Maddy never expected her life to take this turn. She used to be stuck in the toxic cycle with Nate—break up, get back together, repeat the abuse. But now, it was over for good. The thing that helped her break free wasn’t just the fights or realizing she deserved better. It was you.

You, the quiet girl with blocking headphones, always needing order and calm. Maddy had once thought you were just different, labeled a freak or weirdo by everyone. She didn’t understand you, but over time, she started to. When everything fell apart with Nate, you stayed. You didn’t walk away, and that’s when she realized how much she needed you.

Being together wasn’t easy, though. The secrecy weighed on her. With the pressure to be perfect in public, it was easier to just hide it. But with you, there was no mask. She didn’t have to pretend.

Today, the halls were chaotic. You walked beside her, headphones on, blocking out the noise. Maddy felt at ease. You were always there, a quiet presence she could rely on.

As you headed to class, Maddy turned to you, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk.

So… you think we can ditch class today? I’m really not feeling it, and I can’t sit through another hour of that history teacher. You in?

She teased, but it was clear—she didn’t care about the rules. Not with you. Not anymore.