ashes [m.h.] (Completed)

Chapter 12.

I stand in my room with Mia looking me up and down. She taps her chin humming to herself in approval.

"I did a dąmn good job" she smiles.

I turn to the mirror and eye myself closely. The little black dress I borrowed from Mia hugs my curves in a subtle way. The fabric is soft, ending a few inches above my knees. My hair is curled into big waves as they cascade down my shoulders. My makeup is neat, with two wings of eyeliner precisely done, and a bold highlight on my cheekbones. A darker shade of berry red is smoothed onto my lips, adding a touch of sophistication. I breathe.

"Here are the shoes" she sings behind me. I turn to see her holding a pair of black ankle boots.

"Those are cute" I say, taking them to put them on. "I just hope I dont fall and break an ankle." I chuckle. Mia laughs along with me.

I stand and look at myself another time before a ding is heard from my phone. I skillfully walk to my purse and hold it in my line of sight. A text notification appears on my screen.

Unknown: Hey.

The number is unrecognizable to my mind. I contemplate weather to respond, before typing away a message.

Me: Who is this?

Seconds later a new message appears.

Unknown: It's Matty. I'm here, are you ready?

Matty? How did he get my number? He must've written it down when I gave it to Mia.

Me: I'll be right out, just park by my car.

"He's waiting outside" I inform Mia, grabbing my small purse and filling it with necessities.

"Okay, have fun!" She smiles. I say a quick goodbye and head out the door.

I walk slowly towards the parking lot, trying to get used to the heels. I sincerely hope I don't trip. I take the time to clear my head and put a confident expression on my face. His car comes into view and I'm meerly meters away.

He climbs out and I take in his appearance. His usual black skinny jeans cling to his legs as he walks from beside the car. A jean jacket is on his back with a tight grey shirt underneath. Sunglasses hide his eyes, but are then pushed onto his head as I approach him.

He smiles. I return the action and walk to the passenger door beside him. He opens the door and I climb in carefully. Within a short moment he has rounded the car and makes his way inside.

"You look amazing." He says quietly with eyes locked straight ahead.

"Thank you. You look hot in sunglasses." I blurt before I can catch myself. A small chuckle leaves his lips, and my cheeks go red. The car is started and we pull out of the lot.

I decide not to speak and further embarrass myself. My focus is now on the world outside of the small vehicle I sit in. Trees pass and begin to fade away as we enter town. Businesses neighbor each other and resteraunts are seen everywhere. I wonder where Matty chose to eat. My question is answered when we pull into a small local pub.

"This is the place." he murmurs whilst finding a parking space. "It has a bar and resteraunt. We can eat then the concert should start in the bar area later."

"Sounds good." I smile.

The keys are pulled from the ignition and he looks to me before sliding out of the now open car door. I do the same, not waiting for him to open mine. I catch up to him and we walk in sync. The warm wind blows lightly, catching my dress a bit with it. I feel the back of his hand graze my own, sending my senses on high. His long fingers find their way to my small palm, sliding down slowly to interlace with mine. I don't stop his actions, letting him engulf my hand in his.

We reach the entrance of the small bar, and I let breath escape as his cold hand leaves mine. The door is held open, while my feet carry me through. I slow my pace and wait as he catches up with me. His hand connects with the small of my back, taking me by surprise. My snaps towards his before my mind can catch up. He seems to notice, immediately removing the hand. Before I can even explain, he stops. It isn't until then that I realize we have made it to an empty booth with the bar sitting nearby. A middle aged woman soon appears as we are seated. IHop all over again.

"I'm Diane," she pops her gum obnoxiously. "Would you like to order?"

I reach for a menu to study. I have a drink in mind, but I'll let Matty go first.

"Yea, um, two number fives, a brandy, and a cherry limerita twist thingy?" He practically questions the last item. It takes me a second to realize that he's ordered for the both of us. I decide to and see what exactly a number five is. Before I can locate the dish, the waitress' hand is reaching to take my menu.

"I'll take these." She says, as I let her confiscate it. She disappears quickly and leaves Matty and I to sit in silence.

My eyes wander around the area. Light classic rock music plays as background music in the small speakers in the corners of the room. Few people litter the bar on stools, some more drunk than others. My attention goes to a dark haired man in a business suit. He's slumped over the bar counter with a brown drink in hand. I can't begin to imagine what could have gotten him to this point.

The reappearing waitress distracts me from my thoughts. She makes her way to our table with food in hand. Not a word is said as she quickly places the items on our table. A plate is set in front of me and I study it carefully. A large burger towers over the mound of french fries on the dish. Bacon, cheese, and onions are visible, sticking out of the burger. Crisp and salted shoestring fries fill the rest of the space. My mouth waters in satisfaction of the feast before me.

"I thought you'd like it." Matty chuckles across the table. "I don't know what you like to drink, so if you don't like that one I'll order something else." He adds referring to my drink.

"What's in it?" I move the drink towards my mouth.

"Tequila, I think. And some cherry limeade flavor stuff."

I sip it slowly. The taste of lime hits my tongue first with the strong taste of alcohol following suit. The flavor is intoxicating, and I sip happily.

"Good?" Matty asks.

I simply nod my head, not wanting to stop drinking the liquid. A light feeling takes over my senses as I drink more and more. If all alcohol tastes this good, I want more.