Chapter 4. Maddie's Nightmare

Maddie’s vision swam as the smoke filled her lungs, the laughter and music morphing into a dissonant cacophony. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear her head, but the faces around her continued to distort, their features elongating and warping into grotesque caricatures.

“Sia,” She whispered urgently, reaching out to her friend, but her voice sounded distant, even to her own ears.

Sia turned to her, her smile wide and manic under the shifting lights. “Come on, let’s find somewhere quieter,” She suggested, grabbing Maddie’s hand and leading her through the sea of people.

They stumbled down the dimly lit hallway, the noise of the party fading into a muffled throb. Sia pushed open a door, revealing a small, cluttered room. Darren was already there, lounging on a threadbare couch, a jo**t between his fingers.

“Welcome, ladies,” He said with a sly grin, passing the join to Sia.

She took a deep drag and handed it to Maddie. “Just relax and enjoy,” She said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Maddie hesitated but then took another drag, feeling the smoke curl through her lungs and settle into a warm numbing haze. The three of them passed the jo**t around, the room filling with a thick, pungent cloud.

Laughter bubbled up from deep within Maddie, and soon the three of them were giggling uncontrollably, every little thing suddenly hilarious. The walls seemed to pulse with the rhythm of their laughter, the shadows dancing in time with their merriment.

Maddie leaned back, her head spinning pleasantly. “This…this is crazy,” She said between giggles, feeling light and free for the first time in ages. Why did she not know about this? This was epic!

Sia nodded, her pink hair glowing in the dim light. “See?” Told you it would be fun,” She said, her voice warm and reassuring.

After a while, Sia stood up, swaying slightly. “I will be right back. Need to find the bathroom,” She announced, making her way unsteadily to the door.

Maddie watched her friend go, her laughter fading into a contented sigh. She turned to Darren, who was still grinning at her.

After what felt like an eternity, she decided to check on Sia. “I will be right back,” She said to the guy before walking out of the room and into the hallway, the loud music vibrating through her body.

As Maddie navigated through the dimly lit hallway, her sense still dulled by the effects of the smoke, she stumbled upon a door ajar, a soft light spilling out from within. Curiosity piqued, she pushed the door open gently, expecting to find a bathroom.

Instead, what she saw froze her in place.

There, in the dimly lit bathroom, she saw Sai entwined with Jacob, her boyfriend. Their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, their hands roaming over each other’s bodies with a familiarity that sent a jolt of shock through Maddie’s system.

For a moment, Maddie could not move, could not breathe, could not process the scene unfolding before her. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, shattering the haze of intoxication that had clouded her mind just moments ago.

Betrayal, anger, and hurt surged through her, threatening to consume her entirely. She wanted to scream, to confront them, to demand an explanation. But all she could do was stand there, frozen in disbelief, as her world crumbled around her.

This was a f*cking nightmare, a sure one straight from the deepest part of hell. She thought that her life could not be any more awful but after seeing what was before her eyes, she knew that pain and darkness knew no depth.

Whenever she thought it could not get any worse, it almost always did.

“What the f*ck?” She finally spoke, struggling to hold back tears but they just flowed down her face.

Sia and Jacob were thrown in shock as they scurried away from each other. Sia’s face got red and Maddie could see the guilt and regret swirling in her eyes. But as Jacob, the guy looked very nonchalant, like he did not just get caught cheating on her!

“What?” He asked, shrugging as he adjusted his bulge, zipping up his pants in the process. He ran his hand through his hair and wet his lips. “What, Maddie? You haven’t seen two people kissing before?”

Maddie blinked faster than normal for a couple of seconds as she doubled back, her tears assaulting her eyes. “I’m done,” She managed to say, a huge knot in her throat as she turned and started to storm away.

But Jacob was not having it. He followed her and grabbed her roughly by her right arm, turning her towards him. “Where the f*ck do you think you’re going?” He spat the words in her face.

Maddie recoiled, her arm burning where Jacob’s grip tightened. The tears blurred her vision, but she could still see the cold indifference in the guy’s eyes.

“Let me go, Jacob,” She said, her voice shaking.

Jacob's grip tightened even more, and his eyes flashed with anger. “You think you can just walk away from me? After everything I have done for you?”

Sia, still standing awkwardly by the sink, looked between them, her face a mask of regret and fear. “Jacob, stop,” She pleaded, but her voice was weak and uncertain.

Maddie’s heart pounded in her chest, her instincts screaming at her to run. But a sudden rage burst in her and she shouted, “Leave me the f*ck alone!” They were definitely causing a scene now and even the music had died down.

Everyone had started coming around, watching what was happening. Even a few were recording on their phones.

Jacob chuckled lightly, still holding her arm. “Don’t talk to me like that,” He said calmly, glancing around at the crowd of people that had gathered around them.

“I said leave me the f*ck alone, you monster!” She said in defiance, each word pronounced sharply. Maybe it was the w**d, or maybe the adrenaline, but she felt bold.

“You low-life trash,” He began, letting go of her arm as he laughed deeply. “You think I love you? Do you think I want to be with you?” He stepped closer to her. “Do you honestly think that I’m going to mark you my mate someday? Do you honestly believe that?” He scoffed.

More tears spilled from Maddie’s eyes and she released a few shuddered breaths. “I hate you,” She said, her voice breaking.

“Oh? And that’s supposed to do something to me?” Jacob laughed rudely, the sound echoing in the space.”The only reason I dated you, the only reason every guy has f*cking dated you is because you know who to f*ck.” He said the words very close to her face, his breath brushing against her skin.

At that moment, all Maddie could see was red. Anger rose in her and it was like her hand moved on its own, slapping the guy so hard in the face that he tumbled backward, falling to the floor.

And in seconds, she realized that she had f*cked up.