opia; matty healy.

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"We just got here, Matty," Erica tells us, confused, "I'm not taking her home."

"Find George and tell him to drive her home then!" He raises his voice

"What's your problem?" She asks suddenly, annoyance written all over her face.

"I'm just asking you to get her home," He pleads.

"And you can't, because...?"

"Because I made out with Matty and now he's pissed so if you don't mind Erica, I'd much rather not see his face anymore," I cut in, not wanting Matty to come up with any elaborate lies.

I can hear Matty laugh and I watch him shaking his head, pushing past the two of us and walking off. Erica looks at me with wide eyes, "Seriously?"

I nod, my eyes tearing up, "Can you find George?"

She grabs my hand and leads me to the kitchen, my fingers no longer holding the boy I once believed was the most wonderful thing to happen to me. The short moment we had, the kiss and the way he gripped my hips, it wasn't enough – but Matty is just like the rest, and I feel as though I've definitely lost my best friend now.

I don't say much, instead letting Erica do the talking when we find George – who leads us out of the house and towards his car. How could I trick my mind into believing things could be fine for once? I fed myself lies until I believed them, thinking Matty and I stood a chance together. Friendships only lead to endings when feelings are involved. It's better to get out than get in and risk it all.

"Issy," Erica says quietly, "I feel like this is all my fault."

"Why would it be your fault?" I ask, my eyes glossy as I make out her frowning face through the tears.

"I told you he liked you," She tells me.

"So did I," George announces from the drivers seat.

I laugh, a few tears falling down my cheeks, "it's my fault, don't worry."

"It's Matty's fault," George tries, "He was a twat."

"Oh, please don't cry," Erica whispers.

"I'll be okay, I just need to sleep away the weekend and pretend I've got myself together," I admit.

"Aren't we all doing that?" George jokes, causing me to crack a small smile.

I should have seen it coming, I realise. Matty hadn't ever shown any signs of liking me, and although his actions were uncalled for, it's easy to see why he thought we were only friends and there was nothing in between.

"Will you be okay?" Erica asks me when the three of us are upstairs and sitting on my bed.

I smile, not having cried since those few tears in the car, "I will, don't worry. You guys can go back to the party."

"I'm going to beat Matty's arse," George says, a small laugh escaping my lips at how protective my friends are.

"Thank you for looking after me," I tell them, nodding.

"I wanna stay with you," Erica pouts, but I tell her she should go and enjoy her night without letting me ruin it. I know, most likely, I haven't ruined their night, but it seems the appropriate thing to say in the situation.

They let themselves out as I collect my clothes and find something to sleep in, not bothering to shower, simply brushing my teeth and leaving everything until the morning. I throw my shoes off and throw on a shirt over my bare body, sliding into bed and closing my eyes soon after.