On Me (Matt Sturniolo)

13

The morning light shone through my curtains in my bedroom, waking me from my sleep.

I had no idea what time it was, but I guessed it was later than usual because I didn't sleep until four this morning.

I reached out for my phone on the bedside table, my fingers brushing against it gently.

I picked it up and rolled on to my back, unlocking it and looking at the screen. It was 12:40pm.

Shit.

"Fuck" I mumbled, groaning at my body's most recent failure.

Don't get wrong, I loved lie ins, but this was ridiculous.

Forcing myself up, I pulled on shorts and put my hair into a ponytail.

Normally, I didn't care how I looked in the mornings, but seeing as Matt was here, I didn't want to look bad in front of him.

I headed into the bathroom to brush my teeth, making sure I looked somewhat human.

Walking back into my room, I grabbed my phone and halted on the spot when I saw a text message from Josh.

Hey, I hope you're missing me as much as I miss you. Last night with the guys was great. Listen, I won't be home for a few hours. I'll be home around 7pm okay? I'll call you later. Love you.

I stared at my phone in shock. 7pm?

So not only did he leave me alone after my chemo for a night out, but now he's not coming home till 7pm?

Was he kidding?

I sighed, locked my phone and threw it on to the bed.

Making my bed, I purposely left my phone on it and slipped into my slippers, leaving my bedroom.

I was so angry that my own boyfriend couldn't be bothered to come home earlier to spend some time with me.

I knew I wasn't letting him come to my sessions, and I didn't expect him to wait at home for me...but I couldn't help but think Matt was right yesterday.

He had a right to go out, but it was like he was avoiding me.

"Morning"

I froze, completely forgetting Matt was still here.

"Or should I say, afternoon" he smiled at me. "You slept for a long time. I hope you slept okay"

I barely smiled at him.

"What's wrong?" He asked, towering over me and setting his hands on my arms. "Madison?"

The shock had worn off, but now I was feeling emotional.

"It's Josh"

"Is everything okay?" He asked. "Do you have to be somewhere-"

I laughed and shook my head.

"What's wrong?" He asked. "I know you're upset, but I can't help if you don't tell me"

"He's not coming home" I finally said, feeling rage in my bloodstream. "He's been gone all weekend with his friends, having fun and now he's not coming home until tonight"

"What time will he be home?" He asked, and I looked at him.

"He said 7pm..." I mumbled. "The point is-"

"Do you want to hang out with me today?" He cut me off, making me freeze. "I mean, why sit here all day waiting when you could be out having fun?"

I stared at him, studying his expression. There was no joking, no humorous look and his jawline was slacked tight.