Big Update

More of Rob and Maddy's story.

Rob and Maddy: 5 & 6
Tim Harvey


Even though they had both finished their food, Rob and Maddy remained at the table, trading festival stories. Rob felt at ease around her, she made him smile and made him feel comfortable in his own skin. He could tell that Maddy felt comfortable too, when she reached across the table and placed her hands on top of his.
He raised her hands and they played childish games; comparing their hands, thumb wars and even rock paper scissors. Rob threw a rock and Maddy smiled as she wrapped it up with her paper. From that point on Rob only threw rock, and Maddy only threw paper. When their thumb wars got particularly heated, Rob felt Maddy slide her foot up his leg, a decidedly brilliant tactic for throwing him off his game.
After the games, Maddy casually checked her phone to see the time. She held her phone out to him and he could see that it was already one in the afternoon. Rob felt that his beer buzz from the morning had subsided, although it had been replaced by a greater buzz when he was around Maddy.
Thinking about the beer buzz, Rob got the sudden urge to use the toilet. He didn't want to say anything, but it couldn't wait.
'I've gotta go,' Rob began to stand.
'Where?' Maddy demanded, a look of surprise on her face.
Rob smiled and patted her on the shoulder, 'Calm down, I only have to go to the toilet.'
She frowned up at him, but then a thoughtful expression crossed her face.
'Hmm, good idea,' she said and stood up herself.
'So, meet back here in ten?' Rob asked, checking his phone for the time.
'Hah!' Maddy burst out, 'You don't go to the girl's toilets much at these things, do you?'
'I don't make a habit of it, no,' Rob smiled.
'Well the line is always much longer than the guy's toilets. Make it twenty, okay?' Maddy nudged him with her elbow and gave him a flash of pearly white teeth.
'Sure,' Rob agreed, 'Although, you could always use the guy's. I've seen girls in there before.'
'Yeah, done that before,' Maddy laughed, 'Not unless it's an emergency.'
'Okay, meet her in twenty, then?' Rob asked for confirmation.
'See you in twenty,' Maddy smiled up at him. She ran her hand lightly down his arm as they parted ways, causing Rob to break out in goosebumps, despite the heat.

Maddy knew that she was not going to make the same mistake that she had at last year's festival by going into the men's room. She had seen the line at the girl's and the lack of a line at the men's, and when two other girls went in Maddy followed.
Everything was going fine until a couple burst into the stall next to her and she was sure that they were doing more than just making out. She did have to stifle a giggle when the guy dropped his phone and the girl just laughed at him. Serves him right for doing it in a festival toilet, she thought.
Maddy recalled curiously listening to the couple's gentle whispers and obvious kissing, but when things heated up it got way too uncomfortable for her. She left as soon as she could and vowed never to use a men's room at a music festival again.
When she finally made it to the ladies', she sighed and joined the queue. Rob was probably already done, she thought as she listened to the two girls in front of her gossiping.
'Did you see that guy at the bar?' One of them, with blonde hair said to her friend.
'Which one?' The short girl with black hair asked.
'That cute one in the white shirt, getting the beers,' The blonde answered.
Maddy felt her heart rate speed up. Were they talking about Rob?
'Oh, yeah he was cute,' the black haired girl exclaimed, 'Was he with anyone?'
'Not that I could see. I'd love to get him alone and all to myself,' the blonde giggled.
'Uh-huh,' the dark haired girl agreed.
Maddy wondered what Rob was doing, he could still be in the toilet. The line was progressing slowly and Maddy wanted to get a move on. She wanted to get back with Rob.
'Oh shit, here he comes!' The blonde exclaimed to her friend.
Maddy could feel her heart racing. Was Rob done already? She wondered what he would do if he knew these girls were looking at him. He seemed like such a nice guy, but that could all change if he knew he had admirers.
'Where?' The dark haired girl asked, moving her head around to spot the cute target.
'Over there,' the blonde pointed.
Maddy followed her directions and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that the guy they were looking at was wearing a pair of jeans, not the tight khaki shorts that Rob had on. She couldn't see the guy's face because he was facing in the opposite direction, but the girls were right he was pretty cute.
Maddy felt a strange sensation looking at the cute guy's back. He wasn't built like Rob, but he looked good. Despite this, Maddy was put off by his blonde hair. Her ex had the same haircut and although she liked blondes, she couldn't quite look at them the same way after what he had done to her. This guy bore a disturbing similarity to her ex and Maddy felt a wave of nausea rise up in her stomach.
It couldn't be, could it? He began to turn, and she only needed to see the outline of his jaw to know it was him. James always went to the music festivals with her, of course he wouldn't let a little thing like cheating on her stop his one-man party. Or should she say, one man, many girls party.

Rob pulled the zipper on his fly up and pulled the rusty chain of the urinal. It was a moment before the water began to run and Rob smiled awkwardly at the guy taking a leak next to him.
'Have a good one, mate!' The guy exclaimed, holding a beer in one hand and himself in the other.
Rob cringed, 'You too.'
After washing his hands thoroughly, Rob left the toilets and checked his phone. It had only been five minutes. They both could have been done by now and headed to another set. Rob was itching to watch Maddy dance again. No, he was itching to have her around him, pressed up against him. He suddenly felt very awkward and wondered if it might have been a one off. She seemed to like him, but who really knows for sure what anybody else is really thinking?
Rob decided that he would be okay to get another beer. He needed the cool refreshing taste and the confidence boost wouldn't hurt. Who was he kidding? He needed the confidence boost most of all. Heading towards the bar, Rob also decided to get Maddy another drink. When he had asked if she was a big drinker, her sultry reply of “maybe” sent a wave of heat coursing through his body. It wasn't like he was trying to get her drunk, she would appreciate the offer. Would she?
Rob pondered his predicament as he waited in the queue for the bar. It couldn't hurt to offer, she wouldn't think it was sleazy. If she didn't want it, he would just drink it. No harm done.
Smiling as he made the order of one beer and one pre-mix vodka, Rob checked his phone again. Ten minutes had passed. He would head back to the table and have plenty of time to spare before she got there. Rob reached to the back pocket of his shorts to discover that Maddy still had his guide.
'Hey mate, do you know who's playing on the main stage now?' Rob asked the only guy in the line who didn't look drunk.
'Sorry buddy,' the guy shrugged and Rob thanked him.
The guy leant in closer, 'Here by yourself?'
Rob thought it was an odd question to ask but was curious about the offer, 'Why do you ask?'
'I've got the two hottest chicks you have ever seen waiting out there,' the guy pointed towards the food area. 'You seem pretty cool dude. I'm totally into one of them, but the other is killing my game, you interested?'
Rob felt very put off by the guy's attitude, but offered a weak smile, 'I'm actually here with... My girlfriend.'
'Tough break dude, make sure you get some tonight. Or else it's totally not worth it.' The guy smiled widely at Rob and his thought went to Maddy. Did she think he was one of these creeps?
'Sure thing mate,' Rob replied, taking his drinks and getting out of there as fast as he could. Screw the table, Rob needed to find Maddy.

'I totally know that guy!' the black haired girl burst out, and Maddy hid her face in the festival guide, thnaking Rob for bring it along.
'You know him?' The blonde inquired.
'Yeah, we hooked up at a party the other week,' the dark haired girl answered matter of factly, causing Maddy's cheeks to heat up. She knew James was a bastard, but she didn't know how low he could really go. She had caught him cheating on her with a girl with long brown hair. So now there were two girls that he had been with while they were together, at least.
Maddy wanted to slap the dumb girl, but thought better of it. If she was interested in James, it was only fair that she find out what a dick he was the hard way.
'Damn,' Maddy muttered under her breath, realising the irony of her thoughts.
'Jimmy!' The dark haired girl called out through the crowd. She even called him Jimmy, Maddy fumed. Her anger turned to fear when she realised that now he was going to come over here.
'Hey!' She heard his voice call back. 'Caroline, right?'
'Cathy!' The girl called back.
Maddy couldn't take it anymore and made a quick exit from the line. It was too late, she realised when her eyes made contact with James'.
'Maddy?' He halted.
'Maddy? What the hell?' The black haired girl grumbled and turned to face her.
Now Maddy was caught between his confused stare, the dark haired girl's spiteful glare and the blonde girl's confused expression. It sounded like a joke, but Maddy didn't feel like laughing.
'Maddy!' James began to jog over to her. The lean, fit body that she had so adored now disgusted her when she thought of all the other girls that had shared her position. His white tee fit tightly around his long torso and Maddy could make out his toned stomach through the vibrant fabric.
'James,' she gave up trying to leave.
'Jimmy who is this bitch?' The dark haired girl gave her a most frightening look of hatred.
'Hey,' Maddy turned to her, 'He's all yours!' Maddy began to walk away as fast as she could, she needed to see Rob.
'Shut up!' James said to the dark haired girl, not even looking at her.
Maddy felt the firm, strong hand at her shoulder. The uncomfortable hand of a guy that she had trusted, trying to force his way back into her life.
He spun her around on the spot and stood disturbingly close to her, 'Just wait a minute, Maddy,' he commanded.
'Let go of me,' she said quietly, 'We're over.'
James put both hands on her arms and gently rubbed her shoulders with his thumbs, 'We have to talk.'
'About what?!' Maddy shouted, breaking out of his grip.
'About this,' James said and before she could react he was resting his hand on her cheek and passionately kissing her.

**

Rob felt the most incredible pain shoot through his entire being as he watched Maddy kiss the lanky blonde guy. The two cans of drink in his hands felt heavy and awkward. His shirt felt too tight, around his chest, restricting his breathing. The stubble on his face began to itch and Rob knew he should have had a shave. He looked stupid, everything about him was stupid.
He turned to leave, unable to watch any longer. But something bubbled up inside him. A feeling of jealousy, or anger. It could have been guilt, for all he knew, but whatever it was it forced him to act.
Rob made his way over to the two and waited patiently for them to break their embrace. Eventually Maddy pulled back and stared into the blonde's eyes. Her chest was heaving and her face was bright red.
'Having fun?' Rob chimed in causing her to jump. Good, he thought.
'Rob,' she choked out the name.
'Who's this?' The lanky blonde asked, indicating Rob.
'Nobody, mate,' Rob answered calmly. 'Here, I got you this,' Rob offered the drink to Maddy who looked to be in a state of shock.
'She doesn't want it,' the blonde turned to Rob, 'Mate,' he added with icy contempt.
'I didn't ask you,' Rob answered back, taking a step towards the blonde creep.
'Piss off, can't you see we're busy?' The blonde retorted, squaring up to Rob.
Rob hated this guy instantly. Not only had he taken away any hope of being with Maddy, but he was a complete jerk. Rob paused and looked to Maddy. Not that he was trying to “get with” her, he thought. She just seemed to make him feel good. Now he knew that that power that she had could go both ways.
'Don't look at her,' the blonde stepped closer to Rob, 'She's not yours.'
He was going to keep talking but Rob had already put his fist through the blonde's face, instantly flooring him.

Maddy held her hands to her face. James was lying on the ground, writhing in pain, his mouth spurting blood. The crowd seemed to have paused and every set of eyes were on the three of them. Rob turned to Maddy with a look of deep despair in his eyes. She felt like bursting out into tears.
Rob's violent side had sprung forth like a mousetrap, frightening her, and as she looked at him, she realised it frightened him too. He held her gaze for a short moment and then left.
'Wait,' Maddy managed to call out, but he was too far away to hear.
She turned her attention to James, who was holding his mouth.
'Who was that? Your new boyfriend,' James choked out a pained laugh.
Maddy knelt down next to him, 'Are you okay?' She didn't really care, but the amount of blood that covered his hands was quite alarming.
'That thug knocked my tooth out,' James said, trying to sit up.
'You realise that you deserved it,' Maddy offered calmly, seeing that he would be fine.
'Fuck that,' James mumbled, examining his dislodged tooth. 'That bastard is going to get it, don't you worry about that. You bitches are all the same. Take everything so personally.'
Maddy fumed, 'You truly are a prick.' She stood up and brushed her knees off before leaning over him and whispering, 'He should have knocked you out.'
Maddy frowned as she jogged over to where she last saw Rob headed. He was nowhere in sight. She felt a horrible pang of guilt. Rob was such a nice guy, he must have been really upset about witnessing that jerk kissing her. Upset enough to turn such a nice guy into the kind of guy who would throw punches. She felt ashamed that she hadn't forced James off of her. Why hadn't she pushed him away? Why hadn't she slapped him across the face and sent him packing?
Maddy sighed and felt her eyes well up when she decided that she didn't have an answer to those questions. She needed to tell Rob what happened, and she needed to make sure he was okay.

Rob sculled the can of beer as he wandered aimlessly through the crowds of people. He had felt so close to something just an hour ago and now it was gone. He didn't know what he felt, but it was something safe and warm. Now he just felt cold and empty. He had screwed it up.
Rob tossed the empty can into a bin and inspected the vodka before downing it as well. It tasted sickly sweet, but not too bad, he thought as he drifted around the fairgrounds. Rob felt a little better and guessed it was his alcoholic buzz returning. Why not go all the way?
At the bar, Rob ordered two more beers and picked up a dusty festival guide from the ground. He brushed it against his shorts and looked around to check if anyone had dropped it. Nobody seemed to care and Rob pocketed the guide, heading to a nearby table to get drunk.
He checked his phone to see that it was nearly three in the afternoon. The time had flown by and he sipped his beer as he flicked through the guide. Arcade Fire were headlining the festival and they would be playing on the main stage at nine. Rob winced as his thoughts drifted to Maddy and her shirt. If they had that much fun dancing to a band that they didn't even know, how much fun would they have had rocking out to one that they did?
Rob swallowed a mouthful of beer, realising that he wouldn't get to dance with Maddy. He smiled weakly and decided that Maddy or not, he was going to see Arcade Fire play.
A flash of red caught his eye through the crowd and Rob spied Maddy walking around aimlessly. She appeared to be looking for something, or someone, he thought. He hoped that she wouldn't come over to him, but something inside him wanted her to spot him.
'Rob!' He heard her call out through the crowd and he polished off the last of his beer as he watched her jog over to him.
'Rob,' she repeated.
'What?' He looked up at her. She had an intense look of worry on her face causing Rob to feel a rush of guilt.
Maddy sat silently at the table opposite him, waiting for him to speak, he thought.
'I'm sorry for hitting that guy,' Rob offered. 'I don't normally do that.'
'No, he deserved it,' Maddy answered. The look of concern still on her face.
'I shouldn't have done it anyway. It wasn't because you were kissing him or anything,' Rob slurred. 'You can do what you want. It's just that...' He trailed off.
'He's a jerk?' Maddy offered, with a weak smile.
'I was going to say something else,' Rob felt a weak grin form on his face, 'But jerk will do.'
'He was my ex, James.' Maddy said, leaning in to Rob.
'Was?' Rob asked with a raised eyebrow.
'Is!' Maddy exclaimed. 'He is my ex,' she smiled.

'Glad we got that cleared up,' Rob said, nodding.
He was drunk, Maddy noticed. The two cans at the table were different from the ones he had on him when he hit James. He probably drank the other two and got more.
'Oh my God!' Maddy exclaimed, seeing his swollen knuckles. They looked tender and red, and Maddy knew they would bruise up soon.
'What? This old thing?' Rob said with a smile, waving his hand in the air.
'Are those cans full?' Maddy asked.
'This one is,' Rob said lifting one can and shaking it, 'Nope. This one,' he said picking up the other can. 'Want some?' He said with a grin offering it to Maddy.
She smirked and took the can. Maddy reached over the table and took Rob's hand in hers. Gently, she held the cool can against his knuckles. She looked up into his eyes and saw a look of confusion.
'I don't normally do that,' Rob repeated with a look of guilt on his face.
'I know,' Maddy said calmly, rolling the can against his tender skin.
'I don't know why-' Rob began, but Maddy cut him off.
'Rob, it's okay,' she said, looking into his eyes. He made eye contact with her and she continued, 'I don't approve of guys getting all macho and fighting. But I know what you were going through.'
'Oh,' Rob managed.
'Just last week I walked in on James and some girl. I can tell you,' she smiled, 'I wanted to punch him too.'
Rob smiled back at her, 'Hey, what are you doing today?'
'What?' She laughed.
'I mean, what are you going to do... with the rest of the day?' Rob smiled awkwardly, his eyes alive with alcohol and something else.
'Well, first we're going to get you some water,' she smiled, 'And then, we can check out some more music. Up for it?'
'Anything,' Rob said and rested his head against their hands.
Maddy could feel the warmth of his cheeks sending tingles up her spine.