after they met her

seventeen

i v a n a

After the chaos of the past weekend, returning to the rhythm of school felt oddly comforting.

Lily had helped me get my new phone set up, downloading apps and setting up our WhatsApp group for the art club. School itself was uneventful, normal classes and familiar routines. It was a welcome change from the tension and danger that had recently engulfed my life.

It even was nice that no one expect my friends cared for me in school.

As the final bell rang, Lily walked with me out of the building, chatting animatedly about her latest fashion project. Ray trailed behind us.

"So, do you want to go to the movies this Friday?" Lily asked as we reached the parking lot. "It'll be fun, just us girls."

I hesitated, glancing back at Ray who was pretending not to listen but undoubtedly was. "I'll have to ask first," I said, knowing how controlling they are.

„Your parents must be pretty strict, huh?" she chuckled. „Just text me."

Ray raised an eyebrow as we drove home, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "After what happened this weekend, they're not going to let you go."

His words made me sad, but also sparked an idea. I'd learned something in history class today, maybe some maneuvering within my brothers' rules would help me. If I wanted something, I had to play my cards right.

Once home, we sat down to dinner. Only Matthew, Logan, and Ray were present. As we ate, Matthew mentioned casually, "I made a doctor's appointment for you next week. Just to get you checked up."

I felt a spike of anxiety at the thought.

I took a spoon full of soup in my mouth, then slurping down what was left in the bowl. „I want seconds." My weight was a constant source of worry, and I didn't want my brothers or anyone else to know just how underweight I was.

When I even ate a third serving, I started to push my food around in my plate, losing my appetite. My belly rumbled as it wasn't used to eat that much at once.

I felt the need to reclaim some control over my life in a different way, so I decided to set my plan in motion.

After dinner, I waited until Matthew was alone in his room. Gathering my courage, I knocked lightly on his door and stepped inside. He looked up from his desk, surprised but happy to see me.

A smile appeared on his face.

"Hey, Matthew," I said softly, injecting a note of vulnerability into my voice. "I was feeling a bit lonely. Can I have a hug?"

Matthew's smile even grew wider, his tough exterior melted immediately. "Of course, come here," he said, pulling me into a warm embrace.

We chatted about school for a bit, my heart racing as I worked up to the real reason I was here. "You remember my friend, Lily. You guys checked her, right?"

Matthew nodded, a fond smile on his face. "Yeah, we did. She seems nice."

I leaned my head against his shoulder, sighing dramatically. "Just forget it," I said, my voice tinged with sadness.

Matthew's brow furrowed with concern. "No, tell me. What's on your mind?"

I looked up at him, mustering as much sincerity as I could. "I'll tell you, but only because I trust you the most, okay? Promise you won't get mad?"

He nodded eagerly, clearly wanting to help. „I promise."

I took a deep breath and told him about Lily's invitation to the movies. Matthew's protective instincts flared, but so did his desire to make me happy.