ashes [m.h.] (Completed)

Chapter 16.

I study the figures as best I can from behind Matty's shield. They seem to dress similar to him, but with a heavier vibe. More black and more leather hangs from their bodies. Like Matty, their hair is carelessly done and lays in a messy fashion atop their heads. There are three of them, outnumbering us by one. They stand in a slight triangle, one of them stepping a litte closer than the other two. His presence is very prominent, and his posture reads leadership. I note to myself the fact that he seems to be in charge. Before I can analyze them any longer a voice chooses to speak.

"Vince." A familiar voice spits. Mass amounts of lethality lace through just that one word. It takes me a second to realize that it is Matty who has spoken.

"Matthew," the leader chuckles, and I assume he is Vince. "Matthew, Matthew, Matthew." He shakes his head with laughter still sounding.

"What do you want?" Matty growls lowly.

"How are you Matthew? It's been quite a while hasn't it?" Vince smiles wickedly.

"What do you want." Matty growls again with more anger.

Vince simply smiles wider, barring  his teeth. "Straight to business I see? I remember a time when you actually respected my authority. But considering your actions lately, I can see you no longer give a shįt." Vince emphasizes the last six words, eyes brimming with evil. "You know what I'm here for Matthew. You owe me."

"You know dąmn well I don't have your fųcking money." Matty retaliates, not missing a beat.

Vince takes a daring step forward, his height well towering over Matty's. Vince's eyes go dark, and I'm sure Matty's have done the same. Even with the height difference, Matty's frame stays strong and unwavering, shielding me. I don't think, just stand there watching as I'm sure a fight will break out any moment. Then I remember the other two goons just behind Vince. The fight is already unfair, and to tip the scales more Vince pulls something from beneath his coat. With a slick flick of the wrist, a shiny metal appears. A knife. My senses go on high once the weapon is revealed. I can't just stand here and watch Matty throw himself into a death sentence. Vince looks like he is not afraid to kill, and I don't doubt the idea for a second.

"Wait!" A high pitched voice interrupts the stand off. All eyes go to me. Was that me? I don't think about me, just about saving Matty from an unfair fight.

"Maggie." Matty warns.

I ignore him.

"How much does he owe you, and what for?" I ask with a shaky voice. Vince looks to me with an intrigued expression.

"And what's it to you, baby." He calls. I flinch at his pet name.

"I have money, I just need to know how much, and what it's for." I try to sound more confident.

Vince chuckles, his wicked smile reappearing. "Three fifty."

"For?"

"Little miss nosy aren't you?" He taunts.

I mimic Matty's previous behavior, and repeat myself sternly. "For?"

"Various things," he finally answers. "hm, lets see. Lots of weed, I know that. Some Molly, little cocaine, and a couple of drinks I paid his tab off for. I know he's flat ass broke most of the time so I'm lowering the price...for an old friend."

My mind doesn't comprehend. Drugs? Matty owes money for drugs? I look to Matty with a disgusted expression, and he flinches at my harshness. I don't say anything, and neither does he. I just pull out my wallet and grab the rest of my shopping money. I count all of the bills, and reluctantly hold them out for Vince to take.

"Here's three nineteen, thats all I have."

Vince simply smiles. "Pleasure doing business with you, darling." He says before off and leaving with both of his men right behind.

With the instigators gone, Matty and I stand in silence. My gaze hits him hard, burning holes through him. If looks could kill, I'd be in handcuffs on my way to maximum security prison and charged with the worst degree of murder possible. He just stands there with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, and eyes glued to my feet. It's as if he wants to look at me, but just can't. I just wait. Wait for him to say something. I want to hear what he has to say for himself, but he just stands there. I can't stand it any longer.

I scoff.

I gather my stuff and look at him one last time. He keeps his head low, avoiding my eyes. I don't waste anymore time, and turn on my heels, walking away from him.

Once I reach the exit I stand outside of the mall, and try to think of my next step. I hadn't realized until now that my only way of getting home was Matty's car. That idea is long gone. I refuse to sit in a car full of intense silence with this boy. I will not walk back in there and pretend that absolutely nothing happened and ask him for a ride. I'd rather walk than to have him look me in the eyes and make me feel bad for him.

I pull my phone from my purse and scroll through my contacts. The only other person I know is Mia, and I pray she can take me back to campus. Her number appears on my screen and I press the call button quickly. The line rings only two times before she picks up.

"Maggie?" She chirps.

"Yea, hey. Um, can you come get me please?" I get straight to the point.

"Where are you at?"

"The mall, closets to campus. I'm outside the main entrance." I inform her.

"Okay, I'll be there shortly. What's going on. Are you okay?"

"Yea, yea, I'm fine." I lie.

"Okay well I'm on my way then."

I don't wait for a goodbye, hanging up right after her last response. All I can do is wait for her, and try to keep myself composed. Try.