You Are My Life

Meeting Katherine

As Mallorie turned to go into the house, Damon's hand caught her arm. "You knew that already, didn't you? You used me today."

Mallorie narrowed her eyes. "You had information on Katherine that I needed to know."

"I thought friends don't manipulate friends." Damon's jaw tensed. "You and Katherine have a lot more in common than just your looks."

Mallorie stared into his eyes for a long time. Though his features showed anger, his eyes had pain. With a final huff, he let go of her arm and walked away. As he went, Mallorie slowly followed him. When she was about to shout his name and give everything up, Matt's truck pulled into the driveway. Damon faded away when Mallorie looked at her oldest friend's face. She raced to his truck.

"Matt, what's wrong?" Mallorie asked as tears streamed down Matt's face. She feared the worst; Mason had bitten Caroline.

"I broke up with her." Matt continued to stare out the windshield. "You were right. She's too dramatic."

Mallorie's hammering heart slowed. "Come on. Let's talk about it."

Matt stepped out of the truck and followed her to the house. She flicked on the light and pushed him toward the couch. After making sure the door was locked, she moved into the kitchen and made them some hot chocolate. They settled onto the couch with a blanket.

"Oh my gosh! What happened to your neck?" Mallorie reached for the gash.

"An animal attacked me. It came out of nowhere." Matt touched it gingerly. "Is it bad?"

"Let me get some gauze." Mallorie charged upstairs.

After sending a quick text to Elena to make sure everyone was alright, she returned to the living room. Carefully, she cleaned out Matt's wound and dressed it in gauze. He still looked pained.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Mallorie asked.

Matt relayed the whole story to her. Caroline and he had been having such a great time at the party they went to. They even were about to seal the deal when he got attacked. He came back to the Grill, and some chick named Amy wanted to check on him. Caroline barged in yelling at the girl and essentially blamed him for flirting. He broke up with her there.

"I'm so sorry." Mallorie rubbed his arm.

"It's okay. How was your college visit?" Matt asked.

"What?" Mallorie stared at him. "Oh, it was great. Mr. Saltzman went with me and showed me around the campus. Duke's beautiful, but I don't think it's my vibe."

"You'll find something." Matt smiled and then sighed. "Thanks for the cocoa, but I think I'm going to head back."

"Are you sure? There's plenty of room here as always." Mallorie took his empty mug to the kitchen. 

"Yeah, your guest bed is as stiff as a board. I'd rather sleep in my bed." Matt bumped her with his elbow.

"Okay, if you insist." Mallorie rolled her eyes.

"I'll be fine." Matt sighed but wrapped his arms around her. "See you later?"

"See ya, Mattycakes." Mallorie patted his back as he left.

Mallorie slept terribly that night. She was plagued with so many nightmares that she just opted to stay awake after about three in the morning. She continued to research Katherine but not too much prevail. By the time the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon, all she wanted to do was whack herself with the book.

She decided to take a break and make some food. Mallorie's phone buzzed as she reached for the pancake mix. Her heart leaped, but it was a call from Ric.