Elevator Talks

Chapter 3

I got up and grabbed my clothes I set out the night before. I shut my door and turned on my light. The whole house was still silent, meaning Matthew must still be asleep downstairs in the livingroom where he decided to sleep on the couch for the night until he could find a bed to purchase.
I slide my legs into my pants and do a little jump as I button them. I know I should lose weight but that would require not eating, so it's not even worth it anyway.
I jam my head through the small opening of my favorite t-shirt and stick my arms through the openings that were a bit less tight. I grab my hair tie and flip my hair over, brushing it with my hands, catching all the snarls and eventually getting rid of them. I bring my hair back up and pick it up with my hands. I brush my hands through it once more, just enough to smooth out most of the lumps from the lack of effort, and then twisted my hair around into a messy bun and added a hair tie to secure it in place. I grabbed my pair of Lynyrd Skynyrd socks and slide them onto my cold, petite feet. I grabbed my makeup brush and my mascara and head to the bathroom, shutting my light off as I leave the room.
I quickly apply my concealer and everything else I have in my bathroom to help hide the obvious acne that resided on my face and then drew on my eyeliner quickly and added the mascara to top off the look.
I shut off the bathroom light and shut the door most of the way to help keep what little heat there was inside since the rest of the house was cold enough for icicles to grow on the windowsill.
I briskly run down the stairs, making sure to pick up my feet so I don't sleep and wake him up. I get to the bottom of the stairs and turn around to walk into the kitchen. As I do so, I noticed Matthew laying down, wide awake, staring at the roof.
"Good morning. How come you didn't turn on the television?" I asked as I walked into the living room.
"Because I didn't want to wake you up, also, good morning to you!" He exclaimed, happily. I could tell he had slept well because the bags that were under his eyes were slightly less dark and he was much more hyper than the day before.
I couldn't help but smile. "Well, thank you, but next time you really don't have to worry about that. I usually sleep pretty heavily and I barely even woke up to my alarm."
"Alright, well I just wanted to make sure I didn't wear out my welcome this early into the friendship." He shot me a little grin.
Friendship. The word kind of scared me in a way. I never really had friends. The closest thing to a friend I have had in a long time was my co-workers. But I don't even see them every day. Friendship was something I wasn't sure if I actually understood the concept. From a very young age, I never really was one to fit in. I was always the one who would sit alone at lunch or, on the days that it was busier than usual in the cafeteria, sat with some people but still kept to myself. I had one friend named Josh, but I didn't really know if I could still classify him as a friend since he has been. . .gone since we were 12 when he decided to claim his own life due to never being accepted for who he was except for by me, which apparently wasn't enough to save his life. I didn't know, even now, if I was mentally ready to try and have another friendship. I don't want to lose another person. I don't want to care about losing someone, but I do. Even though I just met this guy, this man, a day ago, I could already feel a connection happening. I didn't want to lose him, too.
I gave him a little smile back as I walked into the kitchen to grab a drink and something small for breakfast before I have to hit the road to go to work. I flip open my phone and find a message from my boss.
"Massive storm has left the whole building without power so stay home today. Consider this a day off. Also, you will still get paid for today because it's not your fault power went out. Enjoy your day."
"Sweet!" I exclaimed as I ran to the window and saw all the cars in the neighborhood covered in a thick layer of snow that was also all over the ground.
"What's going on?" Matthew hollers from the other room. I turn around and walk into the living room and plop down in the recliner next to the couch and let out a gigantic sigh of relief.
"I have the day off from work. I guess the storm we got last night caused all the power in the building to go out." I responded.
"Good thing you got me off that elevator when you did." He said with a chuckle as he sat up just enough to show his face to me and winked.
I laughed. "Yeah, because you'd be trapped today!" I said, trying to be witty but obviously failing as he laughed at me, which then I couldn't help but laugh again.
"So what's the plan for today?" He asked as he sat up slowly on the couch, holding his head as though he had a headache from the way he had been lying this morning.
"I have no idea. Maybe a lazy day?" I suggested. I sorta hoped inside that he was going to suggest something else, because well, I was already dressed so what would be the point of just staying home at this point.
"Maybe, that sounds good but, I would kind of like to do something."
"Like what?"
"Maybe bowling?" He suggested. I could feel a smile going from ear to ear across my face.
"Sounds like fun to me! I just have to call and see if the alley is actually open. We will have to walk though, because I don't have the proper materials needed to clean off my car." I answered as I whipped out my phone and he went silent once he could hear the beeping of the keys as my fingers struck them. I clicked the green button and stuck the phone up to my ear.
After a few seconds, I hung up and snapped the phone shut. "It's a go!"
"Awesome." Matthew stated as he got up to put his coat on.
"Wait, aren't you going to get dressed?" I asked curiously.
"I don't have any clothes, remember? You picked me up from the elevator. There is definitely not enough room on the elevator for any clothes other than one set, and that was these." He answered as he pointed down to what he was wearing on his body already.
"Oh." I said sympathetically. Maybe I would have to take my car somewhere and help him buy some clothes and maybe buy some male hygiene products so that way he doesn't have to use my "Country Chic" body wash from Bath and Body Works. "Grab your coat and hat so we can get going."
I throw my jacket on and snatch the keys quickly from the coffee table. I turn around and shut all the lights off and then open up the door with Matthew trailing just a few inches behind me and walk outside into the bitter coldness.
I take a right turn into my driveway which made Matthew confused because last thing he knew, we were going to be walking.
"What are we doing?" He asked as he heard the clicking of the locks releasing to my car.
"Something. Go around and get in. Make sure you buckle up." I explained to him.
He hesitated but then cracked open the door, plopped down in the smooth leather seats, slammed the door shut, and threw on his seatbelt. I got in as well and buckled up as I inserted the keys into the ignition to turn the car on.
Half a mile down to the end of my road I take a left, and then a right, and then another right.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going?" Matthew impatiently insisted.
"No, you will find out when we get there. Trust me, I think you will like it." I reply calmly, regardless of this grown man driving me absolutely crazy.
He sighed and I could see from the corner of my eye that he had a sinister look on his face as he looked straight out the windshield and remained silent.
We take a few more small turns and then I see the big sign I was looking for. I slow down, or at least try to, so I can take the corner into the store. I slipped through the red light so I check frantically around to make sure there was no one coming and to make sure that there wasn't a cop behind me. I saw nothing and nobody so I let out a little sigh of relief.
I pull into the parking lot and find a spot fairly close to the door. He looks at me as I open my door to climb out.
"Why are we here?" He questioned, now looking a bit happier than before I would tell him where we were headed.
"You said you don't have any clothes, so we are going to pick some up. I figured we could get you a set or two, just enough to last you until you move out." I answered playfully. "Plus I figured we could pick up some hygiene products so you can stay clean without smelling like me."
"Oh, thank you so much!" He replied, hopping out of the car with super speed. He ran around the car decently fast and wrapped his arms around me. He took a large breath in. "Also, I wouldn't exactly complain about smelling like you."
I paused, arms still around him and I could feel his grip tightening just a little bit. I wasn't sure what to say, and I definitely had no idea how I felt about this situation.
"Oh, well thanks. At least I don't smell bad." I joked as I began to loosen my grip and he loosened his.
"No problem." He chuckled as he turned and began to walk in the direction of the store, this time me following him.
Thoughts began to run through my head again. The embraces have become less awkward. Being together was more fun and he was much less shy than before. Part of me was scared still, to have a friend, but the logical part of my brain made the fear go away. Was I getting feelings for him? No way. Not today.
We reach the door and Matthew pauses for a minute to wait for me with my little legs to catch up. I look to my left, where he was standing, and noticed him looking down at me from the corner of his eye with a smile spread across his face. I smile too, subconsciously, and continue walking.
"Hi, welcome! Can I help you two find anything?" The overly bubbly door greeter asked as the sliding doors opened and we stepped inside.
"No, thanks." I replied as we kept walking.
"Alright, just let me know if you need any help." I could hear her say from a distance now that we are further away.
"She seemed too happy." Matthew observed as he chuckled a little bit.
"Yeah, I guess maybe just a little." I replied, giggling as well.
We walk in silence until we reach the part of the store. I told him to go ahead and pick out a few things that he would like and he looked at me like a little kid in a candy store. He walked away from me and began browsing.
"Hey, I'll be right back." I exclaimed to him as he gave me the thumbs up of approval.
I walk down and grab the few items he would need to wash up and then walk back to the clothing section where he is standing patiently waiting with two shirts and a pair of pants with a case of boxers and socks.
"Ready to go?" I asked.
"Yeah, I got everything you told me to get."
"Good." I grinned as I turned and walked to the checkout, with him walking next to me yet again.
The clerk looked at me. "G'day ma'am." He said as he tipped his head in respect. He looked up at Matthew and tipped his head to him as well. "G'day sir."
Matthew and I smiled back at the clerk and then looked away simultaneously which made us laugh a little. We snatch the bags and got on the chilly walk back to the car.
When we get back to the car, he looks at me briefly before clicking open the trunk and plopping the bags into it and then slamming it shut. I go and put the car back while he climbs into the car.
Once I get inside, we take off to go to the bowling alley now.
"Are you ready to go bowling?" I look over briefly and ask him as we start slowly driving down the snowy and icy road.
"Of course I am" He says with a large smile that I can see from the corner of my eye. This brings a smile to my face.
"Good." I replied as I turn my full attention back on the road.
We finally get to the parking lot of the bowling alley and climb out of the car after what seemed like a never ending car ride. We go inside and are greeted by one of the workers.
"Hey what can I get for you?" the young woman asked. She looked not much older than 18, maybe 20, with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She stood about 5 feet tall, making me feel like a giant. She wasn't anorexically skinny but she also wasn't fat either. She was perfectly proportioned.
"Yeah can we get some bowling shoes? I'm a size 9 and he's a size-" I paused. I didn't actually know his size.
"Size 12 for me, ma'am." Matthew filled in the blank for me.
The blonde worker smiled and crouched down to get us our shoes. I turn around and I see Matthew smiling while looking at the, now, empty counter.
"Are you excited?" I asked.
"Absolutely!" He said in an almost sarcastic tone.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing. I'm just a little bit distracted." He answered, eyes focused on me now.
Before I can respond, the little blonde has our shoes up on the counter. I swipe both pairs of shoes off the counter and hand Matthew his. He walks over to the bench and I go to follow as I hear a voice behind me.
"Wait." the voice said shyly as I whip back around to see who was speaking.
"What?" I asked impatiently, wanting to just get my shoes on, bowl one game and then be done with it.
"Your friend is pretty cute. Does he have a cell phone?" she asked, looking over my shoulder at him.
"No he doesn't." I respond. "sorry." I go to talk away again and this time she doesn't stop me.
I hate girls like that. So desperate they feel the need to make a move on a guy they don't even know. Especially this guy. If it was any other guy, I wouldn't have cared. But for some reason, even though I just met him the other day, I still felt almost offended that this blonde bimbo would have the nerve to ask me for his number. I'm sure he had a phone, I just wasn't sure if he would appreciate me giving his number to some random person. Especially since I don't even have his number.
"What's going on?" Matthew asked me with a worried tone to his voice.
"Nothing, she was just asking me how many games we want to play." I lied. I felt bad lying but, if I told him the truth, I was afraid he would feel the same and be mad at me for not telling him that she had asked for his number so he could give it to her.
"Oh, okay." Matthew said as he got up from the bench and began to walk over to the lane the little bimbo set up for us.
I trailed shortly behind him and walked down to the tiled part of the floor where the keypad sat and typed in my name. I went to turn around to tell him he could type in his name and there he is, standing not far from my side. I look up at him and he looks down at me in silence for a few seconds.
"You can type in your name if you-" He stops me.
"Would you go out with me?" He smiles nervously, still looking down at me and maintaining eye contact.
I couldn't respond. No words came out.
"It's okay if not, I just wanted to get that out and off my chest. I just really like you and would like, actually, be honored if I would be able to call you more than just a friend."
I still couldn't respond. I looked at him still, finding it hard to look away. Why me? Why not that blonde bimbo who was trying to make a move on him? Will it offend him if I tell him I need a minute to think? Will it hurt him if I say no? Will he kiss me if I say yes?
I stand there, like a deer in headlights, wondering what on earth I should do.
He stands, looking at me now, only an inch or two from my face. In the time it took me to think, he had turned his entire body to me, I turned mine to him, he came down close to my face with his hand on my cheek gently. He leaned in more and shut his eyes. I instinctively shut mine and leaned up for the kiss, hoping it would give me an answer.
I felt a feeling that I had never felt before.
As soon as he pulled away from my face I finally found the words to say.
"Absolutely. I would love to be your girlfriend." I smiled and went in for a hug. He squeezed me tightly.
"I think we should probably play the game before they get mad." He chuckles and says to me.
"Okay." I laughed and turned to grab my ball.
One game later, we are both tired and ready to go. He grabs my hand and walks out to the car with me and opens my door for me, waits till I climb in, and then shut the door behind me before walking over to his side and hopping in the car.
"Well, that was a lot of fun." He looked at me and smiled.
"I agree." I said, smiling back.