Defense My Heart

Chapter 7: The Heart Wants What It Wants

Matthew and I were unofficially friends, and we were finally getting somewhere. We met three days a week after school every week and tutoring sessions consisted of either me going over to his house or us staying after in the school library on days we didn't have practice. We had a great system worked out and Matthew's geometry grades gradually skyrocketed. Mrs. Huggins was thrilled as Matthew rose from Ds to Cs to Bs to a 94 as his official average. "That's the highest it's ever been!" She would exclaim happily. I, on the other hand, was just grateful that the work was paying off and that Matthew's parents liked me. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were the kind of open adults that didn't judge you at all. You could say whatever you thought and willingly be yourself around them. Matt's mom took to me like I was one of her own, and on the nights Matt and I stayed late at the Thompson house she would let me help her cook dinner and join them later. Matthew always hung back and watched as I worked the oven and chopped vegetables and prepared meat. I began to see how genuine he really was. He wasn't fully the rude arrogant jock I always thought he was, and needless to say we were comfortable with each other. The weeks flew by as football season worked towards its end. We had two games left in Regionals before AHS knew whether its football team would lead it to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. I hoped we made it because I had family near Orlando who I would love to come see the final game, plus I'd be traveling with Stacy, and Stacy and I would tear Florida up. Speaking of Stacy, she's constantly tormenting me on the future. "You know the best relationships form from friendships" is what she reminded me of every time I filled her in with a recap of mine and Matthew's study sessions. To be honest I've been over-thinking a lot of things about Matthew and I lately. I feel like he likes me, but I have a bad history with crushes and I don't want to end up hurt. It would be truly embarrassing to have my heart broken by Matt, and I don't want to provide him with the opportunity. Take a chance, my heart encourages me. The worst he can say is "no, I don't feel the same way," right? I talked this idea over with Stacy and she told me to do it. Well, her exact words were, "Man up, grow a pair, and do it Sampson!" All I needed to do was wait for the ideal opportunity and I would tell him how I feel. Now luck was in my favor and God was on my side because Wednesday afternoon Matthew and I were sitting across from each other at a circular library table working comfortably in the quiet. Matt was finishing a geometry worksheet while I was writing a response on an article about the Cold War. I snuck glances at Matt every once in a while, and he would look up at me just as I would look down. His face was a set in a mask of concentration and his hands were scribbling notes in his notebook. I honestly didn't see a reason for Matthew to need me to continue tutoring him, his work is outstanding and he understands all the concepts now. Jeez, I sound like a teacher. I took a deep breath, it's now or never, and opened my mouth. "Matthew I-" "Do you want to go with me to Darlington's tomorrow?" Matthew had stopped scribbiling and was looking up at me patiently. I was momentarily side-tracked and mumbled an answer. "Y-yeah. Yes. I mean, sure." "Okay great!" Matthew smiled. "I have practice until 4 tomorrow but I thought that you could come and watch and then we just leave and take my car to Darlington's. Sound good?" My heart was doing backflips. "Yeah, sounds perfect." Darlington's was the local burger and chicken joint. It was located on the river about 5 miles away and the food was absolutely amazing and affordable. Matthew smiled at me once more and my heart melted as I blushed. "Were you going to say something earlier? I didn't mean to interrupt you." He asked quizzicaly. "No, I didn't say anything. You must be hearing things." Matthew laughed and stood up to gather his things. "Well see you tomorrow Pais!" He waved as he left. "Bye!" I half waved back. If Matthew wants to take me to Darlington's then that must be a sign for me to take my chance and be brave. Stacy is going to freak with excitement when I call her later! Tomorrow, I sternly inform my heart, is the day.

Darlington's. It's the perfect place, I congradulate myself. I can't wait to see her reaction when I tell her. She'll be shocked and speechless. I am looking forward to this though, and this weird feeling in my heart keeps reminding me that I am. Weird. I rub my chest as I unlock my car. Oh Matt, you're gonna go down in the history books for this one, I chuckle to myself. You are such a heartbreaker.