Madison had never walked to work as fast as she did that morning. After a long week, it was finally the last day of the month, and also payday for her. She was so excited for all the things she would finally be able to get, and internally she had promised to treat herself to something really lavish when she finally got paid. Maybe a baked strawberry iced cake would do some good to her sweet greedy tooth, or some chocolate chip cookies. She didn't remember the last time she'd had those treats, and she certainly deserved it as she had been working so hard. She smiled as she cornered into the street that would lead to her workplace. The fact that she felt excited seemed strange to her suddenly, as Madison noted to herself that she couldn't describe exactly how she felt right now. She'd had such a shitty month, so it was nice to have something to look forward to, but even then whenever she recalled the threats lingering at her neck, her excitement died down instant. Discarding those thoughts sneaking into her head, Madison decided to run the rest of the way to the bakery so she wouldn't be late. Sooner than she expected, she arrived at the bakery and rushing inside she quickly put on her apron, tying the belts speedily. Today would be the worst day to be late for work, and she wouldn't let anything put that long awaited pay in jeopardy, because even the slightest delay or mistake could cost her and she just couldn’t afford it. The whole of the day, Madison concentrated on work. She was more careful and efficient than she usually was, and sometimes she got too excited again that even at lunch she didn’t eat much of the snack she’d gotten. Her stomach kept grunting hungrily in disapproval, wanting more but she didn't care at all. Finally, the day ran by speedily and work came to an end. Slipping off her apron, she began to prepare to leave, not wanting it to seem obvious that she was waiting for the pay, but deep inside she really was waiting for her superior or manager to call her over and hand her the freaking money. After some minutes she began to lose hope of getting the pay today as there was no signal, but then as the employees began to pick up their bags and purses, a rather odd bell rang signaling them to stop.The manager of the large bakery walked in, and the first thing Madison noted in his hands were envelopes, and her heart soared to the ceilings. She stood, her fingers nervously clutching at her purse as she waited for him to get to her turn. Realizing that the names of the employees were written at the back, she stood patiently knowing that eventually she would get her own enveloped wage. She sighted her friend Gina standing all the way across the hall, and when their eyes met, she waved excitedly at her. Madison only smiled and faced the manager once more, not wanting to loose any sight of him. She was more than glad that they were paid in cash and not cheques or withdrawal slips, as it would be easier for her that way, and she wouldn’t even have to stress herself at all. "Connor." For a moment Madison did not realize that she had been called, but when her surname was repeated again, she quickly rushed up to the manager to collect hers. Her hands trembling, the feel of the envelope felt so unreal that it nearly brought tears to her eyes, but she blinked it away. This was the time to be happy and not sad, so she had to chill. As soon as pay time was over, and the manager said a small speech, effectively dismissing the workers, Madison rushed outside to meet her friend. They had agreed to meet outside when work closed for the day, and squealing with excitement, they both tore their envelopes open and began to count the money. When they were done they both faced each other, startled. "Oh my goodness! He gave me extra. Is this for overtime or a mistake?” Madison asked, breathing out the words in surprise. "I don’t know what it’s for but I also got an extra too.” Gina giggled, and Madison overjoyed joined in the laughter too. Madison couldn't believe she had been given an extra, and this was her fucking first pay. She vowed to keep working as hard as she did, if it meant more extras as this was a good sign. As Madison began to walk down the street to her house, Gina grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Where do you think you're going?" She laughed adding, "We have to celebrate! You can't just head on home right now babe." "Celebrate? Right now?" Madison asked confused, as she was unsure of that plan, “Let's leave it for another day, okay?" "No, no, no.” Gina shook her head, "That won't do. Come on, let's go. There's a three-star restaurant down that other street. Let's have some good food for once, and not these carbs and canned food we eat every time. Bedsides if I recall correctly, you didn't have anything to eat at lunch today. You barely munched on your pie." Madison laughed, considering it, “If I also recall you helped me finish the pie.” “Yeah I did, which further emphasizes my notion that you barely ate. Let’s just go out and splurge on some cheat meals okay. The restaurant might not be all that five star, but it’s a nice upgrade.” She didn't remember the last time she had been in a restaurant, and remembering the exact restaurant Gina was talking about, Madison confirmed that it did seem a tad bit extravagant. Why couldn't they just wait, and then go to a restaurant they could afford later this weekend. Not like they couldn’t afford it now, but then she would have ran over her expenses and costs for the month and whatever was left would be used to go to wherever Gina suggested they go to. When she told this to her friend, Gina in turn shot her a death glare and then her arm, “I won’t take your petty excuses because this time. Come on, let's go. It'll be fun, and we can use the extra tip we were given to fund this meal. Besides we don't even have to order too much." Before Madison had the chance to complain again, Gina has already pulled her behind her, and they began heading to the restaurant which was close by. It was full of people when they arrived, but there were lots of empty seats available too, and Gina still dragging her, took the both of them to one of the empty tables and picked up the menu. When a waiter came to attend to them, Gina went on to list out the things they would like to have, and even though Madison felt quite uncomfortable and out of place initially, later on she slowly began to relax. Gina squealed in delight when the waiter brought in their mouthwatering orders, earning a weird look from the waiter, and Madison just couldn't stop her own laughter at the waiter's expression. The food smelled so good that they immediately dug in, after the waiter left. "Anything else I can get you?" The waiter asked, when he came back to serve them some wine and holding her fork, Gina again came to the rescue with her response albeit sarcastically. Staring thoughtfully at the waiter, “How about a tall glass of you?” She asked, sending a smirk his way. Madison was so caught off guard that she literally howled with laughter, and Gina joining her immediately. The waiter reddened in surprise, obviously embarrassed but saying nothing he quickly took his leave while Madison continued to laugh.Gina liked to play weird jokes like this and it was always funny to watch, so it didn’t feel out of place for her otherworldly lousy friend. Madison could also feel the stares of everyone in the restaurant directed at them, but she was so caught up in the moment that she didn't care and turning back to face her friend, she urged her on as they both dug into their food together. Chicken had never tasted so good to Madison as it did in that moment, and as they ate, talked and laugh she reveled in the sweet moment, having no care at all in the whole wide world. As Gina made a toast to life and friendship raising her wine glass up, Madison felt something warm and fuzzy melt in her chest. Just like she always noted, this was the nicest she'd felt in a very long time. Here she was in a fancy restaurant, eating food she never thought she would eat again, and having fun with someone so close to her. Someone she loved! And the best part was that she didn't have to worry about anything at all. She didn’t have to worry about the bills, because she had some money stacked to clear it all, and as for hanging threats, she was in a place filled with so many people so she had no reason to be scared at all. Truly she couldn’t remember the last time she had been this free… this happy. Maybe when she had gotten the job at the bakery or when Alvarez told her some good news about himself. As she thought about everything, her only wish was for this moment to last. She laughed out loud in disbelief, still unable to believe everything that was happening. Her laughter slowly turned into sobs, and carefully Madison placed her spoon down on the table and placed a hand on her chest. Tears spilled from her eyes down to her cheeks, but she had never been happier. "Madison?" She heard Gina call out. Madison looked up to see that her friend had stopped eating and worry was now visible on her face. "Are you okay, Madison?" Gina asked again, her hand coming up to rub Madison's back and she nodded shakily, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. She didn't need Gina to worry about something that wasn't even so important, and she replied instantly, "I'm fine. It's probably just my hormones messing with me. Believe me, it's nothing." Gina extracted a small white handkerchief from her purse, leaning forward and helping her wipe her tears away, as she queried again, “Are you really okay, Maddie? I'm worried about you. You know you can talk to me right?”Madison smiled nodding, “I know I can talk to you, but I'm fine honestly. I promise you that." "Okay then, if you say so.” She muttered, reaching out to squeeze Madison's hand reassuringly, “Now, come on. This food won't finish itself now or would it?” She prodded, gesturing to their plates and laughing, Madison picked up her spoon and the two women continued having their dinner.