Chapter 7
Madison was… different.]
If I’m being honest, she had everything going for her.[]
She was gorgeous–like Instagram–model gorgeous.[]
Perfect little face, huge doe eyes, and these cute dimples when she smiled.
Smart too. Always at the top of every class.[]
When teachers called on her, she’d always give perfect answers.]
And rich. Designer everything, but she wore it like it was no big deal.]]
Like she was just naturally classy instead of showing off.]
The first time I saw her, she was already making moves on Dylan.]]
It was the first day of school.[]
She was standing outside the dorms with this pink suitcase, looking all helpless.
“Excuse me, could you help me with my bags?“]
Her voice was all soft and sweet with this Southern accent.]
Dylan walked by and didn’t even hesitate–just grabbed her stuff.]]
“Thank you so much!” She flashed this perfect smile. “You’re Dylan Carter, right? I’ve heard a lot about you.“[]
She’d already done her homework on him.[]
Later when we were picking seats, she asked to switch with Dylan.[]
“I have terrible eyesight–could I sit closer to the front?“]
Made total sense, so Dylan didn’t argue.]]
Just like that, she became his desk partner.[]
At first, Dylan was pretty cold to her.]]
That’s just how he was with new people.[]
But Madison knew exactly how to play it.]
She’d bring him drinks during basketball practice.[]
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Not just water–homemade lemon honey tea and stuff.]
“It’s so hot out here. This will cool you down.“[]
When he was studying late, she’d show up with coffee.]
“I got too much. Want some? It’ll help you stay awake.“[]
Most importantly, she wasn’t clingy like other girls.[]
She kept just the right amount of distance.]
Caring, but not desperate.[]
Close, but not suffocating.
Playing hard to get without being obvious about it.[]
Slowly, Dylan started warming up to her.[]
From barely acknowledging her existence to actually laughing at her jokes.[]
They started “studying” together.[]
“I’m so confused about this problem. Could you help me?“[]
Even though her grades were way better than his.[]
And they’d go to the library together.
“I’m heading there anyway. Wanna come?“]
Except she totally wasn’t going that way.]
And me? I was suddenly the third wheel.]
i
One time, I went to find Dylan for lunch like usual.]
We’d been doing this since middle school–never missed a day.]]
But when I got there, he was cracking up with Madison about something.]
Whatever she’d said made him laugh harder than I’d seen in months.[]
I couldn’t even remember the last time he smiled at me like that.[]
“Dylan, let’s go. The cafeteria’s gonna be packed.“[]
I tried to sound normal, but my voice was all weird.[]
Madison looked at me with this fake–surprised expression.[]
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Chapter 7
So obviously fake it made me want to puke.[]
“Oh! Is Avery coming too?“]]
TOO?!
When did I become the “too“?[]
When did our daily routine become some random add–on?]
Dylan scratched his head awkwardly. “Actually, Avery… could you go ahead? Madison and I are still talking about something.”
“What thing?” I asked without thinking.
“Just that problem from earlier,” Madison said with her sugary smile. “I’m still confused. Dylan’s so good at explaining stuff.“[]
“But if you understand it too, Avery, you could totally help us discuss it.“]
She knew damn well I wasn’t even in their major.[]
That fake invitation was worse than just telling me to get lost.[]
“Oh… okay.”
I turned around feeling like a total idiot, almost tripping over my own feet.[]
Behind me I could hear Madison’s annoying giggle.]]
“Dylan, you’re so smart! That makes perfect sense now.“]]
“Nah, you’re just a quick learner.“[]
Right then, this sick feeling hit my stomach.]]
Like storm clouds rolling in, and I knew something bad was coming.]
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