Save Me. (Matthew Espinosa)

Chapter 27 - Birthdays

Lacey's POV

As I rest on a bar stool next to Matt I can't help but let my leg bounce up and down continuously. I sigh, unable to clear my mind of the events that had happened only earlier. I know Matthew promised me that he would help get me through this, but I don't see me quitting anytime soon.

I always think about how I shouldn't, and don't, have a reason to be hurting myself anymore but in all honesty, the littlest of things can put me over the edge. I was so good for the first couple of weeks when I had first met Matt, but at this point, I don't even really know. What am I supposed to feel and do? I try to think about something else, knowing that this is going to have to stop in order to live up to my vow of being strong.

My thoughts also shift to when Matt had emphasized that he is in love with me. My heart flutters at the thought. My emotions soon shift from upset to to lighter mood.

I rub my eyes, mentally cursing at myself because I had forgotten about doing my makeup this morning. I look over to Matt, who obviously has a lot on his mind; you can tell by the way his face is in his hands, no emotion showing from him.

"So Matt, hun, what do you want to do for your birthday?" I flick my gaze to Sarah, raising my eyebrows. I had t known his birthday was coming up;as was mine. I must've just been the one thing we never really shared with each other.

"Oh, um, I don't know." he looks up to her, and then over to me.

"When is your birthday?" I question, really wandering when it is.

"The seventh," he breathes out, clearly not enthused, "this coming Tuesday."

"Really?" I perk up, a huge grin plastered on my face.

"Yeah." he chuckles, seeming confused as to my excitement.

"Mine is on the ninth." I laugh, watching his facial expressions change.

"No way, that's awesome," he laughs, "maybe we should do something together." he grins.

"Yeah, that would be fun. But I don't want you to make a big deal about my birthday, Matt."

"You only turn seventeen once, Lace. We could, um, go on a date or something." he inquires. I am flattered by his gesture but stiffen in my seat. I quickly look at Mrs. Espinosa, giving off a quaint smile. Soon, Matt notices my apprehension and is quick to add on.

"As friends, of course."

"I wouldn't mind if you were going as anything more than friends." she grimaces, giddy like a young child.

"Just friends, mom, nothing more." he glares.

"Whatever you say." she giggles while turning on her heel, walking away and out of sight.

"Sorry about that," he laughs, "I think she's surprised to see my having a friend, that's a girl, around the house." he scratches the back of his neck.

"But you've had girls over before, haven't you?" I raise an eyebrow, sure of it.

"Well yeah, but, never mind." he trails off, and I can nearly sense what he is getting at.

"Oh." is the only word I can think to say.

"But this is different, and I can't wait to spend my birthday with you. I'm going to start planning the wonderful day we'll have right now." he leans forward and pecks my cheek, jogging upstairs. I am left alone in the kitchen, and decide myself to head upstairs to the guest room to freshen up.

I step into the bathroom across the hallway and brush my straightened hair, straightening it up. I also use a washcloth to wipe off my smeared makeup, spray some perfume, and turn the light off. I leave the bathroom and head into my temporary room.