Stuck On The Puzzle

An Unexpected Arrival - Chapter 21

A lot of things had changed after I'd broken up with Alex. Some negative, some positive. My hair had been nearing its natural colour again but I soon got it re-dyed. I smoked more, which was a negative but in someways it was a pain killer for me. I was fitter than usual and went to the gym most days in the mornings. I looked emotionally drained though, and people could tell unless I put a face full of make up on.

I was sitting downstairs with Leah and Matt chatting and watching some TV. It was another normal day, and I hadn't even thought about Alex until there was a couple on TV. He was proposing to his girlfriend. My smile disappeared and a rush of sadness washed over me. "Do you fancy going into town later?" Leah asks. I nod smiling trying to hide my sudden mood change. "Sure, shopping?" I ask. She nods, "If you want to yeah." She says smiling back.

We got into town at 3ish and went to the chippy for some early tea. It was quite sunny and decent weather for September. "I really fancied a good fish and chips." Matt says. I nod agreeing, "Proper British food." I say laughing. "Didn't get anything like this in America, it was all burgers and fries." He says. Leah nods, "Still like a good burger." She says. I had picked up a little bit of an American accent when I was living in New York and with Leah being American and living with us that impacts too. "I have to admit I've had this a few times now and it is good." Leah says. "Ah you can't beat some British classics!" Matt replies.

We finished off by looking around some shops and we all went into the guitar shop. "Fancy a new guitar?" I ask Matt. He nods, "I think I'd go for a Fender." He says. "They do have some good ones. Perhaps a Stratocaster?" I ask. "Some are quite cheap actually." He replies. I look through some of them and pick out a Sunburst coloured one. I sit down on an amp and strum and few chords and then do the main riff for 'Do I Wanna Know'. "Wrong guitar for that song Miss." Some bloke says from behind me. I look up, "Ah I know I was just playing." I say smiling. He looks at me for a second before narrowing his eyes, "Do I know you from somewhere?" He asks leaning forward slightly. "Take a guess." I reply. "You're the main singers girlfriend!" He says laughing. I shake my head, "Used to be." I add. "Oh, I'm sorry. What a legend though!" He says. I stand up putting the guitar back and Matt walks back down towards us with a les paul this time. "Oh come on you've already got one of those!" I say. He chuckles sitting down on a stool. "Do you guys want to plug these in? We haven't got any other customers here at the moment, we're closing in five but you can stay a bit longer if you're thinking about buying." He says. "Sure that would be great thanks!" Matt replies. He nods grabbing some leads and plugs them both in.

We start walking back after about half an hour of jamming out. Neither of us bought anything in the guitar shop but Leah got some clothes earlier on. As we reached the house I saw someone's car parked outside. "Who's that?" I ask. Matt looks up swinging Leah's hand, "Dunno, I don't recognise the car or registration." He says. We wonder inside and Mum's talking to someone who sounds familiar. "Here they are!" I hear her say as she suddenly appears. "Nat! There's someone here for you!" She says excitedly. My hearts racing and I take my shoes off going into the kitchen. "Natalie!" Matt (Helders) says smiling. I smile back, "Matt!" I squeal running towards him pulling him in for a firm hug. He laughs, "Long time no see huh?" He says. I laugh, "What the hell are you doing here?" "I just came to check up on you! See how things were." He says. "You came all the way from New York just to see me!" I say pulling out and holding onto his arms. He nods, "Well not by myself, Breana's with me too but she's back at the hotel." He says. "So these letters." Mum says interrupting. "What? What letters?" I say laughing. "The ones Alex sends to you. You'd never told me." Mum says furrowing her eyebrows. I turn to Leah and Matt, "What letters? What's going on?" I ask. Matt shrugs looking just as confused as me. "They were in Matt and Leah's room." Matt (Helders) says.

//I'm really sorry this is going to get slightly confusing but Matt is Natalie's best friend and Matt (Helders) is Matt Helders (if you hadn't guessed) so I've just got to do that so you guys don't get confused😂 apologies//