I'm On My Way

Chapter 11

Maddy hurried up the neat path and stood beside her friend. Jana and Tom were close behind. Jana placed her hand on Maddy’s shoulder and squeezed it. The two girls grinned at each other, the stars in their eyes coming out to laugh as they shared their excitement. The sweet aroma of the many beautiful flowers tickled Maddy’s sensitive nose. She breathed in, and could swear she could make ot the faint scent of Rhydian. Her heart beat quicker.

Through the blank windows, Maddy could make out the faint silhouette of a table and chairs. They were a faint mark in the darkness, the outline fighting to show against the night. On the other side of the door, which had a little metal “12” nailed to it, she could see another inked out room, filled with two patterned sofas. Both were empty.  

She must have looked confused, because Shan said:

“The Vaughans are out.” Maddy nodded, her cracked lips forming an “o” as she turned back to the door. The golden numbering glinted, illuminated by the moonlight.

It appeared that Rhydian had also only just remembered this fact, as the group could hear a distant and repetitive thud as he descended the stairs. There was a faint grumbling. Maddy smiled. Same old Rhydian.

There was a click as the porch door opened, and the musky scent grew. There was more resonant clicking as he fumbled with the lock. The door flew open.

Rhydian had his mouth open, ready to explain that his foster parents were out, when his dim eyes fell on Shannon and Tom. His turquoise eyes started to widen as he saw Jana. A faint grin, accompanied by an expression of shock took over his face as the pieces started to fall into place. As his eyes locked with maddy’s, she felt her heart stop. He looked the same, just older, more experienced. Hardship glistened in his eyes; his wider, more firm jaw bone was stiff. His eyebrows were bold, stubble was starting to grow. Maddy could feel excitement and a faint feeling of loss; Rhydian had had to grow up without her.

The smile grew, revealing two lines of perfect teeth between his winter-worn lips. The smile faded slightly as shock and confusion collided with him. Maddys happiness fell. Please, please don’t let him be angry with her.

His voice cracked slightly as he gasped “Maddy?”