Isn't It Ironic?

Chapter 6

Braelyn's POV

"Oh, god, Braelyn, I didn't realize you were that bad at bowling." Matt says, laughing.

I slap him in the shoulder. "You hush. I was a bit distracted, thanks to you."

Matt shrugs. "Apologies."

"Not accepted. Now let's go, I wanna get back before them."

"Why?" Matt asks, speeding up a little.

"Because if we get there first we get dibs on the tv and I only have one season of Criminal Minds left." I laugh a little.

"Fine, fine. But just for you."

"You're so good to me."

"I know." He sighs. "It's a burden, really."

"Did you just call me a burden you little ho?"

"Did you just call me a little ho?"

"Yes." I laugh. Just then, Matt pulls into my driveway and we head up to the living room. Matt loads up Netflix while I grab a couple of frozen pizzas and preheat the oven.

"Criminal Minds?" Matt asks, looking back at me.

"Yes sir."

He clicks on it and the next episode starts. The oven beeps and I put the pizzas in and start the timer, then go to sit by him. Matt puts his arm around me and I cuddle to his chest. Allie and Luke show up and we all eat together. Then, we give them the tv and head to my room.

"Wanna play 20 questions?" Matt asks when I close the door.

"Sure, why not." I sit across from him, indian style. "You first."

"Alright...What's your favorite color?"

"Orange, you?"

"I like blue."

"Nice. Um, who's your favorite youtuber?" I ask.

"Kian and JC are pretty cool."

"Agreed."

"Are they your favorites, too?"

"Well, I like them, but I also love me some Tyler Oakley and Troye Sivan."

"You're into the gay crowd."

I shrug. "They get me."

"And I don't?"

"Don't play that game." I laugh a little. "Your turn."

"Okay..what's your favorite sport?"

"To play or to watch?"

"Both I suppose."

"Play, lacrosse. Watch, football."

"Oh, what team?"

"Patriots are my fave but Allie likes the Bills."

"Lame."

"I know, right? She doesn't really do the football thing, she's more into hockey. But anyway, are you still a virgin?"

"Coming out with the heavy questions already, I see." Matt laughs. "Uh, no. I'm not."

"When did you lose it?"

"I was in a pretty serious relationship last year, and that's when it happened." Matt sighs a little. "But it's my turn. How far have you gone with a guy?"

"Well, technically I've gone all the way. I've willingly given bjs and stuff like that."

"What do you mean by technically?"

"I was raped by my boyfriend a couple years ago. Needless to say, he became my ex boyfriend soon after."

"Damn, I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"To be honest I'm not that beat up about it. He's a douche so I don't mind talking about it. I was going to give it up to him anyway, on his birthday."

"Still sucks, babe."

"I guess. But that means it's my turn, right? Uh, I'm gonna hit it personally. Why did you and your serious girlfriend break up? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, no. It's fine. Uh, she cheated on me with a close friend. I dropped them both. I don't need that negativity in my life. I thought I was in love, my heart was broken. Then I started partying, a lot. That's how I met you, so I guess it was worth it."

"You're so cute." I kiss his cheek. "Your turn."

"Imma hit a personal chord, but you don't have to answer."

"I can guess what you're going to say."

"Why no parents? Why a house with your bestfriend?"

"Alright." I take a deep breath. "So, when I was 8, my drunk, abusive dad accidentally killed my brother. Scared, he shot my mom, then turned the gun on himself. I was hiding under the bed in the room that my brother and I shared, watching the whole thing. I lived with my grandma, up until last year, where she kicked the bucket after a long fight with cancer. Combined life insurance from her and mom was enough to fully purchase the house and start a savings for me."

Matt is quiet for a while. "Holy shit, Braelyn."

I shrug. "I've gotten used to heartbreak." I say quietly.

Without saying anything, Matt grabs me in a tight hug. The dam holding back all my emotions for the night breaks and they all come flooding forward. Tears stream down my face, but here, in Matt's arm, everything disappears and I'm left in the moment with the guy I could very well be in love with.