Living with Jennifer Lawrence

[73:] See You Again

Maddie

As Josh made scrambled eggs in the morning, I could feel the tension in the air. Last night, Jen and Josh were too worn out to give me any sort of punishment. I don't mention it.

Jen is nowhere to be found, so I ask Josh if he knew where she was.

"Upstairs." He pointed his chin to the staircase. "Jen was really upset last night. Kept talking about you and brought up... last time." "Last time" meaning three years ago when I attempted suicide. "I tried to calm her down, but she wouldn't have it."

I've put them through so much, and I feel horrible. She's a true mother because despite everything, she still loves me and my brothers with all that she has. I don't understand how she has so much patience with me. My brother is the better child.

"You'll be grounded until the year ends," Josh said. I don't protest, this is what I deserve. "You'll only go to school and work---"

Work.

"Hang on." After the words escape my lips, I realize how rude I sound. I ran to my car to search for my duffel bag. My work uniform was in there. I checked underneath the seats and the trunk and the bag was in there.

I went inside the house and rushed up the stairs, trying to find my phone. I left it plugged into the charger and there was one new notification.

You left your bag in my car.

It was from Austin. I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Thank you! You're the BEST, I message him back.

I went downstairs, phone in hand, and apologized to Josh for running out on him.

"What was that about?" he asked. Jen woke up from her slumber and she snaked her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. All I could noticed was how crazy her hair looks in the mornings.

"Well," I start, unsure how to begin. "Remember about that time when I came home late? You know, that major time?" We never, ever bring up my suicide attempt. I'm surprised Jen even brought it up last night when she talked to Josh. I've said it before and I'll say it again: that night brings back too many bad memories.

They knew what I meant.

"The one who saved my life, his name is Austin, and I saw him again." Jason spit out his orange juice. "We were just talking and lost track of time," I tell them, purposely leaving out a few details.

"That's all?" Jason winks at me. "Maddie's got a boyfriend," he teases and laughs.

"I do not." I answer too fast.

I shove him, causing his toast to slip from his hands. "Hey!" he said. He quickly grabs it and eats it, justifying his actions due to the "five second rule."

Ryan sits in his highchair, picking at his Cheerios. Some of them fall on the floor.

Jen had to prepare herself for this moment. She was at a loss for words.

"Well," she began. "When can we meet him?"

This was not the response I was expecting. "Wait, what?"

She kissed Josh's cheek and released her grip from his waist. "I want to thank him in person."

Josh gave her a look, but I understood it. He was trying to say: are you sure?

"Yes," she said aloud. "At some point. I want to meet him."

I knew I had to pick up my duffel bag from him, but after that, I'd have to see him again.

I smiled at the thought.

I'm going to see him again.

* * *

I felt a little nervous and giddy at the same time. I might have a new friend.

Austin hands me my duffel bag.

"Thank you," was all I could think of to say. I needed to figure out when I could introduce him to my parents. Never thought I'd think that.

"Before you go---" I took a deep breath. "My parents want to meet you."

He looked stunned. "But what about your girlfriend?"

I laughed. "What are you talking about?"

"I thought you... Never mind, forget I said anything."

I went on to explain. "I could never repay you for what you've done for me, Austin. My parents want to thank you in person."

"Oh," he said slowly. "Okay."

* * *
Austin

She wants me to meet her... parents?

Oh, boy. I'm going to have to do research on her parents now or I'll look like a complete idiot when I see them.

It'll be fine, I reassure myself. I got this.