Title: “Kisses and Cringe”
Maddison dragged herself out of bed around 9:40 AM, hair a mess, hoodie too big, socks mismatched. Another morning in the Chateau. The familiar sound of JJ’s laugh drifted from the kitchen, followed by Alora’s softer one, and then the unmistakable mwah of a kiss.
Ugh.
She walked in, and sure enough—there was JJ, standing behind Alora, sneaking a small kiss to her cheek as she poured orange juice.
“Seriously?” Maddison muttered, grabbing a mug.
Alora turned with a smile. “Good morning, Mads.”
JJ winked at her. “Hey, kid.”
Maddison blinked, unimpressed. “Do you guys have to kiss every five seconds?”
“It was one kiss,” JJ grinned. “We’re under the daily limit.”
Sarah, sitting on the arm of the couch, snorted into her coffee. “Oh man, she’s in a mood.”
“I’m not in a mood,” Maddison snapped. “I just don’t need to see my parents playing house like it’s a rom-com.”
“Sorry,” Alora said, keeping her tone light as she handed her a bagel. “We’ll try to tone down the love and joy.”
John B looked up from a half-eaten bowl of cereal. “To be fair, it’s pretty mild. JJ used to make out with her in front of us all the time.”
“JOHN B,” Maddison groaned.
“Don’t remind her,” Alora said, laughing as she bumped JJ with her hip.
He leaned over and planted another quick kiss on her temple.
“Oh my God,” Maddison said, covering her eyes dramatically. “I’m gonna throw up. Can’t you do that like… in your room? Where love belongs?”
Pope walked in just in time to hear that. “What did I just walk into?”
“Romantic trauma,” Maddison deadpanned.
“You’ll survive,” Cleo called from the porch, poking her head in. “Barely.”
Maddison sighed, loud and theatrical, but took a bite of her bagel anyway.
She didn’t storm off. Didn’t yell. Just sat at the table, quietly irritated.
Alora watched her, brow softening. She could see it—Maddison wasn’t really mad. Just overwhelmed. Thirteen, and stuck somewhere between needing distance and wanting to be held.
JJ leaned closer. “Let her grumble,” he whispered.
“I know,” Alora whispered back. “It’s hormones, not hate.”
Maddison didn’t hear it. But she looked up briefly—and saw them exchange another tiny kiss.
She rolled her eyes. But her lips twitched.
Just a little.