I yawned groggily, and let my eyes adjust to the bright light pouring in from the windows. "Pancakes, this early?"
"Maddy, it's past noon," Mark said abruptly.
"Oh," I mumbled. Suddenly my hands rushed to my temples, hoping a stinging pain would subside. I let out a groan, causing Mark to turn around.
"Maddy?" I couldn't answer. The pain.. "Maddy, are you okay?" He turned off the stove and rushed to my side.
I fell onto the floor, still vigorously caressing my temples.
"MADELINE?"
Then, as quickly as it had come, it was gone. I opened my eyes, and took a few deep breaths. There was a faint throbbing still there, and for that I took a Tylenol.
Mark stood in the doorway with a concerned look on his face. "What was it?"
"I'm not sure, some sort of migraine or something."
Mark scoffed.
"What do you want with me?" I hissed.
"You need help, Maddy!"
"I do not, leave me alone."
"Maddy, I can help you. We can do this together. I don't want to see this stuff ruin your life, or our relationship.."
"What relationship?" I boiled.
"Don't be like that!" he shot back. He held me in his arms, concern written all over his face. "I worry about you, Maddy. I can't help it. I want you to be better."
"W-why?"
"I.. I love you."
My eyes widened with disbelief. And for once in my life, I knew I loved him back. I wanted to fall into his arms, sob with him, and pledge my sobriety to-be. But instead, I shrugged away from him. "You love me? You love me!" I screamed. "You're only saying that to get me to quit drinking!"
"No, Maddy!" he reached for me. "That's not true!"
"Ugh.." I couldn't take it anymore. I had to leave.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ms. Trish? I think Madeline needs help.."
