Sincerely, Leah

13

We've all been talking for an hour now, and I honestly think I'm dreaming. I'm sitting on a couch, between Matty Healy and Abby Suso (who fuckin kissed me. Still not over that.), we're drinking tea and talking about everything. Then, they all get up to leave the room, and I'm left with Matty. This mightn't end well.

"So,", he begins, "your friends wanted me to talk to you, and I agreed to. Because we want you to hear something."

I nod my head.

"I know about the situation with your parents. Believe me. My parents split when my brother and I were young. And when that happened, I couldn't stop thinking about taking drugs. Until finally, I started on weed and coke. Just a few years ago, I started using heroin. I was so fucking depressed during those years. I wanted to kill myself the entire time. Then, last year, I said, 'Fuck this shit', and I went to rehab. Now, here I am. Giving life advice to a very funny and talented 17 year old girl. I just wanted you to know that you're stronger than me, and you'll get through this daddy bullshit. I know you tell your friends that, 'Oh, I'm doing just fine today', but I used to say that all the time when I was your age. Having split parents is a pain in the bollocks, but I know you can get through it, and you can get through this outing thing. Its awful, I know, but just know you're better than that bitch. You deserve to come out as soon or as late as you like. Its basic human rights, and its fucking bullshit that someone took that away from you for whatever dumbass reason. So just know that you're a very strong excellent young woman, and that whatever the odds, Matty Healy has your back."

I think I shed a small tear. I wrap my arms around Matty and he hugs me back. He's such a nice guy.

"Thanks so much, Matty.", I say. 

"Hey, no problem, Leah.", he says as we break apart. "Also, I have one more thing to tell you that I think you'll be quite happy with."

I nod my head and pick up my cup of tea.

"I know who your penfriend April is."

I almost choke on the tea. Matty pats my back to help me. 

"You-you do? Who is it?", I say, and he smiles.

Then, he says her name. And God, I'm so happy.

I hug him again. He hugs back happily.

• • • • • •

An hour later, we're all back in the car, and Matty has given us signed CDs, shirts and posters. He's also paid for a hotel for us to spend the night at. That's a lifesaver as I don't know how Lucy would drive home.

Before we leave, Matty gives me a piece of paper with his email address on it, and I can't help but grin. This has been the best night of my life. First, I saw a The 1975 concert, then we go backstage to have tea and biscuits with them, then Matty Healy tells me who April is, and then gives me his email address.

And I actually feel......complete. Like, this was just what I needed.

I place my head against the window, and I get lost in the sound of Medicine. Its strange how that song plays in all the right moments. When I came out to Abby. When I met Abby. When Lucy and I rode the ferris wheel together. Now. Everything is absolutely perfect.