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Madly
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2022-09-24 14:04:15Related chapters
We Were One Please Don't Break My Heart
"Aside from you, I've only ever been kissed by two other guys," she said without hesitation. "Roy Evans was my first kiss ever, two years ago, and then Aster Williams kissed me last year on the haunted hay ride."I squeezed my eyes shut, along with my hands on her waist, willing the visuals away. "You shouldn't have told me that.""Why not?""Because I'll hate them both now. Just like I hate that fucker Shane."When I opened my eyes to look at her, there was a hint of humor in her eyes and a twitch at the corners of her lips. "I'm just saying I have nothing to hide. I'm not asking about all the girls in your past. All I'm asking is who and when was your last, before me?""You don't know her. She's not from Huntsville."That was partially true. America wasn't from Huntsville, and technically, Madeline didn't know her. But America did say she'd frequented and enjoyed her time at the Smoke Wagon. With her living just an hour away, the possibility of her coming into town again was ju
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One Mama Asked About Us
I knew Madeline was artistic. We'd spoken about her passion for painting plenty of times. I'd seen some of the photos of her painting early on. She showed me on her phone, including the ones she painted of me. Even when I saw one of the finished pieces in person, as impressed as I was, I imagined it was something that took her days, maybe weeks, to finish. There was so much delicate detail put into them it was hard to imagine her finishing one up in under a day much less in a few hours.Just a week after our first almost breakup, we were out at one of her favorite places by the river. Madeline wanted to bring her easel and painting tools out to the abandoned pier I introduced her to, days ago. I thought we were there so she could demonstrate her skill as it happened. I'd begun to resort to using the shop's delivery van on the days when Shelby couldn't get access to her mom's car. It was either that or not see Madeline that night since her mom would think it too odd that her sister or
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One Baby, No. We Can't.
My stomach dropped just as Madeline glanced at me, and to my surprise, now she laughed. "Oh my God, your face got as white as mine.""What did she say?"What the fuck are we doing here? was what I really felt like asking. Why was she still risking this if her mother was onto us?"You knew she was bound to hear the rumors, but I've also told you how much she hates how easily stories get turned into something completely different around town. She was livid when she heard about the stories going around that she'd pulled a shotgun on boys who either me or Maggie had tried sneaking in late at night.""I never heard that one," I said with a frown.I really hadn't. I sure as hell would've asked her about it if I'd heard that version of the stories."Well, of course, it wasn't true, but it was out there, and there've been others about her. Haven't heard any lately, but every now and again, there's a new speculation about who our daddy really is."Now those I had heard, but I didn't comm
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One So Close to the Forbidden Fruit
That alone had my knees going weak, and I took advantage of her laughter to pull my finger away. "Even if the thought of your mother lurking around some of these trees with her shotgun didn't scare the shit out of me, your first time will not be on this pier where we'll both end up with splinters in our asses."She laughed some more, easing my nerves because it was really beginning to feel like she might push harder for this. In pure Madeline fashion, she didn't push any further, not verbally anyway.When we'd first arrived and she'd begun to set up her easel, she'd also set up a blanket for us to sit on but mostly for this. So we both knew my concern about splinters in our asses was a bit of a stretch. As I devoured her mouth again and things got heavier, I rolled onto my side, and she started to slide under me. Fuck, what I'd have given to just be able to make love to her already, but it wasn't happening, not here anyway. Only I could feel it in her body, hear it in her panting; he
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One My Weakness
At first, I was beyond nervous about the rumors of our relationship having gotten back to Loretta. How could they not? In hindsight, I knew now I'd also been beyond delusional to believe we'd be able to keep what was going on from anyone. The whole town was still abuzz about it.Madeline was now the first thing I thought of when I awoke and the last thing on my mind before I passed out—usually to dream of her. So at this point, I was more worried about her mother putting restrictions on how often we could see each other. I'd since looked further into the whole age-of-consent thing, and my dad was right. Loretta couldn't come after me legally. But technically, Madeline was still a minor, so her mother would still have the right to make our lives hell if she chose to. Though Madeline still insisted I let her handle her mother."Her bark is worse than her bite. Trust me."Only reason I chose to trust Madeline about this was because I had no other choice. It was either that or break thi
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One Blast From the Past
It was obvious now I wasn't the only one who lived to see Madeline smile. For as big a hard ass as Loretta could be, she, too, was a pushover when it came to her daughters. Madeline had already told me the story more than once, and even showed me photos of her and Maggie's sweet sixteenth birthday present from their mama. A trip to New York. For a woman from a small town making a modest living working at a feed store, I could only imagine such a trip must've taken years to save up for. But it was Madeline's dream to visit the art galleries of New York, and with Maggie's interest in the culinary world, she was just as excited about visiting some of the world famous restaurants there. So Mama delivered.Now just a few weeks after our bug conversation, Madeline was in heaven driving around in her new convertible Volkswagen. It still made me nervous because, as expected, it had a ton of miles and was not in the best shape. Though its fresh coat of baby blue paint made for a very "cute" Be
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One Where's the Fire?
Friday evening Madeline had to work. Nolan had only been back a month, so I decided it'd be a good time to catch up. I took him and Xavier up on their bowling challenge. Madeline's shift at Little Caesars was over at nine. She was picking up Maggie when her shift let out at the Dairy Queen then supposedly hanging out at Shelby's until late. But with Shelby's mom working the night shift, I'd be picking Madeline up there, and she'd hang with me instead.It had been a while since I'd been to the bowling alley, but I figured it was safe. Madeline had never actually said it, but I knew she might not be thrilled about me going out to the lake or river on a weekend evening without her. I sure as hell wouldn't want her out there without me.My time away from the bowling alley showed in the outcome. I came in dead last three straight times. It was getting close to nine, so we wrapped it up and headed out. Just as we were walking out, America and a couple of other girls were getting out of the
Last Updated : 2022-09-24We Were One How Do You Know the New Girl?
"How was the bowling?" Madeline asked as I approached her, and I could already tell something was up since, for the first time in like ever, she didn't greet me with a big smile or jump into my arms all giddy."Eh," I said, holding out my arms because I needed her in them already. "Rusty as shit. Came in last all three times.""Who'd you bowl with?""Nolan and Xavier," I said, pulling her to me by the waist, since she still hadn't greeted me the way I was used to. "Quino's in Radcliffe with my dad and grandma."She was stiff but gave in, staring up at me. "Hang out with any girls?""No, babe," I said, trying to smile with confidence. "We ran into a few as we walked out, stopped and talked with them for a minute just outside the place, right as your mom got there." I raised a brow so she knew I knew why she was asking. "Did she call just to tell you?""No." She smirked and finally wrapped her arms around my waist. "She always asks us to check in once we're out of work and together
Last Updated : 2022-09-24
Latest chapter
We Were One Epilogue - Maddie's POV
MadelineThe coughing in the living room followed by the moaning only made me want to giggle. But I dared not. Mama had warned me what big babies men can be when they're sick, and I'd seen it more than once, but it'd never annoyed me the way it did her. Why they had to moan after every cough and sneeze I'd never know, but unlike Mama, who rolled her eyes when her fiancé Don did it, I thought it was hilarious.Besides, I wouldn't have dreamed of complaining when it came to taking care of Nico. He would have gallantly taken care of me if needed. Not that I'd ever gotten this bad when I was sick. But my entire pregnancy the man went above and beyond taking care of me. That last month when I was on strict bed rest orders, he catered to my every whim. And unlike when it was my turn to do the nursing, between him and Ama, I got some delicious real home cooking"Who's ready for some yummy warm chicken soup?" I asked as I walked into the living room, carrying a tray with a bowl of the hot s
We Were One You Were-ARE-Mine
"I didn't say that. You did." She ran her hand through my hair. "But it was the first time I'd seen him since I broke up with him." She explained a little more about that but then added something more. "I do remember you being jealous, though," she said, looking up at me all whimsically. "Whose bike did I get on that had you seeing red?"Feeling my brows shoot up in reaction, I searched her eyes some more. There was only one time when this happened, and I made sure it never did again. "You remember that?""I had a visual just today when I realized I couldn't stomach him touching or kissing me anymore, not after this weekend." Going tense again as what she just said sunk in, I felt her fingers caress the side of my head, and just like that, I was able to breathe easily again. "Whose bike?""Some douche named Shane. I couldn't stand the way that fucker looked at you."She smiled. "I know you don't wanna hear about it, but after Ryan said 'you're mine' to me one time and it set off a
We Were One Preaching to the Choir
Madeline hugged her mom and their body language said the same thing. It's finally over. As if Loretta, too, had been living under unimaginable stress all these years, wondering when not if the straw would break the camel's back and it all would come tumbling out. She'd said it herself; she knew there was nothing she could do to keep us apart.I watched them, inhaling deeply, my insides filling with pride and emotion. This was really happening. I had my peanut back, and it was all because of her tenacity. Had she not been so bound and determined even after all these years, she may never have caught what she hadn't even known she was chasing. Just like me all this time, her gut kept telling her there was something missing and she needed to get to it.She explained to me as we drove to her hotel room how she'd gotten the room so she wouldn't have to face her mom just yet. She'd told Loretta she was working so she wouldn't be home when her mom got home from her weekend trip."I just nee
We Were One You Can't Make This Shit Up
Loretta explained how she also couldn't take the chance of telling anyone—including me. "Her waking to no memory of her past, while tragic, I considered it a blessing, a sign that I'd done the right thing. I knew my biggest challenge would be getting her to agree to leave Huntsville—leave you. I knew there'd be no way in hell I'd convince her to, and if you weren't willing or able to leave with us, she'd be willing to risk her secret getting out. As discreet as you two were when you were sneaking around, I knew it'd be just a matter of time before the townsfolk got word that Nico was now in love with Maggie. It'd raise too many brows and questions."Madeline chimed in to explain about the birthmark. "Mama said it was an afterthought. Since she hadn't anticipated me waking up with no memory, it wasn't until she was getting ready to make her move and get me out of Huntsville that she thought of it.""I figured I should plant the seed early on," Loretta said, shaking her head. "And then
We Were One This Better Not Be a Dream
None of the random lies Madeline's mother had fed her over the years made any sense, but she said her mother lying about how her grandmother had actually died finally did. "A few years ago, my doctor suggested I have the birthmark on my neck checked. It turned out to be fine." Maggie turned to mom with a raised brow. "But because of my grandmother's supposed death from melanoma cancer, I elected to have it removed anyway."I still couldn't grasp it; though my heart was already leaping to accept it. Afraid to speak for fear of my voice betraying me, I managed one word. "How?"That did it. Instantly, my eyes blurred, and I felt my throat constrict until something else hit me. All these years I'd suffered an anguish I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and Madeline had been dealing with thinking she was going mad. All because of her mother.The overpowering emotion I'd begun to feel was clouded momentarily as my insides were suddenly on fire, and I turned to Loretta. "Why?"Maggie . . .
We Were One I'm Not Maggie
I didn't even bother telling them to stay put. I could already hear them scrambling to grab their shit and come after me, but they weren't stopping me. At least they had the sense not to try. "The address, Nolan," I barked as I jumped on my bike outside the shop, and Xavier and Quino worked fast to lock the shop up.He was already racing toward his bike as he scrolled through his phone. In the next second, the envelope with the forwarded text popped up on my screen. I tapped it into the navigation app on my phone and squeezed it into my handlebar phone mount as my brothers articulated their loving words of wisdom and heeded warnings."Calm your ass.""Don't drive like an idiot.""Remember we're all following you," Xavier cautioned, knowing full well this one would likely be the only warning I'd be taking seriously. "We'll be right behind you. So whatever stupid maneuvers you make, we'll be making them with you."Fuck me.As if I didn't have enough to worry about, I'd for sure hav
We Were One The Unthinkable
Nolan spoke so fast I had to stop him. "Whoa, whoa, whoa," I said, holding my hands up. "You're talking too fast. Take a breath, man, and start over."I was still trying to wrap my head around what he'd first said. Skipping the taking-a-breath part, Nolan went on a little slower but just as urgently. "Her mom lied about a whole lot of shit. Kept so much from her it has her completely confused, but she still hasn't questioned her mom because she's trying to gather more evidence of what she suspects. She told me all this yesterday. It's why when I saw the engagement post today I immediately called her on it. How could she be getting engaged if she still doesn't know for sure if you two are soul mates?"That last part sucked the air out of me, but I refused to get my hopes up. Every time I did, that tiny voice of reason in the back of my head cleared its throat and reminded me about the physical proof that she wasn't Madeline. Nolan reeled off, too fired up to let any of us get a word i
We Were One Delusion or Deception
As if he knew without having me say it, Nolan didn't push for me to finish explaining. Instead, he nodded in understanding; though he still looked a little unconvinced about Maggie not having ulterior motives."I don't talk to her too often," he explained. "She drops me a text when she has questions regarding something she just remembered or whatever. Last I heard from her was when she called to ask about the pier. She'd had a dream about it, but didn't remember anything about the pier."Hearing about her dreams reminded me of Maggie dreaming of me. Of course I'd kept this to myself. I hated how, on top of what a confusing mess this was, I had to be mindful that this was a girl Nolan had slept with. One who though he didn't admit it then I could tell he was beginning to fall hard for. Even if he was long over her now, it'd still be weird as shit.He had nothing more significant to tell me but assured me if he heard or remembered anything else he'd let me know. As far as I was concer
We Were One A More Plausible Theory
Even this had me feeling a mixture of something I only ever felt when Madeline was alive—a strange but urgent sense to protect. But protect who? Maggie? And against who? My brother who was only concerned for me? Of that, I had no doubt.So I chose my words and tone carefully. After taking in another spoonful of cereal as nonchalantly as ever, I posed the burning question. "What are you getting at, Nolan?"Tapping his fist softly on the counter in a nervous pattern, he started telling me what I'd suspected already: that since Maggie showed up in Radcliffe, he'd kept in touch with her but hadn't mentioned it because he didn't think I'd want to hear about it. Mostly they'd texted but he'd talked to her on the phone a few times as well. "That blow to the head she took must've been real bad because even after all these years she still seems really confused and has lots of questions."I nodded, trying my damnedest to focus on what he was saying and not my unreasonably heating insides. Ins
