MADELINE POV

The loud noise of my alarm clock woke me up. I grabbed my phone from the side table and swiped on my phone to end the calm melody. A song that had once made me happy to wake up in the morning was now just a sad reminder that I would have less sleep.

I got out of bed and quickly got ready for school. It was somewhat frightening to think that I had finally become a senior in high school. It pained me to think that my mother might not see me graduate, but she had promised me she would.

Throughout my time here with the Lockwood family, I made it a habit of writing letters to my mother. It all began after I was taken to the hospital during sixth grade one day. Grace had informed my mother of the situation but due to certain circumstances she wasn't able to come visit me.

Instead my mother wrote me a letter explaining to me her situation. She was filing papers for divorce with my father and apparently there had been some issues regarding that.

She used to write to me almost every week, but over the years it's been less and less. I only recieve a letter from her once a month now. Today was the end of the month and I was expecting her letter. Although it always came later in the afternoon for some reason, so I would have to wait until after school.

I practically ran downstairs to greet everyone. Grace loved having breakfast as a family. Ever since Jack left for University, she longed for the feeling of a unified family. Therefore she went out of her way to make breakfast for all of us even though she hired a cook for that job.

I can't say I hated her cooking, it reminded me of my own mothers home cooked meals.

"Good morning Grace" I said as I gave her a hug.

"Good morning sweetie. Come and take a seat, I made pancakes today." She said with excitement in her voice. She was running all over the place as she placed the round and fluffy pancakes on the white plates.

I walked over to Ian, Grace's husband, and gave him a hug as well.

"Good morning Maddie" He said.

He was a very kind man and was somewhat of a father figure to me. He was the complete opposite of my own father. Rather than being an abusive individual, he was sweet and kind to all of us. I could see how much he cared and loved Grace, it's what I would have wished for my mother.

I sat at the large rectangular table. It was set up beautifully with expensive silverware and an array of fresh flowers. Grace was a lover of flowers and always managed to convince Ian to buy her some for centerpieces she made herself.

There were large plates with cut fruit, eggs, sausage, and bacon. Two large jugs with orange and another with apple juice were on the table as well. It was more than enough for three people.

"It appears that Grayson has left for school early so I guess it's just going to be the three of us eating these amazing pancakes." Grace always pretended not to be bothered by the lack of Grayson's presence at the table every morning, but I knew it hurt her.

Although I knew it was because I would be eating at this table that Grayson wasn't here. He made sure to leave the house early for school so he wouldn't have to see me. It wasn't hard for him since he owned a car. I on the other hand relied on my best friend Lisa to take me to school.

Grace and Ian had planned to buy me a car but I declined their offer. I already felt like a burden living in their home for 12 years now. The luxury I had to live in this home and the amazing trips I was taken to was way more than I could ask. In fact, the high school I attended was an elite and private institution. That meant that my school tuition was being taken care of by the Lockwood family.

I had been working part time at a bookstore since my freshman year of high school to help them pay for my living expenses, schooling, and anything else that I could help with. They were so shocked and upset when they heard about it the first time but they accepted it in the end. I was forever grateful for their kindness and wished that someday I could pay them back.

For now I would work hard to buy my own car and earn a scholarship to a great University. Hopefully by the end of the year I would find my own place so I wouldn't have to bother the Lockwood family anymore.

I finished my breakfast and then headed out. Lisa was already outside the mansion waiting for me.

"Thank you for breakfast Grace." I yelled out before running outside. I always lost track of time during breakfast as I tried different dishes on the table.

I heard Grace yell out "You're welcome" and I finally made it out of the mansion and into Lisa's car.

"Morning" She said as I put on my seat belt.

"Sorry for being late, Grace is just an amazing cook I practically sat in my chair for a good 5 minutes just observing the array of food on the table."

"Sounds nice. My mom is a workaholic and never has time to make me breakfast." I could hear the sadness in her voice.

Lisa came from a very wealthy family. Although both her parents were complete and utter workaholics. They never had time for her no matter what day it was. I recall her mentioning that every one of her birthdays she spent it on her own, well she used to, now we celebrate it together.

Instead they preferred to buy her the most expensive things they could get their hands one whether it's the latest handbags, a new car, jewelry, or anything that doesn't require their actual presence. It's sad to see how they replace real affection with materialistic items.

"Don't worry Lisa, you can come over any time. You know how much Grace loves it when you come over."

"Thanks Maddie" She smiled.

We finally arrived and quickly made our way inside the building.

There were a multitude of students who could easily be mistaken for the same person with the horrible uniform we were forced to wear. Although like any typical high school there was a popular group that dressed somewhat different. They were an arrogant group of students who loved to stand by the lockers every morning for some reason. Most consisted of the football players and cheerleaders.

As they grouped themselves in a corner so that everyone could see them, many gave them the attention they seeked. Almost everyone stared at them with fascination. They were talented, intelligent, and the children of the most wealthiest families.

I honestly couldn't care for either of them, nor did I know who any of them where. Although one of them was hard to ignore, Grayson Lockwood was practically the groups leader along with his girlfriend, Anabelle Richmond.

But I made sure to never make eye contact. He hated the living crap out of me, and to be completely honest, he wasn't my most favourite person either.

I had made a pact or rather a deal with him to pretend I didn't know him in exchange for my freedom. He promised not to bully me if I pretended I didn't even exist when he was around. This pact was made a long time ago, by that I mean after the accident I had in sixth grade.

After that day, we never looked back. I was never bullied by him ever again, nor did anyone else target me. It was almost as if the accident had knocked some sense into him.

Lisa and I went over to our lockers and grabbed our books for today's classes. As soon as we were done we headed over to the classroom before the bell rang.

"Have you finished the book report for English?" Lisa asked me.

"Of course I did. You know how much I love that class." The day we were assigned to write a book report on a story of our choice was the happiest day of my life. I was a lover of books and immediately began to work on this assignment as soon as we got it.

"I forgot, your obsessed with romance books." Lisa said teasingly.

I just laughed because she was right. Although the happiness we felt was short lived since we heard the annoying voice of none other than Annabelle Richmond. Her voice was so high pitched I wondered how neither of us had gone deaf by now.

"Hey losers, did you do the book report for Mr. Johnson's class?"

I wondered where she learned to be so rude.

I proceeded to walk away but Lisa stopped and looked back at the bitch behind us. Unfortunately, Lisa's parents had forced her to be on good terms with the Richmond families only daughter, Annabelle. It would be bad for them if Anabelle's family viewed them as a threat. They were better off as friends than enemies, Lisa always told me. Therefore she had no choice but to be her slave.

"Yes, I finished the report. Why do you ask Anabelle?" It was just a moment of time before Lisa handed over her assignment as always.

"Oh well you know, I am a very busy girl. Unlike you two, I have an actual life and had no time to finish the assignment. So I need one of you to hand me your book report. Hurry up ladies, you don't want my daddy to find out that one of you made me cry. Now do you?" I hated how she used her "daddy" for blackmail. She was just lazy and preferred to take other people's hard work as her own.

I looked over at the popular bunch surrounding her. Grayson stood beside her like a bodyguard. I couldn't understand why he was even dating her, she was the most obnoxious person in this world and loved to use people for her own advantage. Although he wasn't the sweetest person in the world either. Maybe they really were meant to be.

Lisa began to open her bag as she took out a folder.

"I wrote my name with pencil. So you can easily erase the name and write your own."

I looked over at Lisa with distress evident in her face. She knew this was a possibility and had even wrote her name in pencil. Her hands were formed into tight fists and I knew this was just another sign of how upset she was. It was when I saw her teary eyes that I finally snapped. No one was going to humiliate my best friend like that, not in my watch.

The school bell immediately rang which I felt was help sent from the heavens.

"Oh well look at that, the bell just rung. We should get to class." I said quickly as I pulled Lisa away before she could give away her assignment. Anabelle looked so shocked as soon as I grabbed Lisa, we could hear her scream our names as we ran. We didn't care and instead began to laugh. She wasn't the queen nor did she have any power over us.

We both ran upstairs to the second floor for Mr. Johnson's English class and quickly sat down. Luckily other students were also arriving so we technically weren't late for class.

I could still picture the irritated face on Anabelle Richardson. I was silently laughing as I looked over at Lisa who was equally dying. If anyone saw me from far away they would think I was a creep laughing at myself. But I didn't care, I protected my best friend and that's all that matters to me.

It was then that I felt someone close. The light breeze of the individuals breathing gave me goosebumps.

"I don't want you getting involved with my girlfriend. That little stunt you pulled was too much."

I could recognize that voice anywhere. Even the pleasant smell of expensive cologne was enough to tell me exactly who this was.

I turned back to look at Grayson. He wore a serious expression and looked somewhat irritable.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You know what I mean. " He said rolling his eyes.

"I was just trying to help my best friend. Your girlfriend has used and humiliated Lisa plenty of times already and it doesn't seem like she gives a damn. I did what I had to do, and I would do it again."

I didn't understand why he was so upset? I couldn't bare to see my best friend suffer anymore at the hands of the little princess. Someone had to put a stop to this.

Before he could respond, the teacher began the lesson. I was glad since I didn't feel like listening to Grayson scold me like a child.

The classes ended fairly quickly and Mr. Johnson made sure to inform us where to turn in our work.

"Remember to place your book report on my desk before you leave."

I practically ran to the front of the class to place my assignment on the desk. Grayson was not going to let our little conversation go and I didn't feel like arguing with him today. Maybe I could run to my next class and inform Lisa I would be heading over there first. It all sounded like a great idea until someone pulled me to the side as I got out of the classroom.

"We need to talk." Grayson sounded upset.

"I don't want to talk Grayson! Can you just leave me alone?"

I wasn't even looking at him. I knew exactly what he was going to say.

He didn't seem too happy either and began to pull me away to a secluded hallway. I tried to push him away but his grip on my wrist only tightened.

"You're hurting me Grayson!" I said to him.

Why was he so upset?

We finally stopped and he pushed me back with both of his arms against the wall. He had me trapped in this very spot. Our bodies were so close I could feel Grayson's body heat.

I knew better than to push him away. Grayson had a very bad temper since we were kids. If I angered him now, then it would go like hell for me later.

The hallway was completely silent since everyone had already headed to their class. I could hear Grayson's rapid breathing as he was trying to calm himself. The closeness of our bodies wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as him staring into my eyes with so much intensity.

I was finally face to face with him. He had a strong build which I wasn't too surprised about since he was the school's football team captain. He was also very tall, he looked like a giant compared to me. His light almost dirty blonde colored hair seemed much more smooth up close. His hazel eyes and surprisingly long eyelashes gave him a less intimidating look.

He was really a very attractive guy. I wondered why he hated me so much? It would have been great if we could have acted like real siblings. Maybe school would have been more fun having a brother around my own age.

The silence broke as soon as we heard footsteps nearby. A teacher was coming from the sound of the heels. I thought Grayson would finally let me go, but instead he did something else that surprised me.

Our bodies were finally touching. My chest was pressed against his as he pulled me in for a hug.

"Head over to class before the bell rings you lovebirds." We heard the voice of a female yell out before she entered a classroom.

I could still feel Grayson's large hands on my waist and back as he held me tightly.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked him.

What point was he trying to make in taking me here? I hated how he hugged me to hide the fact he was harassing me.

I felt the sensation of warm breath on my ear and began to listen to Grayson whisper in my ear.

"Don't meddle with Anabelle. She has no remorse for those she hates. Let Lisa deal with her instead."

As soon as he finished speaking, he let go of me and left.

Could he have possibly been trying to protect me? Annabelle was merciless against those she disliked. Maybe Grayson didn't want me to be her next target.

I headed downstairs to my next class. It all went as usual and finally it was over. Luckily it was now break time so I had time to talk with Lisa.

I headed out of the classroom and both Lisa and I sat down in our usual bench at school.

"Where were you? I was scared that something bad had happened since you practically ran out of the classroom." Lisa seemed genuinely worried.

I laid my backpack next to me as I looked up at Lisa.

"I'm so sorry for worrying you it's just that I had a little discussion with Grayson. He was upset about what happened this morning with his girlfriend."

Lisa looked at me with a surprised look.

"What did he say?"

"He told me not to meddle with Annabelle and to let you deal with her instead. It was super weird because it seemed like he was worried about me. Almost like he was trying to protect me from her."

I was probably imagining things. Grayson didn't care about me in the slightest.

"Just forget about it. I was probably just imagining things."

The school bell rang and we headed over to our next class.

Luckily Lisa didn't ask me any more questions about my encounter with Grayson during the day and before we knew it school was over. We headed inside Lisa's car and she drove me to work.

"I can't wait to go home today! I'm expecting a letter from my mom today." I really wish I didn't have to go to work today so I could go straight to my room and read my mom's letter. Everytime I heard about how she was doing and her encouraging words made me extremely happy. It improved my mood almost immediately.

"I am so happy for you. Every time you read them it's like you become this ray of sunshine."

We began to laugh because it was true.

Finally we arrived at the bookstore and I headed inside. I went towards the back to leave my backpack and then I quickly clocked in.

I was a cashier so work wasn't too complicated.

After about three hours, my shift was almost over. Only 10 more minutes and I would be heading home.

"Hello, Madeline."

I looked up at the gorgeous man standing before me. He was at least 6 feet tall with a very fit body clearly from the looks of it. His white t-shirt tightened on his body well that I could see his well defined abs and arms. Wait, how did he know my name?

"Hi, um.. how do you know my name?"

I asked.

He began to laugh.

"Your name tag."

"Oh"

Well this was super awkward.

"Do you happen to know where the cook books are located? I just moved to the area with my family so I'm not familiar with this book shop." He gave me a friendly smile that made my heart warm.

Sarah seemed to notice our little conversation and decided to step in.

"Why don't you go and show him Madeline, I can take it from here now since your shift is over in 10 minutes." She gave me a wink.

"Ok thanks Sarah." She was a coworker of mine that I really admired. She was in her early 30's and a single mother of an adorable 6 year old boy. I loved her to pieces and loved her even more now that she gave me an excuse to spend more time with this cutie.

"Follow me" I told him.

As we headed to the cookbooks I began to make small talk.

"Do you like to cook?" I asked.

He began to chuckle.

"No, it's for my mother. Her birthday is coming up and I just thought a new cookbook would be a great present."

He came to the library to buy his mother a present? If that wasn't the cutest thing I had ever heard of then I didn't know what was.

"That's so sweet of you. I am positive she will love your present." I smiled at him in return.

We finally stopped walking and made it to our destination.

"Well these are all our cookbooks. There's a large selection for you to choose from which is great." I pointed at the books,

"Thank you, do you have any suggestions?" He asked.

What would be a good book? I then remembered the cookbook Grace had mentioned before. She also loved to bake and was ecstatic when Ian bought her this new recipe book for baking.

"How about this one." I grabbed the large book from the shelf and handed it to him.

"Thanks, I think she will really like this one." He began to look over the pages.

"I'm glad." I answered.

I looked at my clock and realized my shift was over 5 minutes ago.

"Is something wrong?" He asked concerned.

"No, not at all." He didn't need to know I was having such a good time spending time with him that I lost track of time.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" I asked.

"No, I think I am good for now but thanks for the help. Next time I stop bye I will definitely come to you first. See you around Madeline." He smiled at me showing those shiny white teeth as he headed to the cash register.

Today had just got a lot better! I couldn't wait to tell Lisa all about this.

I clocked out and then grabbed my stuff. Grace was waiting for me outside as always so I made sure to hurry up.

As I made it to the door I saw the guy from before heading out. The heavens were really on my side today!

"Is your shift over?" He asked.

"Yea, I'm just heading home now."

He opened the door for me and we both headed towards the parking lot.

I stopped to look for Grace's car but I couldn't see it.

"Are you waiting for someone?" The hottie asked.

"Yes, I don't have a car so I am waiting for my ride home." I smiled.

"It's kinda late now, do you want me to take you home?"

This guy was so sweet! I wasn't stupid enough to get in a stranger's car but I was happy he offered to take me home.

Before I could say yes a car pulled up front. I turned to look at it and realized it was Grayson.

What was he doing here?

He rolled down the window and called out my name.

"Madeline, get in!"

"Whose that?" The cutie asked.

"It's my brother." I said almost instinctively.

It was better than telling him he was a guy I happened to live with along with his entire family.

"Oh, well then get home safely." He waved goodbye and I did the same as I got in the car.

As we drove off, I began to feel uneasy. Why did Grayson pick me up? He had never done this before and did everything he could to get away from me.

"I am not your brother! " Grayson suddenly yelled.

"I'm sorry I upset you, I won't tell anyone your my brother ever again." I crossed my arms feeling upset with his rude way of speaking to me.

"Who was that guy you were talking to?" He asked completely ignoring my apology.

"A customer at the shop." I answered. I doubt he would care about my delusional love story with the cute boy at the bookstore so I didn't say anything else.

"What were you two talking about?"

I hated how he used an authoritative voice with me.

"Why do you care so much about this guy?"
I was really annoyed at this point.

"Don't change the subject Madeline and answer me!" I hated how he acted like an overprotective brother sometimes.

"He asked me if I wanted a ride home ok, are you happy now?"

"What was your answer?"

Did I really need to give him every detail about my conversation? Since when did Grayson Lockwood care so much about my life?

"I was going to say yes if no one showed up." I said with a bit if sass.

"What were you thinking Madeline? You just met the guy and now you want to go home with him? You're such a slut!"

"Excuse me! Who the hell do you think you are to call me that? What I do with my life is none of your business. Whether I choose to go in his car is my choice to make not yours! That simple fact doesn't make me a slut."

Grayson really was an asshole. How could I ever think he actually cared about me.

We finally arrived home and I quickly got out. I didn't even want to look at Grayson. I rang the doorbell and Grace opened the door. She gave me a warm hug.

"Welcome home my children." I realized Grayson was right behind me. I guess he had finally caught up to me.

"Your mother's letter finally came. I left the card in your room so you can read it later."

"Thank you so much Grace."

"But first come to the dining room. Your father and I have some important news to tell you two."

We walked to the dining room and we all sat down. Ian was already at the table. I sat down across from Ian and to my surprise Grayson sat next to me.

The plates were served with steak and baked potatoes. We all began to dig in. The food was delicious as always thanks to the chef.

"Well, like I told you kids before both Ian and I have some news for you. We are leaving for our trip to Europe tomorrow!" Grace seemed excited as she grabbed on to Ian's arm and clinged to him.

"Since our anniversary is coming up Ian surprised me with this wonderful trip!"

"Anything for my love." Ian said as both him and Grace share a passionate kiss.

"Sorry you had to see that kids." Grace's cheeks were all red now.

"What Grace is trying to say is that we will be gone for two whole weeks. I am taking your mother on a trip around Europe so we will be gone for quite a while. Meaning you two will have to take care of this home alone."

Oh no! Grayson and I would be alone in this huge mansion? They were the ones that made this home enjoyable, now I would be stuck with Grayson for a whole month.

"What time do you leave tomorrow?" Grayson asked way too calmly.

He didn't seem worried about us being alone for two weeks.

"You don't need to worry about it Grayson, the chauffeur will be taking us to the airport first thing in the morning."

"Ok, good to know."

We finished our dinner and I headed to my room. I couldn't wait to read my mother's card.

I decided to change into my Pjs first. I took off my clothes and grabbed my comfy pants first. As I went for the matching shirt I heard someone walk in. Whoever this was had just seen me in my bra.

I quickly changed into the shirt.

"What the hell is wrong with you! Don't you know how to knock?" It was Grayson that had just barged in.

What was with this guy today?

"Don't worry, it's not like you have boobes anyway. Besides I don't see you that way at all. Your not my type."

"Excuse me?"

This guy really knew how to rile me up. I was furious.

"Tomorrow I want you out of here. Stay over at a friend's house for the night and don't come here. I want to be alone with my girlfriend and would prefer if you weren't in the house."

He didn't need to ask me twice. I would prefer to be out of the mansion instead of next door to his room hearing Annabelle's annoying moans. The thought of it made me sick.

"Deal, but after tomorrow I'll be coming back home." I didn't want to be a burden on Lisa and her family for longer than a day.

"Glad we agree on one thing." He then left.

This man irritated the living hell out of me. I truly wondered what I had done to make him hate me so much.

I decided to think of happy thoughts and forget about Grayson. I grabbed the letter from the side table and began to read.

Everytime I read my mother's letters I couldn't help but cry. She always told me encouraging words to brighten up my day and gave me life advice. But I was beyond excited to hear that she planned to come to my graduation next month. Finally after 12 years I would be reunited with my mother.

I sat on my desk and began to write a letter. As soon as I was done I place it into an envelope and laid it on the desk. Tomorrow morning I would give it to Grace so she could send it to my mother.

That night I went to bed with a smile on my face. I couldn't wait for my graduation.

END OF CHAPTER 1

(I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I am really excited for this story since I have a lot of ideas. Until next time my lovelies!)