“Dude, you have to actually walk away otherwise you’re just a creepy stalker.”
Another sigh, then the warmth left me. “I know.”
“Hey, one day, maybe you won’t have to.” That was said so softly, I think I imagined it.
I woke up during the night hot and uncomfortable. I stumbled out of bed, stripped off my clothes and rummaged for sleepwear. I trundled into the bathroom splashed my face and brushed my teeth. Then in a zombie-like status, I climbed under the duvet and was out like a light.
My phone alarm went off in the morning waking me up and I stretched fully. This was the comfiest bed I had ever been in. I frowned as I struggled to remember climbing the stairs and then rolled over to eye my pile of clothes on the floor. A light knocking at the door had me sitting up as the handle turned.
Matt was fully dressed I noted as he entered my room, however I couldn’t tell you what he was wearing because all I could see was the cup eliciting the most delicious smell.
I stretched my hands out “Gimme!”
Matt laughed and placed the cup in my hands, it was hot, so I turned it quickly to grab the handle. I inhaled deeply.
Matt grinned at me and sat in the oversized chair beside the window. “You sleep ok?”
I nodded while sipping heaven from the cup. “I had a great sleep, woke up once.” I indicated the clothes on the floor. “Got up, brushed my teeth but went straight back to sleep. I have no recollection of climbing the stairs, I laughed, “I must have been totally out of it.”
“You didn’t climb the stairs, you were sound asleep. Colton took you up.”
“Oh.” I ran my hand over my face. Matt’s grin was wicked. I blushed furiously.
He laughed as he stood. “Seriously the quicker you two get it on and get over the bullshit, the easier it will be for all of us!” He was still grinning as he reached over and ruffled my hair. “We’re leaving for class in half an hour. Hop to it, sleeping beauty.” He was still laughing as he left my room.
I slipped out of bed, placing my coffee on the nightstand. I took a second to think about what Matt had said. No. I couldn’t think of it, if I started down that path again, I would just get the ‘talk’ about the family dynamics again. I don’t think either of us deserved that talk again.
Shaking my head – I headed to the shower to get ready for school. I recalled the strange conversation from last night. Matt said I was sound asleep, wishful thinking in my dreams I mused. I lathered my hair and tried to ignore the stab of disappointment that settled in the pit of my stomach.
When I was finished in the shower, I approached the wardrobe cautiously. Theo’s mum was great, she had a very bohemian style. In a way, I was pleased it was her they had asked and not Mary Ellen. If it had been the latter, I would be looking at numerous twin sets.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find sensible dark pants, jeans, t-shirts, some shirts and a few dresses. Hardly any wispy chiffon and few abstract prints. I loved the bohemian style but you either need to be very petite or very tall. I was neither – the few times I had tried the style, I looked like I was playing dress up.
However, I did love the fact I could add a scarf to a t-shirt and jeans and be ‘hip’. Maybe not hip, I don’t think hip people said hip, did they? I chuckled.
I walked over to the window and looked out at the glorious day. Stupid weather. Where Connor’s room looked over the pool area, I looked over the side of the house with the beautifully kept landscaped gardens.
I went back to the wardrobe. I reached in and found a pair of navy mid-thigh shorts. I teamed them with a lilac t-shirt that had a delicate butterfly embroidered detail.
I slipped my Skechers on and went back into the bathroom to dry my hair. I half dried it and then hurriedly braided it. A flick of mascara and lip balm that I had brought with me and I was ready.
I sorted out the bags of books Matt had taken and sorted the relevant ones into one tote for today. I had only missed one day but I felt apprehensive. If I wasn’t careful, I’d bring on a migraine.
As I headed down the stairs, I met Theo coming out of his room. He looked so relieved seeing me that I felt a stab of guilt for putting them through the last couple of days.
He took my bag off me and jogged down the stairs, I rolled my eyes. They had to stop treating me like a princess! Matt was in the kitchen chatting to a middle-aged lady, who I assumed was the infamous Mrs Green. She was petite, had brown hair pulled into a bun and a kind smile.
Matt introduced me and we shook hands. He explained I would be there for a few days. I tried to correct him, but he talked over me. Mrs Green nodded as he spoke and then placed a brown paper bag into my hand.
“Colton left a note to say what you like. Hope that’s ok, I will do a shop tonight to make something better for tomorrow.” She seemed almost shy.
“You don’t need to make me lunch, I can make my own.” She looked instantly horrified.Good lord another one. Her eyes flicked in panic to Matt and he smiled reassuringly.
“Bit’s just being kind. Of course you can make her lunch, can’t she Bit?” Three pairs of eyes stared at me.
You have to be kidding me.“Sure, sorry I just didn’t want to impose,” I mumbled. She beamed at me and with a happy nod retreated out of the kitchen.
I jammed my lunch into my tote which Theo helpfully held open for me. I didn’t meet either one of their looks. They had been so unbelievable the last few days – in the best possible way – I couldn’t snap at them without feeling like a complete harpy.