"Is this good?" he asked from the ladder. He was hanging Donna's wall tapestry back on the wall of her dorm room.
"Higher," Catherine commanded. Matt rose the corner a little.
"Too much!" Cassidy stopped him. He lowered it. They groaned. There seemed to be no pleasing them.
"Matt just align it with my side," Matt looked down to see the blonde girl holding the ladder. He raised an eyebrow and she rolled her eyes at him. "Is it really that hard?"
"Well when you're dyslexic, yes." The boy said in a-matter-of-fact voice. Even though this was a lie, he was happy he could talk about his condition. No more hiding. There was nothing to be ashamed of anymore.
"What a lie," Ally said," Just hang it in the middle from your last two placements." Matt did as she said.
"Hold it right there," Catherine said in a louder voice then usual. He didn't move a muscle. "Ally hand him the tape." Matt was happy he could finally tape it, he felt like he had been there for hours.
"I got it," Cassidy said as she grabbed the tape from Ally. She got on the other side of Donna's bed that was next to the ladder. Matt became nervous of her actions. Cassidy then ran towards the bed and jumped on it. Matt held out his free hand and Cassidy smacked the tape into his hand. When she reached the ground, she rolled over and stood back up, sticking the landing.
"You truly are part wolf," Catherine shook her head. Cassidy's expression suddenly softened. Matt taped the tapestry to the wall, then climbed down the ladder. His eyes looked up to see the tapestry smoothed out on the wall. The purple and blue colors made and intricate design. He handed the tape back to Cassidy and turned to Ally. The girl proceeded to push a button on the side of the ladder. The metal bars folded up and the sides then folded down into a neat stack.
"Best invention of my dad's," Ally slid the ladder under her bed, and walked back over to the boy.
"Did you ever find your dad's lab?" Matt asked.
"Yeah," Ally adjusted her blue glasses,"Except its a bunch of old computer screens and buttons. I don't think it works anymore. I was going to ask him about it, but he's going home today. He is thinking of moving into the school with my mom, since he doesn't have to stay home with me."
"That's good," Matt nodded.
"That's not good," Catherine shook her head. "My parents were very nervous to leave today. I don't know how long they'll be holding our hands after this one."
"My mom seemed alright," Cassidy said as she plopped down on her own bed. "Its Donna I'm worried about. Her mom will be here for a long time before she trusts Donna to be here alone again." Matt worried about Donna and her mom too. All Donna wanted was a normal life, but it would never be the same now.
"Life has to go on at some point," Ally shrugged. "But don't get too relaxed, the other guys will be here soon with Donna's other things." Almost like a command, there was a knock on the door. Catherine opened the door to see the boys holding boxes of close. First, Ryder came in with a few small boxes. Next, Derek with three big ones that concealed his face. Then last, the twin both carrying one medium box. Brandon only used one hand, but Hyde was consumed by the they were in the room they all just stood waiting for instruction.
"You know we could use a little help," Hyde said in the silence. Everyone laughed a little. Catherine took one of Ryder's boxes and set it on the floor. Derek just dropped his on the floor. Brandon's hand slipped on the box and Hyde fell under its weight. The box opened and clothes piled onto Hyde, who lay on the floor.
"What a strong, burly man." Cassidy said in a monotone voice as she got off her bed and lifted the box off of Hyde's head. The wavy ginger looked around confused for a moment before just laying his head down back down on the floor.
"Alas,"Brandon said it a deep voice,"Our hero tragically struggles against the clothes, but cannot fight them off. He takes his final breathes and thinks about his lady. He hopes she never forgets about him. Because he will never forget about her." Hyde then pretends to choke on air and dies. There was some laughter as Cassidy rolled her eyes annoyed and got down on her knees. She began to put the clothes back into the box.
"What's wrong?" Hyde asked. Cassidy didn't say anything. She continued to pick the clothes off of him and put them into the box.
"You false advertised," Derek said as he folded his arms. "Its pretty clear that I'm the hero." Matt leaned back against the wall and couldn't help but laugh along with the others.
"Is that so?" Ally raised an eyebrow at him. His blue eyes looked down at the short girl. His smug smile remain on his face as he nodded. Ally broke into a wide smile. Derek laughed a little before pulling her under his arm.
"Is that so?" Hyde asked Cassidy. She managed to pick up all the clothes. She lifted the box and reached her hand down to Hyde. He took it quickly and she pulled him to his feet. She was about to place the box on Donna's bed when Hyde kept hold of her hand. He whipped her back around. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Cassidy shook her head,"Just everything's a joke to you." Matt was glad that the others melted into conversation. He was the only one watching at this point.
"That's what's bothering you?" Hyde raised an eyebrow. He held her hands in his own. Cassidy's expression softened again. Matt remembered the same expression from earlier.
"Its...I-," Cassidy sighed,"I just didn't want you making a mess. Its really no big deal. I'm sorry." She put on a smile. Matt felt weird for staring, but there definitely something wrong with her, but she wanted to hide. Cassidy's eyes looked around the room, and Matt looked away. He decided to pay attention to the other conversation.
"I was that one that saved Donna from being unconscious," Ally said. "I'm pretty sure I'm the hero."
"You didn't even know what was going on until like a week ago," Ryder said.
"Neither did you," Ally said defensively.
"I was a part of the original search party," Ryder had a smug smile on his face. Matt enjoyed watching them bicker. After all, he was the one that save Donna, but he wouldn't say anything. It felt nice to have a friend group. He wasn't included because he was smart, athletic, or in anyway of use, just because he was himself. He couldn't have been more thankful for this.
"Brandon you made situations worse," Catherine told her brother. This snapped Matt back into the moment."You should have just taken Donna to the dance." Matt thought about this himself. He should have taken Donna to the dance, himself.
"I mean I did like her for a while," Brandon admitted. This comment gave Matt a weird feeling in his stomach. "That was like, years ago though."
"She still might take you back," Catherine shrugged. His heart was struck with pain for a moment. Ally's eyes flickered to where Matt was standing. She had a shocked expression.
"I don't think she's interested anymore," Ally admitted. "At the dance she was so cross with you. I think it would be better for you guys to stay friends." A wave of relief washed over Matt. Ally looked at him a moment and nodded. Cassidy and Hyde now joined in the conversation.
"So Ryder," Ally continued,"When will Donna get out of the nurses office?"
"I don't know," Ryder admitted. "My mom just wants her there for safety, but I think a week and two days has been long enough. I mean, school is going to start back up tomorrow, she has to get back to normal life eventually."
"I'm just happy the Wonderland kids could go home," Matt said. "Ally, did your mom say what happened at the castleteria that day?" This was the first day they have all seen each other since Donna's homecoming. The school kids all went home for a week while Raven repaired the school using her magic. Matt went home with his mom to Wonderland, and this question haunted his brain ever since.
"She hasn't really said anything," Ally admitted. "She said Laura hasn't been seen since. I think her mother called her home for a while. Eliza and Fauna don't have magic anymore, according to a couple students I talked to." Matt was relieved that those two couldn't be hurt anymore from Laura's magic. He knew it wasn't safe. It was weird about Laura though.
"But Ryder," Derek cut the silence. "Have you even seen Donna?"
"My dad and I went home since he had to go back to work," Ryder shrugged,"I haven't seen Donna until earlier today."
"Is she allowed to have normal visitors?" Matt blurted before thinking. They looked at him, Ally with a smug smile on her face.
"I think so," Ryder shrugged,"She's going to be let out tomorrow I think."
"I can't wait to throw her a welcome home party," Ally said excitedly.
"How are you going to manage that?" Derek asked, his arm still around her.
"Its going to be in here," Ally motioned around. "Its just the eight of us." Matt began to tune out of the conversation. He thought about visiting Donna when he arrived. What would he even say? Would they be alone? If they were, how would he tell her his feelings?
The curly haired boy stood outside of the nurses office. It was after curfew, but Matt didn't care. He tried to go to bed, but kept awake. Thoughts lead straight to Donna. He couldn't help himself but to come down here after hours. There wasn't any sort of security, so Matt walked alone in the dark. He wanted to go in, but didn't know if he should. He should have brought her flowers, or something. But it was only him.
Matt saw the light flicker on under the door. She was awake. He rose his wrist and knocked on the wood. "Come in," Donna's voice was quiet, but reassuring. Matt opened the door quietly. His blue eyes gazed into the white room. Last time he had been there, Brandon had broken his arm. His eyes settled on Donna. Her violet eyes looking down. She didn't even know it was him.
"Hey snoopy," Matt said in a low voice as he closed the door behind him. There was a gasp and Donna turned her eyes up.
"Matt!" she said in her normal voice before clapping a hand over her mouth. She was now standing out of her brown hair was tucked behind her ears, except for her side bang. She wore grey sweatpants and a purple t shirt. Matt just realized he was in his own sleeping outfit. A white shirt, purple basketball shorts, and whatever he could find for socks. He looked down and was grateful tonight's pair were matching. "I thought you were the nurse." she said this in a whisper.
"Why are we whispering?" Matt mimicked her voice. Donna pointed over to a chair. Raven was sleeping in it. She would have been watching them, if her eyes were open. "Oh."
"She's supposed to be sleeping in the cot," Donna pointed over at the foot of her own bed. "But she always watches me fall asleep."
"That's not creepy at all," Matt said in a lower tone. Donna began to laugh softly, but gave Matt a nudge. "She's just making sure you're alright."
"I am alright," Donna said a little louder than a whisper as she sat down on the white bed. Matt sat down next to her, and they both stared at Donna's mom. "This is ridiculous. She's even set up a job with Apple so she can teach me my magic, and other students about magic. She's not leaving." I've been in here a week and haven't had any signs or anything."
"I sent you a text a few days ago," Matt didn't expect her to reply. He didn't know her condition at the time.
"It would have made my day," Donna said,"but I can't have my phone until I'm out of here. My mom thought it would be better for my recovery."
"How do you feel?" Matt asked.
"Like I said," Donna kept her eyes forward. "I'm alright." Matt knew her better than this. There had to be something wrong.
"You know what I mean," Matt said, not taking his eyes off her. "Emotionally." There was a brief moment of silence.
Donna sighed a little. She closed her eyes before speaking. "Scared." Matt waited patiently for more. "Not of what just happened. Scared of what's going to happen."
"What's going to happen?" Matt was confused. "You're safe now. We got rid of the spirit. She can't hurt you anymore."
"Not that," Donna shook her head. "Just...my future. I will never get the life I had before. Everyone's going to think of me as the crazy girl." A tear fell down her cheek. Matt's heart sunk. It was true. Things would never be the same for her. Just like how things were never the same for him last year.
"Maybe," Matt said as he leaned back. His hand touched Donna's purple blanket. He grabbed the throw and placed it around her shoulders. She rested her head on his shoulder. He kept his hand on her upper back to comfort her. "But you have Ally, Ryder, Derek, the triplets, and Cassidy that know you're not crazy. That's all you need."
"I guess they're all I need," Donna said as she raised her head up. "Thank you." He gazed deeply into her violet eyes. He could feel himself leaning in a little. He could feel the heat between them. Matt felt like spilling his heart. Telling her he loved her at this very moment, but her mother suddenly stirred in her sleep. Donna's eyes darted away to look at her mother, who was still unconscious.
Matt didn't want to leave her, not like this. She looked down, and Matt pressed his forehead against hers. After a few moments, Matt stood up from the bed. As much as he wanted to stay, he knew he had to leave. Now wasn't the time, wasn't the place. "I think I better go. You need sleep." He faced her and pulled the blanket around her front.
"Yeah," Donna whispered as he did this,"Okay." She caught his hands and held them in her own. She continued to look down at them. Without much thinking, Matt raised her hands up and pressed his lips against them. Donna looked up at him after he did this. With one last squeeze, Matt began to walk back. He still held her hands until they couldn't reach his own. Matt will treasure the final touch of her finger tip.
He looked deeply in her eyes as he opened the door. Matt wanted to stay so badly, but forced himself to leave. He was about to turn away, but took another moment. "Goodnight snoopy." He said in a low voice before closing the door, not before taking a final look into her violet eyes. He knew he would see her tomorrow, but it felt like an eternity from now.
"Goodnight," Donna said quietly as he heard the door click. Matt leaned his back against the door and looked up into the dark ceiling. He closed his eyes for a moment. Then then door suddenly opened. Matt stumbled back, but caught his footing.
"I'm sorry," Donna said as Matt regained his balance. Donna closed the door behind her. Matt looked at her in the darkness. He could still see the gleam in her eyes.
"I thought you were going to bed," Matt shook his head and laughed a little. He was a little embarrassed for leaning on the door after her 'left.'
"I just wanted to say you were wrong," Donna said quietly.
"About what?" Matt raised an eyebrow. His heart rate began to rise. He wondered what she was playing at.
"I don't just need them," Donna had a serious tone. "I need you." Matt didn't have time to process anything until he felt Donna's lips pressed against his. Matt wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back. His heart raced. This kiss was different from the one in the memories. This one was in real life. After a moment. Donna leaned her head on his shoulder. Matt rested his head on top of hers. He held her close to him. His cheeks burned.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said before letting her go. She nodded at him as she backed away. There hands touched until they separated. Matt's heart beat loudly in his chest as she looked back at him before closing the door. After a moment of shock, Matt turned and walked into the dark halls of Ever After High.
An: This is NOT THE END! I will be continuing this story. Its just kinda the end of 'part one.' Thanks for sticking with this story. Its still got a long way to go for 'part two.'I will post the next chapter on this soon, just letting you know what's up. :)