4.24 Caught

Lexi’s phone wailed late in the night its obnoxious tune slicing through the still air. Lexi tried to ignore it, but the caller called back. “Hello,” she whispered groggily into the receiver.

“Mrs. Parkes, this is Lt. Toby Edwin. We’ve found your daughter, and there’s an officer enroute to your house.”

Lexi quickly dressed to meet her daughter. It wasn’t a pleasant meeting but the first thing Lexi did was hold her daughter close. Then the anxiety over took her and all of her anger poured out. “How did you get to Champs Les Sims!” Lexi shrieked across the lawn. “Better yet why!”

Madison stared at her mother. “Why do care,” Madison screamed with equal irritation, “It’s not like your ever there!” Lexi stood shocked, her hand on her temple. Madison sent one last glare at her mother before running inside.

4.23 Flings

Little did Ty know, Madison was already on her way to filling her mothers shoes.


Madison's plane touched down early one morning. Her intentions were simple, paint as many landscapes of the beautiful country side as possible and maybe submerse herself in French art. Since it was too early for check in, she stopped to enjoy the little country stores before heading to the hotel. In the courtyard, she met Bernard. He was a little neurotic but a lot of fun. The two spent the day discussing end of the world theories and which cappuccino was the best.


The day was quickly coming to an end, and check in hours were almost over. Madison was quite fine, hanging out with her new friend, but she knew if she didn't get checked in, she'd be sleeping under the stars that night.

Just before she left, Bernard whispered, kiss me, into her ear. With a light smile, she leaned in and kissed him before heading towards the hotel.








The next day Madison found herself tucked under a large willow tree. The landscape was breath taking. Ahem, she heard a male clear his throat behind her. Startled, Madison turned to face quite the adventurer.

"Oh sorry," he said slowly approaching her, "my name's Maurice." He extended his hand.

Madison blushed under his gaze but quickly recovered, "Madison." He delicately held her hand in his and kissed the top of it.

"My pleasure," he said, letting go of her hand.


Madison was happy to spend time with Maurice. The two stood under the tree and talked about traveling across the globe and their shared love of the outdoors.

Madison checked her watch, it was almost time to meet up with Bernard, "I need to head back."

Maurice grabbed her face, "I'll be thinking of you Madison." He leaned in and kissed her lightly before releasing her into the twilight.

Madison wasn't sure what had gotten in to her but she figured it wouldn't be a problem.

After all, her plane tomorrow morning and no one needed to know.

6.6 Baby Mill and Birthdays

Even though Gavin felt like he rushed into marriage, he didn't seem to mind it. Angel was a great companion. She never complained, even when Gavin spent the whole day writing.


Just after their marriage, Baby Gage was born. She had baby Gage to keep occupy her time, but Gage spent most of his time sleeping. Angel decided to pick up a part time job to help pass the time after feeling a bit out of place in her new home.

It wasn't long until Angel began showing the familiar baby bump again. Madison couldn't figure out how, but she figured the less she knew the better.

Meiling also had special news of her own. Her due date was quickly approaching, although she seemed unsure of the daddy.

Keira continued doing well in school and soon took fancy to Manuel. It wasn't long before they were stealing kisses in abandoned rooms and skipping school together.

And when the time came she quickly graduated and ran off to marry Manuel.

Madison's birthday came and went, and she began feeling more like the grandma she really was.

Baby Gage was growing quickly and soon had a birthday of his own.

6.5 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

It had been a very eventful week for Gavin. First with his birthday, his first woohoo, then a new job, and fear for his mother. He almost didn't feel like he could take it anymore. Now his best friend was pregnant, and it just so happened to be his. If only he could actually remember that fateful night.

But he knew what he had to do. Regardless if he wanted to or not.

****

They had a small little party with a few close friends. Ricky came by, looking a little paler than someone just off a sunny vacation should. Madison was excited he was back. They'd spend the night renewing their love.

Meiling also used this time to age up as well. It was a good night for all.

6.4 Loads of Awesome Heartwrenching News

Gavin was almost certain the ad in the paper was a scam. But nonetheless, he waited and waited to hear back, checking the mail regularly for any correspondence. When the package came back with instructions to visit city hall, he knew the ad was legit. After a short trip to city hall, Gavin Brandon was finally employed.

He returned home to find Angel waiting outside the house. His mother was probably still asleep and the girls had not returned from school yet. He couldn't wait to tell her the good news.

Gavin stormed into the house pulling Angel behind him, talking excitedly about his new occupation. "And the best thing is," he said, "I get to work whatever hours I want!" Gavin stopped and turned to face Angel. "Aren't you excited?" It was that moment he knew something was wrong.

"There's no easy way to say this, so I'm going to just come out and say it," Angel started. Gavin cringed. Nothing good began with that statement. "I'm pregnant."

6.3 Squished Dreams of Freedom

With Madison injured as bad as she was, and since Ricky was "out of town", Gavin felt compelled to stay. He, like any other teen, had been counting down the days until he was old enough to move out. But with an injured mother, two sisters, and no job, Gavin knew he'd have to wait until his mother healed.

But Madison didn't recover overnight. Neither did she remember her attackers. But Gavin used this time to take care of his family. He saw his sisters on the bus each morning, before sitting in bed with his mother for a bit. It was during their time alone that Madison knew she needed to ask him.


"Gavin," she said weakly one morning. Instead of answering verbally, Gavin grunted a response as he plopped on the bed next to her. "I have been talking to your sisters, and they are scared." Gavin grunted yet another acknowledging response.

He knew exactly where this was going, and he had already planned his answer. NO. "We, myself included, would feel safer if you'd stay with us." "Mom," Gavin wanted to whine before spilling his well rehearsed speech. Gavin turned to look at his mom, and in that moment he knew he wasn't going to say no.


He couldn't leave his little sisters unprotected. He knew that he would stay.

6.2 Classified Ads and Broken Faces

After days of unemployed bordom, Gavin decided it was time to find a job. He didn't aspire to work behind a desk all day neither did he want to become a slave to the service industry. He hated people, for the most part. He wanted to be a journalist, but his dislike of unfamiliar people hindered his wish.

He sat with Angel, no uneasiness between them, combing through want ads, looking for a decent job. "Here's one," she said looking up at him, "local book publisher looking for talented writers. Submit a copy of your work to Divisadero Budget Books."

"Scam!" Gavin shouted, although he knew he would at least try it out.

The two started laughing when they heard someone pounding on the front door. Angel looked at Gavin, who returned her stare. It was late. Way to late for anyone to stop by. Even Madison's frequent "used toys" knew better than to come at this hour. The pounding increased as whoever was there knocked with more urgency. "Gavin," Keira whispered from the hallway causing Angel to jump. "I got it," Gavin said protectively.

He walked hesitantly to the door, but he didn't have to walk far before realizing it was Madison outside.

"Mom," he said, throwing open the door. He was confused at first. After all, Madison had a key to her own house. But his eyes fell upon her bruised face and tear filled eyes and he was no longer scared. He was pissed.

"Who did this to you?" He asked once he pulled Madison to her bed. Angel and Keira peeked curiously into the room. There was a slight pause as Madison looked around the room. "I," she started before being stopped by a flood of tears. "I don't remember. It was dark. I was coming home from the movies. I was jumped," she stopped again to wipe tears from her eyes. "I don't remember anything."