In The Clear - Out Of The Woods Sequel - A Taylor Swift Fanfiction

Chapter 9: A Much-Needed Visit

Author's note: I'm posting these quick just because I'm aware this may be triggering, so want to make sure there are breaks in between with "good" chapters - I don't wanna leave something on a heavy note for too long. 

Confined to her room with her ankle injury, Madison was scrolling through her phone when the door burst open. Sabrina Carpenter, vibrant as ever, breezed into the room with her usual flair. Madison couldn't help but smile; Sabrina had always been like a fun aunt to her, full of energy and slightly outrageous at times.

"Hey, superstar! How's the foot? Ready to kick some butt or still in the 'woe is me' phase?" Sabrina joked as she waltzed in, her smile infectious.

Madison rolled her eyes playfully. "Still in the 'my life is over' phase, thanks for asking. What brings you to my chamber of gloom?"

Sabrina plopped down beside her on the bed, grinning. "Thought you might need a break. Plus, I brought contraband," she said, producing a bag of Madison's favorite candy from her purse.

Madison laughed, accepting the candy. "You're a lifesaver, Sab. Not sure why you felt you needed to sneak that in past mom, but I'll accept it."

As they chatted, Madison couldn't resist slipping in a backhanded comment. "It's nice to have someone pay attention to me for a change. Usually, it's all about Olivia."

Sabrina raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting slightly. "Oh? Feeling a bit sidelined by the little sis?"

Madison shrugged, a trace of bitterness in her voice. "Just the usual. I'm the invisible one unless I'm breaking bones or school rules."

Sabrina's smile faltered, sensing the underlying hurt in Madison's words. "Hey, you know your mom loves you a ton, right? She's just juggling a lot."

Madison sighed, picking at the candy wrapper. "Yeah, I know. It's just hard sometimes, feeling like you're second best."

Sabrina put an arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze. "I get it. But hey, you've got me, right? And I'm way cooler than any mom or sister."

Madison couldn't help but laugh, the tension easing a bit. "Definitely cooler," she agreed.

Sabrina's visit brought a much-needed distraction and a reminder that Madison wasn't as alone as she sometimes felt. But Sabrina's concern lingered; Madison's comments had revealed a deeper sense of neglect, something she couldn't ignore.

Sabrina's eyes twinkled mischievously as she shifted the conversation. "So, Mads, enough about family drama. What's the latest on the boy front? Still with the fuckboy?"

Madison scoffed playfully, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Still with Jake, still going okay.'"

Sabrina sighed, "Alright, as long as you're happy, it's none of my business. But if he tries anything you're not comfortable with, you let me know, okay?"

Madison giggled and shook her head, changing the subject. "But what about you? You always have the wildest stories."

"Oh, honey," Sabrina exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with the promise of a juicy story. "Let me tell you about this guy I've been seeing. He's like a Greek god, but with the brains of a golden retriever. Absolutely gorgeous, but not the sharpest tool in the shed."

Madison's laughter filled the room, her earlier melancholy momentarily forgotten. "Sounds like your type."

Sabrina winked. "You know me, I never say no to a pretty face. But let's just say, our conversations aren't the highlight of our dates. It's more like... physical poetry."

Madison raised an eyebrow. "Physical poetry? That's one way to put it."

"Let's just say, the boy knows his way around the bedroom," Sabrina said with a grin, her tone light but filled with innuendo. "But enough about my escapades. I'm supposed to be cheering you up, not corrupting you with my scandalous love life."

Madison shook her head, still smiling. "Too late for that, Sab. But thanks, I needed the laugh."

Sabrina's expression shifted to one of playful curiosity. "So, are you still reigning as the queen B of your school? How's the kingdom under Queen Madison?"

Madison let out a small laugh, leaning back against her pillows. "Oh, the kingdom is as chaotic as ever."

"But still the queen, right?" Sabrina prodded, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Madison shrugged, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "I guess. But it's not like it's all it's cracked up to be. Half the time it's just drama."

Sabrina nodded, her tone turning a bit more serious. "Just remember, high school isn't forever. Being queen B is cool and all, but make sure you're happy, too, not just playing a part for everyone else."

Madison looked at Sabrina, a hint of appreciation showing through her usual façade. "I'll try. But you know how it is, Sab. If you don't have a certain image, you're a loner."

Sabrina leaned in closer, her voice earnest. "You're more than just an image, babes. Don't let high school politics define who you are. You've got so much going for you."

Madison's expression softened, touched by Sabrina's words. It was rare for her to show vulnerability, but in Sabrina's presence, she felt safe to let down her guard.

"Thanks," she said quietly. "It means a lot, hearing that from you."

Madison eyed Sabrina carefully, her curiosity piqued by the sudden shift in the conversation's depth. "How much do you actually know about what's been going on with me these past few days?" she asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.

Sabrina let out a sigh, her expression turning serious. She met Madison's gaze with a look of genuine concern. "I know that my favorite niece is in trouble," she admitted. "Your mom and Travis are worried sick, and it's not just about your ankle."

Madison's guard went up, her body tensing slightly. "And what exactly did they tell you?" she asked cautiously, not sure how much Sabrina knew about her struggles.

Sabrina reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Madison's. "They didn't go into details, Mads. They respect your privacy. But it's clear you're going through a lot right now. And I want you to know I'm here for you, too. You're not alone in this, no matter what it is."

Madison looked down at their entwined hands, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. It was comforting to know she had Sabrina's support, but the thought of everyone discussing her issues made her uneasy.

"I'm dealing with it," Madison said, her voice a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. "I don't need everyone fussing over me."

Sabrina gave her a gentle squeeze. "I know you're strong, babe. But sometimes, it's okay to lean on others. We all need help sometimes, and that doesn't make you any less amazing."

Madison looked away, her expression conflicted. "But it makes me weak," she murmured, the words barely audible. "I'm supposed to handle things on my own."

Sabrina shook her head, her tone firm yet kind. "No. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's actually the opposite. It takes a lot of strength to admit you need support."

Madison bit her lip, wrestling with the idea. "I've always been the one people lean on, not the other way around. I'm the one that gets asked to help with Olivia, not the other way around."

"That may be true," Sabrina replied, "but even the strongest people need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. You're human, Maddie. You don't have to carry everything by yourself."

Madison let out a long breath, the weight of her struggles evident in her eyes. "I just don't want to be a burden," she confessed.

Sabrina moved closer, her voice gentle. "You could never be a burden, Mads. Your family, your friends, we care about you. We want to help you, just like you would for us."

Madison looked at Sabrina, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't even know where to start," she admitted softly.

"Just start by being honest with yourself and with us," Sabrina encouraged. "We're here to listen, to help, not to judge. You're not alone. You're loved, more than you know."