Just A Fading Memory

3

CC

"Hey. You and Matt know each other?"
He looks to Matt who gave the tiniest nod. "Yes we've been friends for a long time."
"What's your last name if you don't mind Jake?"
"It's Pitts."
Jake Pitts. That name....those eyes....that smile....his voice.....it was all making my head hurt trying figure out why I felt like I'd known him my whole life. Maybe I had. Maybe it wasn't a dream........
I started tearing up meaning I was about to panic. "I need some air." I choked out and rushed out of the restaurant. I started pacing and hyperventilating. That was a new one, never done that before. My tears were relentlessly rolling down my cheeks and I hugged myself to keep from shaking. Matt was by my side in seconds.
"He's so familiar. Where do I know him? How do I know him? Matt please help me." I sobbed on his chest and heard someone else come out. Jake. I needed answers from Jake but Matt just lifted me into his arms and began walking off. "We're done here Jake. Have a nice life." He said sarcastically. I kept my face hidden in Matt until I knew we were in the car. I desperately needed answers and Matt was keeping secrets. Later that evening, we were laying in Matt's bed and I was wearing one of Matt's sweatshirts. It was oversized and baggy on my small frame. Matt got up to go to the restroom and I put his sleeves up to my face and inhaled his scent of smoke. I smiled, his scent was safety. He came back in and got under the covers and pulled them up around us. "As long as you're with me, nothing will ever hurt you again CC. I promise." He held me close and I snuggled up to him. I know what this looks like, no we are most certainly NOT dating. We have a very brotherly relationship, Matt's very protective of me and I greatly appreciate that. I yawned and rubbed my sleepy eyes. "Sleep CC you're safe with me." He hugged me close and pulled the covers up to my chin and brushed some hair from my face.
"Wh-What if I have a nightmare?" I bit my lip.
"I'll protect you from them. Close your heavy eyes and sleep CC." I nodded and Matt began to sing softly in my ear.
"I am with you
I will carry you through it all
I won't leave you I will catch you when you feel like letting go
Cause you're not, you're not alone."
I pressed his sweatshirt sleeves to my face and fell into a dreamless sleep.