“I wonder who’s gonna take Gabriella’s place,” I commented following her out of the bathroom.
The air was now even tenser in the hall and the music so loud and was really hard to make your way through the teenagers who kept showing their best moves on the dance floor, but after a five minutes struggle, I managed to cross the dance floor and I made my way towards the table. I was no longer tired, but I felt happy to sit on my chair, next to Matt.
“What took you so long?” he asked, taking my hand in his and feeling a cold shiver through my entire spine.
“I’m sorry, I was with Hilary and you know how girls are…”
“No problem, at least you’re pretty,” he joked, giving me a glass of Coke and ice. “Have you talked about me?” he asked, smirking at me.
“Not at all. Why would I?” I asked laughing, and I was thankful it was dark, because I was blushing fiercely.
“Yeah, sure, funny girl,” he whispered. “What are your plans for tomorrow, by the way?”
“Besides sleeping all day?” I asked, and he laughed. “I don’t know, nothing I guess. Why?”
“I thought maybe we could… I don’t know, watch a movie or something?” he asked, moving his eyes from mine to the table.
“Oh. Sure, why not?” I answered, feeling a little uncomfortable.
Was he asking me on a date? Because if he was, probably my heart will be exploding, because it already started beating way too fast, and I felt my blood pounding in my veins. I couldn’t sleep tonight without knowing for sure if my friend, Matt, had just asked me on a date.
“Hey… listen…” I started, almost whispering.
“What?” he asked, with an incredible hot British accent.
“The movie… Is… like a… date or something?”
“Um, well…”
“Can I have your attention, please?” said the principal through the microphone, while the music stopped suddenly, and Matt shrugged his shoulders, smiling innocently. Yeah, now I wasn’t going to get my answer! Awesome! Great sync, principal!
Everyone showed the disappointment in different ways, all sighing while going back to their seats, while the principal honored us with another “great”, long, boring speech, but it was clear that everybody wanted to know who the Prom Queen and King were, and, of course, if Gabrielle and Curtis were still going to be “Best Couple”, a contest started a couple of years ago and, as far as I knew, every year the King and Queen won the title of “Best Couple”. But now, after the noisy break up between them, were they going to be Best Couple, after all?
After the principal finally stopped his rambling speech, he said he’s going to name the winners.
“And the Prom Queen of this year is…” he made an unnecessary break, for the effect, I guess, but it was just annoying. “Gabrielle Gomez!”
The hall was full with statements like “ I knew it” and “ Of course!”, only I haven’t seen Gabrielle glowing in the crowd, and running her hand through her perfectly straightened hair and walking like a “queen” towards her “throne”. After the principal called her for the third time, I saw Gabrielle rolling her eyes in a corner of the hall, and then she convinced herself to go, slowly arranging her short dress and paced on her high heels towards the stage. Nobody applauded or congratulated her, but she really didn’t seem concerned, even though it wasn’t like her at all.
“Congratulations, Gabrielle!” said the director with a smile on his lips.
Gabrielle, with her impeccable dress, nodded, having a sad expression on her beautiful face, without being so superior. She hasn’t even smiled once.
“And now… Our Prom King is… Of course, Curtis Crane, our football star!”
Could it be more predictable?
Gabrielle took a step back and sighed, her eyes full of sadness, and I felt really bad for laughing about her situation. Nobody deserved something like this. Even though all her life had been a completely bitch. She was human after all, and everyone makes mistakes.
“And I am honored to present the “Couple of the Year”, which is completely your choice.”
“I haven’t voted for anyone,” I’ve told Matt “so isn’t my decision.”
“Well, I did,” he said smirking proudly. “You’re gonna love it,” he assured me, winking at me.
I shrugged my shoulders, having no idea what could be more interesting than Gabrielle and Curtis’ painful break up. I think was more painful for Gabrielle, considering he was already dating somebody else.
“As I was saying… The Couple of the Year is formed by Miss Emma West, our beautiful Prom organizer I really want to congratulate, and Mr. Matt Nicholls, a former student of our high school.”
Emma West… and Matt Nicholls…. What?!
Which Couple? Of the Year? Matt and I? Matt I-barely-know Nicholls? Couple of the Year? What the hell?!
I wanted to say something, and ask what normal person would vote for us, and then I remembered Matt knew about this and he was proud of this, and I really wanted to say something to him, but he just grabbed my hand, leading me to the stage, without caring we were walking beside my classmates, real, happy couples, unlike us, who were… something.
And then suddenly I was on the stage and I saw every eye in the room waking at me, and Matt smiling like a model on a magazine, and I looked at Gabrielle and I’ve seen the tears she tried to hide, unsuccessfully though, and then Matt pulled me closer to me then kissed me.
And from that moment on, I wasn’t aware of anything else.
Matt was holding me in his arms. I was dancing with Matt, and he asked me what my opinion was. I said I was overwhelmed. Matt was laughing, and running his hand through my hair. His fingers were interlaced with mine… He said it was too loud and crowded and suggested we should go somewhere quiet.
I thought if I felt the cold, refreshing air I will feel better, but I didn’t. I felt goose bumps when I felt the cool air, and Matt tightened his arm around me, and then, like a complete gentleman he was, opened the door of his car and he leaned to me, and kissed me softly, his hand in my hair pulling me towards him.
I had no intention of going home, so he suggested we could hang out at his place and I don’t know why I said yes.
He held my hand all the way through his house, then when we got into the house offered me a drink, and kissed me when we entered in his living room.
I couldn’t even understand my hormones or my feelings, but I know his kisses were somehow too good to be true, addictive actually, and that was the reason and I hadn’t stopped when he started unzipping my dress.
Chapter 5
The Hardest Thing
~ Matt Nicholls ~
I woke up in the morning feeling so good, as if I’ve never slept that good.
A smile curled up on my lips as the flashbacks from the night before began flowing before my eyes. Emma, in her beautiful white dress, looking as stunning as someone could be, with an innocent smile on her lips as she slipped her hand in mine when we arrived at Prom, the way her body involuntary shivered when I pressed my lips against hers for the first time…
I never planned any of this, the only thing I really wanted was for her to enjoy her magical night, and I knew I would do anything I could to make that happen.
But when she was dancing with me, so close, while the slow songs followed their rhythm, I couldn’t stop myself from kissing her. It was somehow in my nature, I guess.
And easily I could admit that our first kiss was the best of my entire life, and that meant a lot, considering how many girls I’ve kissed. But with her everything was so different, so natural and it felt just right.
When I invited her at my place, I had no hidden agenda. I just couldn’t adjust to the thought that my time with her that night was over, and I seriously needed to be around her more.
I am not proud of the fact that we have drank almost an entire bottle of whiskey while laughing because of everything that happened at Prom, Em
ma was babbling something about some Gabriella, but I couldn’t stop laughing, and neither could she.
But when I moved closer to her, and placed my hand on her back, everything changed from laughter to seriousness. I slowly touched her blushing cheek and leaned to her, pressing my lips on hers. I could’ve managed everything just fine if she hadn’t wrapped her hands around my neck, pulling me as closer to her as possible and kissing me fiercely as her life depended on it.
But now, when the morning came and replaced the confidence the whiskey gave us, we were laying on different sides of bed, without even trying to get close to each other.
I stood there without moving about an hour, and I couldn’t stop thinking that Emma was awake, too. Her breathing was normal, rhythmic and I could swear she sighed a couple of times. But then again, I had no balls to try and talk to her, because I had no idea what she might be thinking.
Maybe she was sorry. No. Not maybe. I knew for sure Emma wasn’t the “one-night-stand” type of girl, so she might have serious doubts about her standards right now. And I was freaking mad at myself for not stopping the other night, but shoot me, I am a guy, and a guy has needs.
I slowly got out of bed, taking a pair of jeans I found on a chair and dragged them on, went downstairs, and thought about what I should do while I prepared coffee. Maybe Emma would appreciate some caffeine after what happened last night.
I kept myself busy for as long as I could, but there weren’t too many things a guy could do in the kitchen, and after preparing breakfast and coffee, I went and watched TV for a while, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Emma in my bedroom. I had no idea what I could say to her. I wanted to tell her everything I felt, that I’d do anything for her to be okay, and that I hoped she didn’t regret what happened, because I don’t regret any moment with her.
Then I heard my bedroom door opening, and my heart stopped beating. What am I going to tell her? I was such a freaking coward!
“Um… Hey, Ems!” I tried to sound really confident, but my voice was weird. Dude, get a grip!
She gasped, and looked at me, as if she didn’t think I would be there, but after all, where would I be? It was my house, and she didn’t seriously think I would leave her alone.
“Hey, Matt,” she said, sounded deadly serious.
Okay, this is gonna be bad. Oh, so bad!
“I made breakfast,” I said quickly, before she even try and say something. “And coffee,” I added, as if coffee would suddenly make everything better.
“I appreciate, but I have to…”
“I always make good coffee,” I said stupidly. Serious? Coffee? You’re a fuckin’ genius, Matt Nicholls!
“And I’m sure you do, but my parents are surely worried, and I’m so surprised they didn’t call to the police already. Or maybe they did.”
“You’re so beautiful, you know?” I said, without even thinking just when she opened her mouth to say something.
I mean, Emma was so not the type who would melt because of a compliment. I was so stupid that everything came out of my mouth this morning was bullshit.
“Listen, Matthew, I…” she paused, as if she didn’t understand what I just said, and then she ran her hand through her beautiful hair, which curls were not as big as last night, looking so naturally and perfect on her. “Thank you…” she said, and sighed.
It took just one moment until I realized I even moved, and suddenly I was holding her in my arms, carefully like she would broke if I squeezed her too hard, and pressed my lips against hers. At first she didn’t even know what happened, but eventually she wrapped her hands around my neck, and I felt my body relaxing as my hands touched her back. God, I could get used to this!
“I’m sorry,” she said, pulling from the kiss and pushing me away. “I have to… I… Need… I wanna go home, Matt, do you mind?”
She really looked exhausted, like she hadn’t slept at all, but she still looked perfect. I wanted to say something, to make all her fears go away, to hold her forever, but she didn’t seem willing to talk about it.
“Yes, sure, I’ll…” I paused, and sighed. I wasn’t ready to lose her. I wanted to do something, but I had no idea what to do. “I’ll take you home,” I said finally.
“I appreciate, but if you don’t want to, I can… Get a cab, or… something.”
It was annoying that she didn’t say anything. I mean, she was stuttering as much as I was, and she was obviously uncomfortable, and I was too, but I…
“Ems…” I started, and she looked at me curious, with her big brown eyes.
“I need some time to think, Matthew.”
I nodded, knowing she was serious when she said my whole name. I took my keys from the counter, and opened the front door holding it for her. I didn’t know why I kept doing that, but it felt so right for her, even though I have never been a gentleman before. I also opened the door of my car for her, and she gave me a weak smile that instead of making me happy, made me feel like crap. I blew everything, all our friendship, every chance I could’ve had on her just because I couldn’t stop. I mean, I gave her a lot to drink, and I was the guy, and I should’ve stopped! But somehow, I couldn’t think of a sentence that would say how much I wanted everything to be okay again.
“Look, Matthew, it’s not you, it’s just…” she started when I turned on the engine.
“No, I get it, I blew it,” I didn’t even have the courage to look her in the eye. During the drive to her house I kept my eyes on the road, and she hasn’t said anything else. When I pulled over at her house, I sighed, knowing this was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
“Matthew… I had an incredible time with you last night,” she said, and placed her hand over mine. I still couldn’t look at her.
“Yes, I had too a good time too. It was a really great Prom. Better than mine was, anyway.”
“Why?” she asked, curiously.
I didn’t want to tell her all the gory details about the bitch that broke my heart by cheating with my best friend and making me like this, a stupid player who had no clue how he should act around a girl as special as her.
“Because you were there,” I said honestly.
Her mouth turned into a beautiful smile, and, unexpectedly, she leaned to me and kissed me. The sensation I had when her soft lips touched mine made me hate myself even more. I put a hand on her back, pulling her closer to me.
“Matt…” she whispered, apologetically.
“No, stay here,” I said, wrapping my hands around her and kissing her again. “Plus, I really love hearing you whisper my name,” I said, as a smile curved my lips. Yeah, I already blew it, at least I could make fun of it.
“Sure, obviously,” she said smiling, and then sighed. “I really have to go, you know…” she said, pointing suggestively to the house.
“Ems, I want you to know that I…” she looked at me, waiting to finish my sentence, but I couldn’t. I had no idea how to put into words every feeling I have towards her.
“I know.” she said simply. “I will… call you… or…”
“Something,” I finished her sentence.
She smiled weakly and leaned to me, closing her eyes as her lips touched mine. I felt how my heart sunk, and I knew nothing good’s going to happen. I kissed her back. This kiss felt ever better than our first one, if that was even possible. I slowly bit her lower lip, something I wanted to do since I’ve met her, and then kissed her again, deeply, feeling her shiver as her hands, pressed against my chest tried to push me away.
After a minute or so, I pulled away from the kiss and looked into her eyes, and I knew there was nothing I could do. I sighed, kissing her on the forehead and she whispered a “goodbye” as she got out of the car, knowing that this was the hardest thing in my life.
***
I think I was starting to go crazy or something. I haven’t heard from Emma in about a week and a half, and it hasn’t been a single day when I haven’t thought of
her. When I haven’t tried to call her, but closed the phone just before it started to ring, or tried to go to her house, but changed my mind before getting out of the car.
I was acting stupidly, I know! But I wanted to give her space and everything she needed. I knew that wasn’t a typical-Matt-behavior, that normally I shouldn’t care, but in the end, Emma was my friend. Maybe I wanted more with her because she seemed to not care about the fact that I was pretty hot, and I found that somehow challenging. But now… I missed Emma, my friend. I wanted to talk to her about my day. I wanted to know how she felt about everything. But I couldn’t do that, just because I wasn’t capable of keeping my dick in my pants! And it really sucked.
I was happy because my best friend from high school, Ben, came to visit and listened to me talking about Emma like 24/7. But he didn’t mind. I’ve known Ben since kinder garden. We spent way too many years hating each other, but on sophomore year I got stuck with him on a project, and we actually found out we could really get along, and we’ve been best friends since. Of course, I thought that my best friend was the dude who stole my girlfriend on Prom, but Ben didn’t mind. That was a completely different story.
I only saw him once or twice a year, because he was studying at UCLA, in Los Angeles, and he had his life there now, and it sucked big time. I didn’t connect with many people in college, plus the people there pretty much sucked if you wanted to have mature conversations. Yeah, it was really fun partying with girls who would accept one night stands without thinking twice, or hanging out with guys who can get drunk and do all kind of shit, but after all, I wanted more than that. And Ben was always a pretty normal guy, who could have fun, but still have his head on his shoulders.
About two weeks and a few days after I’ve last seen Emma, I opened my e-mail account to send an e-mail to my parents, who were in some cruise God knows where, and I’ve noticed an e-mail from Emma. It was sent two days ago! Stupid me for not checking it!
I opened it, feeling my heart beating so fast and in the same time thinking why didn’t she call or something!
Perfect Match Page 3
