ashes [m.h.] (Completed)

Chapter 10

"So, um... about the party..."

His smile fades as I say the words hesitantly.

"Yea?" He responds.

"I just felt as though I need to explain myself-"

"You don't have to explain anything to me if you dont want to." He quickly interrupts.

"Well, I just wanted to clear the air, and let you know that I'm not some typical college party girl who gets wasted and cries in bathrooms..." I say the last three words quieter then the rest. But by his expression I can tell he's hanging on to every last word.

"I know." he simply states. "I know you're not that kind of person . I wouldn't help out some random wild party girl, and I obviously wouldn't let them in my car on the very high chance that they'll puke." He laughs a bit.

I laugh lightly with him in response.

As if on cue, the polite waitress makes her way to our booth. She holds two hot plates and cold glasses chocolate milk on a big black plate-like carrier.

"Two red velvet pancakes..." she says as she sets the plates in front of us. She reaches for the glasses and sets them down as well "And two chocolate milks. Enjoy!" She smiles before leaving us to our meal.

"Yum" Matty says sarcastically.

"It's great, trust me. You don't even need syrup." I remove my fork and knife from the big napkin, that we got with our menus. With that, I dig in.

We eat in silence, the sound of metal forks and knives clicking together occasionally is all to be heard. With the last bite, I clear my plate and take another sip of chocolate milk.

"Oof." I huff. "I'm so full, but it was worth it"

I look over to Matty. Barley half of his plate has been touched, as he sits, staring straight out of the window.

"Not a pancake person?" I ask, bringing him from his thoughts.

"Just not hungry"

"Well we can get a carry out if you want. Don't want those bad boys to go to waste" I laugh.

He doesn't say anything. I use the opportunity to call the waitress over for the check and a to go box. Matty doesn't pay any mind to our exchange. Its as if he's off in his own little world. I do wonder what is on his mind. What exactly could he be thinking about so much that it practically pulls him out of reality? His expression is always hard when he does this. His blinking slows. I watch him closely, and can see his jaw clench every now and then. He turns to face me, catching me staring. Our eyes don't meet long before I look away. My head falls to my lap and I stare at my fingers.

"I re- " Matty begins, but is soon  interrupted by the returning waitress.

She sets the styrofoam container and black booklet containing the check on the table between us. I look up momentarily to give her a thankful smile. Matty reaches for the box, and proceeds to fill it with the half eaten pancakes. I grab the check. The total reads $23.16 with tax and I begin to contemplate the appropriate amount to tip.

I rummage through my purse for my wallet. Before I can even find it, the check is slid away from my sight. I snap my head up. Matty glances my direction, before sliding a slighty crinkled $20 bill into the black book.

"You don't have to-" I begin to oblige, but am quickly cut short.

"You can pay the $3.16 if you want pal." He says. "All I have is a 20 anyway."

"If thats all you have then keep it, I'll pay." I counter.

"I don't want you to pay for me." He says a bit harshly. I flinch a bit at the surprisingly lethal tone. "I'm sorry, I mean I just feel uncomfortable with you paying for everything. Let me pay, its the least I can do after you letting me stay the night." He corrects himself.

"Okay" I say softly, nodding with understanding.

I pull out 4 one dollar bills and hand them to Matty. He shoves them together with his 20 dollar bill. I pull out a 5 and set it under the salt shaker. Matty looks at me with confusion.

"Tip" I clarify.

He nods.

With that he grabs the box of leftovers and quickly moves from the booth. He stands in front of the small space and stretches his limbs. I take that as my cue to gather my things. I zip my purse and move from our seats. As I reach my feet, Matty turns to me.

"Ready?" He asks.

"Yes" I simply reply with a nod.

With his free hand he takes mine, in an unexpected action. I look down at our hands and then up to him. He doesn't look to me, keeping his eyes forward. I expect a hard expression but his face reads nothing but gentle softness. It looks almost as if he's blushing, though my mind finds the thought impossible.

Our hands never part as we begin to make our way out of the quaint restaurant. His hands are large, swallowing mine in their grasp. He's cold to the touch, but I pay no mind as we reach the car. He lets go to open the car door for me, and I smile a small 'thank you' as I climb in. He rounds car to his side and climbs in shortly after.

"To your room?" He asks.

"Yes" I nod.

The car falls silent as he starts the vehicle, backing out soon after. The drive is short-lived and no one says a word. He enters the parking spaces and pulls in next to my car just as the night before. The small space is quieter than ever with the engine off. Matty uses the opportunity to speak.

"I'm not sorry" he says.

"What?" I ask, my face full of confusion.

"I'm not sorry I kissed you" he clarifies.

His words hang in the air, and I don't know what to say. My stomach flutters at the thought of him wanting to kiss me. I sit in silence. I glance up to find his eyes on me, and meet his gaze. My cheeks get warmer.

"I um," I begin, letting my eyes fall to my purse "I guess I  should get going."

He doesn't say a word as I open the door and step out. I smile and give a small wave before turning and walking off.

I head towards my room, replaying today's events with a smile still lingering on my face.