Kidnapped

Chapter 3: Madison

Madison kept poking me on the shoulder. Furious, I swerved my eyes to look at her. She wore a pink tank top with skinny jeans. Her long hair rested against her neck. She wore red lipstick, tons of eyeshadow, and eyeliner. "What?" I hissed.

"I saw you talking to Luke," she said. "Just to let you know, you shouldn't be talking to him." "Why?" I teased. "You like him?" She blushed immensely then changed the subject. "Do you want to hang out with me sometime?" she asked. "I can help you get a makeover." I thought about it for a moment. "Thank you Madison," I said. "But I rather pick my own friends." Madison clamped her mouth shut and faced the chalkboard.

Eventually, classes were a blur to me. From dissecting frogs to figuring out math problems, I took the time of writing my homework onto the lines of my agenda. After math class, the kids grabbed their backpacks and headed to the cafeteria. I trailed after them while slipping my arm through my backpack straps.

I pushed the doors of the cafeteria then smelled the mouthwatering aroma of hamburgers. Everyone was crowded into the cafeteria as if they were a package of hot dogs. Kids were carrying yellow lunch trays filled with heaping plates of fresh french fries, sizzling fried chicken, and biscuits smothered in golden honey.

To my left was the long line of starving kids, holding their trays like beggars. In the middle of the room, were the lunch tables. Based on my observations and watching movies, every group has a lunch table. You have jocks, cheerleaders, Goths, eco-friendly helpers, nerds, and losers.

The populars sit on the left side and the losers sit on the right. "Hey," someone cried. "Move it." A boy with spiky red hair glared at me. I sheepishly took my tray, loaded it with food, and cranned my neck at my options. Originally, I thought about eating by myself. But as I gazed at Luke, sitting alone the right hand corner of the table, I thought maybe Luke deserves a friend.

I took my tray to Luke's table then sat next to him. His eyes widened when he saw me. "Hi," he greeted uneasily. "Hello," I greeted, dipping my fry in ketchup. "Why are you-" Luke began. "I've been there before," I interrupted. "And the last thing I want to do is ignore an outcast."

"Thanks," Luke said. "But I have never talked to anyone before, especially to a girl." I rolled my eyes at this. "Just pretend that I am Natalie Portman," I explained. "Pretty, smart, and talented. Now she is interviewing you for a...stunt double position."

"A stunt double?" Luke repeated. "Just stay focus," I insisted. "Anyway, she asks you questions. Like, what's your story?" Luke took a deep breath then said, "My life sucks." "You would say that to Natalie Portman?" I shrieked. "Are you crazy?"

"No, in general." Luke replied. "My life is retarded." "How come?" I asked. He leaned forward then sighed. "Let's just say my parents aren't exactly good people. Everyday is the same thing: wake up, brush your teeth, watch television, and ignore your son."

"Wow," I whistled. "Your life does suck, no offense." "None taken," Luke replied. "So what about you?" "My life sucks as well," I answered, taking a bite of my fries. "My dad is in New York, probably kissing some supermodel, My mother's boyfriend is a creep, and I am trying to find a decent college."

"What college are you thinking of?" Luke asked. "Princeton," I answered. "After college, I am thinking about going to Washington D.C., and maybe marry Usher. What about you, Lone Stranger?" Luke was about to answer until Madison sat next to him. "Hi Luke," she exclaimed, taking one of his fries.

"I didn't know I was sharing," Luke said. "Why are you sitting next to me?" Madison shrugged then glanced at me. "So how are you enjoying Newton High?" "It's great," I answered. "I-" "What are you doing, Luke?" Madison interrupted. Luke stared at her for a moment.

"Eating my biscuit," he answered slowly. "That's my favorite food," Madison squealed. "I thought your favorite food was marshmallows." Luke said. She pretended that she didn't hear Luke. Madison eyed at my clothes and scowled. "Is blue your favorite color or something?" she asked snidely. I glared at her immensely. This girl was getting on my nerves. "Is pink your favorite or is it your eyeshadow?" I snapped.

Luke started laughing. Madison fumbled for her pocket mirror then shrieked. It was about time she finally noticed. She rose up to her seat and ran to the girl's bathroom. The girls from Madison's table stopped eating and helped her friend. I helped Luke to his seat then resumed eating.

He happily placed his hand on my shoulder. "You are amazing," he breathed. I batted my eyelashes at him as a compliment then laughed. After lunch, we headed to History class. My new teacher, Mr. Aston was in the middle of discussing World War II until all of a sudden, the announcement came on.

"Attention eleventh grade students," the announcer boomed. "Next week, turn in your permission slips to the front office or your teacher." I tapped on Luke's shoulder.

"We're having a field trip?" I asked surprisingly. Luke nodded. "The art teacher told us that after science class," Luke reminded. "Oh," I said clearly embarassed. "Are we going to the gallery?"

"Art museum," Luke corrected. "Same thing," I muttered. After the announcement, the entire class was talking about it excitedly until Mr. Aston silenced them.

"On to World War II," he continued, writing on the chalkboard. He was about to explain something, but the bell interrupted him. "School's over," someone grunted. "Finally."

"Make sure you do your homework," Mr. Aston reminded us as we walked out of the door. I packed my things and joined Luke out of the classroom.

Just then, Madison came up from the water fountain and jumpscared me. "Hi Madison," I said without enthusiasm. "I want to take you to the mall and get you something," she said. "I like my clothes," I stated. "Do you have anything in your wardrobe that's not blue?" Madison sighed.

"I have purple," I said. It was true. My wardrobe was filled with blue and purple clothes, including black boots and sneakers. Madison rolled her eyes at this.

"It's nice that you are taking me to the mall," I said. "But I like my clothes. Nothing pink or stupid." Madison leaned closer to my face. "I don't care about you or your clothes," she said bluntly. "I don't want you to talk to Luke."

"Why's that?" I laughed bitterly. "Because he's not interested in you," she answered. "And he never will." "You think I like him?" I asked. "I just met him-"

"I don't want to hear your excuses," she snapped. "I want to you to stay far away from him, are we clear?" "Nope," I answered. "And by the way, wearing pink is so nineties."

Madison gasped at my insult then stormed away. I looked back at Luke who has getting things from out of his locker. Luke was mysterious, I admit, but he was pretty cool. Smiling to Luke, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out of the school.

Cast

Robbie Kay as Benjamin Hamilton

Cole Porter as Zendaya Coleman

Elizabeth Mitchell as Willow Porter