Matters of the Heart (Marianas Trench/Josh Ramsay)

Chapter 11

His blood shot eyes reviewed the sheet music over and over again, but it was no use.

He was exhausted.

He hadn't slept in 48 hours, not since the night before going out with the rest of the guys and Becca. By the time he had gotten home from her place, lyrics were overwhelming him in his mind. He immediately went to the piano, grabbed some blank music sheets, and wrote. For nearly 14 hours.

He wasn't sure if it was her story, what had happened between them, or the way she scared him that night. Whatever it was, he managed to write three fairly decent songs that could very well be on the next record. He grinned. He had spent so much time trying to push Becca away, when maybe trying to be her friend was all he needed to destroy the writer's block.

It was the beginning of February, and up until now Josh still had nothing. He had played with a few lyrics, had the guys record some stuff, but he had jack shit when it came to the album.

Until now.

He finally crawled into bed, knowing that in a few hours, he would see Becca again. Although everything about that night terrified him, from the panic attack outside the bar to the blood-curdling scream in her sleep, he was actually grateful it happened. He could not believe all that she had been through- and she still came to work every day with a smile on her face, even when he was being a dick. She was a lot stronger than he was, obviously.

He didn't sleep the night he was at her house. When she finally fell back asleep in his arms, he was afraid if he let her go the nightmare would come back. He held her the rest of the damn night, until he decided to get up and make her breakfast. If he was being honest with himself, it felt really good to be needed. No one had needed him for quite awhile, other than work deadlines, and even though he hadno romantic interest in Becca, it was still... nice. With an agreed truce and attempt at being friends, Josh felt an unexplained but welcomed peace about it all as his eyelids finally began to close.

(At the studio)

Becca smiled as she watched Matt sing in the studio. He was truly talented- one didn't get to see him shine nearly enough she thought.

He gave her a sheepish grin as he finished. "What do you think?" He yelled from across the glass. Knowing he wouldn't be able to hear her, she returned his smile and gave him a thumbs up.

"Awesome!" He put the headphones down and exited out of the studio room.

"Matt, you are amazing" Becca said earnestly. "Fans are going to love your album"

"My album" Matt repeated, the smile never leaving his face. "I cant tell you how good that sounds. Thanks for encouraging me to do this Becca." He hugged her.

"Of course" she patted his back. "Now I get to rub in the fact that I was right every time I see you."

He laughed, "Let's see how well that works out for you."

Becca heard the door open and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. "Josh."

"Hey Becca." He gave her a small smile.

She wasn't sure what to do next. They were friends now, so acknowledging his presence in a warm manner was already much more than what she was used to. Should she hug him? Touch his shoulder? A high five? What abou-

Josh seemed to be reading her mind as he approached her and gave her a small hug. "How-How are you this morning?" He asked, his eyes intently focused on hers.

"I-I'm good. Thank you. And um, and you? Did you get some sleep?" Becca asked, noting he looked rested for the first time in awhile

"I did." He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "Uh, You?"