Part 9: Break Ups and Retail Therapy
Warnings and info: everyone is Alive AU, set in 2023-24 (in line with the show), swearing, Included is some dialogue of a text exchange, you will know when that comes up with the group chat name of 'The Split River Survivors' which felt fitting naming their chat that 😂, And I decided to give Dawn a sister who is a cheerleader named Abby. And yes Dawn and Janet will be back soon but they aren't mains like the other 6, Also idk if I mentioned this, but the Snow Ball is the winter dance which I just had to include because im a sucker for writing a dance moment. And yes I did get the name from Stranger Things 😂
Summary: Maddie finally confronts Xavier about Claire. The next day, Wally, Charley, Rhonda, Maddie, Nicole and Simon hit the Split River mall, finding something to wear for the Snow Ball on Friday night.
Maddie and Wally sat in silence for a while. Wally glanced over at her – she was staring through the truck window at the faint shadow of Xavier pacing in the living room.
“Do you want me to come in with you?” He asked softly.
She tore her eyes from the window, meeting Wally’s steady brown gaze. “Yes, please.”
They climbed out of the truck, the snow crunching under their boots as they made their way up the steps. Maddie hesitated at the door before finally reaching for the handle.
The sound of it clicking shut behind them was the only noise in the room. Xavier stopped pacing, his head snapping up when he saw them standing there – Maddie tense beside Wally in the entryway.
“Maddie,” Xavier said quietly.
From the kitchen doorway, Sandra turned with a faint smile. “I was just about to make some tea for Xavier and me. Would you two like some?”
“No thanks, mom” Maddie replied, voice low but steady “I just need to talk to Xavier. Alone.”
Wally nodded “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.” Then, more gently, “I would love some tea. Let me help you with that.”
Sandra caught the edge in Maddie’s tone as she glanced between them, confusion flickering in her eyes “What’s going on?”
“Something happened,” Wally said, opening the cabinet to grab a few mugs. “But it’s not my place to say.”
Sandra’s brows knitted together. “Is she okay?”
“She will be,” he said quietly.
Near the front door, Maddie dropped the bags and took a step toward Xavier. “You’ve been avoiding my texts all afternoon. What’s going on?” Xavier’s brows drew together, concern flicking across his face.
Maddie took a steady breath. “I know, Xavier.”
He frowned, confused. “Know what?”
The colour drained from his face. “How did you-”
“It doesn’t matter” Maddie cut in, voice sharp but calm. “It’s over. Please leave.”
“It was a stupid mistake, Mads. I like you so much. Please can we work through this.” He pleaded.
“There’s nothing to work through,” Maddie said evenly. “You cheated. End of story. You can go now.”
“Get out, Xavier.” Her voice rose this time, breaking the silence that hung in the room
Wally appeared in the doorway, Sandra just behind him. He stepped forward, his voice firm. “You should go, Xavier. Now.”
Xavier ran a hand over his face. He glanced at Maddie once more before stepping out the front door, closing it behind him with a dull thud.
Maddie let out a long breath and sank into the couch. Sandra walked over and sat beside her. “What happened? Wally said something happened, but it wasn’t his place to say.”
“He cheated on me, Mom.” Maddie said quietly.
“Oh, Mads,” Sandra said softly, wrapping her a hug. “I know you said no to tea, but I think you could use some hot chocolate. It helped when you were a kid when you were upset.” She stood up, brushing past Wally, giving his arm a small squeeze as she passed on her way to the kitchen.
Wally sat beside Maddie. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “You, okay?” he asked.
“I will be,” She murmured
They sat in silence for a while, the kinds of quiet that didn’t feel heavy – just familiar. Then Sandra returned, carrying a tray with two steaming mugs and a block of chocolate.
“I figured you’d need something sweet,” she said. “It’s even the good kind – from the secret stash we keep away from others.”
Wally eyed the tray. “Wait – am I others? You guys have been hiding the good stuff from me?”
“If we didn’t, you’d eat the lot every time you came over. And the good kind of chocolate is always expensive.” Maddie said, a small smile breaking through. Sandra made her way back to the kitchen to finish tidying up.
“Okay, you have a point,” Wally said, picking up his mug full of tea.
Maddie’s smile lingered faintly as she sat her mug down on the coffee table. Then both their phones buzzed at once.
Maddie glanced at her phone, a text from Charley in their group chat ‘The Split River Survivors.’ “It’s Charley,” she said.
-The Split River Survivors-
Charley: Reminder that SOMEONE (looking at you, Wally) forgot about going to the mall yesterday. So, we’re rescheduling. Tomorrow after Wally’s practice. Everyone is invited. No excuses.
Wally: I said I was sorry, and you insisted on driving me home, before Rhonda reminded you that you can’t drive stick.
Charley: Valid Point. Okay but everyone is coming to the mall, we could all use some retail therapy.
Nicole: I’m in. I need to pick up my dress.
Simon: My mom told me it's either go to the dance Friday night or go to my Grandpa’s house to help clean out his basement. And let's just say the cabin has less dust than that basement.
Rhonda: Why do I need to go to the mall?
Charley: Because you need to find something new to wear to the dance instead of something old.
Rhonda: I never said I was going.
Wally: Come on, Ron. It’s our last Snow Ball. I convinced Maddie to go last year; I can convince you too.
Maddie: Uh I was going to skip the dance.
Wally glanced up from his phone, the glow from the screen catching the grin tugging at his mouth. “Wait, you’re really going to skip our last Snow Ball?” he asked, bumping her knee with his. “Mads, you’re breaking my heart here.”
Maddie didn’t look up from the group chat. “You’ll survive.”
He groaned dramatically, slumping further down the couch. “Barely. Mads, I know it’s not your thing, but it’s the last Snow Ball we’ll have. You can’t abandon me now.”
She rolled her eyes, but he was already giving her that look – all wide eyes and hopeful grin, equal parts ridiculous and unfairly endearing.
Before she could fire back, Sandra walked in from the kitchen with a mug in hand and settled into her armchair with a sigh, “For what it’s worth,” she said, glancing between them, “I agree with Wally. You deserve to have some fun.”
Wally perked up immediately, “See, Mads? Even Sandra agrees. Please come. I need your help with avoiding Chloe all night.”
“Is that the girl who keeps asking you out, even though you’ve told her nicely, no?” Sandra asked.
Wally nodded. “That’s the one.
Sandra let out a small laugh. “That girl is relentless. She stopped Bea and me at the store the other day, asking about you. She’s… a bit much.”
Wally huffed a laugh. “That’s putting it lightly.”
“Fine I’ll go,” she said at last “but I’m not staying for long.”
They both looked back down at their phone as more messages popped up in the group chat – Charley, somehow, convinced Rhonda to join them at the mall tomorrow afternoon. Wally laughed under his breath, typing something back, while Maddie muttered something about how Charley is really good at persuading his friends, particularly Rhonda.
After a while, Wally stood, stretching. “I should head home before my mom sends out a search party.”
Sandra smiled up at him. “Tell Bea I said hi.”
“Will do,” He shot Maddie a grin. “And don’t back out of the dance, Mads. I’m holding you to it. Goodnight you two.”
Once the door shut behind him, Maddie leaned back in the couch, staring absently at her phone. Sandra finished the last of her tea before setting the mug down. “You know,” she said softly. “it’ll be a good for you to have a distraction. After everything that’s happened.”
Maddie sat up, frowning. “What about the cabin? I should be helping you out on Friday instead of going to some dance.”
“I know you're worried about how much needs to be done - and I know you want to help” Sandra said gently. “Friday, I will start doing some of the smaller repairs. Bea even offered to come by and lend a hand. She said it’d be a good distraction for her too. Maybe you and Wally can come to the cabin on the weekend.”
“If you’re sure,” Maddie murmured.
“Positive, Mads. You need a little fun after the hell you’ve been through the last couple of days.” Sandra’s tone softened into a smile. “It’s getting late, we should both get to bed. We’ll talk more about it in the morning, okay?”
Maddie gave a tired nod. “Okay. Night, Mom.”
Wally walked across the snow- covered lawn to his truck. He reversed out of Maddie’s driveway and into his own directly across the street. After grabbing his school and football bag from the back seat, he carried them inside.
He opened the front door to find Bea asleep on the couch, the TV still on. Setting his bags by the door, he grabbed his laptop out to charge it and reached for the remote to turn the volume down.
He sat carefully beside her, not wanting to startle her awake. “Mom, hey. Sorry I’m home so late,” he said quietly.
Bea blinked sleepily, adjusting her blanket. “I know, Wally. I could tell you were tense this morning. And from that text after practice… I figured something was up. Everything alright?”
“I found out Xavier was cheating on Maddie,” Wally said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sandra picked up another shift, and she didn’t want to be alone, so we all went to the cabin. Cleaned a bit, ate pizza- just tried to keep Maddie distracted.”
Bea’s face softened. “That’s awful. She didn’t deserve that.”
“Yeah.” Wally sighed. “And when I dropped her off tonight, Xavier was there. She broke up with him.”
Bea frowned, concern lining her face. “That’s a lot to process in one day. Is she okay?”
“You know Mads,” Wally said, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. “She says she’s fine even when she’s not. I think she needs time – maybe space- to process everything before she can move on.”
Bea gave his shoulder a squeeze. “She’ll get through it. Especially with you around.” Her expression softened even more. “How about you, Walls? All of this couldn’t have been easy to deal with.”
“At first, I was so angry with him. How could he do that to her? And I did want to give him the benefit of the doubt – for her sake. But I also fee… relieved. I never liked him. He never treated her right. She deserves someone who will. Someone who’ll treat her better than he ever did.” Wally admitted.
“Someone like you?” Bea asked softly.
Wally let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I can’t even think about that. She was just cheated on, Mom. It’s going to take her a while to deal with it. When she does… maybe. I don’t know. Maddie’s my best friend. If these feelings are one-sided, I don’t want to risk it. Maddie means too much to me.”
“I know she does,” Bea said, her voice gentle. “But you can’t keep those feelings bottled up forever, Wally.” She smiled at him, glancing toward the clock. “It’s late. We should both get some sleep. We can talk more tomorrow.”
Wally was quiet for a bit, thinking about what his mother said. Eventually, he murmured, “Night, Mom.”
Bea gave him a small, knowing smile before heading down the hall.
He stood from the couch and headed down the hall to his room, the house quiet except for the low hum of the heater. Inside, he sat his laptop on the desk and plugged it in. He toed off his boots, swapped his jeans for an old pair of grey sweatpants, and sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor as the day replayed in his mind. He could see the look on Maddie’s face when he told her about Xavier- the disbelief, the way she’d questioned what she’d done wrong, like she was the one who’d failed. Then at the cabin later, sitting with everyone, trying to smile through it all as if laughter could drown out the hurt. And finally, that moment in her living room when she ended it- her voice steady even though he could see how hard she was holding herself together.
He exhaled slowly, running a hand over his face. She’s always been tough, he thought. Maybe too tough for her own good sometimes.
Wally leaned back against his pillow, staring up at the ceiling. His mom’s words echoed in his head- You can’t keep those feelings bottled up forever.
He wasn’t sure what he’d do with them yet, pushing them down was slowly getting to him. But all he knew was that he’d be there for Maddie, however she needed him to be.
With that final thought, the weight of the day settled over him, and before he could think any more about it, sleep pulled him under.
Maddie hadn’t slept much. Even after Wally left, and her Mom went to bed, the quiet of the house felt too heavy, and her thoughts refused to slow down. She wasn’t sad, just angry – angry that Xavier had cheated, angry that Claire went along with it, angry that she’d been made to look stupid. And though she wasn’t angry at her friends- she never could be- part of her still hated that they were the ones who’d had to tell her. It made everything feel too real.
By morning, she’d built up her usual calm exterior- the one that said she was fine, even when she wasn’t. she made it through the day without looking at Xavier, without giving him a single reaction. In the cafeteria, she spotted Claire across the room laughing with the cheer team, and her jaw clenched. Maddie turned away before their eyes could meet.
After school, she met up with Simon, Rhonda, Nicole, and Charley in the gym, the five of them sitting together on the bleachers while Wally ran drills on the court. The gym echoed with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor and the Coach’s sharp whistle. Charley kept muttering commentary under his breath, earning quiet laughs from the others, and Maddie felt herself relax for the first time all day.
When practice ended, Wally jogged over, hair damp with sweat, grinning when he saw them waiting in the bleachers.
“Finally,” Rhonda said, standing. “I thought that practice was never going to end.”
Wally huffed a laugh, dabbing sweat from his forehead with a towel. “Practice is normally longer the day before the game.”
“Can I have your keys?” Maddie asked. “I’ll start up the truck and get the heater going while you take a shower.”
Wally dug through his bag and found his keys, tossing them to her. “Give me ten minutes, then we’ll go.”
“Take all the time you need.” Charley said, scrunching up his nose. “You smell so bad.”
Wally rolled his eyes, heading toward the locker room while the others gathered their things. Rhonda and Charley headed for her car, while Simon and Nicole went to his, engines humming in the cold air. Maddie started Wally’s truck, turning the heater on and brushing the fog from the windshield as snow began to sprinkle the parking lot.
When Wally returned, his hair was still damp- hoodie on, duffle bag slung over his shoulder. Walking toward the truck, his warm breath mixed with the cool, crisp air. Clouds crept over the sun, and the snow began to fall a little heavier.
The hum of the heater filled the comfortable silence between them. Maddie leaned her head against the window, watching snow gather along the edges of the glass.
“You’ve been quiet,” Wally said, glancing over as he shifted gears.
“Just thinking,” Maddie murmured. “About last night. I keep wondering if I overreacted – if I should’ve let Xavier explain.”
“Explain what?” Wally asked. “Why he cheated?” There’s not a good version of that.”
“Yeah, I know,” she sighed. “I just… I hate that it's over like that. No closure.”
“Then talk to him,” Wally said. “If that’s what helps you move on, do it. But if you don’t – if you decide he doesn’t deserve another word- that’s fine too. Either way, I support you no matter what.”
Maddie smiled faintly. “Even if I make the dumb choice?”
Snow drifted lazily across the windshield as Wally eased his truck into a parking spot near the entrance. Maddie unbuckled her seatbelt, watching Simon, Rhonda, Charley, and Nicole pile out of the other cars, stomping snow off their boots on the icy pavement.
Inside, the mall buzzed with soft music and the echo of footsteps on tile.
“Okay” Charley announced. “Operation Snow Ball shopping and retail therapy starts now.”
Rhonda groaned, rolling her eyes. “Seriously? Are we naming everything we do an operation now? It’s like that whole ‘Operation Take Down the Coward’ thing from Monday.”
Maddie blinked. “Wait, what’s Operation take down the coward?”
“I forgot to tell you, When I found out about Xavier,” Wally said glancing between Rhonda and Charley, “I wasn’t sure what Conrad told me was true or a rumour. So, Charley and Rhonda came up with a plan to get proof. And Charley named it.”
“That’s actually kind of fitting.” Maddie said with a faint smirk.
“See? I knew you would get it.” Charley grinned. “Anyway, enough talk about the coward – we’re here to shop. I’m nervous enough as it is going with Yuri, I need to find something that looks good.”
“How about this,” Nicole cut in. “Rhonda, Maddie and I go dress shopping, and you guys go find suits or whatever. Meet back at the fountain in an hour. That way we don’t waste time.”
“Works for me.” Maddie said.
“I like the way you think, Herrera.” Charley snapped his fingers and started walking toward the escalator. “Let’s go, boys.”
“Did he just Shania Twain us?” Simon asked, raising a brow.
“At least he changed the lyrics this time.” Wally replied.
Simon and Wally followed after Charley while Maddie, Nicole and Rhonda headed in the opposite direction toward the boutiques.
An hour and a half later, the girls were waiting for the boys, shopping bags at their feet as they sat on the bench by the fountain.
“Did they get lost or something?” Nicole asked, glancing at her phone. “We’ve been waiting for half an hour.”
“They’re with Charley, and you know how he gets” Rhonda said, unwrapping a lollipop she’d pulled from her back pocket. “He’ll pick out twenty things before he decides. Ten bucks says he comes back with more clothes that he actually needs.”
“You’re on,” Nicole replied, grinning.
Maddie sat on the edge of the bench, staring down at the bag that held her dress - a navy-blue midi dress she’d found on the clearance rack. Nicole had also talked her into buying shoes instead of wearing her usual pair of boots, so she’d settled on a pair of simple black flats.
Another ten minutes passed before Simon, Wally and Charley appeared, arms full of bags.
“Guess we don’t have to send out a search party after all,” Rhonda said, raising an eyebrow. “What took you guys so long?”
All three girls turned to look at Charley.
Charley set his bags on the floor. “Don’t look at me - I actually found things pretty quickly for once. It was Wally.” He said. “Someone forgot to buy the Secret Santa gift for the football and cheerleader exchange.”
“I said you and Simon could’ve gone without me. I could’ve found something myself.” Wally replied.
“And let you pick out some candle? Absolutely not.” Charley said.
“What’s wrong with a candle?”
“Your Secret Santa is Abby – who is sisters with Dawn who literally makes and sells her own candles,” Simon said. “Pretty sure she’s set for life in the candle department.”
Wally rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. I panicked, alright? I didn’t know what to get her, so I grabbed a gift card for that makeup store and some chocolates.”
“Good call - a gift card for a makeup store. Any girl would love that… well, except maybe Rhonda.” Nicole said, earning a small laugh from the others.
Charley checked his phone “It’s almost six. How about we grab some burgers or something?”
“Hell yeah,” Rhonda said, scooping up her shopping bags. “And it's Wally’s shout for making us wait so long.”
“Because I made you wait forty extra minutes?” Wally asked, frowning.
“Absolutely,” Rhonda said without hesitation.
The six of them squeezed into a booth at Murphy’s Diner, the table already cluttered with shopping bags, half- zipped coats and menus that smelled faintly of grease.
Rhonda leaned back in her seat, smirking across the table. “So, Wally – you’re good with paying, right?”
Wally looked up from his menu, confused. “Wait, you were serious about that?”
“Deadly serious,” Rhonda said, flipping her menu open. “I think I can speak for everyone suggesting we get the Wagyu beef burger. Extra onion.”
Wally looked down at the menu, and his eyes went wide when he saw the price. “Ron, that’s the most expensive burger on here. I’m gonna go broke before the holidays, and I haven’t finished my Christmas shopping yet.
“Okay, fair point.” Rhonda looked back over the menu. “How about just some classic burgers and we share a plate of fries?”
Everyone nodded in agreement as Wally flagged down the waiter to place their order. While they waited for the food, they talked about the dance – plans with their families over the holidays, and when they could all get together for their annual holiday party.
The waiter returned with a tray full of hot burgers and fries, settling it down in the middle of the table.
“This burger tastes even better because it’s free,” Charley said in between bites of his burger. “You should take your time shopping more often.”
“Ha- ha, very funny.” Wally rolled his eyes. “You try to shop for a girl you barely know.”
“Yeah, but you know Abby’s sister.” Simon said, taking some fries from the shared plate. “Dawn literally sells her candles at school.”
Nicole smirked, “You forget a lot of things lately.”
“To be fair, he does have a lot on his mind,” Maddie said quietly.
“See, Maddie gets it.” Wally said. “Just finish your free food and let's not pick on Wally anymore tonight.”
“Okay,” Charley smirked. “We will continue to pick on you tomorrow.”
The group laughed loud - maybe the loudest in the whole diner. Then the bell over the diner door chimed. Maddie looked up and saw the last person she wanted to see. Xavier.
He stepped inside, brushing snow from his jacket. His dad followed, scanning for a booth.
Wally looked at Maddie from across the table, noticing how still she’d gone. “Mads?”
“It’s Xavier.” She said quietly. “With his dad.”
“Now that you have broken up, can I beat the crap out of him?” Rhonda asked.
Nicole nearly spat out her milkshake. “Rhonda!”
“Did you not hear her say he’s with his dad? You know - the sheriff?” Charley said.
“I’m not worried.” Rhonda muttered. “I can take him outside, make it look like an accident.”
“Yeah, let's not do that. That sounds….” Simon began.
“Terrifying. Idiotic. Stupid. Shall I go on?” Charley cut in.
“What? He hurt my friend in such a shitty way.” Rhonda said, defensive.
Maddie glanced at her. “I appreciate you wanting to stick up for me - in such an intense way-. But I’m okay.”
Wally leaned over the table, his voice low as he touched Maddie’s hand. “If you want to talk to him -get some closure- do it. if you don’t, we’ll get out of here. Whatever you need, okay?”
Maddie went quiet, her thoughts spiralling. Should she talk to him? Get some answers – closure- or just walk away because he didn’t deserve another second of her time?
Across the diner, Xavier slid into a booth with his dad. For a split second, he glanced up – their eyes met.
She looked down at her empty plate, heart pounding, every instinct torn between staying put… or standing up.
Tags: @lover1409@rosietoesy@seeker1982@jamiemoonymarks@unholypsychic@darth-jaderz@m3ntaltashia23
