BLACKMAIL | MATT CHAMPION

FIRST LOVES

"everlee! we missed you so much!" ian says excitedly, while all of the boys run towards me, bringing me into a group hug.

i just got off the plane, and they came to pick me up from the airport since their los angeles show is tonight, and as promised, i flew here to go to the county fair with them and to see their show after.

"how has the tour been?" i ask them curiously.

"it's been so much fun! everyone knows every single word at every show!" joba says proudly.

matt, suddenly puts his arm around me and kisses my cheek, "how are things at college going?"

i shrug, "it's tough, but i'm getting through."

matt and i, called each other every night since the day they left. i got to hear him describe how amazing every show was, and how he got to meet at least a couple of fans every day.

"not to ruin anyone's moment here, but our show is in a couple hours, and if we wanna go to the fair before we go to the venue then we should get going." romil checks his watch.

matt checks his phone, "shit, he's right. we should go."

we leave the airport and get a taxi to get to the fair. it takes a little while to get there due to traffic, but we eventually make it. once we arrive, we pay for our tickets and look around to see what there is to do. there's games to play, and a bunch of food trucks too. there's string lights hanging from stand to stand, and a bunch of little kids running around with sweets in their hands.

"merlyn and i, are gonna go get cotton candy, we'll catch up with you all later!" joba tells us, as the two disappear into the crowd of people.

everyone else separates into little groups to explore the fair, which leaves matt and i alone.

"what do you wanna ride?" matt asks, as we hook our arms together.

"what about that?" i tug on his arm, pointing at a lit up ferris wheel.

matt nods, and i lead him to the short line for the ride. i've never ridden a ferris wheel before, so this should be fun.

after a couple minutes, the ferris wheel slows down and the operator starts boarding people. the operator helps us inside the metal seats and secures us with a metal handle. the ride continues turning, making us go higher and higher.

we eventually reach the top and we get a pretty view of the entire fair. we see couples and families enjoying each other, and people in line for food. "matt, isn't this cool?" i ask him while continuing to look at the view below us.

he doesn't respond so i look over at him, and i see that he has a ring in his palm. my eyes widen, causing for him to chuckle, "it's not a wedding ring, it's a promise ring," he smiles, "we're too young for that, but we will eventually."

i'm still speechless as he grabs my hand and slips the ring onto my finger, "it's a promise that i'll always love you and that one day we'll get married."

"i love it, it's beautiful. "i say softly, on the verge of crying.

matt, holds my hand while his eyes slowly become watery and his face turns into a light pink color. a single tear rolls down his cheek as he tightens the grip onto my hand. "what's wrong?" i ask as i rub his back to comfort him.

he gives me a weak smile, "i'm just so thankful for you."

there's a pause between us, not an awkward one, but a comforting one. he takes in a deep breath, "you've showed me so much since i've met you. i don't know what i'd be doing if you weren't here." he kisses my hand.

"and thank you for showing me what i deserve." i say, as i wipe his tears away with my thumb.

he smiles, "i love you, everlee."

"i love you too, champion."

the end.