Pretty Boy (boyxboy)

Chapter Seventeen

FRIDAY

Jamie shoves me playfully as we make our way up to the front lobby.
"You ready?"

I sigh.
"Ready as I'll ever be."

We both stop at the front desk. The woman, who's name I recently learned is Cindy, sits in her regular place behind the large desk and smiles at us.

She reaches under her desk and brings out a small cardboard box.
"Here you go guys!" She states cheerily.

Peering over into the box, I realize it contains our cell phones. I spot my familiar plain black case and pull it out, giving Cindy a smile.
"Thank you."

"See you Monday!"

I wave to her and follow Jamie into the waiting area.
She reaches her hand out.
"Gimme."

I laugh and we exchange phones, typing our numbers into each other's contact list.

"Really JJ?" I laugh when I see she's named herself 'Bestie For The Restie❤️'.

She shrugs.
"I couldn't help myself."

"Mama!" Jamie squeals.

She bolts to a small woman standing behind us. Even if Jamie hadn't said anything, it wouldn't be hard to tell that she was her mother. They both are short in height and share the same long black hair and facial structure.

Jamie is wrapped into a tight hug.
I smile, and for once, the usual jealous pang that I get over things like this doesn't come.

Jamie pulls her over to where I'm standing, grinning.
"Mama, this is Matty."

"Matt. You can call me Matt." I correct, laughing as Jamie rolls her eyes at me.

The woman smiles brightly and extends her hand.
"Ana. Jamie has told me a lot about you."

I shake her hand gently.
"It's really great to meet you."

"Matthew?"

I look over Ana'a shoulder and spot my mother.
"Excuse me."

Mom gives me a tight smile as I make my way over to her.
"Hi mom."

I don't know whether I should hug her or let her be. She never was one for affection though, so I leave it alone.

"Are you ready to go?"

I turn back to look at Jamie, debating on introducing her to my mother or not. She's smiling and laughing with her mom though, and I'd feel guilty to interrupt since she's missed her so much. I'll just text her later.

I turn my attention back to my mother who stands impatiently, waiting for me to respond.
"Yeah. I'm ready."

She nods and gives a fake smile to Cindy as she exits the building. I follow behind her and take a deep breath as I step through the doors and stand in the parking lot. It feels like so long since I've left that building. Too long.

I climb I to the front seat beside my mom as she starts the car and buckles herself in.

I unlock my phone and type out a quick message to Jamie.

Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. Mom was ready to leave.

I click the bright blue sendbutton and lock my phone back, to placing it down in my lap.

"So..." she clears her throat.
"How do you like it there?"

I want to roll my eyes at how awkward and nervous she sounds just talking about the subject of me being in a hospital.

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I've made some friends."

"Oh?"

I scoff at her surprised tone.
"Yeah."

She purses her lips.
"So you haven't....you know..."

I sigh.
"If you're referring to harming myself, then no mother. I haven't."

She stays quiet.

"How are things at home?"

She shrugs, keeping her eyes locked on the road ahead.
"Quieter I suppose. But otherwise it's mostly the same."

I nod.
"Have you been to visit Eva?" I ask lowly.

Her hands tighten in the steering wheel.
"No."

"Can we go see her before we go home?"

Her jaw clenches.
"No Matthew. Drop it." 

"Why? I just wanna visit her for a minute."

She slams her hands down on the wheel.
"Because I said no, Dammit! Now leave it alone." She yells.

I stay quiet.
I can hear her harsh breathing as she continues driving.

The silence is utterly deafening and I hate it. I want to say something. Something to get her talking, or even yelling again. After being with Jamie for two weeks, silence feels wrong.

The ten minute ride feels like hours. I want to be away from her already and it hasn't even been a full hour yet.

She finally pulls into the driveway and parks the car. I waste no time in unbuckling myself and hopping out of the car.
I stop, standing at the car door.

"You're not the only one who lost her. And the sooner you wake up and realize that, the better."

I slam the car door behind me and jog up the steps to my front door, letting myself inside and closing the door behind me.