I can't believe how simple it's been to be a meeting point in the center of the friendship bridge I'm building between Maddox and the girls. And Maddox has truly taken my letter to heart. I saw him really trying at Charlie's. I didn't know Michelle and Andrea would show up, but they did and it made so much difference.

I've somehow managed to leave an empty place at the breakfast table. All the girls are around me, but the empty place beside me needs to be filled. I keep waiting for Maddox to appear. Things were great last night. I just hope he doesn't turn around and back out again. I told him it would take baby steps. But I really don't want him to disappear on me again.

"Is it alright if I sit here?"

I look up and see Maddox holding a bowl of cereal, standing in front of the empty chair. He's looking at me, and only me. I can tell that he's afraid to look at anyone else.

"Yes," I reply, patting the space. "Of course."

I move my juice cup and my apple so he can set his bowl down. I glance at Honey and notice how she is choosing to ignore his presence. Choosing to stay quiet. I haven't spoken to her yet. Not fully. I have to do it soon.

"We both have shifts today," Maddox says in a low voice, staring into his bowl. "If you need a ride, I'm leaving in an hour."

"I'll be ready," I tell him, nodding as try to make him look at me. But he only nods and eats in silence. I look to Andrea for help. She gives me an encouraging smile and nods her chin at the guy next to me. I nod, and try approaching a different subject.

"I was going to go see a movie tomorrow night," I say to the entire table. "If no one has plans, I'd love for us to go as a group. I've invited Charlie and a couple of his friends too."

Maddox is the first to speak up. Which pleases me. Because it shows me that he's trying.

"I'd like that," he says at normal volume. "I can take up to four people in my car, not including myself. Charlie could probably fit everyone else. How many people would be going?"

"A group of nine or ten," I reply, "I think. That would be if you girls were to go too."

I look at Stephie and Michelle. I know they want to be more helpful to what I'm trying to do, but they are hesitant because Honey is their older sister. And I respect their loyalty.

"Did you invite Mateo?" Andrea pipes in, and I smile.

"I extended the invitation to him, yes. He was going to give me an answer later today."

She nods, "I'd like to go. I think I will be up for it."

The table grows quiet again. It's awkward. But a calm finds its way over me when I feel a hand on my thigh, underneath the table. I don't need to look at it to know who's hand it is. Because it's Maddox's hand. He reaches for my free hand, which has been resting in my lap, and gives it a squeeze.

I'm trying, he wants to say. This is new for me. But I'm trying.

I squeeze his hand back. I know you're trying. I'm glad that you're here.

***

Later, at work, Maddox is more open. Because it's just the two of us. We've had a few customers. There's a pair of young boys reading in a corner. But overall, despite the awkward breakfast, it's been very pleasant. And Maddox has made a point to come and check on me.

"So," he says hesitantly, stretching a rubber band in his hands as he approaches my counter. "It's been made official? Your dad is in for life?"

I nod, "Uh-hum," I reply, not really sure if I want to talk about this, but glad that he is opening the door wider for me. "I'll never get to see him again."

"I'm sorry, Turtle. I know you were very close to him."

I blow out a breath. "Yeah, well. It's out of my control. There's a possibility I can visit him after I'm out of the system. But it sucks."

Maddox hesitates, but then he comes to my side of the counter and wraps his arms around me. I react and cling to his waist. I've missed this. Maddox was my safe place until Andrea, Honey and the twins arrived. I took refuge in their company. Locked everything else away and have kept it hidden. Only Mrs. Gonzalez has ever heard me lose it. But even then, I don't share how I'm feeling with anyone. And maybe that's wrong. Maybe it's time I start letting it all out.

"I'm here for you," Maddox whispers against my hair. "I've never left. I just . . . We grew apart."

"Mhm," I mumble into his chest. "But we can be best friends again. I want us to be best friends again."

"We will be. And I promise I'll never leave your side again."

I nod, but can't find my voice again. The bell on the door rings, which causes Maddox to pull away from me. My mind and heart scream for him not to leave me. I wipe the tears from my cheeks.

"If you need anything, just ask," Maddox says, keeping his arm around my shoulders. "Oh . . . Um. Turtle, I'm going to check on those kids."

By the time I actually look to see who has entered the store, Maddox is already gone. Dammit.

"I didn't know you knew where I worked," I say, turning to Honey. "What's up?"

"I feel like you're hiding things from me," she replies, shrugging with her hands in the pockets of her yellow hoodie. "I know you try to see the good in everyone. But I feel like this is a huge 180. All of a sudden, you and Maddox can't seem to stay away from each other. I'm beginning to wonder if all the teasing and other stuff was just a show."

I sigh and glance across the store at Maddox. I can tell he's trying listen. Part of me wants to protect him and not let him hear. The other part of me wants to keep the water under the bridge clear. Nothing to hide.

"I think you should let me tell you what's going on, then," I say, nodding. "But not here. I get off work in a couple hours. We can talk then . . . But you're gonna have to let Maddox sit in. Because only he can fill in the gaps of the story."

Honey stares at me. Completely unmoved. I hate that she feels like this towards me. That's something I have to work on better.