V is for Vanessa

Chapter 8 - IHOP

     It's Thursday morning and I feel like shit. Last night, no forget it, yesterday, the entire day, was unbelievably one of the worst in a while.
     The text I received, which I know is from Johnny, has me on edge. How did he even get my number? I haven't even given my phone number to Abby or Matty.
     I'm not gonna let it ruin my day. I have classes that need attending, an education that needs improving, and a stomach that's needs some breakfast.
     I run into Abby's room and jump on her bed.
"WAKE UP!!!!"
"What the hell Vanessa!"
"We're going out for breakfast. Get up lazy bones."
"Fine, but only if we can go to IHOP."
"Mmm. Pancakes."
     It takes us about 20 minutes to get ready and we're headed out the door. Hoping we don't run into Matthew is an understatement. Of course we run into him. A girl can dream right.
"Hey where are you going?" he asks as though he actually seems to care.
Vanessa stop. Don't let him get to you like that.
"No where you need to know." I snort back.
     Abby decides to pipe in and I just about kick her ass.
"IHOP. You should come with"
"Well I do love a good pancake breakfast" he smirks.
     I glare at them both. As long as he doesn't talk to me I'll be fine.
It's only one hour Vanessa. You can do it.
"Shut up" I tell myself.
"Did you just tell me to shut up?" Matthew criticizes, making me blush.
     I don't reply. Knowing that I said that aloud just gives me anxiety.
     10 minutes later and we're finally here. The waitress takes our order, but doesn't give any intention of being interested in us, but only on Matty.
"Stop drooling." I look over at him. His mouth wide open. The waitress had her shirt unbuttoned a little too far. How she manages to still be working here is a mystery.
     When our food is brought out, I quickly grab the syrup container before any one else can and soak my pancakes. I'm a big sweet tooth.
"Are you trying to swim in the syrup?" Abby laughs.
"Yes, how did you know?" We all laugh.
     I avoid all conversations, hoping Matthew won't try to make contact. I know what he'll say. He'll ask me about yesterday and I'm not really in the mood to start bawling right now.
     He notices how quiet I am and try's to break into the conversation but Abby won't stop talking. God bless her soul. She is getting kind of annoying though. She has so many words for such a small body.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom." I say and stand up from our table.
     Before I can make it to the door I'm stopped by a tall, muscle built guy. Instantly I freeze, not knowing what to do. I know who it is. I don't speak at all.
"Hey beautiful. Great seeing you here." he says and I can feel the smirk on his face.
     I don't look up at him. Me being short works out really well in situations like this. Slowly I feel his hand reaching towards my face and instantly I slap it away, but right as my hand hits his, he uses his other hand to stop it. Frozen in my tracks, he takes my hand, brings it up to his lips, and kisses my fingers one by one. I don't try to pull away, knowing his strength is much stronger than mine.
     I look at our table hoping Matthew or Abby will see him. They're gone. Where did they go? In a few seconds I feel a hand on my shoulder and I jump. Matthew grabs me, and steps in front to take charge.
"I thought I made myself clear yesterday, but you're back for more."
"Anything to see my girl." Johnny steps to the side and sends me a wink. I shake in my steps, and Matthew sends a hand back as if he wants me to hold it for comfort. I shouldn't be trusting him like this, but me being me, I'll take any form of comfort I can receive right now.
      His grip is tight and reassuring.
Don't think too much about this. He doesn't care about you.
"You should walk away now." Matthew sneers.
"Why should I. I could take you down in one hit pretty boy."
     Matthew's grip gets tighter and I know he is mad. I look to the side just before I am pushed backwards so hard I fall to the floor and hit my head on the wall. All I can hear are thuds and bangs. Slowly my eyes close and it's then that I realize I am going to pass out.
*****
I wake up with a thudding headache. I look to my left and see Abby sitting on the couch.
"What happened?" I ask instantly.
"Well long story short, this morning we went to IHOP, you went to the bathroom, got interrupted by a big, scary man and instantly I knew something was wrong so I sent Matthew over to see what was going on. Next thing I know you're lying on the ground with Matthew in front of you punching the shit out of some dick head. You passed out from Matthew pushing you out of the way, which did I mention he is so strong." I send her a glare. "Anyways Matthew had to carry you home."
     I can feel myself start to shake. Johnny. How did he know I was there? How did he know just the right time to attack? Matthew. Thank god for Matthew. Omg. He carried me home. No, no, no, no. This is so embarrassing. I told him not to protect me. I could have handled it myself. I hear the front door open, and me being all shooken up, I jump before I realize it's just Matthew.
     He comes in and sits down on the couch. How did he get in. Abby always locks the front door.
"How did you get in?" I ask.
"Abby made me a key." he smirks.
     I glare at Abby. We have known him for what, like a week. This girl is trying to get us killed. More importantly, I missed my class for the day, and I was knocked out for over 4 hours. My god how hard did he push me.
I know that I owe them an explanation as to who this mystery guy is. I also know that I am not ready to explain or dig into my past. I try to sneak away when Abby and Matthew are being all lovey dovey, but I am stopped by the sound of strict voice and the touch of a large hand.
"I believe you owe me an explanation sugar."
*****
Hey. It's been a while. A year to be exact. I'm so sorry for the long wait. I lost inspiration to continue writing and had gotten my first job, leaving me with no times to write, but recently I have gained it back and am so ready to continue this book. What do you think happened between Johnny and Vanessa? Do you think Matthew will feel sympathy or will he feel nothing at all. Find out in the next chapter. Please make sure to vote and comment any ideas you have for this book. Anything for you guys. Maddy💛