Chapter 17: Ethan's POV - Somebody's Home!
I was woken up the next morning by a very familiar voice. I opened my eyes and saw Jas. Jasmine is my cousin and one of my closest friends.
"When did you get here, Jas?" I asked, wiping my eyes.
"Half an hour ago,you lazy ass," she exclaimed.
I checked my phone and saw it was almost lunchtime. I sat up and was about to send Maddie a text when Jas snatched my phone.
"Get up already! You promised to show me around town," she commanded.
"Can I have at least half an hour for myself?"I asked.
"Nope!You need to get out of bed now and take me to the best restaurant in this town. I'm starving."
I got up, took a quick shower, and headed downstairs. I found Jas, Mom, and Dad talking in the living room.
"There you are! Please show Jasmine around, Ethan," Mom said.
"Sure thing,Mom," I replied.
"Let's go!"Jas said, pulling me out of the house.
"Can I have my phone back,please?" I pleaded.
She gave it to me, and I made a mental note to text Maddie later. We had lunch at Buster's. Afterward, she begged me to take her to the mall, where she dragged me around shopping. Every time I tried to check my phone, she took it from me.
We got home after six exhausting hours. According to her, she needed a new wardrobe for school. Since her parents are working at a hospital in Africa and she didn't want to go because "it's too hot," she's staying with us. I was so tired I went straight to bed.
I woke up at 10 the next morning and immediately searched for my phone, finding it under the covers. I was going to text Maddie since I never got to yesterday, but my phone was dead. I plugged it in and headed downstairs.
"Morning!" I greeted everyone in the kitchen.
"Morning,Cuz!" Jas replied, messing up my hair.
"Morning,"Mom and Dad replied.
"What's for breakfast?"I asked, sitting down.
"Pancakes,"Mom said. "We're leaving to visit your grandma after this. Hurry so we get there before lunch."
I ate quickly, took a shower, and was tying my shoes when Mom yelled, "Ethan, hurry or we'll be late!"
I ran downstairs,and Dad drove off. We were already out of the village when I remembered my phone. Knowing Mom, she wouldn't turn back for it.
We spent the whole afternoon on the farm. I helped my Uncle Jerry with chores—it was fun but exhausting. On the way home, Jas brought up an interesting topic.
"So, Cuz, do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
"I'm about to,"I replied.
"Ooohhh...Tell me about her!" she exclaimed.
"Well,she's my classmate, and she's incredibly smart and beautiful," I said, describing Maddie.
"So why isn't she your girlfriend yet?"
"Remember the girl I told you about during my sophomore year?"
"Uh-huh?"she said, trying to remember.
"It's her."
"Oh,the volunteer girl!" she exclaimed. Mom scolded her for yelling in the car.
"What happened after?"she whispered.
"Well,they were at the house the other day, and we... kinda kissed," I admitted.
"You did?!"she yelled, earning another scolding from Mom.
"What happened afterwards?"
"I've been meaning to call her since yesterday,but you wouldn't let me check my phone."
"Shoot!I'm so sorry, Cuz. I was just excited and missed hanging out with you," she apologized.
"It's okay."
We talked more about Maddie until we got home at 11 pm. I decided I'd just talk to her at school tomorrow.
We went to school early to get Jasmine's schedule. She had History and P.E. with me. I was showing her to her locker when I saw Maddie enter the room.
"You have to move seats. That's Maddie's seat," I told Jas.
"Oh,shoot! Why didn't you tell me?" she replied.
"Sorry about that.I'm Jasmine," Jas said, getting up and extending her hand.
Maddiesmiled slightly, shaking her hand. "Madison."
She sat down and took out her book.
"Wait!She looks familiar. Holy shit! She's THAT girl!" Jas exclaimed.
"Sshhh!!!She might hear you!" I hushed her.
"Holy crap!She's gorgeous, Cuz! I want her to model my designs," Jas stated, mesmerized. Jasmine wants to be a fashion designer.
Maddie was writing when I approached her.
"Maddie.I'm sorry. I was supposed to call you over the weekend, but I got busy, and Jas begged me to show her around," I explained.
She just looked at me and then ignored me. Before I could ask what was wrong, Mr. Thompson arrived.
"Good morning, students. I see we have a new student. Ms. Jasmine Stewart, please come to the front," Mr. Thompson said.
Jasmine introduced herself. Afterward, Mr. Thompson collected our essays and started the lesson.
I kept looking at Maddie, trying to catch her eye, but she completely ignored me. After first period, she left immediately. I told Jas I'd meet her at lunch and ran to Biology class. I sat down facing Maddie.
"What's wrong, Maddie? Why are you ignoring me?" I asked.
"Huh?I'm busy," she said, going back to her Biology book.
"Maddie.If you're mad at me for not calling, I'm sorry. Jasmine just got to town, and she begged me to show her around," I tried explaining, but she just ignored me.
Mr. Bennett arrived and started the lesson. After class, before I could talk to Maddie, she bolted out the door.
I met Jas at the cafeteria. She linked her arm with mine. "There you are. I'm starving!"
We got a lot of attention,probably because of Jas.
Maddie ignored me the whole day, and it was driving me crazy. I tried calling her as soon as I got home, but she didn't answer. At 8 pm, I sent her a message.
'Maddie. I know you're mad and ignoring me, but please talk to me.'
She never replied.
I tried to sleep but kept tossing and turning. I wanted to call her, but it was too late. I watched Netflix instead and fell asleep during the third movie.