Save Me. (Matthew Espinosa)

Chapter 9 - Mahogany

Lacey's POV

I'm yanked from sleep by the ring of Matthew's alarm clock. He reaches over to turn off the shrill and annoying sound. Afterwards, he rolls over to face me. I smile at him and he smiles back, leaning forward to place a kiss on my forehead. I feel butterflies dance along in my stomach and my cheeks flush at the sensation.

Unfortunately, all too soon, Matt rolls out of bed and drags himself towards his bag. He grabs a red shirt and pulls it over his torso, paired with his grey sweatpants that he had slept in.

He dissapears into the bathroom and I decide to take that as my opportunity to get dressed. The lazy mood that I possess today helps me determine how much of a dread it would be to wear normal, uncomfortable clothes. My eyes glance to the bathroom door, finding it closed still. My hands dig through Matt's duffel bag to find some cozy clothes. I find a pair of black sweatpants and pull them out. I match it with a plain white T-shirt that Matthew had bought for me yesterday.

I strip off my previous clothes and pull up Matthew's sweatpants, which are rather large on me, the legs extending down past my feet. My fingers work to roll the waist band, decreasing the length slightly. Before I have the chance to slip on the shirt, Matt walks out of the bathroom while I still only wear his sweatpants and a bra. I let out a small shriek, trying my best to cover myself with the material of the shirt.

"Matthew Espinosa!" I scold, my voice still high pitched in shock. His eyes are wide, not knowing what to look at. He quickly turns around, scuffling back into the bathroom. I slip on the shirt and assure him that it is safe to come out.

He comes strolling out of the restroom, looking much more composed. "Well, somebody sure looks comfortable," his words referring to my choice of clothing that I had retrieved from his own clothes. I blush bashfully. He smirks and steps forward. Thumbs dip under the band of the sweatpants I wear and he pulls me closer to him. He looks me in the eyes, a sweet smile gracing his face, mirroring mine. Matt brings his head a bit closer and I'm sure he's going to kiss me. Though, he seems to snap himself out of his daze, backing away to put more space between us.

He moves on from the situation. "Yes, you can wear my sweatpants. Thanks for asking, by the way." The sarcasm in his voice is obvious, but playfulness also coats his words.

"Sorry." I pout.

He shrugs. "They look better on you anyway." A wink accompanies his brazenly words. I roll my eyes, the smile on my lips contradicting the gesture. I make my way to the bathroom, taking a quick shower. I then brush out my hair and brush my teeth. I use one of the hair ties that Matt got me to pull my hair up into a messy bun, finding no need in looking good for people at the airport. Lastly, I curl my eyelashes, deciding on not wearing any makeup.

Matthew and I gather the rest of our things quickly and leave the hotel room. We make our way down to the lobby to meet the other guys.

"I apologize in advance for anything they say to you." Matt says as we step into the elevator. "Some of them just have no filter." He shakes his head. I laugh lightly just before the metallic doors slide open once again. We step out and see all of the boys already standing there, taking amongst themselves. I feel awkward being the only girl until a curly redhead with red lipstick and cat ears approaches me.

"You look lonely," she states the obvious, a friendly smile igniting her seemingly flawless face. I probably look similar to a troll standing next to the beautiful girl.

"I just don't wanna intrude on their conversation." I grin.

"Oh. Well, I'm Mahogany!" She reaches out her hand to shake mine.

"Lacey." I say shyly and shake her hand back.

"So are you and Matt, like, a thing?" she asks.

My eyes widen at the unexpected question before I try to formulate a response. "Umm-"

"No. We're not." Matt buds in. "At least not yet." he winks, a haughty smirk lining his lips. I gasp and slap his arm lightly.

"Mahogany! Why didn't you say anything? We've been waiting forever on you just to find out you've been here the whole time," the one that I believe is called Aaron complains. Mahogany just shrugs her shoulders apologetically.

"Alright, let's go. I don't feel like missing our flight," Nash says.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After we arrived at the airport, we all made our way to our gate. Matt left to get food for us, so in the meantime I sit with Mahogany and the boys. I hug myself and rub my arms with my hands in an effort to warm myself up and I only now realize that I should have brought a jacket. The airport is actually fairly chilly.

"Are you cold?" Taylor asks from the seat across from me.

"Uhhh.. Kind of," I reply nonchalantly.

"Here. Take my hoody." He grins and before I can object, he stands up and begins to take it off. The shirt he wears underneath lifts up a bit in the process, revealing a toned stomach. I feel heat rush to my cheeks and I look away. He hands me the tie-dye hoodie and I smile in appreciation.

"Thank you." I slip on the colorful sweater and instantly feel more warm and comfortable. It fits a bit big but the bagginess makes it all the more comfortable. Not only does it aid in heating me up, but it also smells heavenly. A masculine cologne lingers within the material. He sits in the empty seat beside me that Matt previously occupied. Matthew comes back with our McDonald's a few moments later. He comes over to his spot only to find Taylor now there.

"You're in my spot dude," he remarks, rather rudely might I say, to Taylor. I don't understand why he's so annoyed. Before Taylor even has a chance to think about moving, the intercom booms around the airport.

"Gate 110 to Orlando, Florida, now boarding." Matthew smiles at me lightly and holds out his hand. I gladly accept and we walk down the corridor and into the plane, hand in hand, our other belongings in our other hand. I have to say, I've never flown before and I'm actually pretty nervous. In grateful that Matt is going to be right by my side.

He puts our bags in the luggage compartment above our first class seats. We sit down on the plush and luxurious seating arrangements. Matt sets the seemingly forgotten McDonald's bag on the floor beside him. Once we're settled, he speaks. "You're wearing Taylor's hoody." It comes out as a statement rather than a question.

"I was cold and he offered to let me wear it." I shrug, not finding a big deal in the matter. Eyebrows scrunch as a look of defeat falls onto his face. I bite my lip in misunderstanding. We don't speak again until the plane is taking off.

"Have you ever flown before?" he asks. I shake my head tightly. He probably took notice of how my hands were clamped onto the armrests as if my life depended on it, eyes closed and lips pursed. He uncurls my hand from the seat, taking it gently in his own. I squeeze it, trying to relieve the stress I carry.

"It's all going to be okay. As long as I'm with you, nothing will happen."

"You say that a lot." The corners of my lips curve up slightly and my eyes land on his.

"Because it's true. I want to make sure you know that you're safe now." His thumb runs over my knuckles, his voice nothing but sincere and caring. A smile overtakes my face. I lean over to place a peck on his cheek.

"Thank you Matt."