chapter 11 Bet?!
Maddie POV
A lot of weird things happened that week. First, Zach was being extra nice to me by giving me chocolates during the 1st Period and even offered to take me home after school, which I declined. I don't ride in other people's cars, especially not after what happened a few days ago.
During the 2nd Period, we were all paired for a debate. I was paired with Ryan, but then Ethan asked the teacher if she would make an exception and allow him to trade partners with Ryan. Surprisingly, the teacher allowed him, so I am now partnered with Ethan instead. We were all given a topic to brainstorm with and to tackle with. The teacher then gave us 30 minutes to prepare.
I was currently facing Ethan's chair.
"If you think I will just believe in what you told me yesterday, then I'm calling it bullshit. Clearly you know what is going on and you just don't want to speak up. Why would you even trade partners with Ryan if you know nothing, right?" I said before grabbing my pen to research our topic.
"Maddie, can we not do this now? I promise I will explain but not now." he said before getting up and leaving the room.
I was confused and surprised with what happened, but I put on my poker face as if nothing happened. Luckily, the 2nd Period finished fast. I got out of the room as fast as I could before any of them did. I spent the whole lunch time in the library. I was not feeling like facing any of them.
I sent a text to Chloe and Brooke, letting them know I will be in the library. We agreed to go together for the 3rd Period. They are still cautious after what happened.
We were on our way to the classroom when Brittany stopped us by the lockers.
"What do you think you are doing, Madison? Do you think you will become instantly popular by sleeping with all the basketball team?" she said annoyed.
Chloe, Brooke and I were all surprised with what she said.
"I don't sleep around like you do, Brittany. Don't even try comparing me to yourself. I ain't a slut like you." I said. At this point, I was already done with all her bullshits.
She was taken aback with what I said and had a hard time analyzing it. Even Chloe and Brooke were surprised by my sudden response, but were happy.
"Ugh! How dare you call me a slut? You are the one who is a slut! Ryan ltold the class that you even tried to kiss him just because he would not sleep with you." she said.
"That asshole!!" Chloe exclaimed. She was mad.
I was not mad by the rumors because they are just rumors and my friends know me well. But I was mad with the fact that he twisted what happened and told people lies.
When we got to the room, Chloe stormed straight to Ryan.
"Stop spreading rumors about Maddie that is not even true. Don't you think we can't ruin your reputation once the word gets out what really happened in the hallway the other day?" Chloe said. Anger was visible in her eyes.
"You think you are so scary? What can you possibly do without your boyfriend right beside you, huh?" Ryan replied while slowly walking closer to Chloe.
I was internally having some panic attack. Chloe's ex almost raped her, and what Ryan is doing right now is making Chloe blank out. I forced myself to move and go over to Chloe.
Ryan was already inching closer to Chloe, and I did the first thing that came to my brain. I kicked him in the nuts.
"You don't mess with my friends." I said, my words laced with anger.
It took Ryan some time to recover, and Chloe was still blanking out. I need to get Chloe out of this state before Ryan can do something else. I was slowly directing Chloe's body to walk towards the door when Ryan grabbed my arm.
"Not so fast bitch!" he said, pushing me to the wall.
I was panicking already, and everybody was just looking while enjoying the scene. Brooke is accompanying Chloe right now, so I am all on my own.
"You think you are so brave and all? You just had to play so hard to get the other day, huh?" Ryan said while slowly walking to me and I am inching backwards with every step he takes towards me.
I was silently praying that the teacher would come in so that I can escape this torture right now. My back hit the wall, and I knew at that moment that I was screwed.
Ryan placed his hands on the wall right beside my face. Everyone was just waiting for what is about to happen while some are taking a video.
"Come on, dude. What's taking you so long? If you are not going to go kiss her, then I will." Zack said and all the basketball jocks laughed.
"That $100 is mine, dude." Ryan said without even leaving his eyes on me.
"Now be a nice little bitch and stay still." Ryan said before holding my face.
His lips were just inches away from mine when somebody punched him.
"Did I not warn you?" Ethan yelled angrily.
Ethan punched Ryan in the face. The whole class was shocked with what happened. I was still by the wall, shaking with fear. Ethan saw me and he held me by my shoulders and got me out of the room. He led us to the parking lot and sat me in his car.
"Here. Drink this." he said, giving me his water bottle.
I took a sip of water when I remembered Sophie.
"Where is Chloe?" I asked him.
"She is with Tyler right now, and Brooke is with Logan. Brooke called me and told me what happened. They are okay." Ethan assured me.
I just nodded my head and stared at the space. I honestly don't know what to think or what is even going on in my mind right now. I was a mess. I was taken back to the present when Ethan spoke.
"Maddie, did Ryan or any of them try or do anything to you?" he asked, his face filled with concern.
I just shook my head. Not really trusting my voice to do the speaking.
"I am really sorry about what happened. I tried keeping you out of it, thinking that I can think the matter into my own hands, but I was wrong. He could have done something to you earlier and I do not know if I could forgive myself if something happened to you." Ethan said, apologizing.
I was confused with what he was talking about. Was I right all along? Was he a part of this? Did he know?
"What do you mean? Did you know about this? Were you a part of this bullshit? Answer me!" I said shouting at him.
"Yes, and NO." he replied. "Let me explain." he added.
"Explain? What more could you explain, huh?" I said, my words filled with anger and hurt.
"Madison I knew about the bet they wanted to do, but I was not a part of it. I warned them not to do it, but they did not listen. I have been secretly keeping an eye on you to make sure they won't be able to make any move on you or whatsoever. That day you were not feeling well, I followed you. I was worried about you because you looked pale and you might faint. I was waiting by the stairs when I heard you leave the comfort room. I waited for a few minutes before approaching you because I don't want you to think that I was stalking you. When I got up from the stairs, that is when I saw Ryan pushing you to the wall. I ran over and pushed him off you." Ethan explained.
I was too mad and hurt at that point that his explanations did not sink in my brain. I took my bag from the back seat and left. Ethan was calling me, telling me to get in the car and he will drive me home, but I ignored him.