Chapter 41.

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Song for this chapter: The ballad of me and my brain by The 1975

Maggie's p.o.v.

"I'm in love with the shape of you." I sing as the song comes to an end.

Lowering my mascara, I move from my place in the mirror to get a quick glance at the screen of my phone. I wait barely a second to see the next song appear. 'Fergalicous' flashes across the screen.

"Fergalicous?" I laugh to myself. "Matty probably loves this song."

I go back to my previous position in the mirror as I let the humorous song flow through my speakers.

Looking in the mirror I take in my appearance. I'd did as Matty requested and fixed myself up a bit for whatever he had planned. My makeup is a little darker than usual, but still manages to look causal, meshing impeccably well with my simple black long sleeved dress.

I don't know when exactly Matty would be here to pick me up, but I assume he would text me in advance.

Satisfied with my looks, I make my way over to my bed and get comfortable enough to wait. My phone seems appealing enough to occupy my time, causing me to whip it out. I scroll through multiple social media apps, catching up on everyone's posts and enjoying an abundance of new memes.

After a short while, I stop for a minute, setting my phone down and blinking my tired eyes. I check the time on my screen out of curiosity to find that an hour had flown by in a breeze.

What could that boy possibly be up to.

My mind runs wild as I imagine all the romantic things he could be planning, causing him to run a bit late. The thought of him taking the time to set up the perfect night crosses my mind. Ha. Never in a million years.

As much as I love Matty, he's just not that type of person, and I'm perfectly content with that. He's perfect in his own way.

Lost in my thoughts my eyes gradually close and I find myself drifting off into an unplanned slumber.

---

A knock on my door causes my body to jolt awake.

How long have I been out?

What time is it?

That must be Matty.

As soon as the thought comes to mind, I'm quick to move from my position in bed. My heart beats faster and butterflies flutter in the pitof my stomach as I become giddy for what could possibly be in store.

I briskly smooth over my dress and smooth my hair before reaching for the door handle. I turn it eagerly and direct my words to Matty as the door opens.

"Matty you had me worried-" I'm immediately cut off by my own brain as my eyes come in contact with with the person behind the door.

"Hey." He says softly.

"Jackson?" I say with a bit of disappointment in my tone. As much as I enjoy seeing Jackson again, I can't hide the face that I wish it was Matty. But my mind tries to be hopeful, conjuring up the idea that Jackson is here to pick me up and take me somewhere magical where Matty will be waiting. 

"Can I come in?" He doesn't make look me in the face as his voice comes out strained.

I step back at his request, opening the door for him to make his way through.

"So uh, what are you doing here?" I ask as politely as possible after he makes his way in.

He keeps his eyes low and his mouth closed as a tense silence fills the room.

"Jackson?"

"He's gone."

My brows knit together in confusion.

"What are you talking about? Who are you talking about?"

He lifts his gaze from the floor to my own, giving me a heart attack from his serious expression. I instantly know who he's talking about and my stomach drops.

"What? No, what did he do? Where is he?" Questions fall from my lips in a demanding tone.

"He's fücking dead." He says, voice cracking as I see his eyes fill with tears. "The dumb bastard got himself shot. Bleed to death on a filthy fücking gas station floor." Jackson sighs. "Why in the fück did he think he could rob a gas station?"

I heard every word he said, letting it sink into my thick skull, but the only thing I could focus on was his first three words.

He's dead.

He's dead.

He's dead.

The words play on repeat though my head as if I'm trying to convince my own mind of it.

My body goes weak as the words hit me hard. I don't fight the fresh tear streaming down my cheek as I feel my legs give out. Jackson is quick to catch me and ease me down gently onto the floor where he proceeds in holding me in his arms.

It took me a few seconds to let the truth sink in. He's gone. Matty's gone. I'll never get to see his face again. Never again get to hear his beautifully vulgar words, hold his cold fingers close, or bask in the beauty of his perfect chocolate curls. He's gone from the world and never coming back.

"No." I whisper quietly in denial as more hot tears streak down my cheeks. "No!" I bellow out as I begin to loose it. I feel Jackson's hand on the back of my head as he embraces me, the two of us a mess on the floor.

"He can't be dead." I let out as I fist his shirt in my hands. "He can't be. It's Matty for Christ's sake! I love him, I love him he can't be dead, he just can't!"

I can't fight my body's urge to begin sobbing hysterically.

"Maggie, look at me." Jackson orders as he taks a hold of my face and forces me to look into his red eyes. I could tell he was fresh out of tears.

"Breathe." He instructs me, only causing me to further loose my composure.

I hold nothing back as Jackson hold me close to him, understanding my grief.

What did I do to deserve this?

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I know some of you are angry with me after this, but I just want to say thank you.

At least I know now that my book has had the effect on you that I had hoped. It really boosts my confidence as a writer to hear you want to murder me now lol.

Ily all! Don't forget to vote and comment!!

-nya

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