Matt Vs Josh.

Chapter Three - Take Your Breath Away.

“Your awake.” His smooth words were like music to my ears,bringing me crashing back to reality. I couldn’t just walk out without thanking him or at least finding out why I’m here.

I continued to look at him with a blank stare on my face like he was a mythical creature and I was imagining the whole thing. Stuff like this doesn’t happen to me! I don’t spend my Saturday mornings in the presence of someone who was clearly perfect in every way possible.

“Urrm can I get you a coffee and some tablets? I’m sure your feeling shit after last night.” he said, looking at me with a concerned expression on his face.

But now that he mentioned it, I did feel like something the cat threw up. He stood there studying my face like it was a map, his gaze staring intently into me. I began to wrap my arms around myself as a reflex, nobody has ever looked at me like this before.

“Yes Please, I’m sorry for.. urmm well, my names Ella anyway, nice to meet you.” I stuttered to him tripping over my words talking to any male other than my dad was a pretty rare occurrence, especially one who’s house I just woke up in wearing only a t-shirt. Just as this thought crossed my mind, I realised how half naked I actually was. I began to nervously tug on the bottom of this shirt, getting it to cover more of my legs, I felt so awkwardly embarrassed.

“Infact, cancel the coffee. I um should probably go get out of your hair.” I made my way to the stairs climbing them looking over my shoulder to see matt stood in the hall staring after me with that same dumbfounded look on his face. I mean why was he looking at me like that I couldn’t understand. Reaching the bedroom I slipped out of the t-shirt and putt my dress back on. Did I really wear this last night? It covers absolutely nothing. I didn’t even want to chance putting the heels back on. I grabbed matts t-shirt and the rest of my things and made my way downstairs to find matt perched on a stool by his kitchen counter with two cups of coffee and two small white pills.

 Ella at least please stop? And at least let’s talk about what happened last night. He blurted this out madly and for some reason I felt obliged to stay. I mean he had helped me last night hadnt he? I suppose that does count for a lot.

“Well you must at least be wondering how you got here? Where we are? Who I am? Because so far you seem pretty cool with this all..” Like he could ever think I wouldn’t know who he was! All I ever got from jazz was 'Youmeatsix' this and 'Youmeatsix' that! And after all these years id grown to know quite a lot about them, without ever listening to their music, researching them or even asking about them. 

“I know who you are. My best friend loves your band, well someone I know loves your band. But yeah how did I get here? Where is 'here'? “I fidgeted in my seat. The wound jazz left was still fresh all but around him. I felt no hatred for her at all anymore,  looking into his face made me feel safe. How is that even possible? I don’t know him. But he took my breath away.  We both sat there for what felt like forever just staring at each other until matt started to speak.

“So about last night.. you passed out so I thought I’d bring you here. My friend josh helped me carry you in and then I put you in my bed, took the dress off you to put the t-shirt on and I slept on the sofa.  Oh and you kinda threw up on josh a little bit during the ride home.“ and I knew from the way he looked at me that he was telling the truth and josh Franchesci i puked on Josh Franchesci go Ella.

“Umm where are we?“ Just then I began freaking out we could be anywhere, at any side of London!

“Were in Weybridge Surrey.” How could that be? How could we be here? How could I have lived here my whole life and never see him!? I get up and walk to the window whilst matt stares at me quizzically then follows pressing up against me looking out the window.

“I live around that corner at 23 Mayfield’s ” Matt looked at me with wide eyes. Wow I was starting to look like a stalker. I bet he can’t wait to get rid of me..

“How weird is it you live so close to somebody your whole life but you don’t meet till your in a different city entirely?” he said this with a broad grin on his face and started to chuckle. I turned into him and looked up into his eyes for a moment then I awkwardly backed away and gave a nervous smile.

“I don’t really get out much, I’m kind of shy “ Matt stepped closer to me, I could feel his breath on my cheek. I spent a moment staring intently into his gorgeous brown eyes before backing away and staring for the door.

“I better get going my dad will be going crazy! I don’t usually do this sort of thing.” I said. Shit I completely forgot about dad I wonder if he was home yet? I usually always tell him where I’m going maybe he would just think I was with jazz..

“Ill umm walk you home if you like, love. I need the fresh air anyway. “I can’t believe he’s offering to walk me home! I thought he would be happy to get me out of the door and continue with his life.

“Yeah that would be great.” I gave him a big smile before putting on my shoes and grabbing my bag. Matt stepped out his door first, watching me descend the stairs. I steadily made my way through the door frame and tripped over my own ankle, making a loud snapping sound, i fell straight into matt’s waiting arms as he cradled my upper body into my his chest and began to speak to me.

“Wow I think someone’s falling for me!“ that comment broke all the tension between us and we both broke out into a fit of giggles. Matt slowly lowered me to the ground where I tried to quietly wince in pain, tears began to stream down my face.

“Don’t cry Ella, its okay. I know, ill carry you home and we will look at that ankle when we get there.“ Matt looked up the house, gave me my things and then scooped me effortlessly into his arms and my tears began to dry. Being in his arms made me feel so peacefull it took me a while to realise we had began walking down the street, we just stayed in silence him looking down at my face me looking up at his, studying him.

“Were here. Number 23.“ I was so busy looking at his face I hadn’t even noticed we were here. I reached into my clutch and passed him the keyring, showing him the correct key and he let us into the house. He entered, wiping his feel on the doormatt. He was such a gentleman.

“Dad, you home?” I shouted. but no reply came. He must still be at work. Phew! If he saw matt holding me he would lose it. Matt walked into the front room carefully placing me on the couch and then propping my foot up on a pillow. He then stood up and walked into my kitchen. I watched as he rummaged around in the freezer and came back with a bag of frozen green beans and placed them on my foot. The coldness made me flinch, but I knew it would be good for the swelling.

“Ahh that’s cold!!' I squirmed. 'Thank you again matt, for everything. You’ve really looked out for me and I appreciate It. If there’s anything I can do for you in return, ever. Please let me know.“ A big smile crossed my lips. Just being here with him made me so happy. I smiled at him, flashing my teeth. He chuckled in response. As he was getting up, he walked closer towards my face and knelt down next to me.

“Well there’s one thing you could do.. Tell me, Ella, do you like nandos?“

Do I like nandos? that was a weird question to ask. Unless was he asking me out? Nope. Whoever asked me out? I dont think i had ever been out with anyone.. mmm. Maybe he seriously wanted to know if I was a chicken fan? I answered quickly, stuttering my words.

“Yeah who doesn’t! Their chicken is legendary! Almost better than KFC! “ My answer surprised him and he started to look at me with a nervous gleam in his eyes.

“ I was wondering.. would you want to go with me? Urrmm.. tomorrow, for dinner? “he was asking me out on a date! This took me aback. I was honestly shocked. I almost didn’t know what to say I just sat there with my mouth open and a puzzled look on my face.

“Yeah! umm sure that would be great “ A massive smile swept across his face and i mewed in excitement. He started to walk towards the front door just before turning and saying..

'l'll pick you up tomorrow at 7. See you then” he gave me a cheeky wink and with that I heard the door close. I was now sat alone on the sofa shaking with excitement. If me falling out with jazz and getting called a depressive emo meant I got a date with matt Barnes I would do it every day of the week!