Betting Against the Odds

by Morgan, Sabrina

  The weeks flew by and before I knew it; Christmas Eve was upon us and I was currently sitting in my in house movie theater watching Christmas movies and crying my eyes out. My parents didn’t make it home again they got stuck in Miami what a shocker!

  Mrs. Rose knocked on the door smiling at me, “Hey honey I am leaving now I will be back after New Year’s but if you need me for anything honey just call me and I will come,” she looked sad and I knew that she was feeling bad about leaving me alone.

  I went up to her hugging her, “I will be fine but you have to open your present now,” I handed her an envelope watching her open it and her jaw dropping with tears springing into her eyes.

  “Penelope I can’t take this sweetie…” I held my hands up stopping her.

  “Mrs. Rose you are like my mother and I know it is hard for you to be here and take care of your three kids and I know your oldest Miguel got into Yale but you can’t afford it. Well now you can,” I smiled.

  She smiled at me shaking her head, “It is too much honey-“

  “No it isn’t it is my money from my trust fund left by my grandparents and believe me there is plenty in there and let’s be honest I may not even be alive to use it so why not spend it on stuff that matters and you and your family matter to me,” I looked at her as she cried.

  She grabbed me into a motherly hug, “Oh honey don’t say things like that you will survive I know this because of who you are; your heart and soul are beautiful and selfless… you are an amazing beautiful young women who is going through this horrible thing but sweetie I was also told that God does not give you anything you can’t handle and I know he has a purpose for you and you will make it I just know,” she kissed my cheek wiping away her tears and handing me my present, “This is from me.”

  I opened my present and gasped in surprise it was a crotched purple blanket and it was absolutely amazing, “Oh Rose it is beautiful did you make this?”

  She laughed nodding her had, “Yes I did I am glad you like it but I have to go honey. Love you bye.”

  I sat back down with my new blanket wrapped around me smiling as i watched movies until I fell asleep.

  The next day I woke up to soreness in my neck from sleeping in the theater chair all night and let me tell you it is not a good feeling. I heard a beep on my phone reaching for it expecting it to be Mrs. Rose but to my surprise it was Matt.

  Hey Love merry X-Mas, me and the group wanted to know if we could stop by your house after we do the whole family thing. What do you say?

  I stared at the message they want to come here? I don’t know about that I don’t want them to see how empty my house is and I know that they will see through it all. But I would like some company. No, I can’t handle the pity. So I wrote back.

  Would love that but parents are here all day having family time so maybe tomorrow?

  I sent the message waiting for a reply that came quickly.

  Okay Love well then Merry Christmas

  I started to frown not liking how easy he gave up but deciding it was the right thing to do they shouldn’t spend Christmas here when they need to be with their family.

  You have a Merry Christmas too, Matty.

  I put my phone down deciding to take a shower get comfy and grab junk food it is time for Christmas movie marathon.

  I turned on the television to Hallmark the place for all the Christmas movies. I was in the middle of watching Christmas Shoes a very damn sad movie. I was so busy crying buckets of tears that I didn’t even hear the people shuffling into the room behind me until a hand dropped on my shoulder making me scream out loud; and throwing popcorn all over the floor.

  I turned around clutching at my heart seeing Matt and the gang standing behind me with a baby. Aww that must be baby Jax- Nate and Janet’s baby.

  “Holy shit you guys scared me to death I think I am having a heart attack,” I said towards them.

  Matt was still holding out his hand, “Sorry love we wanted to surprise you and Elaina here has a spare key so we decided to come see you; we brought food.”

  I smiled at them telling them too sit down and get comfortable. A little while later we were all sitting there watching “Christmas Shoes” me holding Jax who fell asleep and Matt and Elaina on each side of me and Luke, Anna, Janet, and Nate behind us. It was the part where the little boy’s mom is dying and he gives her the Christmas shoes so she can look good for God. I was crying silently watching her take her last breath the one’s she loves around her. I must have made a strangled noise because Matt turned to me wiping my tears away as Elaina grabbed a hold of my hand tightening it in mine; I know what she was thinking she was thinking of her mom dying and of me. I grabbed her closer whispering in her ear as she cried.

  I stood up turning of the television, “So I think it is time for food and some drinks to lighten the mood.”

  They all nodded their heads as we made our way into the kitchen to snack on leftover turkey and tamales from Elaina’s mom.

  Elaina still was looking sad so I kept her talking trying to make her laugh when my beeper started going off reminding me to take my pills. I saw Matt look at me questioningly but I just smiled excusing myself Elaina coming with me. She handed me my water as I took out all 8 pills downing them and trying to stop myself from crying.

  Elaina held me, “So I take it your parent’s didn’t come home for the holidays?”

  I looked at her laughing, “No they didn’t and I am starting to feel really bad I have five months El, to decide if I should live my last year in peace or if I should take the surgery and try to survive or die on the table. I am tired.”

  Elaina gave me a kiss on the forehead, “I know sweetie but let’s get you through this list and then we will worry plus I think Matt likes you.”

  I frowned, “But that is the problem he shouldn’t like me I am as good as dead.”

  Elaina got up pulling me with her looking angry, “Don’t say that you deserve a man like that to love you and you are not dead you my Penny are just starting to live.”

  We made our way back to the others Matt meeting me under the door way stopping to hold my hand, “Are you okay?”

  I gave him a small smile, “Yea I am find had to take my headache pills for the migraines.”

  He looked concerned and ready to say something but couldn’t finish before Anna squealed out loud, “Oh Matt and Pen, look up.”

  We both did noticing a mistletoe hanging there what the hell; where did that come from? I looked at Matt who was staring at me intently his eyes drifting down to look at my lips which made them tingle. I let my tongue flick over my lips wetting them on instinct Matt must have liked that because he stepped closer to me his eyes meeting mine which darkened with…desire.

  I let my hand connect to his shoulders brushing them a little as he moved closer to me drawing my head up and that’s when I felt the sparks. His lips touched mine softly once, twice, and then harder the next. I was drowning and burning all at the same time and he was the only thing holding me up I felt his tongue lick my lips asking for entrance and I opened them wanting more when Jax started crying.

  We both pulled away from each other both of us flushed and breathless from the kiss. I looked towards our friends who were all sitting there smiling.

  Elaina fanned herself down, “Holy shit mamacita that was hot like freaking sexy hot I thought you two were about to get x-rated right in front of us.”

  Everyone agreed, “Yea that was hot I think we should go ya’ll got me all hot and bothered,” Luke said with a wink in which I scoffed at him and Anna slapped him in the arm.

  I blushed at his words my face probably resembling a tomato, “You guys don’t have to go it was just a mistletoe kiss that’s it.”

  “No honey we have to go put this little one down and Elaina said she has to go home to watch her brothers and sisters,” Janet said.

  I gave them all a hug goodbye trying not to feel embarrassed over what they all witnessed. I shut the door after Elaina who g
ave me that look like “I told you so” I pushed her out of my door giving her a look saying, “Shut the f up”.

  I turned around to face Matt who was standing there silently thinking not even looking at me. I took a deep breath in waiting for him to meet my eyes and when he finally did I wish he hadn’t because in his eyes held regret.

  My shield went up fast blocking my heart as I gave him a big smile walking towards him, “So Matty did you want to stay watch more movies or did you have to go?”

  He didn’t answer at first, “I can stay a few if that’s okay with your parents”

  I turned towards him, “My parents aren’t here they didn’t come back they went on a vacation work thing so it’s just me until after New Year’s eve I guess,” Matt looked sad for me so I continued to talk, “Don’t worry about it Matty no reason to look so sad it’s been this way for 18 years no problem what so ever.”

  I didn’t notice I was pacing in the kitchen as I talked until Matt put his arms around me drawing me still and just holding me. We stayed like that for a little while when he finally whispered in my ear, “Let’s watch more movies, love”

  So we did all night until I fell asleep in his arms. The next morning I woke in my bed alone a note from Matt saying he will see me soon but for some reason I didn’t believe it as my mind remembered the regret in his eyes.

  It has been six whole days and I have not heard one word from Matt not even a hello and now I don’t know what to do. I was sitting at my computer emailing Anna about our plans for tonight I told her I wasn’t sure because of Matt but she snipped that thought in the butt saying that no matter what we will finish my list.

  I powered off my computer grabbing a towel to take a shower we decided to go to a party first and then to the ball drop we will leave here by 8 and it was already 6.

  Once I was out of the shower I went through all my outfits with a plan forming in my head. If Matt wants to ignore me then fine but I will be kissing some hot guy tonight that’s a promise. I found this dress hiding in the back of my closet a dress my mother bought for me I took it out opening it and smiling. I was surprised when she bought it for me because one it is beautiful and two well she actually bought it in my size.

  I smiled as I put the curlers in my hair styling my hair into a bunch of loose curls doing my makeup to perfection. I decided on a smoky eye look with a red lipstick.

  The doorbell rang as Elaina called up we are here. I yelled down telling them that I was almost ready. I took off my robe pulling out the gold dress it clinging to my curves seductively I paired them with some gold stilettoes. I took one more look in the mirror and smiled.

  I made my way down the stairs to my friends who were arguing when it got quiet. I looked up noticing the mixture of awe looks I was getting from them. Elaina came up to me, “Damn girl you look hot; do you have a plan of seducing some men?”

  I laughed out loud shaking my curls, “I have to say El, that was my plan for tonight so let’s get going I need me a hot man tonight.”

  El smiled, “That’s the spirit.”

  I turned towards the others expecting them to be waiting but they were looking behind me at something. Turning around I came face to face with Matt who was looking really hot and kind of pissed off.

  Everyone walked outside to get to the cars leaving me and Matt alone for a minute. I turned around to follow El when Matt grabbed my hand gently pulling me towards him.

  “Love, why are you ignoring me? And what hot men are you talking about?” he growled out.

  I scoffed at him pulling away harder then I needed to, “Matt don’t start you haven’t said one word to me since Christmas and who I meet is none of your business we are not together I am not even sure if we are friends.”

  Matt touched my face carefully frowning a little, “I am sorry love you are right I have been ignoring you but not because of you I been dealing with family shit but we are friends Penelope don’t doubt that,” he stared into my eyes until I agreed and then he smiled, “Well lets go to this party.”

  Well the party was crazy too crazy for me but I did my best to smile and have a good time we all stuck together so none of us would be separated.

  I went with the girls to get some drinks well the boys played pool with some other people when I felt two arms circle around me pulling me towards a random room when the girls weren’t looking. Ugh I tried pushing him off but he was too strong he pushed me into the room against a wall kissing my neck and running his hands all over me and grabbing my butt. I went to scream but he bit down on my lip drawing blood.

  I whimpered as I tried to move him but he took this as encouragement pushing me in the bed moving my dress up. I started crying and screaming as loud as I could which he answered by slapping me. He got up to unbutton his pants when the door flew open and there in all their glory stood Matt, Luke, and Nate.

  Matt took one look at me and lost it. He kept hitting the guy until Luke and Nate dragged him off of the guy. Matt looked like he didn’t want to stop but Nate whispered something to him making him look at me.

  Whatever Nate said had Matt moving to me; he looked at my face and down to my body pulling my dress down and smoothing it out. He touched my face making me wince well making him get angry again when he noticed by bloody lips.

  “Come on love let’s get you out of here okay?” he held me in his arms as I molded my body to his quivering in fear. He kept whispering sweet stuff to me as he combed his hand down my hair calming me.

  We made it out the front where the girls were at; they took one look at me and they all ran to me grabbing me and practically crying and getting angry at the douche head. Matt left us to talk for a few minutes appearing with both Luke and Nate at his side.

  They wanted to go home but I couldn’t let that douche ruin my day or my list I couldn’t and I wouldn’t so I voiced it to the group.

  “No I want to do this please?” they all looked at each other but Anna spoke up.

  “Honey there’s always next year to see the ball drop,” I looked down trying not to cry but knowing some tears were escaping.

  I looked at them and at Elaina who knew I couldn’t do it next year. She must have sensed my need because she came to stand next to me, “No we are not letting Penny’s night end like this we are going t0 celebrate and we are going to live and be happy with or without you guys.:

  I squeezed her hand as the rest of the group agreed to the original plan but with one revising given by Matt; if we were going to see the ball drop we needed to do it in style.

  About 20 minutes later we were sitting in a limo and getting off at a stop so close to the ball that I didn’t think it was possible for us to be this close and not get in trouble.

  The door opened and we all poured out when a voice greeted us, “Well look who the cat dragged in.”

  I turned to see Cole standing there looking handsome as ever he smiled at us all his eyes lingering a little longer on Elaina who was looking everywhere but at Cole. Cole led us to a spot where we can stand and watch the ball drop I lingered back with Elaina whispering to her, “So Cole is hot don’t you think? and he is very nice.”

  He cheeks darkened but she just shook her head no, “Now Penny don’t dish it out when you don’t want to admit the chemistry between you and Matt.”

  I started laughing, “Touche El, Touche”

  We held hands laughing as we made our way to Matt and Cole who were both standing there waiting for me and El.

  Elaina looked at them and back at me whispering so only I could hear, “Well you have to admit those two men are hot as hell and look at them standing there waiting on us two plus size mamicita’s,” she laughed and I laughed as we stopped at the boys Matt taking a hold of my hand.

  “What is so funny ladies?” Cole asked as we stopped.

  Elaina raised her eyebrows in a challenge, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  Cole laughed a husky sound that had me want to fan myself, “Alright keep you secrets Elaina I will find
them out one day.”

  That had her blushing and me smiling like a manic.

  Matt pulled me aside looking at his watch, “We have about 10 more minutes left before the countdown are you excited?”

  I smiled leaning my head on his shoulder as his arms circled around me, “Yea I am excited,” I moved his hands noticing the rawness, “Does it hurt?” I asked him rubbing them softly.

  He looked down at me his eyes portraying many emotions, “I am fine when I saw that asshole I just I lost it I’m sorry if I scared you; are you okay?”

  I kissed his hand moving to face the front of him, “You didn’t scare me Matty you saved me,” I touched his face gently as I gazed at him, “I was so scared I thought...,” I broke off in a sob as his hands tightened around me, “I’m glad you are here with me Matt and I am glad I walked into the pub and beat you at poker,” he laughed making me smile.

  One minute left to go and Matt leaned into me, “I am glad I let you beat me at poker,”

  I started laughing, “Oh Matty let’s not pretend Matt you lost fair and square admit it.”

  “Never,” he scoffed and we laughed and stared at each other intently as the countdown started 10…9…8…7…6…

  “Matt will you be my first kiss for this year,” he smiled at me 5…4…3…

  He leaned closer to me his lips angling over mine, “I will love too, love.” 2…1…

  And we kissed and it was absolutely, freaking, greatly, beautifully, fantastic that I thought if my year started out like this I would be happy no matter what happens this year the surgery or my last year but tonight was not the time to think about death tonight was the night to kiss a man who took my breath away and made my heart beat faster.

  Tonight was meant to live.

  Ch. 6 Stand under Hollywood Sign (Matt’s POV)

  New Year’s Eve was perfect and now here I was a week later planning a trip to go to California to fulfill Penelope’s bucket list and I have to admit I was pretty damn excited. Luke and Anna were planning to join us but Nate, Janet, and Elaina couldn’t but they told us to send pictures and write.