Chapter Thirteen

Madeline’s POV

We come to a halt at the water guns, hastily inserting our coins which make a satisfying “plunk” sound. The machine vibrates awake, music and lights coming to life in the peaceful ocean air.

Andrew turns to look at me, “Ladies first!” He calls out jokingly, motioning to the water guns.

I grab the light blue plastic weapon for player one and he snatches a light green one for player two. Once the game deems us ready, the targets start to dance around the machine. Each red-and-white rimmed circle with a designated score. We brace ourselves as the machine counts down mechanically.

“3”

“2”

“1”

“GO!”

And in a blink of an eye, we start shooting the tiny targets like our lives depend on it.

Andrew pivots back and forth, adjusting his aim. He hits a few circles, carefully observing each target and angling the stream of water. I can tell how mindful he acts around me, almost as if he’s afraid to hit or touch me.

That’s sweet.

Nevertheless, compared to him, I’m a lot less methodical. I start to shoot sporadically, water spraying all over the targets and flinging some back at us. The liquid coats my hands and face, each drop soaking my outfit further. Everything becomes a chaotic blur of water and laughter.

Hey, reckless aim should hit at least some of the circles, right?

The result of my tactic also affects Andrew as he is practically drenched in water.

“Madeline!” He laughs, pausing to flop his bangs out of his vision. I laugh as well, purposely shooting him with more water to add emphasis.

Mwahaha, my devious and totally intentional distraction is working!

His protective nature towards me has resulted in his inevitable downfall. For each time Andrew has to pause and readjust his soaked hair, I hit a target. And by the time the machine announces a winner, we’re both drenched in water and sweat.

“W-wh-winner! W-winner! We have a w-winner!” The game chants, glitching out with each “w”.

The blue and red screen read, “Congratulations player one!” in bold letters. It also showcases our scores, mine winning by 2 points.

“Ha- take that Andrew!” I jump, flinging my arms in the air and shaking the water off my curls.

Only then do I realize how my makeup runs down my face and my clothes cling to my body. But then again, Andrew’s hair is a distorted clump on his head. His light jean jacket turned a dark color, dripping with water and his green sweater top is damp.

“Good game Maddie, now it looks like we took a dip in the ocean.” He nudges my shoulder playfully before shrugging off his jacket and squeezing the water out. I do the same with my black and white scarf.

We laugh before searching for other carnival games to pass the afternoon.

Preferably ones that didn’t include water.

---

Andrew’s POV

Madeline’s having fun and that’s all that matters.

I’m sure that endearing thought would come out a lot less forced if I weren’t absolutely drenched in water. After a helpless attempt to drain my jacket, Madeline and I look for more games.

By this time the sun has started to set, the bright blue sky slowly fading into mellow oranges and yellows. A beautiful rift between day and night. More and more children leave with their parents, and the boardwalk feels significantly lighter.

We come across multiple ring toss, spin the wheel, and duck uprooting games. All of which Madeline pays no interest to, and instead darts to the basketball toss. She jumps on the balls of her toes and excitedly offers the carnival employee her tokens.

It’s almost comical how outgoing she can get when in her element.

I watch in amusement as she jumps to extend her hand which couldn’t be farther from the hoop. Her chaotic tactic of tossing basketballs aimlessly actually earns her a few points, and she ends up winning a plush.

It seems our awkward we-just-met-a-few-months-ago phase has passed, and my insecurities about living up to her expectations have… decreased. To say the least.

She seems happy with how I am right now…

...will that change when I tell her the truth?

If I tell her the truth.

“Thanks!” Madeline beams at the tired employee who hands her a light blue cat plushie. She bounds over to my side, smiling like she had won the lottery. She hands me the plush and I run my fingers through the furry fabric.

The furry fabric. How nostalgic.

“You can have it, Andrew, it can remind you of me!”

What.

*Flashback*

“You- you forgot Valentine’s day?” I stutter out.

I mean, it’s no big deal. It’s just a meaningless holiday, right?

Madeline doesn’t need a holiday to show me she lov-needs me.

Right?

“I’m so sorry Andrew, I swear I’ll remember next time, there’s just a lot on my mind because of my job and-”

She clutches my gift to her close to her chest. I can tell she’s anxious by the way she’s running her fingers through its fur.

I know it’s not the end of the world. So why does it feel like it is?

Maybe it’s because of how similar this situation feels.

Maybe it’s because I’ve never had anyone care for me like her. If she ever did.

I know it’s preposterous to think such doubts after a simple slip-up, but I can’t help myself. She could be like him.

Another person gaslighting me and abusing my empathy.

Another person taking advantage of who I am.

Who am I?

Madeline surely doesn’t know. We’ve been dating for a few years and I’ve never once told her about my family. She has asked numerous times, especially after introducing me to her mom. But I can’t let her meet my father.

I can’t go back to my father.

I turn to leave Madeline’s apartment, fumbling at the lock.

“Thank you for the plush, it’s so sweet and can remind me of you-” She goes on to flatter me but I’m not listening.

“Andrew-” She raises her voice and places a hand on my shoulder which makes me flinch. I start to tremble, negative memories flooding my mind all over again.

I run out into the street and close the car door. I start up the engine and plan my way home.

A part of me wishes she’ll run out and reassure me.

A part of me wishes she’ll call after me, asking to stay.

But she doesn’t. She just stands near the door, my gift slipping out of her hand. A white teddy bear gingerly carrying a red heart hits the asphalt and bounces back. Bounces back like how my innocence and childhood never will.

And ever since then, all because of one overreaction and one cold shoulder, our relationship was never the same.

*End of Flashback*