Without Words

22- Welcome Back

AN: I should mention that this story would be purely written in Elle's POV. I have thought about it and decided that whatever issue, conversation or reconciliation Matt and Dan would have between them after Thanksgiving would be private and be left to our imagination. The flashback scene on Chapter 20  can provide us insight on how they they handle being the two closest persons in Elle's life without overstepping any boundaries.

Trigger Warning: A mention of violence and assault are present on this chapter. 

Matt made me promise to call him whenever I have an episode or whenever I just feel like crying. Whenever, wherever or whatever he is doing, he would drop it and rush over to me. I told him he was overreacting but he was adamant. In fact, he has been pushing me all throughout the week, proving that he's hell bent to earn my forgiveness. He gave me his own car and insisted I use it before I can buy my own. I told him I would never use something mom paid for but he just called me petty. For his grand plan, he would take the car to school and for some reason or another, he wouldn't be able to take it home so he'll ask me to drive it back.

Mom's engagement announcement on the paper was delayed. Apparently, Andy and her have a lot to talk about. I also learned from Claudia that Sophie had now stopped tutoring Matt and they seldom visit anymore. I didn't notice because apart from tea parties with my friends, Matt and Dan are occupying my time. Matt stays over at the Monroe's most of the time and Claudia is all the more welcoming.

I have also spent majority of my time in my studio. Professor Sybil gave me pointers to work on for the exhibit and even invited some of her co-professors to assist me in my questions when she's unavailable. The exhibit in the Museum of Fine Arts is sponsored by Boston Arts so they want to ensure and examine the painting before they are allowed to enter.

It was my free period and I was busy sketching at the library. After Katelyn's daily reports to Dan and Matt, no guy seems to want to go near or even talk to me. I'm beginning to think they're both running some sort of gang here.

"Can I have a minute with you?" I stopped my sketching and looked up, surprised to see Sophie. "I just want to talk. I don't want trouble."

I gave her a soft smile. "Of course, just let me get my things."

"You don't have to. It'll only be for a minute." She insisted, fidgeting from where she stood. "Please, I just want to talk and I don't want Mattie to know about this."

I cringed at the nickname. Is that what Dan feels if I call him Danny? Maybe I should stop it. I followed Sophie as she led us outside the library, past the gym and parking lot and I really got a bad feeling. Normally, I'm a trusting person but I am a woman and our instincts are never wrong. "I have to meet my friends in a minute back at the library. They'll come looking for me if I'm not there."

Sophie stiffened then made her way to the side of the building just near the garbage bins. Huh, what a weird place to talk.

"Dad and Emma are planning to cancel the wedding." She said straight to the point.

"Oh." I don't know what she wants me to say to that.

"Matt has also been avoiding me. He's never home anymore, he doesn't talk to me at school and never answer my calls."

I sighed dejectedly. I knew Matt won't listen to me. "I'll talk to him."

"We were good. What we had was a good thing." Sophie started, her voice getting louder and stronger. "I finally started to have the family I was deprived of when my mom left. Please, don't take them away from me."

Despite her confident tone, I could see her lips shaking. I know how much courage she must have worked up just so she could talk to me. "I'm sorry you had to be put in the middle of this, Sophie, I really am. Our family is-"