The Space Between Us

Chapter Four

I decided that this time when I see Matt again, I will act as cold as he has towards me for the past 6 years. I can't believe I let myself get flustered and worked up over a boy who has done nothing but treat me like shit.

I HATE HIM.

I really do. He turned out to be exactly who I thought he'd never be. And even though it felt good to finally have him acknowledge me it was nothing compared to the pain I felt when he forgot about me. So now there's no way I'm going to let him step all over me. Not anymore. The sweet girl he use to know is gone. No more moping around waiting for him to come back, because clearly that's never going to happen.

So if he's going to act like nothing ever happened between us, then so can I. Bring it on Matthew Connor Anderson.

-

I called my dad when I got home. Once again he said he was going to be home late. It didn't really surprise me anymore. He has been coming home late ever since the day my mom passed away. I knew he needed extra hours at work in order to pay the bills. That's why I had gotten a job myself. I could at least help in paying for the things that I needed like clothes and other personal things.

It was past 7 p.m. And I had just finished dinner I grabbed my dads plate and wrapped it up, I put it in the fridge so my dad could eat it when he got back.

I was up in my room doing homework when the doorbell rang. I was in some pajama shorts and a tank top, I felt slightly exposed so I quickly threw on a t-shirt.

As I made my way down the stairs and towards the door I tried to put on my best poker face. But I will have to admit I was still a little bit nervous.

I open the door and there he stood. He was still in his practice uniform which by the way was now really dirty, but somehow he still managed to make that look good.

"Hey" he said, and I quickly averted my eyes from his body to his face.

"Hi" was all I said.

We stood in silence for a couple seconds before he realized I wasn't going to say anything else.

"So uhh" he scratched the back of his head. Was he nervous? Was I actually making Matt nervous. "I finished the questions you gave me" he said while handing them to me.

"Cool, thanks" I said while taking the paper.

As I was shutting the door Matt held out his hand to stop it.

"Wait I just want to make sure Carson wasn't bothering you earlier cause if he was let me know and I'll tell him to stop" he gave me a serious look.

"No he wasn't bothering me and I don't need anyone to defend me especially not you Matthew" I told him.

"I was just trying to help" he retorted.

"Well I don't need your help" I said as I crossed my arms over my chest "why do you even care?" I asked challenging.

His soft expression quickly changed to a cold glare, his jaw tighten as he said "you're right Ellie I don't care" and with that he turned and walked away.

I slammed the door and stomped up the stairs to my room. I was more annoyed than mad but most of all I was proud of the way I handled the situation. Okay yeah maybe a little childish, but for once It felt good to give him a little taste of his own medicine.

-

The next morning as I was making breakfast my dad came into the kitchen.

"Good morning sunshine" he said.

"Hey dad, toast?" I asked him.

"No hun I'm running late I'll pick up something on my way to work" he grabbed his briefcase and jacket.

"Okay, will you be home for dinner this time?"

"Yes I'll be home for dinner" he answered while heading towards the door, "bye sweetie."

After I finished breakfast I got in my car and drove to school. I was a little early so I decided to stop by the journalism room and give Stacey her questions.

"Oh thank you so much Ellie, you're a lifesaver!" She squealed while taking the answers.

"No problem" I replied.

"So tell me how was it?"

"How was what?" I looked at her confused.

"Talking to Matt of course! Did you have one on one time?" She gave me a cheeky smile.

"Yeah, something like that" I faked smile back.

"Oh my God he's just so freaking hot. I really wish I could have done the interview. But trust me interviewing him wasn't the only thing I would have done with him. If you know what I mean" she said while winking.

Ew barf.

"Yeah well trust me that was the last thing on my mind when I talked to him. And hopefully it was the last time I talked to him" I told her.

"Haha oh Ellie you're hilarious" something told me she really thought I was trying to be funny, "anyway I have to go start typing these up. Once again thank you."

I walked towards my first period (senior writing) and just as I was reaching for the door someone's hand stopped me. I turned and found Jacob right behind me.

"Ellie! Hey I was looking for you" he said.

"Well you found me" I said curiously.

He chuckled, "yes well I was wondering.. are you busy tonight?"

Oh God please tell me he wasn't trying to ask me out!

"Uhh kinda, I mean I'm having dinner with my dad, so yeah"

"Oh I see. Well there's this party tonight and I wanted to see if you wanted to come" he asked.

"A party? I don't go to parties"

"Yeah I know that's why I was inviting you. I mean c'mon it's your senior year. Have a little fun" he playfully pushed my shoulder.

"I don't know. I don't think I can today" I once again stated.

"Fine. But here just incase you change your mind" he took out a sticky note and a pen. Then he wrote something and handed it to me, "just let me know." With that he disappeared down the hall.

I look down at the number. I knew I probably wouldn't text him but he was nice enough to invite me so I stuffed it in my bag and headed into class.

________________________________

hey guys I hope you enjoyed this chapter. it may all seem a little bit cliche but trust me I am trying to make it as original as possible.
any feedback would really be appreciated!
Thanks
- R