A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter 25- Interruption

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*Trigger Warning: Sexual Assualt*

(Matt's POV)

I find myself of course wanting to be with Madison again. It's all I've been thinking about since she left to check on the food in Kalston's place. I offered to join her, but she insisted that I spend a little time getting to know everyone. Even though I'd rather anything but. Yet, she asked, so it's what I've been trying to do. In a way, it's ironic. I keep wanting to be like everyone else, live a life more than mine feels at times, but socializing, it's not what I'm keen on doing. I'd rather it be just her and I again.

I can't seem to pull myself into hanging around the guys on the porch, so I've ventured to the side of the house with Ash. He seems pretty chill compared to them. He also seems off in a way I can point out exactly, but I'd still rather hang around him than the others. They're a bit too crude for me and I'm afraid that I might not be able to so willingly put on a friendly demeanor with them. I'd rather not put myself in that predicament, so I won't. I've been enjoying being able to have this freedom more. No one giving orders or making me feel like I have to do things a certain way to please another. No shadow always following me that I can't see.

I'm not sure why Ash chose to hang out on the side of the place where Kalston lives, but something tells me there is more reason behind it than it seems. Though he seems quiet and unintentional about his actions, something tells me he's not. Specifically, that he is aware of things more than most would assume.

We're sitting on the grass with Ash on his Bekko handheld and me enjoying the sun and quiet. I've not been with him long, only about five minutes. He's yet to acknowledge me more than a nod when I first came to sit, so it throws me off when he finally does speak.

"I take it you aren't much for the other guys?"

I look over at him, and he's still on his game as if he's yet to say anything.

"Why do you ask that?"

I go back to closing my eyes with my face lifted up to the sun and back against the wall behind us. He seems to like it more to talk apart than to pay full attention to each other.

"You've kept your distance from them. Honestly, it's for the best."

"Yeah? They seem cool, just a bit more than I'd wish to be around right now. What about you? Why are you staying away from them? Didn't you guys grow up together?"

I make sure to keep my words careful in case anyone overhears.

"I didn't care for them then either. They're not much for being considerate of others. Jonathan isn't too bad, and even Canton is pretty chill at times, but when they're around Zach, he has a tendency to bring out the worst in them. He's the worst. The dude enjoys playing games with others to get under their skin. In a way, you either play along with him, or you're the one he's playing with. I'm surprised Maddy even let him come over."

What he says is something I've already sensed already. I've been around plenty of monsters to place them quickly. Zach has the same sense I've had only around a few others. It's almost a void that steals the energy around them, leaving you feeling empty. Even worse today, he left the same feeling I have when around my usual taunter I'm glad to have gone. Another reason I was sure to avoid them. I don't want to tempt things into falling back into the pit I'm finally out of.