Concrete Angel - Chick - Fil - A

As I walked to the library I couldn't help but wonder what happened at the football field.

"What was that?" I asked myself.

It was physical attraction my dear. My conscience answered.

"What are you...my family life book?"

Humph, you know who I am. I am your conscience

"Then where were you the rest of my life?"

Oh I was there, remember your imaginary friend Penelope, after Alec left?

"Of course. Penelope helped me with everything, just like Alec did before he left. And then Penelope started leaving me too, she never answered my calls. And even when she did, she'd be late. Then she started only being half way there, and then she disappeared. I hated her for leaving me, in a great mess too. It was when I needed her the most..." I trailed off. But somehow my "conscience" knew what I was talking about.

She never really left. You stopped seeing her. And Penelope is me. Except, minus the immaturity, the dinosaur costume, and freckles. She never really disappeared, you stopped believing in her. You accepted reality. So I'm the next best thing for you.

"Great. Something else for me to lean on, then again be disappointed for leaving me. I'll bet next year you're going to leave me. They always do..."

I'll only leave when I feel that you don't need me anymore.

"Yea right you don't care about me. Nobody does..."

No reply.

"See I was right. You left me early this time. Whatever. I don't need you. I don't need anybody." I mumbled as I walked through the doors of the library. I went strait to the computers to look on my school's website. I only had English, math, ugh and history. I started on English, it was pretty simple. We just had to do three pages of our workbook. Math was a different story. I absolutely suck at math. It's a pain in my butt. After an hour of math I started on my favorite subject: history. I think it's fascinating on how happenings in the past sometimes, come back to the future. I love to read about the past so someday I will learn from other people's mistakes and make right choices for myself. I finished history in twenty minutes, and then felt guilty about ditching Mrs.Turbler.

"I finished my homework so fast..."

Well, usually you do have a ton of homework. So technically it wasn't your fault.

"You came back."

Eh, I had nothing to do except listen to you rambling on and on about school work. I mean, Ewe!

I smiled"Well at least you're not the one actually doing the work."

But it doesn't make it any better that I am trapped in your brain and I have no way out.

"Wait, I thought you could leave. Just like Penelope. " I contradicted

For goodness sakes! I AM PENELOPE! Well...technically. Didn't we just have this discussion an hour ago? Come on, you have got to catch up.

"Sorry - "

"Can I help you miss?" said the librarian with a worried look on her face. The librarian had a wrinkled face and snow white hair to match. She was as blind as a bat, but has ears like a hawk. I don't know why she doesn't buy glasses. I think it's a pride thing.

"No thank you Miss. Potash." I said

"Well, you gave me a little scare, you seem to bee talking but there is no one talking back."

"Right, sorry for frightening you Miss Potash. "

"Well then, have a good day..."

"You too..." I said all but too late. Miss Potash already turned and was on her way back to her desk.

As you were, I think you were just apologizing to me.

I shook my head and gathered my things. I put my books into my backpack and took the short way to my locker. I don't know what happened earlier, and I don't want to find out. I dumped all of my books into my locker and headed out of the school. I sighed and braced myself for a long walk home, and coming home to an ugly sight. I kicked the pebbles on the road as I made my way home. I was pissed at Laura because my muscles now choose to scream and ache. I wanted to go to the curb and just sit and wait for a while until I get enough energy to walk home. I knew that wouldn't happen for a while so I just sat on the curb, listening to the whistling wind. The wind became more soothing, and I began to drift into an abyss.

Until five minutes later.

I heard a roaring of a car. Followed by high shrills of laughter and booming screech of electric guitar. Then a loud below of strained voices ensues. The noise became closer as I stood up abruptly, shaking the dirt out of the clothes, and trying to cover my ears at the same time. The car stood out the most. It was painted red and looked like it was just washed. It was a convertible with tan leather seats. The closer it became the easier it was to figure out what kind of car it was, a mustang. Finally figures became into view. I saw three girls, and about two guys. Soon enough the car came close enough for me to make out their faces. I didn't know who the girls were (not a shock) but they look sort of...cheap. The guys...one was sort of...cute. And the other was...ewe nasty strong. I'm talking bulging biceps you can see the vein, and tree trunk thighs, the kind of guy that would be on a workout magazine for fat guys. I shuddered, he could probably crack open my skull.

The thought of it made me want to run and hide under a bush. As much as I wanted to bolt down the street to...anywhere but here and home. The problem is, my legs won't budge. I just stood there like an idiot watching the car come closer and closer. I stood there wide eyed as the stang pulled up in front of me. I got a closer look at the girls. The girl closest to me in the back of the car had bleached blond hair with brown roots. She had a French manicure, flashy shirt with sparkles, a short skirt, three inch high heels, pounds of makeup, and her hair was straitened. The other two were carbon copies. The first girl stood out the most. I could have sworn I'd seen her somewhere, but I don't know where. My eyes drifted to steroid dude in the passenger seat. His muscles bulged out more than ever now; he looked like he was flexing them. In his muscle shirt, his pecks were about as big as the cheap blonde's boobs (which are bigger than grapefruits).

Lastly my eyes wandered back to the cute guy. He was wearing ray ban sunglasses, a nicely fit red t-shirt, complementing his average biceps neatly. He had skinny jeans on, but they weren't that tight. They fit a bit more loosely on him. He had tousled brown hair, and a couple of freckles splattered across his face. He took off his ray ban's which revealed sky blue eyes. Logan. Suddenly the magnetic experience danced its way back into my nervous system. My eyes widened even more - if that was possible.

"Madison?" my name silently escaped Logan's lips, sending the connection even stronger. He turned down the volume of the so-called music.

"Logan! Why did we stop? Turn the music back on! "Said the girl farthest from me. She had a very nasal voice. If I was around her too long I would go insane.

"Shut up Raine." Said Logan. Rain pouted and began whispering to the girl in the middle.

"Madison?" Logan repeated a little louder. I nodded in fear of the alpha dude. I tried to look Logan in the eyes, but the dude with the muscle shirt held my gaze with a smirk. I had a feeling he could feel the fear radiating off my skin. Slut number one sighed in annoyance.

"Logan what are we doing here?"

"Shut the fuck up Kim." Monster dude said. His voice was incredibly deep. Scary, creeper deep. I felt my heartbeat quicken with fear.

"Thanks, Angus." Logan said. Angus just nodded. "Madison, what are you doing here?"

"Walking home?" I said, though it sounded like a question. Angus's smirk grew.

"You walk home?" asked Logan

"Umm yea."

"Great exchange, can we go now?" asked the girl in the middle.

"No, now shut up." Said Logan "Do you want a ride home?" he asked.

"Ummm" was all that came out of my mouth. Sure I would like a ride home. But the beastly creeper over there scares me. Angus has been holding my gaze with humorous eyes the whole time. Finally Logan understood why I wasn't looking at him. He threw his head back and laughed. I got confused.

"What?" I asked.

"So is that why you won't say more than two syllables?" Logan asked.

"Two what?"

"No worries, Angus won't bite; he's like a little teddy bear. Come on, I'll give you a ride. Girls, would you scoot?" Angus pouted about what Logan just said, but dismissed the conversation all together. The sluts sighed but did as they were told. I risked an anxious look at Angus. He shrugged in reply.

"I don't know..." I started.

"Well look at that, she doesn't want a ride. Lets go." Said Kim.

"Kim..." Logan started.

"Fine, fine." She gave up.

"C'mon Madison, we are going to Chick - Fil - A for an after school snack, wana come?"

"Well, I- "

"Don't say 'I don't know' just get in the car; I promise you, we'll have a good time. Okay?"

Was I actually being invited somewhere? Nonetheless by a boy. One question flooded my head before I was going to jump in that car and go with Logan.

"What time is it? " I asked

"Umm that's random, but its," Logan glanced at the dashboard, "four o' six, why?"

Few, I can only stay awhile though....

"No reason, I can only come with you guys for about...three and a half hours so..."

"Oh, yow mowmie cut yo cuwfew showt did she?" Kim said in baby talk. The bimbo's laughed at her lame joke.

"Give it a rest Kim, " Logan said, then turned back to me, " Okay, I could drive you home around six thirty, is that okay?"

"Sure." I said

"Well then, hop in." Angus said and Logan smiled. I tweaked a smile in reply and opened the door and got in. I turned to Kim and opened my mouth, but she gave me a glare, and turned her nose up. I turned back to my right, to watch the trees fly by, when I realized we weren't moving yet.

"Oh, I forgot, Madison, this is Kim," Logan said and gestured to my left, "Kim, Madison," Kim made no acknowledgment to my existence," Madison, this is Raine, "he gestured to the girl the farthest from me, "Raine this is Madison ," Rain nodded at me, and I lifted my right hand," Madison this is Delaney," Logan gestured to the girl sandwiched between Raine and Kim, " Delaney, this is Madison." Delaney gave a smile, and I returned the gesture.

"Well, now that we know each other can we go now?" asked Kim. Logan sighed.

"Fine, lets roll." He said as he cranked up the radio, which played a fast rap. Angus started nodding his head, and Logan put his shades back on, and started riding down the road. I watched the trees and tuned out the whore's chatter, and the blaring noise, I sat there letting the wind caress my face, and the trees say hello. I waved back, but not too soon was there Logan calling my name.

"Hmm?"

"Who are you waving at?" Logan asked

"Yea, its kinda weird." Kim said.

"Umm, to no one...in particular." I said. Just my old friends...I thought.

"Freak." Kim mumbled. I turned back to the trees, and watched the clouds fly by and by. Every once in a while a car would zoom by and disturb my trance. Finally, we pulled up to Chick - Fil - A. I recognized the red cursive, and the white modern building. I remembered the first time I went there ...

"Try it." Said my father. We were in the red booth farthest away from the register, right next to the window. I shook my head vigorously. He was trying to get me to taste the chicken nuggets he ordered for us both to share.

"C'mon, you'll love it." He picked one up and brought It up to my mouth for me to take a bite. I shook my head again, not daring to open my mouth, just in case he tries to make a fast move on me. I crossed my arms and looked the other way. "Please, for me?" he asked with the puppy eyes he knows I can't resist. I took a sideways glance at the nugget. It looked kinda tempting...I licked my lips, and brought my mouth closer. My father grinned a grin a father could only have. I gave in and took a bite of the chicken nugget. The crispy softness, and warmth filled my mouth, then a burst of flavor satisfied my hungry taste buds. I savored every last bit. I closed my eyes, enjoying the most wonderful treat a father could give. I opened my eyes and looked at my father with pleading eyes.

"Can I have some more?" I asked hopefully. My father chuckled.

"I knew you'd like it." He gave me the rest and watched me eat, eyes filled with glory. He watched as I came to the last bite. I looked at the nugget, and suddenly felt guilty. He hadn't had one bite.

"Do you want the last one?" I asked.

"No, no I'm not hungry you eat it." I hesitated

"You mean it?" I asked

"Of course, I love watching you eat. You're so cute." I smiled a missing tooth smile. He gave me a crinkly smile in return as I ate the last one. When I finished he gave me a hug and a kiss on the forehead, and led me out the door, back to Laura.

"Madison, Madison, Madison!" Logan yelled. I looked up, and noticed a wet moisture on my cheek.

"Yea?" I asked

"What's wrong?"

"Yea, you were like, crying. "Said Kim.

"Oh, sorry. Nothing's wrong." I replied.

"See, she's a weirdo. Told ya. "Kim mumbled to Delaney. Delaney just shrugged, and started talking to Raine. I ignored her comment, and wiped the tears from my face and got out of the car.

"Ay where you go n'?" asked Angus. His deep voice made me stop in my tracks. I remembered what Laura does to me, it made me shudder to think what he would do. I tuned around timidly.

"Uhh, inside?" I said. He saw my sacred structure and smirked.

"Well, wait for the rest of us, babe. " Angus said. I took a deep breath. He wasn't going to kill me. They all got out and joined me to walk inside. When the lady asked for our orders the guys got burgers and the three sluts got sodas (which is weird because judging by their size they look as skinny as a toothpick), but when it was my turn to order, I hesitated. I turned to Logan.

"I forgot my wallet." I whispered.

"It's okay, today I'm buy n'. So wudda ya want?"

"Chicken nuggets please. " I told the cashier. The Barbie dolls looked at me with disapproving looks. "Maybe I shouldn't have come..." I mumbled to myself.

"What? What's the problem?" Logan asked. I was caught off guard. I didn't realize he could hear me.

"Well, I don't know, the girls..." I trailed off. Logan nodded in consideration.

"They...they do need some getting use to... don't worry, you'll fit in no time, "he said and smiled genuinely at me, "besides, I'm glad you came. "He added. I blushed and nodded.

They are a piece of work... I considered. I sighed and caught up with the others at the booth. The harlots were fussing over the dirtiness of the seats and tables. The concubines got on one side and Angus on the other. I was torn between being uncomfortably freaked and annoyed out of sanity. Then all of a sudden Logan came up behind me and offered me a chair from another table. I nodded my head willingly and Logan helped me to my seat. He then slid next to Angus and started talking about game strategies to Angus. The sluts went along chatting about the latest gossip.

I just sat there, studying the walls, and the patterns of the carpets. The walls were painted a creamy white, and the floors had an interesting combination of red, brown, and beige. I started mesmerizing the tables when a lady called our order. I got up, and so did Logan and Angus. The 'girls' asked Angus to grab their sodas, and continued to file their nails and gossip. I walked to the "Pick up Here" window and took my chicken nuggets and walked to my seat. I looked at the nuggets aimlessly, then at the girls. At that moment, Kim turned to glare at me. I didn't understand her. 'I didn't do anything.' I told myself. 'Maybe she's on her thing...' I thought hopelessly.

No matter what I couldn't stop looking at her. Kim's glare could hold me there for an eternity. I felt like a cat caught in the headlights of a car, waiting to die. Her glare was oddly familiar. It was steely cold, razor-sharp, and full of pure hatred. Laura's glare. A rush of remembrance flowed through me. I know how to deal with her, she's just another Laura. There must be something that is making her hate me. Jealousy...impossible... revenge...on what? I had to know. The glare felt like it had lasted an eternity....reality is that it just lasted a minute.

"Can I help you?" I finally asked. She continued glaring.

"You could leave. And maybe make yourself useful and never talk to Logan, Angus, the football team, me...or anyone for that matter. "Kim said. I raised an eyebrow. I don't get it. 'What did I do?? Why is Kim so mad at me?'

"Look..."

"I said don't talk to me!" Kim tossed her hair in a dramatic way, and turned to Delaney. I sighed.

"Delaney, tell Kim that I have no idea what her fucking problem is, and that I don' give a damn. And that I suggest that if she wants to have some real friends that she should stop having such high expectations and try fitting in someone els's shoes. Even if they are old and nasty. And stop turning your nose at everything someone says. Ok? Oh and goodbye . Will you deliver the message Delaney?" I said and stood up. I gathered my things and waited. Delaney shrugged.

"Kim...Madison said-" Delaney started.

"Shut up Delaney. I heard what it said. " Kim said with a huff.

She crossed her arms, and held her chin up high. Her posture said it all. She wants to seem as if nothing bothered her, but I know I pushed a button. I walked to the trashcan and threw my food away. Then I came back to the table. I looked at Delaney.

"Will you deliver one last message for me? Not to Kim though. " Delaney nodded nervously. I smiled. "Good. Tell Logan and Angus thanks, and I'm sorry I couldn't stay later, but I had to run. Okay?" Delaney nodded and started sipping her soda. I nodded and walked out of the diner. Logan tried to stop me, but I just shook my head, and left. I know deep inside me I wanted them all to follow me, and apologize. But I know what kind of girl Kim is, she's not that type of person. But I knew in the back of my mind...Logan is. I walked along the empty road, slowly wishing. I sighed and kicked a pebble. It's never good to wish. I learned that the hard way. I focused on where I was going. My house was only about five blocks away, easy to run. But was I up for it? It doesn't matter. I picked up my legs and started sprinting to another one of my hells.
* * *
I crashed into the front door, out of breath. I turned my back against the wall and slowly slid down...down...down. Out of breath, my lungs were closing and re opening. I picked up the key under the matt. I didn't want to but I got up and unlocked the door. I dropped the keys on the hardwood floor. I stared at the hall enviously. I had to walk all the way over there. I groaned and dragged my feet to my room and collapsed on my bed. I lay there feeling empty. The silence was swallowing up. I needed noise. I bent over, to grab my mini radio under my bed that I bought. I turned the station to AMP radio and suddenly my favorite song came on. All the Right Moves by One Republic

So Yea were' going down

I sung along with the song.

They said Everybody knows
everybody knows where we're going
Yea were going down
They said, everybody knows
everybody knows where we're going
Yeah, we're going down
Do you think I'm special?
Do you think I'm nice?
Am I bright enough to shine in your spaces?
Between the noises you hear
And the sound you like
Are we just sinking in an ocean of faces?
It can be possible that rain can fall
Only when it's over our heads
The sun is shining everyday
but it's far away
Over the world is death

I nodded my head and listened to the song without my voice ruining the song.

"So yea I'm going down..." I sang to myself after the song was over.