Who Are You? - A Matthew Espinosa Fanfiction

Chapter 9

MATTHEW'S POV:
To say the group was shocked at what Allison said would be an understatement. For once, no one spoke, which I can say for a fact is abnormal for these boys. They all openly (not to mention awkwardly), stared at Allison and I while Bart stood there, happy with our response. I could tell that Allison was nervous and uncomfortable, because I could feel her fidgeting next to me. I was nervous though, too. What if we let it slip that it wasn't real? I didn't know how long Allison or I could keep up the act. I couldn't stand not being a part of Magcon. Or not being friends with the boys. But if we screwed this up, that would be exactly what would happen. By force of habit, or instinct, or nerves, or whatever you want to call it, my grip on Allison's waist tightened as I pulled her closer to me. Her head was rested on my shoulder, and I had to say, it wasn't all that bad. I don't know why, but even though we hated each other, she was almost like a security blanket to me. She helped me in the elevator, and I hoped she'd be able to help me now. There was just something about her being around when I was nervous that claimed me down. But I knew that I couldn't get attached and I wouldn't. Cameron was the first one to snap out of the shocked trance it seemed that everyone was in.

"Matt?"

"Yeah, man?"

"Is it true? Are you two like, a thing now?"

I look around at the people that I've learned to call my family, and I can't help but feel extremely guilty for even considering lying to them. I knew that it was what I needed to do, if I want to stay on this tour and keep doing what I love. I looked down at Allison and I was extremely surprised to see a look of sympathy and concern in her eyes, as though she knows what I'm feeling. Then I realized that she does know what I'm feeling. She just had to lie to her best friend of over ten years, and all of her new friends. Great way to start off a friendship there! Before I realized what was happening, I found myself feeling bad for Allison Morgen, even worse than how I feel for myself for what I'm about to do.

I look around at everyone once more and then gaze down at Allison in what I hope looks like adoration before answering. "Yeah, man, it's true. I asked her to be my girlfriend and she said yes. We're both really happy, and we hope that you're all happy for us too."

None of them look convinced. But they don't have time to question it before the tour buses arrive to pick us up to drive us first to the airport to pick up Taylor and Carter, and then to drive to the first official stop of the Magcon Summer Tour. I breathe a sigh of relief and notice Allison do the same. I look down at her again to see her already staring at me. I can't help but be both cocky and teasing towards her, it's a part of my daily routine that I can now only do when the two of us are alone.

"Like what you see, babe? Because according to the contracts this-" I say gesturing towards my body, "is all yours. But just to be on the safe side, you might want to take a picture. I've heard they last longer."

She rolls her eyes before using the arm that she wrapped around my waist to inconspicuously give me a wedgie.

"We need to...have some alone time when we get on the tour bus."

I knew that she meant we had to talk about the little situation we were in due to our contracts. But it wasn't like she she was able to flat out say that without blowing our cover. I could practically see her shuddering at the thought if the two of us having actual alone time. But she was doing a pretty good job of faking that she didn't despise every bone in my body. When it came down to it, we did actually make a good team, and watched out for each other.

"Anything for my princess. But, how about after we get the other boys from the airport, 'kay?"

She nodded, before smirking at me and saying, "Oh, and babe, I could easily do better, so I don't really need a picture. But thanks for the offer."

With that, she pulled herself out of my grasp, and winked before strutting off in the direction of the tour bus. Leaving me standing there, staring at her retreating figure before hurrying after her to get onto the tour bus.

CLAIRE'S POV:
What the hell?! Allison and Matthew, together? I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it. Heck, I've seen it and I still don't quite believe it. I was going to interrogate Als, but we were forced onto our tour buses to get Carter, Taylor, and JC. I had meant to talk to her and I knew the only way I would be able to now would be to text her. I sighed in defeat. I wanted to talk to her in private and in person, but that wasn't possible. I pulled out my phone and texted her.

CK: Hey

AM: Hey. Miss me already?😉

CK: hahaha. You're so funny. No I actually just wanted to talk to you about something.

AM: Ok. Shoot.

CK: Are you ok?

AM: Yeah...why wouldn't I be?

CK: idk. You just seemed kind of upset by some of the things that Matt said.

AM: I mean, I kinda was, but JaJo helped me get over it, and I did kinda overreact.

CK: ok. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing ok. And I have one more question.

AM: You know you can ask me anything and I'll give you an honest answer, Claire. So what do you want to know about my oh so fascinating life?

CK: Are you insane?! Or on drugs?! Because I hear drugs can make you do crazy things!

AM: No to both questions. Why?

CK: You and Matt. Care to explain?

She didn't respond. Either she lost her phone...again, or she was purposely ignoring me. I didn't really like ether option, but I knew I wouldn't be getting an answer soon, so I locked my phone and set it on my bunk on the tour bus before walking out to the main area where the other three boys were.

I was still mad at Shawn, so I went and sat by Nash, staying silent and just staring at the TV. I could feel the three of them staring at me. But I sure as hell wouldn't be the first to talk. Shawn was in here and I wouldn't start talking unless he had an apology or said something that would make me go on the defensive.

Nash was the first to speak. "Claire, you okay?"

I simply nodded.

Nash nudged Cameron, signaling it was his turn to try to get me to talk. "Where's the funny and talkative Klopreth today?"

I simply shrugged. I did however notice that Cam decided to start calling me by my last name, not that I minded. I noticed the other two boys look at Shawn in desperation. They knew Shawn was the closest to me out of the three of them, but they didn't know what he said this morning.

Shawn obviously didn't seem to remember either, as he acted as though nothing had happened. "C'mon CK. Talk to us."

That did it. CK was the nickname Als had given me and I wasn't about to let him use it.

"Don't you dare call me CK! That's the name my best friend gave me and you pretty much said she was heartless! I cannot believe that you would even think that about her. Then you go and act like nothing happened, like you didn't insult someone that you claimed to be friends with. That's low, Shawn, really low. The only reason I even came out here is because she won't answer her phone, but I guess I should've just stayed back there because I would prefer feeling alone and having no one, to being around someone who would do something like you did!"

Even though I was mad at Als for not answering her phone and making me feel like she didn't have time for me, I'd still go to the ends of the earth to stand up for her, knowing she would do the same. I stood up off the couch, and ran towards my bunk, tears filling my eyes, and ignoring the calls from the three boys to come back. I just wanted my best friend, but she wasn't there, for one of the first times ever. But I couldn't help but wonder, why wouldn't she answer her phone? It's not that I'm mad that she's with Matthew, I'm just worried. She just seemed so sad and hurt by his comments last night, and now they're both like lovesick puppies. I don't get it. I just want to protect her and I don't want this relationship of hers to end up like her last one did.