Fell In Love In Stages // a matty healy fanfic

Family Matters

I look at myself in the full-length mirror hung on my bedroom door.
Pin-straight black hair down my back and touching the curve of my hips. A lilac layered dress and satin corset from the Valentino spring collection. One of the countless "apology gifts" from my dad that littered my room. I'm just glad the assistant who picks out my gifts has good taste.
I consider putting on my heels, but opt for my white chucks instead. It's not like anyone's gonna be looking at my feet anyway, I say as I adjust my bust.
I twirl the locket in my hand, contemplating putting it on. It was a tiny piece of jewellery, but it weighed heavy around my neck. A reminder, of time's fleeting cadence. I decide to bury it in my purse instead.

Just then I hear Charlie's convertible pull up and three swift honks echo in the night.
I run downstairs, one foot out the door, when I hear a deep voice calling after me.
"Trinity, where are you off to?" my dad asks
"Just some party dad, don't wait up!" I say hastily, taking another step towards the door
"Not so fast, young lady. Whose party is this and where do they live? Maybe I can give their parents a call to-"
"I see you after two whole months and you don't even bother letting me know you're home? You can't just waltz in and out of my life and play the role of the upstanding father whenever it's convenient for you" I spit out
I see a brief flash of hurt in his eyes, before he resumes doing his paperwork, pretending I wasn't in the room.
How very typical of him. Avoiding conflict by pretending it doesn't exist.
I storm out the door and get in the front seat of Charlie's car.
"You look hot", he says and leans in to kiss me on my lips, but I put one finger up and stop him, not wanting to ruin my lipstick.
"Just drive" I say
He put his hand on my thigh and we make our way to the party.