Days have passed and today Mathew was coming over for dinner.
The house smelled like garlic bread and roasted chicken—warm, familiar scents that tugged at something deep inside me.
I stood by the kitchen counter, nervously running my fingers along the rim of a glass of water. It reminded me of the family dinners we had with Dad and Micheal. I have been upstairs all day and Mom has been busy with work but still she found time to prepare dinner. She hummed softly as she set the table, her excitement barely contained.
"He'll be here any minute sit down my dear," mom said glancing at the clock.
I nodded absently, smoothing down my dress even though I'd already changed twice. I was very nervous. It was just dinner. Just a thank-you. Still, my stomach fluttered, shy I was going to meet him again after he just saved my life
The doorbell rang and mom practically sprinted to answer it.
"Good evening!" she greeted warmly.
From my spot, I could hear his voice—calm, low, polite. Then the door opened wider and he stepped in. Matthew.
He looked... different, Quiet and Mysterious. This was very difficult from his air of grace he usually carried in school. He was dressed in a clean black shirt and jeans, with a small bouquet of flowers in hand, he looked effortlessly composed.
"These are for you," he said, holding the bouquet out to Mom.
"Oh, thank you! That's so thoughtful." She smiled already placing them in a vase. "Come on in, dinner's ready."
Our eyes met briefly, and he offered a small smile. "Hey."
"Hi, hope you're feeling better" I said, guilty he was hurt because of me
"Never been better" he chuckled
We settled at the table, the three of us. Mom talked the most, she asked after his health, praised his bravery, and even cracked jokes when the mood got too heavy. Matthew responded with quiet humility, brushing off compliments like they made him uncomfortable.
"I just did what anyone would've done," he said.
"Not anyone," Mom replied, her eyes softening. "you could have kept driving but instead you stopped to help"
He looked at me then, holding my gaze for a beat too long. "I knew something was wrong," he said quietly. "And I didn't want to be late."
The room grew still for a moment. My heart thudded against my ribs.
"I still don't know how you found me," I said, my voice barely steady.
" I'm not going to lie it was just a hunch. A hunch too strong to ignore" he stated quietly and after some minutes he continued. "I'm glad I found you"
My cheeks flushed. I felt seen for the first time in months. I was glad he thought about me enough to have a hunch when I was in danger
Mom blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears. "You saved my daughter's life. You're always welcome here."
Matthew gave a shy nod. His eyes now focused on his plate.
Dinner continued, quieter now. I found myself watching him, trying to piece together who he really was beyond the boy who showed up when I was at my lowest. I had always felt he was proud and arrogant but he was also sharp, observant, and kind in a quiet type of way. When he noticed I struggled to cut my food with one hand, he reached over wordlessly and helped. My heart warmed at the gesture.
After dessert—Mom's famous apple pie—we moved to the living room. She insisted on doing the dishes herself and gave us space.
"I never really thanked you," I said once we were alone.
"You don't have to."
"I want to," I said. "What you did... it mattered."
He looked at me for a long time before speaking. "You matter."
I blinked.
"You're not invisible, Mirabel," he added. "Even when you feel like you are... I see you"
I swallowed hard, emotions rising in my chest like a tide. I hadn't expected this kind of clarity. This kind of honesty. Not from him.
"You... you saw me?" I whispered sounding unsure
He nodded. "I still do."
He smiled and I felt comforted for the first time.
We sat in silence after that. A comfortable one. No need for small talk or apologies. Just quiet and understanding.
Eventually, Mom came back in, drying her hands with a towel.
"This night was great. How about a movie next time?" she asked teasingly.
Matthew chuckled. "Sounds good."
As he got up to leave, I walked him to the door.
"Thanks again," I said.
"For the dinner?" he asked, smirking
"For everything."
He gave a small nod. "Anytime."
Then he was gone, and I was left standing at the doorway. I waited till his car drove off.
Something had shifted.
Since my brother's death, I felt like I had a big brother in him.
What I didn't realize was.....
I was starting to love him.