Chapter 25
Word count : 2917
This chapter contains , a lot of mention of drugs and drug use , anxiety and being high
This chapter is written in a slightly different style I hope you enjoy but please give me feedback if you prefer it the other way or this way. It's not to much different just more clear demographics of who is typing when it comes to texting I suppose but yeh I'd still love some feedback that would be grandly appreciated ❤️
Matty's POV
It really wasn't George's fault that I got so worked up over a single question he was just trying to help, and I genuinely am so grateful for him and everything he does for me but I'm fragile and my state of mind is so frail , has been for the longest time and certain stuff sets me off, George left the call a few hours ago his Mum came home so he had to go talk to her about what happened at school and then I think he got caught up with studying, we're texting but I still feel like I'm going to explode my anxiety has been through the roof since he's been gone, I meant it earlier when I told him he calms me, he's like the literal embodiment of Pablo Picasso's painting of the Dove of Peace that represents peace and unity, maybe a little pretentious of me but it's true , he's like a lighthouse in a storm if you may.
I'm currently sat with my Mum, Dad and Louis , watching Star Wars , my Mum thought it would be good if we all spend sometime together, When she got home from work she could tell I was hopped up and skittish, she did try to speak to me but I said I was fine but she insisted we all spent some time together. Really all I want to do is go get high or drunk at this point I don't really mind which option is pulling me in most. My mum had poured herself a class of red wine before we started the film and it's all that's been on my mind since I sat down, I doubt I'll be allowed anything, my dad usually offers me a beer but right now I don't think they'll let me and Louis is sat on my knee and I don't want to disturb him, I'm biting my nails now trying to concentrate on the film and not the ticking of the clocks in the room that are surely just going to blow my brain up in a minute.
"Matthew", my Mum brought me out of my haze.
"Mhm", my reply was muffled by my mouth still chewing on my nails.
"Hands", I look at her quizzically for a second as I don't quite know what she means, "stop chewing your nails love", my hands drops from my mouth immediately
"Sorry Mum" , I carefully lift Louis of my knee must to his protest and ruffle his hair, "my eads really cloudy right now I can't concentrate, I'm just going to lay down for a little while, I'm sorry".
"You alright son", I just nod at my dad with a halfhearted smile and make my way upstairs the quiet of my own room and head probably won't be much better but I just need to be alone. I make it to my room and just slump down on my bed the duvet felt to soft but also really scratchy but there's nothing I can do about that right now, I feel like I was just laying there staring at the ceiling, falling into a spiralling vortex with nowhere to go but it was really only a couple of minutes. My hands where twitching like mad and I could just feel a tingling sensation through my whole body and I hated it. I knew what I needed right about now so I instantly pull my phone free from my pocket and scroll through my texts till I find his number
Corey (Bigman) , If I could trust anyone to have anything to quell my anxiety Corey would have it so I fire him a quick text
Matty: yo it's Matty , are you about!
Corey : yeh bro 😎, what you after?
Matty: I don't know just something to calm me the fuck down.
Corey : right no worries man, meet me at the oak in ten yeh don't be late.
Matty: cool.
I sit up a little resting on my elbows to keep me steady taking a second to just breath or at least try to relax my breathing, then scrub my hands down my face and go back downstairs "I'm gunna go for a walk clear my ead, I'll be back in a bit yeh, it's only about 8, I'll get something from the shop if you want", I pull on my old tattered black vans and I wait for a response and shove my wallet into my back pocket , stick my head round the door and notice that Louis has fully zonked out on the couch "do you guys want anything from the shop?"
"No thanks love, please be safe, call me if you need anything and don't be long alright, I know it's summer and it's light out but you still need to careful , come give your mum a hug first first" , I roll my eyes and smile while I make my way over and pull my Mum into a tight hug. "We love you Matthew , be careful alright"
"I love you too Mum" as I pull away I try to sent the most reassuring smile her way. "I'm alright though" , I say goodbye again leaving the room and snag my jacket (Jamie's jacket ), from the coat rack and slip out the door, and start the journey to the Oak Hill, on my way I send a Snapchat to George not really of anything just the scenery and just put a little heart on the screen before sending. The walk is peaceful really besides a few hoodlam kids across the other side of the road making the biggest ruckus for absolutely no reason but I ignore it. After about five minutes I get a reply from George a pretty artsy picture of all his school books on his desk
George: where you off to love❤️?
Again I don't really send a snap because if I'm going to show him around Manchester I want to do it in person not through a screen or pictures , Pictures rarely do anything justice
Matty: just on a walk darlin , tryna clear my head , how's the enforced studying going 😂
George: it's an absolute nightmare honestly I don't know how people do this on purpose , clearing your head are you still upset?
Matty: honestly yeh my heads all over the place still but it's okay I'm trying to calm down darlin , also I can 100% feel your there studying is the worst thing about of school 😂
George: I'll call you once my parents go to bed I'll just need a minute to be sure so I don't get caught, I miss your face already love.
I quickly skim read his message again and slip my phone in my pocket and turn the corner coming face to face with Corey, he's got a joint in between his lips and I can see he's holding another in his hands with a lighter next to him. He looks up at me nodding and hands me the joint
"Have this with me first lad then I can hook you up with gear yeh"
I willingly take the joint and quickly flick the lighter a couple of times before the end lights up sparking an amber glow and I inhale the contents deeply sighing as I release "This is good shit"
"Quite strong so It might calm you down lad" he pats the ground next to him indicating for me to sit with him, I pull him up in the offer and slide myself next to him. Watching as he fiddles with my gear in his pocket and passes it over to me. "You given me good weed recently too lad so I'll give you this for free, but please be careful", I nod along with him as I take the baggie from him and slip it into my pocket. "What's up lad, you haven't come to me in a while, what's troubling ya.?"
"My heads all over the place and I can't shut anything up, I just want everything to be quiet for a bit, be able to breath you know" , I continue to inhale the substance and then go back to texting George as Corey starts trying to help me through something, he's not the smartest button in the box. I take a picture of the joint in my hand the flash causing the smoke to seem grey and float across my screen
Matty: "I fuckin miss you too man Jesus , it's not even been that long and it's scary, and yeh please don't get yourself into anymore trouble, we can call when you can , I don't know if I'll be home straight away but I'll let you know yeh"
With that I slip my phone into my pocket and pull the baggie out again "you wanna share it then Corey, I don't mind" , as I'm saying this I pull out my credit card from my wallet and preparing what I need , the oak is a very secluded area no one will catch us, I don't even know if it's an oak tree to be honest it's just a tree on the outskirts of the park that's been chopped down and just lying there , kids come here all the time to drink and party in summertime. I take a bump from the coke from the corner of my card letting it take through my body, it makes me shiver a little, and I then pass the stuff over to Corey as I feel my blood start to heat up a little. I take a seat leaning against the trunk of the tree and lol my head backwards and stare up to the sky, the starts looking like tiny torchlights leading the way to the heavens and they spin around us slowly , after a while Corey sits next to me
“So man , is it working is your head quieting down yet bro ?”, come to think of it it has a little, there’s still that anxious lump in my throat and my heart is still going a million miles a minute but my brain is a little quieter. A little foggy but quiet.
“It’s a little foggy and everything is still really grey and colourless but yeh it’s quiet”
“What had you so hopped up in the first place lad”, he pulls more papers out his pockets and starts rolling another joint as I close my eyes and let the world go on around me talking as i fall into a peaceful state of bliss
“I don’t wanna talk about right now” , once Corey finished rolling the joint he passes it over to me and I light up again bringing it to my lips inhaling then ask “bro got any drink on ya”
“I’ve got beer in my bag”
“That’ll do , not the best but it’ll do”, he pulls a can of carlins from his bag and passes me a can as well as opening a can for himself. “Bro how do you always just know what I need”, He’s known me a while now and always been able to set me up some good gear when I’ve needed it.
“I just know you bro”, we just spend some time drinking and smoking, we did a few more bumps of coke. It has been about an hour and a half at this point my brain had stopped racing everything was quiet and I was getting really tired. Corey was zoned out next to me and I was nearly half asleep. “I think imma go now lad, are you coming or are you just gunna sit for a bit”
“Nah man I’m good ay, just leave me one last can will ya”, I didn’t feel like what I said was actually how it came out, everything was slurred and just blending together as I said it but I’m sure he understood. “Thanks again Corey, you always have what I need when I need help”
“It’s cool bro don’t worry”, he got up from his place on the ground probably at a normal speed but too me it looked like everything was in slow motion and he dropped his last can next to me. “Be safe yeh”, after we said our goodbyes he walked off back in the direction of the park.
I don’t know how much longer I sat there just nursing the beer that was left for me , but eventually I started to feel like I was sinking into the ground my heart started beating faster, a lot faster than normal which started to freak me out a little. Causing my breathing to come in fast burst. This makes me open my eyes and everything around me spinning , making my head hurt “not again nah I can’t do this right now” , I pull my phone out and start stabbing at my screen trying to find someone’s number, anyone’s number I don’t care who at this point. The more I search the more I start to panic I hate this. Eventually my eyes fall on Ross’ name and I click his name and bring the phone to my ear and hear it ring a few times and it goes to voicemail “no, no, no , please pick up”, I press his name again hearing the ringer go through again “please Ross pick up” , I’m beyond panic at this moment and I can’t concentrate right. Eventually he does pick up
“Yo Matty what is it?”
“Ross , is that you!”
“Uh yeh , you called me so I’d assume you know”
“Ross I’m scared I need you, can you come get me please”
“What do you mean you scared , where are you!?”
“I can’t breath and my brain feels like it’s going to explode”
“Matty mate , where are you?”
“Um …I …I’m at the. Uh the oak”
“Okay lad, I’ll be five minutes, do you want me to stay on the phone”
“Please…Ross please make it stop”, I could hear him on the other side, pulling on his jacket and his keys rattling as he pulled his door shut.
“What did you do mate?”
“I just needed my brain to shut up for a second, nothing was working, I needed it stop…and and…and it did…but now I can’t …can’t breath”
“Matty ….I swear you need to tell me , what did you take” , he’s outside now I can hear the crunching of leaves under his feet , Ross’ house was just around the corner so he shouldn’t be too long.
“How long will you be?”
“Stop swirving lad what did you take?”
“Um I uh. I …the usual” , I could feel water running down my face now, I don’t know when I stared crying but apparently I had.
“Mate , seriously , what’s wrong?, I’m just round the corner”
“I don’t know what’s wrong Ross, I really don’t know” , as I was finishing that senatnce I could hear him trudging through the forested area behind me but I couldn’t lift my head properly for to long “is …is that you ?”
“Yes , I’m going to hang up now”
I heard the dial tone give out and then Ross was running over to me “let’s get you up okay …on three yeh”, he wrapped an arm around me and he tried to pull me up “1, 2 , 3” , I pushed a little as he pulled me up. “Where going back to mine okay?, you can’t go home like this”, I just subtly nodded because even just slightly moving my head hurt so much, he wrapped and my arm around his shoulders and we began to walk back to his in silence which didn’t feel good but I just couldn’t conjure up a sentance.
We stumbled through his front door, I could hear his mum calling from the bedroom asking what was wrong and he just told her that I was out and I’m a bit pissed so I’m staying here rather than going home that made me chuckle not in a good way “bit pissed as if”
“Bro this ain’t funny come one,” we made our was upstairs he dragged me along with him taking one step at a time. It was hard even just walking never mind conquering stairs “where do you need to go , lay down or vomit”
“Nah nah I just need a lie down” , he pulled me into his bedroom and helped me up to then bed and he sat next to me softly pulling my head into his lap and laying against the headboard
“What are we gunna do with you huh?”
ooohh 🐰🧡🐸
What I think says the most in a person : I don’t really know it’s kind of a hard question , because I always give people the benifit of the doubt anyway right , but like first impression can be quickly changed , I’m always like so scared to speak to people when there loud and out there but then I’m always friends with them in the end 😂, but I suppose openness and how they treat strangers can be a good tell about how they really are (if that makes sense
What colour do I dislike most : I don’t really hate colours specifically but I despise red cars
My aesthetic: um , I steal aesthetics from others like I’ve got two on the go , buissness man who doesn’t really know what he’s doing (count Olaf 😂), then maybe 2000s ratty punk
Here I am again the one the brung up a problem I was having , but also the one who is now apologising 🙄
Chapter 4 I also forgot to mention the fic is called
HEART OUT
Word count 2953
Still angsty atm , mention of possible panic/anxiety attacks , I swear it does get better (many typos )
I get into my class and sit down. I've been placed in a seat that is the closest to the teachers desk as this class is my least favourite so I tend to mess around so I've been moved were Mrs Greer can see me. She's already sat in the class waiting for us all to come in and get out books out. I don't really have many people in this class to talk to as I keep to myself as well as quite disruptive. So for the most part I start on the starter task which takes me almost all of five minute to get frustrated over tearing my page out of my book and throwing it into the bin missing slightly. She spotted me throwing it and asked me to go pick it back up. I skulk over to where I missed it then turn around to the person behind me "hey watch me basket this from my seat ". After returning to my seat with the balled up peice of paper I try again to get it into the bin. I get it in this time and cheer loudly in faux excitement "look what I just fuckin did ".
"Mr Healy have you started the task on the board "
"Yes I have but it doesn't make sense "
I can hear her trying to explain the question to me but I'm just not in the right headspace to listen to her. So I turn around and start talking to the person behind me about utter nonsense
"Mr Healy I'm trying to help you ...are you paying attention
"I am paying attention I just don't get it " I raise my voice a little. Which on my behalf not the brightest idea
"Am I going to have to remove your from the class ..,your being very hostile right now "
"Oh am I , we'll what do you know Matty Healy not paying attention in math class " I know I'm winding her up but I really do just want to be removed from the class today maybe go home early even
"Right I don't think that's anyway to be behaving right now...please go wait outside and I'll talk to you once I've gotten everyone settled
"Nah there's no need I'll just go" and with that I pick up my rucksack and leave slamming the door in my wake. That was very much not my worst encounter with this particular teacher but honestly she knows it's just going to get worse as the class progresses so throwing me out was a better idea.
I go back outside for another smoke and snap George "I'm not staying here today I really am not " . While I'm in the process of lighting my cigarette I hear my head of year behind me "Matty what do you think your doing with that..."
"Oh uh nothing " it's not fully lit yet so I just drop it back into my pocket
"And what are you doing out of class "
"I just walked out I can't be there right now ...I'm not feeling great today and maths is just messing with me head "
My head of year gestures for me to sit down and she sits next to me "so you really think it wise to be skipping on lessons this close to your GCSEs especially maths when I know how much your struggling "
"I just can't not today" I place my head in my hands as my breathing become ragged "I just wanna go home ....can I phone my dad to come pick me up "
"How about you just come back to my office with me and we talk for a bit ...I know you struggle talking about feeling but we can sit down have a biscuit and some tea and just relax ...have you been taking your medication...I've seen a decline in your behaviour the last week or so " she knows me pretty well and I do feel safer in her company so I just nod my head yes to coming with her to her office but then reply with a "no I haven't taken my meds they just make me feel so sluggish and slow ...like a zombie ...I don't like it ...so I stopped " . We rise from the cold grey step at the front and make our way back inside . I stuff my hands into my pockets as we walk.
"You know that's not wise Matty " she looks at me sympathetically as she can hopefully understand what I might feel like
"I know but I'd rather just be jumpy and hyper than feel like I being held back and stuff " I pull my rucksack around me properly again as it was slipping down my shoulders due to my slouchy walk
"We'll we can see what else we can do about that another time , in we go " she unlocks her office door and pulls up a chair close to her desk and I sit myself down basically curling myself into me
"Now if we may start , would you like to tell me what's been wrong lately. If we can maybe have a little chat and later we can get you back to class "
"No! " I accidentally shout "sorry Miss , sorry I just don't really want to go back , if you won't let me go home can I just stay in here and do work please "
"We can discuss that later yeh , just let's have a chat , tell me something good that's going on and something that you need to let out "
I let out a long sigh deciding to start with the good thing i suppose "we'll uh the boys and I have written a song for the school production and Mr Hardy said that if we get him a demo in by next Friday he might consider letting us sing it , that's quite exciting. It's not set in stone yet but we'd really like to do it , the boys are quite pumped really "
She smiling at me contently "that's very impressive Matty, and what's plaguing you ?"
I can feel my eyes start to well up and sting before I even begin to describe it "uh, I uh , just fuckin really miss Janey like a lot " tears start pouring down my face "and she only got into the wreck like 3 months ago and no one's talking about it and I understand that people don't want me to be upset by it but I just wish people would at least seem like they care and it would make me feel less like it was my fault which I feel like that anyway cuz I was the one messing around in the car while we were driving and obviously a little intoxicated , and ....l" my breath hitches "I just can't stand not having her around she was my closest friend miss and I can't do any of this without her " I breakdown right there and then and it just doesn't stop.
Miss Conner's came over to me quickly and wrapped an arm round me and kept telling me everything would be okay and that its out now and it should hurt less now.
I don't calm down for at least ten minutes that's when I get my breathing back to a steady pace, my eyes now puffy and itchy. "Can I please just go home Miss".
I can sense her really pondering it for a minute "alright , I'll let you off today but try and come in tomorrow and if you really need to I can get some work from your teachers and we can try work on some stuff together, Can we try that ?"
"I can certainly try Miss".
"So, who am I calling, your mum or dad "
"Dad, please, He's at work so you'll have to call there, can I speak to him just so I can explain"
"let me just call him and you can talk once I've spoken to him , please just stay in here quietly for a second while I go get a phone "
"alright "I watch her leave the room then get my phone out and text my mum letting her know ill be coming home so to not be surprised that I'm home when she's home I go to snapchat to speak to George he's replied few times since my last message
"I'm sure that's not the case right "then not long after there's a video of him and what I assume to be his friends all huddled outside smoking captioned "finally getting my smokes "
I snap him back instantly trying to plaster on a fake smile even though my eyes look terrible and my hairs a state as I've wracked my hands through it a million times since reaching the office "that's amazing, I'm sure you've got to feel a little better now for sure".
I get an immediate reply of his face and god does he look good when he looks free and at peace "yeh man I feel way better, how about you, what's wrong you look upset?"
Another message comes through but just texts "I'm here and I know we barley know each other but I'm here"
"I don't really wanna talk about it right now , I'm just feeling the worst today, I'm going home from school early, so if I don't answer its probably because my dad is trying cheer me up or I'm napping but I'll talk to you later. Thank you though "
Just then Miss Conners comes back in the room, on the phone to my dad. I only catch the end of the conversation.
"Matty would like to talk to you, I'll hand the phone over", I jump up and get to the phone.
"Hi Dad"
"Hiya son, what's up lad".
"just really not having the best day, don't feel great "
"Im at work right now lad, but I go on my break at 12, I can pick you up then, can you hang on that long son, Its about an hour yeh?"
"If I have too , then I will, I love you Da".
"I love too son, I'll see you soon alright"
I hand the phone back over to Miss Conners "He's coming to get me at lunch time". After a small look around the office I notice a small sofa on the back wall "Do you mind if I rest for an hour?"
"I know I should be trying to be getting you work to do but if you really need it then ill let you today" she gestures to the sofa behind me "just have a rest there it might help you feel a little better"
"Thanks Miss". I drop my rucksack on the floor next to the sofa next to me once I've sat down and try to get somewhat comfortable. Once I've closed my eyes I let the world around me die down and quieten trying to ignore it all.
I must have drifted off because the next thing I realise Miss is shaking me out of my slumber "Matty, your dads here, he's just waiting outside". It takes me a good few minutes to get myself together, wracking my hands through my hair and rubbing my eyes "Thanks for listening". She takes me through reception and lets the receptionist know where I'm going. Then I say my good-byes and make my way to my dad's car and hop in after throwing my rucksack in the back
"Hiya". I strap myself in as my dad takes off
"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong then son?"
"I told you I just feel really ill". I don't want to look at him as I know I'll just breakdown again, so I pull my discarded cigarette from my pocket and roll the window down quickly lighting up and relaxing a little.
"Have you had anything too eat and no before you start those don't count", He means my fags "No not yet, I was gunna get something at break, but it totally skipped my mind". He's looking at me like I've just killed the pope now. "Dad come on I'm sorry"
"I know love, but honestly you really need to work on eating right. your bloody skin and bone as it is"
"I know Dad I really am trying; I just can't find the time for something as menial as eating right now, I know its important but I'm so busy and forget so easily". My dad knows the struggles I had when I was younger so doesn't push me with it
"What about sleep, how is that going now that you've stopped your meds?"
"Yeh that doesn't seem to be going as well as id have liked it to, my brain just won't stop running, everything is just blur then its time to sleep it doesn't work, I got a few hours last night and had a nap at school. It's just hard to settle down".
"I know your busy and they make you tired and you don't like them all that much but are you sure going off the meds was the best idea".
"We've already done this dad, I know you and mum didn't really agree with it but I don't feel like myself on them, I'll learn to cope without them I promise". My head is pounding at this point and my ears were ringing "Can we stop and get a coffee?"
"sure we can but first I need you to promise you'll get something to eat and have a proper sleep when I drop you back home". He's looking directly at me I can feel his eyes boring into the back of my skull. I turn to look at him after dropping the remanence of my cigarette onto the ground below me "I can get something to eat , but I've got work at half three and if I go to sleep now I wont wake up in time , but ill try to get an early night".
"That I can live with". The rest of the car ride goes by quite quietly even after he goes through the maccies drive through to get us both a coffee. The warmth of the cup momentarily stopping the tremor in my hands. "Thank you, Dad, I love you". I really do adore my dad were remarkably similar in many ways and my dad has always been my biggest supporter in anything I do "I love you too son."
He drops me back at home just after 12:30 after saying a quick goodbye I unlock the front door and slam it behind me as I watch my dad leave for work again. I drop my bag at the front door and quickly make my way upstairs to my room. My haven. After setting my record player up I put my Joy Division record on and lay down on my bed staring at the ceiling. I feel like I've laid their ages, but I think it's only been about ten minutes as I'm only on the third track on the record, but my head starts to spin more, and my stomach feel weird "ah shit". I get up quickly and run to the bathroom nearly tripping over the mess scattered around my room just making it to the bathroom as I throw up violently. My whole-body shakes as I retch as there is not much to come out of my stomach this is a quite common occurrence these days, but I don't hate it any less. I sit next to the toilet with my back against the cool tiles on the wall trying to catch my breath. This part of my day is never fun. I sit there for another 20 minutes just to make sure I don't need to throw up again and let the shaking subside.
I take out my phone, I go to message Ross to ask him for help, but I think twice about it he's already worried enough as it is, so I see myself hovering over George's name. He doesn't really know me so it shouldn't be too bad. I message him "Bro I'm so sick, I can't deal with today". He doesn't have to help me or really know how to but telling someone might help a little. I get a text through not much longer after
"Why what's wrong love?" Love? where did that come from? It takes a minute for me to think of a reply to him that doesn't make me sound like a mad man.
"Just been a tough day ay, my whole body is against me right now, my brain is fighting a losing battle with itself and I just wanna disappear, also love?" I catch myself staring at the sentence for a little longer than I feel I should have, and my cheeks start to flush, and the reply startles me a little "sorry I didn't mean to say that, I'm just so used to saying that , I didn't think but seriously mate that's seems like a lot to be dealing with is there anything I can do to help?" . He's so damn sweet "I don't think anyone can help at this point G". That's the honest I have been in a while the only person that can help me is me but I've no idea how to do that. "Well, I'm going to do what I can to help, no matter how long it takes." I just throw quick thank you back because I don't really know what else to say at this point.
I get back up off the floor and begin to strip my uniform from my body a shower might do me good
Bro a live band is playing and they went for a break rn and I can just see the drums unattended and I need to not look at them cuz if I do I’ll sob and wanna play them 😂😂😂
I REALLY JUST WANNA CRY RN
THE WORLD IS AGAINST ME SEEING THE BOUS AGAIN AND IM ACTUALLY GETTING UPSET BY IT NOW 😤😤🤦🏻♂️
Chapter three
Word count :1941
I think we all hate/hated school as much as matty in this fanfiction , I swear if I had the courage to walk out and act up I’d be exactly like this 🙄😂
I trudge through the halls pulling my rucksack straps around me before sliding into my English class all ther way to my seat in the back next to my friend Jamie I place my rucksack on the table infront of me and pull my phone out of my pocket again and put my earphones in to listen to music after picking a playlist I go back to Pub-G and open my messages sending George a quick message with my number and Snapchat attached explaining that it's easier to talk there I then rest my head on the table as I wait for the teacher to come , sleep once again overcoming me slowly
Again just before I have time to fully succumb to sleep my phone vibrates on the table I pick it up to see a Snapchat alert from the same user as Pub-G , I smile as I open it and swiftly accept it and quickly send him a quick snap of my hair with a simple "fancy seeing you here ". A reply doesn't come straight away so I gather he is in class now and actually working .
Just at that my teacher decided to make an arrival. I roll my eyes immediately as he starts talking and slowly sink into my chair avoiding his gaze at all costs because I just know he will be all over me for answers because I'm so far getting an A* for this class but I really don't want to be talking to anyone right now. The buzz of the classroom keeps me awake only slightly as everyone conversates over something or other and I have my phone glued to my hand again in wait of George's snap , which doesn't take to much longer to come through. I receive a snap from him , it's full face and damn is that a good looking man , not that I'm gay but I can very much appreciate a good looking chap , his eyes do how ever seem to be just as blown as mine and red rimmed , his face is broken out in a wild smile and his hair is trapped under his hood , with a simple caption of "Yooo dude "
I smile to myself at the obvious stoner I have befriended , I then take another picture but this time making sure I get my whole face in , leaning on my hand as I take it "Bro you look wrecked...are you okay?honestly ?"
His reply comes through momentarily another of his face but looks like he's rolling his eyes dramatically "nah man ...shit sucks right now but I'll be fine "
I look around to make sure no one is looking at me as I can't really hear anything then quickly snap another pick of me making a stupid face hopefully cheering him up a little "you sure don't wanna talk about it ay?". Helping someone through there struggles might help me forget for a little while why I'm so tense and stressed.
The replies are getting faster so it get another almost instantaneously his face still in the shot still looking done with life...I can relate "just girls man...broke up with my girl the other day ...well she broke up with me ". I feel bad for the dude , break ups are tough especially at his age , I know I'm not that much older than him but geez I was even more on edge then than I am now and that's saying something so if he's anything like me he's got to be struggling like mad right now
I send another snap of a stupid face back but this time with a video and I flip my teacher off from behind my screen , again hoping to maybe cheer him up "that's tough man ...any reason why ?".
I don't get a picture snap this time just a message "she thinks I don't care about anything ...I'm too laid back ...don't care about my future ...I don't have any "real" ambition and she also hated that I got so into weed " I scoff as I read the message as Ive heard that too much in my life from girls. They're pretty but they suuuuuck.
I must have scoffed louder than I thought I had , after being pulled out of my own little world by Mr Lezdon
"Mr Healy , is there something you'd like to share ....also please remove your bag from the table it should be long gone by now "
"No sir sorry I just hiccuped ...I'm so sorry " I move my rucksack into my lap so I can slouch on it with my arms wrapped softly around it. I try to pay attention but my hands were itching to take my phone back out so I opt for drumming hands on my lap and resting my head back onto my desk while listening to Mr lezdon talk about symbolism and juxtapositions between two poems that we had been reading. Man I should have slept last night I'm really struggling right now. I have an apiffany and raise my hand and ask to go to the bathroom. I'm allowed out this one time I take my phone out and reply back to George "I'm so sorry that must really suck girls really take a lot out of a guy ". I take this as an opportunity to sneak out for another zoot , If I'm going to stay here all day I really need this. It's not going to help with my tiredness really but anything to ease the dull throbbing vibrating through me, to still the buzzing in my brain. It's go to be quick though. My phone vibrates in my pocket once again I see another text reply from George "yeh I'm just done right now I know it's lame cuz she's just a girl but we were going strong and I guess I'm young but I thought we had a good thing ...but what can you do ,"
I smile again as I manage to get outside without being spotted and take another zoot and the lighter out of my trousers pocket. It's slightly flat due to the pressure between my thighs and trousers but it will do. After taking a video of me with the zoot lit and between my lips captioned by "just have a zoot bro " I get a quick reply of laughing emojis straight back with a "smoking is bad for you Matthew " not so long after
I take about five minute to myself to finish my joint and just bask in the quiet and the fresh air before I go back inside. It's so hard to find time for myself at the moment there sooo much to be getting on with. The joint calmed me down quite a bit more than the last one had so after making my way back to class I get back to my seat after a few glares from people who I know 100% knew what I was doing. I reply to George quickly with a cheeky emoji and said "I know but I'm bad for me " meant to be as a joke but maybe not sounding so. For the rest of the class I just lay with my head resting on my arm on the desk as the world moves on by around me .
The rest of the morning up until break time flies by not paying attention in most classes and sitting with Jamie half asleep brings him to speak to me at break time
"Hey mate are you okay ? " I pressed a supportive hand on the small of my back as we make our way through the crowd of teenagers as we go outside to meet Ross
"M' fine " I keep my head down as I'm in the mist of a banging headache and I just want out of the noise for a bit "honestly just tired ay "
"I know Ross has probably said and your mum ...but your not giving yourself time to be at peace right now Matty....you do so much in a day ...have barley anything to eat ...and your not sleeping right ...can you promise you'll tell us if anything gets to much " . He pauses us in the hallway and lifts my head up with my chin so I'm looking directly into my eyes . I nod nonchalantly "I'm fine Jay honestly...everyone needs to stop worrying "
"Promise me ?"
"Alright ...fine I promise " I roll my eyes at him this time and continue walking . I love my mates so much but my god to they worry too much.
"Good " . We reach the back gate as I pull out a cigarette out of my also crushed packet and light it quickly relishing in the rush of nicotine floating through my body i slouch against the back wall and close my eyes and let the cigarette consume me while Jamie is talking away when Ross comes over. I cant decipher every part of the conversation but it takes me a minute to realise they're talking to me. Ross nudges me slightly shaking me off balance "Matty mate ??"
"Huh ... I wasn't paying attention...what did you say ?" I look at them properly now giving them my full attention while taking another long drag
"Jay and I were wandering if you'd like to come back to his after school, some drinks , just to relax for a bit " . They look at me with hopeful grins "you've been on edge for weeks now you need it ?"
It's true I have been quite skittish and on edge for a while now. "I'm sorry guys , I've got work tonight then I've got to look after Loiue for a little while, you can see me at work though and help me look after Lou if you'd like ?"
"I can come see you at work" Jay isn't much round at mine so that makes sense
"Yeh I ain't seen the little dude in a while so I could come over bring some drinks and we can just chill while we look after him ? , Would you mum mind ? . Ross loves my house he was there most days before work and GCSEs got the better of us
"No I'm sure she won't mind so long as lou is in bed by 8 and we don't make to much noise " I smile and get slightly more excited at the prospects of seeing my best friend after school like we used too "thank you Ross "
"You don't have to thank me mate... we're just really worried about you and your mental health right now...and we want you to be okay " . Our conversation is interrupted by the noise of the bell ringing through everywhere alerting us it's time to go back in
"Guys seriously I'm fine stop worrying " I nod to them both before making my way back inside. I've got maths next. Let's so how this goes down it never goes well. I take out my phone again putting my headphones back in and realising I have at least 2 messages from my mum reminding me about looking after Lou later and asking if I've eaten . Shit I forgot , I message back a little white lie saying that I had as to not upset her. Then I see George has sent a snap
It's just his face again looking a little more awake this time "what do you mean by not being good for yourself "
Snapping back with what I mean expressing that im usually my own worst enemy and that it's not always the best thing for me to be me or in my head . Im sure he'd understand
UNWELL
The New York Times (Sep 2022)
word count: 3.9k
a/n: chapter two is finally here my beloved people. hope you enjoy my writing. sorry if it’s not as perfect as i want it to be. enjoy!
warnings: SMUTTY SMUTTY🕷️
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It's only been two weeks since you went into your local music store. Since that moment, you were head over heels for him. He was so charismatic, funny, charming, and he was always nice to you, like really nice to you. It was really throwing you off. You visited him when you had the time.
Today was just like any other day, you had stopped by the music shop on your break from studying. He looked up at the sound of the bell, smiling at who was walking in. He felt his heart race at the sight of you. He knew your name, what you liked and didn’t like. He knew a lot about you, he liked that about himself. He liked knowing about you for some reason.
“Afternoon, darling.” he said, resting his chin on the back of the broom’s handle and looking at you with a smirk on his face
“Hi, Matty”
Hearing you say his name made his heart soar, but he tried to hide it by smiling politely at you. “How’s your day going?”
“Pretty bland”
He tilted his head, putting the broom down and leaning against the counter slightly, crossing his arms over his chest “Bland, eh? I can’t believe you can have a bland day”
You shrug. He looked at you for a second before pushing himself off the counter and walking around the corner of the counter “It’s pretty boring here, too. Barely anyone’s been coming… well besides you of course”
“Really?”
“Yup, it’s been pretty dead.”
Standing directly in front of you. He studied your face for a second. You flushed, ‘Fuck me’
“Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?” Matty asks nervously.
“I was going to get lunch”
“Mind if I join you?” He smiled at you, hoping you would say yes, but also not wanting to look too excited if you said no.
“I don’t mind”
He mentally high fived himself once you agreed to him joining you for lunch.
“I’ll lock up the shop..” He said, walking over and locking the door and flipping the sign to ‘CLOSED’ before walking back over to you.
He pushed the door open for you before following you out of the store. Once the door was closed and locked he turned to you. “So, where to?”
“I noticed this cute little cafe around the block. Looks fucking cool”
“Lead the way then darling, I trust your judgment”
He followed beside you as you made your way to the cafe, looking down at you as he walked, thinking about how small you were compared to him. After a few moments you guys reached the cafe. It looked like an old 70s diner from the outside, but it was modernized on the inside. The place looked cool as hell.
“You have good taste..”
He said, looking around at the restaurant and then down at you. He noticed a booth in the corner and put a hand on your back gently. You shiver at the touch.
“Table or booth?”
He chuckled at you being indecisive “Booth it is”
He motioned for you to walk in front of him then put his hand on your back again, guiding you over to the booth in the corner. He motioned for you to sit before he slid into the other side. You can tell he was trying to hide his nerves. As you were too.
He looked at you for a second, catching a glance of your expressions and sensing mutual nervousness. He decided to say something just to break the silence.
“Do you come here often?” He joked with a smirk.
“God not the date jokes already”
He chuckled at your comment “I’m sorry, I had to.”
He smiled at you, trying his best to stop himself from staring. You were just so pretty it was so hard not too.
A waitress walked up to them with a pencil and notepad, ready to take their order.
You guys ordered your food. Eating silently. You broke the ice.
“Where are you from?”
Matty perked up at the question, he was glad you said something, “Manchester, UK.. I moved here a few years ago.”
“You like America so far?
He shrugged, taking a sip of his soda “It’s not bad. The people are.. different for sure. Definitely different then they are in the UK.” He chuckled slightly.
“But that’s okay though…”
He looked at you as he spoke. He smiled softly at you before he continued “I like different. It’s new.”
As you guys talked, Matty's eyes lingered on your face for a little too long. He was captivated by your features. He couldn't help but feel drawn to you. However, he tried his best to act casual and not let it show too much.
He took another bite of his food before speaking again. "What about you? Have you lived around here your whole life?"
“Sadly”
“Why sadly?”
“Well it’s…America”
Matty chuckled softly and nodded his head in understanding. He knew exactly what you meant. The current states of the country weren't great to say the very least.
"Yeah the country is a mess. But some of the people here aren't bad. There's some good people here... Somewhere" He said jokingly before taking another sip of his drink and looking back at you.
There was a silence between them for a moment as he looked at you, a million thoughts running through his head. He then decided to change the subject before he continued staring at you for too long. There it was again, that same nervousness he felt before. He took a breath and spoke softly, hoping that it wasn't too obvious how nervous he was.
"So.. you said you were a uni student, right?"
“Yeah.”
“What’s your major?”
“Don’t laugh.”
"I won't laugh, but it can't be that bad" He teased with a chuckle.
“I’m a business major”
Matty's eyes widened in mock surprise, "No way, a business major? I would’ve never guessed.” He said sarcastically with a cheeky grin on his face.
“What do you want to do with a business degree?”
Shrugs at him, “Something I’ve always thought about.”
He nodded slowly as he thought about your response. He took another sip of his drink, noticing how you weren't giving him a lot to go off of. He wanted to keep the conversation going, but he didn't know how to keep it going if you weren't going to give him a little more
"You don't have any big aspirations in life? No end goal?"
“Not really, no”
Matty looked at you, slightly confused. He couldn't tell if you were serious or not. He tilted his head a little and spoke cautiously.
"Not really? How do you not have some sort of goal for life? Everyone has to have SOME sort of drive"
He waited for you to say something, but you just shrugged again. He was a tad bit baffled if he was being honest, but he tried not to show it. He leaned his elbows on the table and leaned forward slightly
"You're telling me you don't have a single ambition in this life? You just go with the flow?"
“Pretty much.”
He was still a little baffled, but that look of confusion was turning into a look of fascination. You intrigued him. You were the complete opposite of him. He had dreams and hopes, goals, things he aspired to be and do. He was determined to make something of himself. But you... you just didn't care, you just went with the flow, it was mesmerizing.
Then, his leg brushed against yours. The moment your leg made contact with his, he felt his heart skip a beat. The feeling of your skin touching his was electric, it sent tingles through his whole body. He tried to act nonchalantly by moving a little in his seat, but the truth was he wanted to feel more of your skin on his. He wanted to touch you, and feel you. You got goosebumps, the hair prickling up on your body. you fidget with your ear a little.
He noticed the change in your body language, the subtle fidgeting that signaled nervousness and excitement. It was intoxicating, the way you were reacting to him was exactly how he was feeling as well. He couldn't help but stare at you, noticing every little reaction you had to the contact.
You looked at him, eyes dilated. He saw the dilation in your eyes, and it made his heart skip a beat. Those gorgeous eyes, staring at him made him feel a way he couldn't describe. He felt his whole nervous system go into sensory overdrive. He could feel every little thing, he could hear your breathing, he could smell your perfume or lotion or whatever it was you wore. Everything about you was driving him insane in the best way possible.
One hour later you guys left the restaurant.As you guys walked out of the restaurant, Matty couldn't help but feel strangely disappointed. Being in such close proximity to you for that amount of time and not being able to fully express how he was feeling was killing him. As they walked out into the busy sidewalk, he couldn’t help but cast a sideways glance at you, admiring your beauty. Silence hung in the air as he tried to figure out what to say or do now.
“I should probably head home” you say.
“Could I walk you?”
Surprised by him, you decided to nod “Sure”
He nodded, trying to act calm and cool but inside he was doing a happy dance that you said yes. He fell into step beside you as you started to walk.
When you guys arrived at your place, Matty was close to you, too close to be exact. He was standing fairly close to you, so close that you could feel his breath on your skin and you could almost feel the heat coming off of him. He took a moment to look at you, studying your face up close, before speaking softly.
"This is you huh?"
“Yeah”
He didn't want to leave quite yet, so he stayed there in front of your apartment, standing close to you, practically inches away from you. He couldn't get over how gorgeous you were. He smiled to himself as he continued staring at you, suddenly feeling bold, he spoke, "You know.. you're absolutely beautiful"
You open your mouth, surprised by the gesture. “Thank you I suppose.”
He chuckled softly at your somewhat timid response. He had a cocky attitude, so he was a bit surprised when you didn't immediately respond with a cocky, "I know" or "I know I am". It both took him off guard, but also made him want you even more.
He took a step closer to you, his chest almost touching yours. He looked down at you, his heart racing in his chest. He was inches from you, and it took all of his self-control not to just grab you and kiss you senseless. You look up at him. You can tell his eyes are darker than normal.
He gazes down at you, his eyes locking on yours. He feels the heat coming off of your body, and it only makes him want to get closer. He slowly brings his hand up to your face, his fingertips gently brushing across your skin. “Can I ask you something?"
You nod.
He let his hand rest on your cheek, his fingers gently stroking across your skin. He takes a breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking softly.
“Can I kiss you?"
“Please”
His brain nearly short-circuited at your response, and almost didn't believe you actually said yes. But before he had another doubt, he took another step towards you, closing the space between you. He pressed his body against yours and cupped your face with his hands. He looked into your eyes for a second before he gently leaned down and captured your lips with his.
You did backflips inside your brain. How did this happen, a cute guy from a music shop. kissing you in front of your apartment. you didn’t want it to end.
His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to him. He deepened the kiss, his tongue gently brushing across your bottom lip, begging for entrance. He couldn't get enough of you. You open your mouth for him. He was soft to the touch.
He groaned softly when you opened your mouth for him. He wasted no time, his tongue eagerly exploring your mouth. He held you tighter against him, his hands gripping your hips as he kissed you.
“Come inside” you say, pulling away gasping.
He was slightly out of breath, and slightly dazed from the kiss. His brain took a moment to process what you had said, and when he registered it his heart skipped a beat. He looked at you, then looked at your apartment, then back to you.
"Wha-...are you sure?"
“I want you”
He was taken off guard by your bluntness, but he loved it. The way you spoke sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but nod in agreement. He wanted you just as badly, if not more.
"Fuck me" he muttered.
You guys entered your apartment. You were nervous, a good nervousness. Matty followed you inside, his heart racing. He couldn't believe this was actually happening, he was inside your apartment, alone with you, and you wanted him just as badly as he wanted you. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, watching you in silence for a moment before speaking.
"Are you sure about this? I don't want to do anything you're uncomfortable with"
You grab his hand, “Yes”
He felt your hand grasp his, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He let you lead him further into your apartment, his mind racing with thoughts and fantasies. He wanted you so badly, but he still wanted to be respectful, so he let you take the lead.
He followed you deeper into your apartment, his mind racing with excitement and nervousness. Once you entered your bedroom, he took a moment to look around. Your room was simple but cozy, a reflection of you. He stood awkwardly for a moment, not quite sure what to do or say. You push him on the bed.
He let out a small gasp of surprise as you pushed him onto the bed. His heart was beating so hard he could hear it, and he couldn’t take his eyes off you. He watched you as you climbed on top of him, straddling his lap.
You grind your hips onto his, kissing his neck softly.
He groaned softly as you grind your hips against his, causing him to arch his back in response. He let out a shaky moan when you began kissing his neck, his hands immediately going to your hips, gripping them tightly.
You play with his shirt, “Can I take this off?”
Matty swallowed hard as you started playing with the hem of his shirt, his skin buzzing from your touch. He nodded his head quickly as he spoke,
“Please, take it off”
He shivered as you slowly pulled his shirt up, the feeling of your hands on his skin was incredible. He lifted his arms and allowed you to completely remove the shirt, leaving his chest bare for you to look at. He felt a little self-conscious for a moment, but then he looked at you and saw the look of desire in your eyes.
You kissed him desperately, you wanted more, right now. The heat in your body was too intense. you were soaked.
He kissed you back eagerly, his hands gripping your hips once again. He could feel the heat emanating from your body, and it drove him wild. He needed more, he wanted all of you. Matty tugged your shirt.
He pulled back from the kiss and looked down at you, noticing how the shirt was in the way. He looked back up at you, his eyes dark with desire,
“Take it off”
You take the shirt off. leaving you just in your bra.
Matty’s breath hitched in his throat as he gazed at you, sitting on his lap in nothing but a bra. His gaze roamed over your body, taking in every inch of you, and he swallowed hard,
“God- you’re gorgeous”
“Take my bra off, please?”
He reached up and slowly reached for the lacy fabric, his fingers trembling just a little as he hooked them around the straps. He took a deep breath and then began to gently pull it off. Once it was off, he tossed it aside and let out a shaky exhale as he looked down at your bare chest.
He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life, and all he could do was stare for a moment in awe. He gently ran his hands up and down your sides, his touch light and almost reverent,
"You're fucking gorgeous, darling. So goddamn beautiful"
He watches you intently oh fuck. he mutters under his breath in awe.
“Get up, darling” He gently tapped your hips, signaling for you to get off of him. You do, watching his next move.
He slowly unbuttoned his pants and slid them off, leaving him in just his boxers. He laid there in front of you, in just his boxers, his bare chest on full display. He could feel your eyes roaming over his body.
You walked back to the bed crawling on the edge. You move your hand to his boxers.
His breathing hitches at the touch, his eyes flutter shut as he leans back into the pillow, “Ohh. Fuck”
You move it slightly, “Am I doing something wrong?”
Shakes his head, unable to form words. He lets out a low moan as you move your hand, “No. No. It feels good. Just like that.”
“Can I take them off?”
Nods almost imperceptibly, his breath coming in short pants. yeah. yeah you can. he manages to get out, his hips buckling slightly as he anticipates your touch.
He lets out a low groan as you remove his briefs, his body tensing up with pleasure. his cock is fully erect, the tip glistening with precum, "Oh god. fuck."
He brings his and around your ass, rubbing it, he asks you if he can help you out of it. Nodding, he reaches up and gently begins to pull your pants down, his touch soft and deliberate. Once they're off, he throws them to the side, but not before taking a moment to admire your legs.
He smiles a bit as he continues to watch you, moving his hand further up your leg and towards your inner thigh. He leans in closer, whispering in your ear, “You ok?”
“Yeah”
He looks up at you, smirks and slowly moves your panties to the side, exposing your pussy to his view and touch. He starts to rub your clit, teasing it with his fingers.
Moaning at his touch, as he starts to rub your clit faster, his thumb pressing down on it while his fingers slide up and down your pussy lips. Matty gets up, and goes to his wallet. He ripped out a condom. He then taps your waist once more.
Guiding you back down onto him, “Come here, love.”
You climb on top of him again. He rolls onto his back, guiding you to straddle him with your legs on either side of his hips. He grips your hips, his touch firm and guiding as he helps you position yourself over him.
He groans in pleasure as you sink back down onto him, the heat and tightness of your body enveloping him completely,
“Oh god, yes. Just like that.” He grips your hips, steadying you as he begins to thrust upwards into you in a slow, steady rhythm.
“Fucking christ. You take me so good, baby. Fuck. Yeah just like that” he whines out a breath in pleasure, as you ride him up and down. His breath was hot on your neck, gently sucking and moaning. Hands roam all over your body.
He gently guides your hips, urging you to move up and down on top of him. Their whines are mixed together. He was different from other men you slept with, he wasn’t quiet in bed.
He lets out a low moan, his fingers digging into your hips as you start to move in earnest, “Ah, fuck, that's it.”
His thrusting up, it grows more urgent, meeting your downward movements with force.
His breathing quickening as you begin to grind your hips in circles.
He opens his eyes, gazing up at you with a look of pure adoration and lust, “Fucking christ, gorgeous, love.”
He reaches up to cup one of your breasts, his thumb rubbing over the hardened nipple. You moan his name at the touch.
He groans at the sound of your moan, his hips bucking up into you in a desperate bid for release. “Bloody hell,”
Your stomach turns into a knot, as you reach down to your clit. He grips your hips, holding you steady as you begin to touch yourself.
“Oh fuck, yes” His moans got louder even further, a little sweat breaking out on his forehead as he watched you. “I'm so close.”
Your cunt tightened around his cock. He shudders beneath you, his thrusts faltering as he comes. You continue to ride out your orgasim.
He wraps his arms around you, holding you close as you both ride out the waves of pleasure. He plants a kiss on your neck, his lips lingering there as he catches his breath.
You decided to get up, wincing as you pulled out of him. He takes off the condom, tying it off and putting it in the trash can near your bed.
“Let me clean you up,” he says.
You shook your head, “It’s okay”
He gets up and walks to the bathroom in your bedroom, returning with a warm, damp cloth, “No, let me.”
He gently wipes between your thighs, his touch tender and caring. You were completely blissed out, still coming down from your high when you felt Matty gently wipe between your thighs. You watched him as he did so, noticing how tender and caring he was being. A small sigh escaped your lips as he continued, the feeling of the warm cloth against your sensitive skin was so soothing.
“Thank you.”
Matty looked up at you and smiled as he finished cleaning you up. He gently patted your thigh as he spoke, "No need to thank me, love"
You look hazily. Matty smiled at you, noticing the tiredness look in your eyes. He set the cloth on the bedside table and climbed back onto the bed, laying next to you.
"You feeling okay darling?"
“Tired.”
Matty chuckled softly and nodded, understanding how exhausted you must be. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer to him, your head resting on his chest.
He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of your head, and held you close to him as he got comfortable. The room was quiet, and the only sound was the steady rhythm of his heart beat. He felt relaxed and content, having you close to him like this, and he knew that he was never going to let you go.
Omg there was a certain part in my fanfiction that my friend was reading and it made her cry and now I feel so bad