"Is there a problem here?" Charlie's voice cuts through the tense air.
Matty lets go of my hand, slow and deliberate, like he's making a point.
"Relax, mate. We're just talking," Matty says, throwing his hands up in mock surrender, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
"This guy bothering you, babe?" Charlie asks, his tone sharp as he looks at me.
"Yeah, babe, am I bothering you?" Matty winks, and before I can react, Charlie's fist connects with his face.
Matty stumbles back, spits blood onto the pavement, and laughs—a deep, rich laugh that only seems to enrage Charlie further. Then, with one quick motion, Matty's fist slams into the side of Charlie's jaw.
The commotion explodes as George and the other bandmates rush in, alongside Lacy and Charlie's entourage. George grabs Matty, pulling him away, while Charlie's friends drag him back, still fuming.
"Enough, Charlie!" I scream, my voice cutting through the chaos. "I am so done with this! Why is your solution to everything always violence?"
"Yeah, use your words, caveman," Matty says, grinning despite the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
"You," I snap, spinning on my heel to glare at him. "Stay out of this." He raises his eyebrows, feigning innocence, and pouts like a child.
"And you," I turn to Charlie, motioning between us, "whatever this is—it's over."
"Over?" he echoes, his voice a mix of shock and anger. "What, you're leaving me for him?"
"No," I say firmly, "I'm leaving you because I'm tired of your shit. Tired of pretending I don't see you all over every other girl at parties. Tired of the drama. Just... tired."
For a moment, the parking lot is silent, save for the distant hum of music from the bar. Charlie looks stunned, Matty looks amused, and I feel... free.
I hear Lacy's heels click-clacking against the concrete as she runs towards me.
"Let me drop you home"
"No I wanna get tanked"
"Great, the band's having an after party. Lots of booze"
"Perfect" I say dryly
YOU ARE READING
Fell In Love In Stages // a matty healy fanfic
FanfictionI give you this book that comes to you in three parts. The first Act is set in the year 2006, in the hallowed halls of Wilmslow Highschool. The second Act is set in 2013, shortly after the release of the self-titled album. And third, is set in prese...
