tracker on that guy.”

“You are the best, I swear.” Maddy smiled back at him, she really was lucky to have him. “Oh really? I’ll have to remember that.” She nudged him back, there was teasing in her tone. “Careful I might put you through helping me put up my Christmas decorations.” Her own gaze kept going back to him. “Who knows? I just might.”

[madeline-powell]

freya-powell​:

Freya had been hoping that she could go up to the door and ask the aunt and uncle some questions and try to figure out where her brother and sister were, she hadn’t expected her sister to come walking right out into her path. She hadn’t been prepared for this, she didn’t know what to do. Her mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. She felt like a damn fish. Staring back at Madeline, she just shook her head. What was she supposed to say? “Hey… Maddy…” That was  definitely her, right? The more she looked, the more sure she felt.

Maddy wasn’t sure how she felt the moment that she realized it was Freya. There was a lot that she wanted to say but yet words seemed to leave her the moment that called her Maddy. But anger also flared up in that moment. “Hey maddy? That is all I get? After all this fucking time? Hey Maddy?”

[madeline-powell]

dylanxprice​:

Dylan chuckled, looking over at her. “I don’t have any say in this, huh?” He teased, turning to move from behind the counter. “Alright, alright, I’m coming.”

“Nope, you are stuck with me. Oscar is closing rather he likes it or not.” When he moved out from behind the counter, she took his arm and walked out.

[madeline-powell]

jackson-wright​:

“It’s fine, it’s—” Jackson realised it was her a moment later and paused. Shit. “Uh. Really, it’s, it’s okay.. no harm done.”

“I should still get out of your way. You probably have a lot of other places to be.” This was awakard wasn’t it? Even for her and she hated it.

[madeline-powell]

@c-oleclarke​

“So I wanted to say thank you for hanging out with me like a lot lately. I know I might seem a bit needy but having you around helps. God only knows where Oscar is.” 

[madeline-powell]

You're not worthy of love. -A

[madeline-powell]

@dylanxprice​

“So it’s official, I’m pulling out of this place and we are going to have some fun at the carnival.” Madeline spoke after moving into the music store. “Come on, Oscar can close up.”

[madeline-powell]

@jackson-wright​

“Oh shit..Sorry.” She stopped when she realized it was Jackson that she had bumped into. “Sorry. I’ll just get out of your way.”

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

Cole coughed due to accidentally breathing in some coffee. Did he hear that right? Jackson broke up with her? Was he insane? His head spun as he tried to understand how he could be such an idiot. “Are you serious?” He finally asked, his hand dropping to rest on top of hers. “You sure you don’t want me to knock some sense into him?” It was mostly a joke, but he was still low-key pissed that he would dare upset her. “Hey… Just remember that I’m here, yeah? If you’re not okay.” He broke off a piece of the cookie himself and nodded, getting to his feet and holding out a hand. “We can go whatever you want.”

“Are you okay?” Madeline question, looking over at him for a moment. Nodding her head a little bit. “Yeah, I’m serious.” She sighed a little bit, looking down at their hands for a moment. “I’m sure. Last thing I want for you to do is get in trouble for hurting him. It’s a nice thought though.” She gave him a small smile. The blonde believed that she would be okay. She had to be right? Yes. “Thank you for that. I really appreciate you, Cole.” When he held out his hand, she gladly took and stood up. “Let’s go.” 

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

God, he loved seeing her smiling like that. “I do my best.” He flashed her another grin, finishing off her drink and starting one for himself too. “Well, this isn’t freaking me out or anything. But sure, I’ll do my best not to start a confrontation.” Cole dramatically placed a hand on his heart as he swore to behave, but internally he was freaking out a little. What could she be wanting to tell him? Tossing money from his wallet into the till, Cole grabbed the drinks and a cookie and signed off. “Alright…” He placed the drink in front of her and sat down, “What’s going on?”

Madeline was glad that he wouldn’t start anything. It was the last thing that she needed. God, he was such a great guy and she was afraid that she was going to destroy him somewhere. “Well Jackson broke up with me. I’m going to be okay. I promise I’m not going for my aunt’s pills or anything. But I just wanted to be the one who told you.” She reached for the cookie and broke some off. Looking over at him. “Can we go to the carnival? Or are you just on break?”

[freya-powell]

@madeline-powell​

It had taken her a while to even figure out where her family was but she was pretty sure she’d gotten the right address for her aunt and uncle’s place. She was working up the courage to cross the street to the house when the door opened and someone came out. A blonde girl. A girl who looked familiar, though years older now… was that her? Was it? Madeline? Freya didn’t really know what to do now. Should she call out? Go over? Turn and run away like always? She sort of stood there shell shocked for a few moments, until the blaring of a car horn shook her out of it and she had to run off the road before she was knocked over. “Fuck…”

[madeline-powell]

Madeline had just been visiting with her aunt and uncle, Oscar and her had moved out. Even if he was in rehab again. She was able to keep up with the rent on her own so far and the bills. The blonde was doing everything in her power not to take those pills again. But it was hard especially with Jackson gone now. She started to head over to her car when she heard the horn. Turning in the direction, that was when she seen the other blonde. She seemed completely familiar. “Freya..” It couldn’t be could it?

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

“No? Shame.” He joked, moving a few other dirty dishes to the sink area before turning back to her. Cole had already started up on her usual order, but waited for confirmation before adding anything to the mug. “Yeah, I think I can handle that. Lucky for you my shift’s almost over.” Did she know that? Was that why she had come in at this time? Cole shook the thought from his head. She had a boyfriend and he-… Well he had no idea what his thoughts were doing. He had to chill. “Something to tell me?” He raised an eyebrow. What could she have to tell him that would warrant a reaction out of him? “Why don’t you go find a table and I’ll be right over with this?”

Madeline shook her head a little bit. “Nope.” She did her best to joke along with him. The blonde couldn’t help but smile a little bit more. “Well way to make a girl feel special and lucky all at once.” How was he not dating anyone? Nodding her head a little bit. “Yeah, and I have a feeling that you aren’t going to like it or maybe you will. I’m not sure you just have to promise no confrontations.” She pointed out to him, needing him to promise. Last thing she wanted was him or Jackson getting hurt. “Sounds good. And if you put a cookie in there to split with me I certainly won’t complain.” She smiled again before moving to find them a table. Once she found one, she sat down.

[madeline-powell]

c-oleclarke​:

Cole’s breath caught when he heard Madeline’s voice behind him and he couldn’t stop the smile from tugging on his lips. He kept his back to her as he finished drying one of the mugs, taking a second to try not to look too happy as he hung it on a hook. “Well I personally would love to hear a classical rendition of Baby Shark, but we also accept credit cards.” His smile fell into a smirk as he turned to lean on the counter. “Hey you.”

Madeline couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, shaking her head a little bit. “I don’t think it would be that good right now.” She had did her best not to look a mess because she felt like one right now. “But I will gladly hand over the credit card if you make my usual and then join me.” Honestly the blonde needed his company. “Hey, yourself. So do you think you can make that happen?” She questioned, hoping that she could join him. “Besides I have something to tell you and if you are sitting down with me I won’t worry so much about your reaction and what you could do.”

[madeline-powell]

@c-oleclarke​

“Hey, what does a girl have to do to get a coffee around here?” Madeline teased lightly, with a small smile. Even with Jackson breaking up with her, she liked to think she was holding everything together. But she was still doing her best not to go back to the pills. It was the last thing that she wanted to do as tempted as what she was to do so.