Isn't It Ironic?

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Braelyn's POV

I wake up in my own room - but I'm not alone. Strong arms are wrapped around my waist. I bite back a scream and jump up, then turn to face the owner of the arms. His face is hidden, but a head of tousled blonde hair is visible in the sheets.

I let out a sigh of relief - it must just be the boy from last night. But why is he in my room? Didn't I put him in the guest room? I silently pull a sweatshirt on and walk into the kitchen, no one else is awake. I pick out an apple and shine it.

"Hey." I hear a gruff voice from behind me.

I turn. "Hi." I smile slightly and take a bite out of my apple.

"So, I don't really remember much about what happened last night. But thank you for letting me stay here."

"No problem." I grin at him and take another bite.

"So, uh..."

"Yeah?"

"I'm gonna need a ride at some point. Or at least I need to know where we are. You know, so I can get home."

"Course! I can bring you home - or to your car. Whichever, whenever."

"Cool." He gives me a sleepy grin and rubs his eyes.

I take another bite and my best friend walks into the kitchen. When she sees Matt, she does a double take. She looks at me, her eyes wide. "Brae. Who's this?"

"Uhm, Allie, Matt. Matt, Allie." I introduce them, pointing to the two of them in turn.

"Alright. Well." She flicks her eyes between the two of us and catches his gaze. "Nice to meet you, I guess. Do you guys have a thing?"

"I don't believe so." Matt laughs. "I had, um, a little too much to drink last night and she offered me a place to stay so I wouldn't drive."

"Yeah, Brae always does nice things like that." She's smiling, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"I gotta give him a ride home at some point." I say.

"Do you want me to go with you?" She asks, looking really concerned.

"I'll be fine, I promise." I finish my apple and throw the core in the trash. "You ready?"

"Yeah. Be right back." Matt walks off, probably going to grab something from the room.

When he's gone, Allie fixes me with a death stare. "What?" I ask.

"I don't want you going anywhere alone with him."

"I'm a big girl, Allie."

"And he's a strong guy. I don't feel comfortable with it. What if-"

"Don't even say it. I'll be okay, I promise."

"Stop saying that! You don't know who he is."

"Neither do you! But I do know that he's a teenage kid who needs a ride home because he made dumb decisions. It's whatever. I hope someone would do the same to me."

"Jesus, Brae, sooner or later this is gonna kill you."

"Loving the support."

"I'm just worried for you.

"Yeah, I know." Matt walks back in. "I'll call you when I'm on my way back." I say to her and then look at Matt. "Leggo." He follows me to my car and climbs in. I back out of the garage, turn around, then head towards where I met Matt last night. For a few minutes, we ride in silence, until Matt clears his throat.

"So, what's up with your roomie?"

"What do you mean?"

"She definitely did not want you to drive me."

"Don't worry about her, she's cool."

"Alright.."

After a couple moments, I turn on the radio. A good song comes on and Matt cranks it up, both of us gradually start singing along. When the song is over we laugh and I turn down the radio a little. "Good tune."

"Oh, yeah."

We sing along to the radio for the rest of the ride until Matt clears his throat and points ahead. "That's my car, up ahead. The blue one."

I park behind his car and shut mine off, walking to the driver's side with him. "Alright." I say as he climbs in and starts it up. "Can I have your number? I-I just wanna make sure you get home okay and whatnot."

"Excuses." He laughs and grabs my phone, putting his number in. "Make sure you text me so I can have yours."

"Course." I put my arm over the door and lean against it lightly. I send him a simple text, just saying 'hey'. "Alright. I guess I should probably get going."

"Sure, yeah." I start walking away, but Matt grabs my arm. "Brae, I'd really like to see you again. You know, when I can remember the night. What are you doing Friday?"

"I'm guessing you're about to tell me."

Matt's face breaks out in a grin. "I'll text you the details."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Matt lets go of my arm and I get back into my car. He drives away and I call Allie to let her know I'm on my way home.