Disclaimer: I do not own any WWE superstars nor do I own the WWE (damn!)
Stacy smiled at Matt as he closed his eyes and waited for the pill to work its magic. She looked at his hands, which were resting on his thighs. Ever so gently she ran her fingertips over the light hairs on the back of his left hand and whispered, "You have beautiful hands."
Matt opened his eyes and looked down. He watched as she gently traced circles on the back of his hand. Her light touch, even though it was just on his hand, seemed to race through every part of him and a nice tingly feeling took over. He glanced up and looked into Stacy's eyes. As she leaned over, some of her hair brushed against his hand. Its silky texture sent a jolt through his body and he enjoyed the sensation it gave him. Stacy smiled at him again and as he smiled back he suddenly felt her fingertips leave his hand and gently begin to run lightly up and down his thigh. His heart was pounding, the noise ringing in his ears was so loud that it muted all the other sounds in the room. Stacy was teasing him, getting very close to the top of his thigh, then letting her fingers slide down again just barely touching his leg but enough that he felt as though he was on fire. Matt thought he might explode if he didn't kiss her soon and leaned in towards her. His lips just barely brushed against hers before she gently pushed him away. Matt gave her a confused look. He didn't understand why she would be touching him. She had to know it was driving him crazy but not let him kiss her.
Stacy almost laughed at the pathetic look Matt gave her before she whispered, "Just relax." Matt sighed. "I don't think I can get anymore relaxed." Stacy silenced him by gently placing her index finger on his lips. Her finger lightly traced his mouth and she could feel his breath coming out in hot spurts blowing across her fingertip. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger on his soft skin, before pulling away. Matt took a deep breath, it hitched in his chest, and he slowly let it out hoping he didn't get too worked up before she did anything else. He raised his hand and touched her face, stroking her cheek, then letting it slide down her neck. He wanted to touch her in the worst way but didn't want to make her angry. Looking up, he licked his dry lips and gave her a pleading expression. In response, Stacy kissed his lips and placed her hand over his guiding it down her body. Matt's fingers were trembling slightly and Stacy kept her hand on his to steady them. Knowing that she shouldn't, she deepened their kisses allowing their tongues to touch.
"Do you see that?" Corey looked over from his position at the kitchen table and was staring at the little show taking place on the sitting room couch. Jay glanced up and nearly choked on his beer. It sprayed out of his mouth all over the table. Grabbing a paper towel, he wiped up the table stating, "She never let me do that. Matt is gonna be thanking me tomorrow." Corey laughed, looked back over at the couch and laughed even harder, "Think she's gonna remember she was all over him?" "We'll make sure she remembers, bahahaha." Jay exclaimed with a mock evil laugh.
Stacy was letting Matt's hands explore everywhere but his trembling was worsening. He could barely touch her. As Stacy was kissing his neck, she realized his whole body was slightly shaking. Alarmed, she pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Are you ok?" she asked genuinely concerned.
Matt attempted to smile. He knew something was wrong. His shirt was sticking to his body and he felt like he was on fire. Not an excited tingly fire sensation as before but a hot uncomfortable sensation. Still, he wasn't about to tell her. He didn't feel very good but the things she was doing to him did and he wasn't going to let it stop. He caught his breath and lied through his teeth. "I'm fine.fine." He leaned back in again to kiss, trying once more to melt into her the way he had been a moment ago but nausea licked at the back of his throat and he pulled away almost immediately.
The abrupt movement startled Stacy and she sat up suddenly, her mood now completely broken. She looked at the boy next to her and for a moment felt real fear. He was sitting bolt upright, hands clasped between his knees, rocking slightly back and forth. His jaw was clenched and she could hear his teeth grinding together. She could see him swallowing convulsively over and over and his breathing was sketchy and irregular. Her first panicky thought, "Oh my god, I overdosed him!" was almost immediately replaced by the sensible "of course I didn't, a three year old wouldn't overdose on what I gave him. He's just not used to it." Realizing that the speed was making him sick, she reached out and took his hand. "Matt, it's okay. Just try to slow down your breathing and you'll calm down." She tried to keep her tone soothing.
He shook off her hand. His whole body was tingling and he was having trouble catching his breath. The last thing he wanted was something touching him. He could feel his teeth grinding and it hurt but he couldn't seem to help it. Finally unable to stand it, he jumped up off the couch. He had no idea where he was going but he couldn't sit still any longer.
Jay saw Matt get up and was on him like a shot. He knew he was reacting to the drugs he'd been given. He'd seen it starting a few minutes ago when Matt backed away from Stacy. He'd been hoping it would be a momentary thing and would pass but it appeared to be accelerating. He knew if he let him leave, things would not go well for him and his main goal now was to keep Matt in the room and then to make sure he wasn't in real trouble. He planted himself in front of the pacing man and reached out and took his arms. "Matt, you gotta calm down. It's ok." He tried to sound firm to penetrate the confusion he knew Matt was feeling. It didn't work. Matt shoved him away, no small feat considering the fact Jay out weighed him and headed for the door.
Matt only knew he had to get out. He was trapped. There wasn't enough air in here and there were too many people. He could feel the walls closing in. To top it off he was burning up and had to find something cool. He just couldn't stand it anymore. He made a dash for the door and came up against Corey who was laughing. "Whoa, east tiger. You don't want to go out there. The worlds a dangerous place. You come on with Corey. We'll fix you up fine."
Matt shook his head wildly and when he spoke it was very nearly a scream. "You have to let me out! You have to let me out!!!" He turned and Jay got a good look at his eyes. They were the eyes of wild animal, cornered and dangerous. He'd never been afraid of Matt but he knew that if he didn't get him calmed down things could get ugly. He approached him slowly. He didn't want to spook him.
Matt only knew he was sick and he couldn't breathe. He had to get out. He had to cool off. He had to do something. Nothing looked right and the only sound he could hear was his own gasping breath. He didn't know this person who was holding him back. He didn't understand. It was a huge relief when he finally focused on Jay. Jay who was standing there, calm and speaking soothingly. Things couldn't be that bad if Jay was okay. He reached out and grabbed his friend's arm, not noticing the look of pain on Jay's face at the strength of his grip. He just held on and managed to choke out the words "help me. I'm gonna die." Jay chuckled softly. "No, you're not gonna die, Matt, you're gonna be fine. You come on with me." He continued the soothing tone and led Matt into the bathroom, away from everyone, and shut the door. He led him over to the sink and wet a washrag and handed it to him knowing full well that Matt felt like he was on fire. He'd been in the same situation more than once. Matt grasped the cool cloth in his hands and then reached out and blasted the cold water on full force. Jay just waited, knowing that the more he interfered the more likely he'd be to spook him. Matt had himself pretty well soaked and much more alert, when he finally spoke, still panicky but no longer out of his head. "Jay, what's going on. Why do I feel like this?!" Jay sighed. "The speed she gave you. You're not used to it. You'll be okay."
Matt shook his head. "No, I can't breathe! I can't, oh god, what did I do?!" Jay went closer knowing Matt was coming back to himself and put a hand on his shoulder. "You're gonna be okay. I mean it. You're gonna be fine. It's gonna go away." Matt just looked at him still trembling violently still grinding his teeth. A minute later he began to gag and Jay spun him around and held him over the sink. He'd known this was going to happen. He was glad they were in here. When he felt Matt's legs giving out, he gently sat him down on the floor and held him until the sickness passed. When it was over, Matt sighed deeply and laid his head on his arm. Within moments he was asleep.
Jay watched him for a short while wanting to be sure that the vomiting was over before he moved him. When he felt certain it was, he picked the unconscious man up, carried him into the bedroom, and laid him down on one of the beds. He watched him sleep then timed his breathing and checking his pulse. Finding both strong and steady, he covered him up and left the room wondering how in the world he was going to explain this.
Something was stabbing his eyes. One minute he was sound asleep and the next someone was driving needles into his eyes. He groaned and reached upward, his hand blocking the sliver of sunlight that was shining on his face. The pain faded. He kept his hand there for a moment hovering in the air above his face. Light. It was light that hurt. Light meant morning. Morning. The word floated through his mind searching for something to connect with. He was still trying to figure it out when a hand gripped his shoulder. He jumped nearly out of his skin and his eyes flew open staring reproachfully up at Jay who was laughing. "I'm sorry. I thought you were awake. You'll have to get going."
Matt stared up at him confused. "What am I doing here?" He winced. His voice hurt his head. Come to think of it, he felt pretty damned lousy. His whole body ached, his throat was so dry he could barely swallow, and he had a terrible taste in his mouth. He felt weak and shaky. What had happened? Jay extended a hand. "Come on, you gotta get up now." Matt took the hand and allowed himself to be pulled upright. For just a moment, he thought that awake was only a temporary condition. As soon as his head left the pillow, dizziness set in and huge black flowers bloomed in front of his eyes. Jay held on to him and soon enough the feeling passed. He squinted up at Jay who was watching him intent but seemingly faintly amused. "What'm I doing here, Jay?" Jay grinned, "You already asked me that. Come on and have something to eat before you go."
Matt's eyebrows went up at the thought of food. Was Jay crazy? Anything he swallowed now was sure to just bounce right back. Still, he was awfully thirsty. He followed Jay out into the kitchen noting the people sleeping on the pull out couch in the sitting room. Had everyone slept here? He tried one more time. "Jay, why am I here?"
Jay snorted, "What's the last thing you remember?" Matt sat back and thought about it. Jay laughed watching the little movie playing itself out on the man's face. He could tell what Matt was remembering just by watching his expressions change. Matt finally looked up at him. "I got sick, didn't I?" Jay nodded, "Yes, you did. Then you passed out." Jay watched his friend for a few minutes quietly. He hoped Matt could hold himself together today. He'd had a pretty rough night. Still, he didn't look too bad.
Jay pressed a glass of juice into his hand and motioned him over to the sitting room. "Go sit down and drink this. Trust me," he added noting Matt's dubious look. He was eyeing the orange juice as if it were a week old dead fish. Matt shook his head a little, not at all sure about this. He really didn't think swallowing anything was a good idea. His doubt turned to outright alarm when Jay handed him a donut and instructed him. "Eat it. I know you don't think you can, but trust me." Matt was nodding frantically. "I do, I do, but you are crazy. I'm not eating this. I'll be sick before I can blink."
Jay laughed. "No, you won't. Would you trust me please? I know what I'm talking about." Matt finally sighed in resignation and started on the juice. Once he was sure Matt and food were going to work out, Jay wandered over and kicked the pull out bed. "Hey, sleeping beauty, wake up and have a look at the monster you created last night." He glanced over at Matt who was ignoring him completely. He couldn't wait to see what would happen between these two this morning. He kicked the bed again and reached down and gave Stacy a shake.
"Come on wake up. We have to go to work in a little while. You too Corey." He reached across the bed and yanked the pillow out from under Corey's head. Corey's cry of irritation finally convinced Stacy that ignoring them all was no longer an option. Muttering under her breath, she sat up and her gaze fell on Matt. For a moment she squinted and she smiled. "Matt?"
He looked up and blinked vaguely. He was having trouble staying awake. She laughed and signaled Jay. "He's gone, Jay, put him to bed." Jay's face was troubled. "No, he's got to work today." He observed Matt's efforts to stay awake for a minute longer and then turned to Stacy. "Let me have one of the tabs you gave him last night." She dug around in her jeans and handed him what was left. He broke a tab in half and gave Matt a shake. "Hey, I want you to take this."
Matt looked up at him and Jay felt a stab of guilt. He looked so childlike right now. What was he doing giving Matt all these chemicals? Still, he had to work and he wasn't going to do it the way he was now. "It's going to help you feel better, Matt, so take it for me, alright?"
Matt obediently took the pill his friend was holding out. Again Jay felt that guilt spear but he shrugged it off. Matt was fine. There had been no harm done. He headed into the shower calling to Stacy, "Keep him up and make sure he's outta here by 7 okay?" She waved him on and turned to Matt.
"Hey, you awake?" He looked at her bleary eyed and struggling to keep his eyes open. "Yeah, I guess so. I have to go. Why do I feel so bad?" He muttered to himself and tried to sit up straighter. At this rate he'd never make it back to his room. He shook his head again and was frantically rubbing his eyes when he felt a cool hand on his neck. He jumped a little and looked up to find Stacy sitting next to him. She smiled faintly and turned his face toward her. He was caught up in those golden eyes again and felt himself drifting into them as her fingers gently stroke his cheek. Her expression was gentle and concerned and when she spoke he heard real regret in her voice.
"Honey, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. You were so sleepy last night. I just wanted to make you feel better. I didn't mean for it to do this to you." He was mystified. What was she talking about? He stared into her eyes trying to read her. She laughed a little. "You have no idea, do you? You don't remember." Now she really did laugh and he began to feel irritated. Whatever had gone on, he really wished someone would fill him in. He reached up and moved her hand off his face. He placed it firmly onto the seat and when he spoke there was no mistaking the annoyance. "Look, I don't know what happened. I don't really know why I'm still here. I don't really care. Whatever you did, okay, you're sorry. Cool. I gotta go." He stood up and held onto the wall until he felt steady enough to walk. Stacy reached up to help him and he brushed her off. For some reason, she was just getting on his nerves. He headed across the room staggering slightly but he was feeling clearer and more alert with every step but for some reason he was also beginning to be angry. He stopped at the door and turned a pointedly irritated face to her. "I'll be back later. You tell Jay." He stepped out the door but turned again and saw the hurt on her face. He was genuinely puzzled. Why did she look like that? He softened his tone a little. "Will you be here tonight?" She nodded and gestured out the door. "You'd better go. You'll be late. You be careful." He smiled but it did nothing to comfort her. It never touched his eyes. He stepped out the door and slammed it behind him.
~present day~ Matt's heart started to race and his nerves to fire remembering where all this had led. He'd probably flat out ruined his career. More than that he knew he'd never be forgiven for what had happened with Jeff.
***This whole story has already been written. It's just a matter of finding time to get it typed up so updates should come pretty regularly. Thanks for the great reviews! Keep them coming!***
Stacy smiled at Matt as he closed his eyes and waited for the pill to work its magic. She looked at his hands, which were resting on his thighs. Ever so gently she ran her fingertips over the light hairs on the back of his left hand and whispered, "You have beautiful hands."
Matt opened his eyes and looked down. He watched as she gently traced circles on the back of his hand. Her light touch, even though it was just on his hand, seemed to race through every part of him and a nice tingly feeling took over. He glanced up and looked into Stacy's eyes. As she leaned over, some of her hair brushed against his hand. Its silky texture sent a jolt through his body and he enjoyed the sensation it gave him. Stacy smiled at him again and as he smiled back he suddenly felt her fingertips leave his hand and gently begin to run lightly up and down his thigh. His heart was pounding, the noise ringing in his ears was so loud that it muted all the other sounds in the room. Stacy was teasing him, getting very close to the top of his thigh, then letting her fingers slide down again just barely touching his leg but enough that he felt as though he was on fire. Matt thought he might explode if he didn't kiss her soon and leaned in towards her. His lips just barely brushed against hers before she gently pushed him away. Matt gave her a confused look. He didn't understand why she would be touching him. She had to know it was driving him crazy but not let him kiss her.
Stacy almost laughed at the pathetic look Matt gave her before she whispered, "Just relax." Matt sighed. "I don't think I can get anymore relaxed." Stacy silenced him by gently placing her index finger on his lips. Her finger lightly traced his mouth and she could feel his breath coming out in hot spurts blowing across her fingertip. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger on his soft skin, before pulling away. Matt took a deep breath, it hitched in his chest, and he slowly let it out hoping he didn't get too worked up before she did anything else. He raised his hand and touched her face, stroking her cheek, then letting it slide down her neck. He wanted to touch her in the worst way but didn't want to make her angry. Looking up, he licked his dry lips and gave her a pleading expression. In response, Stacy kissed his lips and placed her hand over his guiding it down her body. Matt's fingers were trembling slightly and Stacy kept her hand on his to steady them. Knowing that she shouldn't, she deepened their kisses allowing their tongues to touch.
"Do you see that?" Corey looked over from his position at the kitchen table and was staring at the little show taking place on the sitting room couch. Jay glanced up and nearly choked on his beer. It sprayed out of his mouth all over the table. Grabbing a paper towel, he wiped up the table stating, "She never let me do that. Matt is gonna be thanking me tomorrow." Corey laughed, looked back over at the couch and laughed even harder, "Think she's gonna remember she was all over him?" "We'll make sure she remembers, bahahaha." Jay exclaimed with a mock evil laugh.
Stacy was letting Matt's hands explore everywhere but his trembling was worsening. He could barely touch her. As Stacy was kissing his neck, she realized his whole body was slightly shaking. Alarmed, she pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Are you ok?" she asked genuinely concerned.
Matt attempted to smile. He knew something was wrong. His shirt was sticking to his body and he felt like he was on fire. Not an excited tingly fire sensation as before but a hot uncomfortable sensation. Still, he wasn't about to tell her. He didn't feel very good but the things she was doing to him did and he wasn't going to let it stop. He caught his breath and lied through his teeth. "I'm fine.fine." He leaned back in again to kiss, trying once more to melt into her the way he had been a moment ago but nausea licked at the back of his throat and he pulled away almost immediately.
The abrupt movement startled Stacy and she sat up suddenly, her mood now completely broken. She looked at the boy next to her and for a moment felt real fear. He was sitting bolt upright, hands clasped between his knees, rocking slightly back and forth. His jaw was clenched and she could hear his teeth grinding together. She could see him swallowing convulsively over and over and his breathing was sketchy and irregular. Her first panicky thought, "Oh my god, I overdosed him!" was almost immediately replaced by the sensible "of course I didn't, a three year old wouldn't overdose on what I gave him. He's just not used to it." Realizing that the speed was making him sick, she reached out and took his hand. "Matt, it's okay. Just try to slow down your breathing and you'll calm down." She tried to keep her tone soothing.
He shook off her hand. His whole body was tingling and he was having trouble catching his breath. The last thing he wanted was something touching him. He could feel his teeth grinding and it hurt but he couldn't seem to help it. Finally unable to stand it, he jumped up off the couch. He had no idea where he was going but he couldn't sit still any longer.
Jay saw Matt get up and was on him like a shot. He knew he was reacting to the drugs he'd been given. He'd seen it starting a few minutes ago when Matt backed away from Stacy. He'd been hoping it would be a momentary thing and would pass but it appeared to be accelerating. He knew if he let him leave, things would not go well for him and his main goal now was to keep Matt in the room and then to make sure he wasn't in real trouble. He planted himself in front of the pacing man and reached out and took his arms. "Matt, you gotta calm down. It's ok." He tried to sound firm to penetrate the confusion he knew Matt was feeling. It didn't work. Matt shoved him away, no small feat considering the fact Jay out weighed him and headed for the door.
Matt only knew he had to get out. He was trapped. There wasn't enough air in here and there were too many people. He could feel the walls closing in. To top it off he was burning up and had to find something cool. He just couldn't stand it anymore. He made a dash for the door and came up against Corey who was laughing. "Whoa, east tiger. You don't want to go out there. The worlds a dangerous place. You come on with Corey. We'll fix you up fine."
Matt shook his head wildly and when he spoke it was very nearly a scream. "You have to let me out! You have to let me out!!!" He turned and Jay got a good look at his eyes. They were the eyes of wild animal, cornered and dangerous. He'd never been afraid of Matt but he knew that if he didn't get him calmed down things could get ugly. He approached him slowly. He didn't want to spook him.
Matt only knew he was sick and he couldn't breathe. He had to get out. He had to cool off. He had to do something. Nothing looked right and the only sound he could hear was his own gasping breath. He didn't know this person who was holding him back. He didn't understand. It was a huge relief when he finally focused on Jay. Jay who was standing there, calm and speaking soothingly. Things couldn't be that bad if Jay was okay. He reached out and grabbed his friend's arm, not noticing the look of pain on Jay's face at the strength of his grip. He just held on and managed to choke out the words "help me. I'm gonna die." Jay chuckled softly. "No, you're not gonna die, Matt, you're gonna be fine. You come on with me." He continued the soothing tone and led Matt into the bathroom, away from everyone, and shut the door. He led him over to the sink and wet a washrag and handed it to him knowing full well that Matt felt like he was on fire. He'd been in the same situation more than once. Matt grasped the cool cloth in his hands and then reached out and blasted the cold water on full force. Jay just waited, knowing that the more he interfered the more likely he'd be to spook him. Matt had himself pretty well soaked and much more alert, when he finally spoke, still panicky but no longer out of his head. "Jay, what's going on. Why do I feel like this?!" Jay sighed. "The speed she gave you. You're not used to it. You'll be okay."
Matt shook his head. "No, I can't breathe! I can't, oh god, what did I do?!" Jay went closer knowing Matt was coming back to himself and put a hand on his shoulder. "You're gonna be okay. I mean it. You're gonna be fine. It's gonna go away." Matt just looked at him still trembling violently still grinding his teeth. A minute later he began to gag and Jay spun him around and held him over the sink. He'd known this was going to happen. He was glad they were in here. When he felt Matt's legs giving out, he gently sat him down on the floor and held him until the sickness passed. When it was over, Matt sighed deeply and laid his head on his arm. Within moments he was asleep.
Jay watched him for a short while wanting to be sure that the vomiting was over before he moved him. When he felt certain it was, he picked the unconscious man up, carried him into the bedroom, and laid him down on one of the beds. He watched him sleep then timed his breathing and checking his pulse. Finding both strong and steady, he covered him up and left the room wondering how in the world he was going to explain this.
Something was stabbing his eyes. One minute he was sound asleep and the next someone was driving needles into his eyes. He groaned and reached upward, his hand blocking the sliver of sunlight that was shining on his face. The pain faded. He kept his hand there for a moment hovering in the air above his face. Light. It was light that hurt. Light meant morning. Morning. The word floated through his mind searching for something to connect with. He was still trying to figure it out when a hand gripped his shoulder. He jumped nearly out of his skin and his eyes flew open staring reproachfully up at Jay who was laughing. "I'm sorry. I thought you were awake. You'll have to get going."
Matt stared up at him confused. "What am I doing here?" He winced. His voice hurt his head. Come to think of it, he felt pretty damned lousy. His whole body ached, his throat was so dry he could barely swallow, and he had a terrible taste in his mouth. He felt weak and shaky. What had happened? Jay extended a hand. "Come on, you gotta get up now." Matt took the hand and allowed himself to be pulled upright. For just a moment, he thought that awake was only a temporary condition. As soon as his head left the pillow, dizziness set in and huge black flowers bloomed in front of his eyes. Jay held on to him and soon enough the feeling passed. He squinted up at Jay who was watching him intent but seemingly faintly amused. "What'm I doing here, Jay?" Jay grinned, "You already asked me that. Come on and have something to eat before you go."
Matt's eyebrows went up at the thought of food. Was Jay crazy? Anything he swallowed now was sure to just bounce right back. Still, he was awfully thirsty. He followed Jay out into the kitchen noting the people sleeping on the pull out couch in the sitting room. Had everyone slept here? He tried one more time. "Jay, why am I here?"
Jay snorted, "What's the last thing you remember?" Matt sat back and thought about it. Jay laughed watching the little movie playing itself out on the man's face. He could tell what Matt was remembering just by watching his expressions change. Matt finally looked up at him. "I got sick, didn't I?" Jay nodded, "Yes, you did. Then you passed out." Jay watched his friend for a few minutes quietly. He hoped Matt could hold himself together today. He'd had a pretty rough night. Still, he didn't look too bad.
Jay pressed a glass of juice into his hand and motioned him over to the sitting room. "Go sit down and drink this. Trust me," he added noting Matt's dubious look. He was eyeing the orange juice as if it were a week old dead fish. Matt shook his head a little, not at all sure about this. He really didn't think swallowing anything was a good idea. His doubt turned to outright alarm when Jay handed him a donut and instructed him. "Eat it. I know you don't think you can, but trust me." Matt was nodding frantically. "I do, I do, but you are crazy. I'm not eating this. I'll be sick before I can blink."
Jay laughed. "No, you won't. Would you trust me please? I know what I'm talking about." Matt finally sighed in resignation and started on the juice. Once he was sure Matt and food were going to work out, Jay wandered over and kicked the pull out bed. "Hey, sleeping beauty, wake up and have a look at the monster you created last night." He glanced over at Matt who was ignoring him completely. He couldn't wait to see what would happen between these two this morning. He kicked the bed again and reached down and gave Stacy a shake.
"Come on wake up. We have to go to work in a little while. You too Corey." He reached across the bed and yanked the pillow out from under Corey's head. Corey's cry of irritation finally convinced Stacy that ignoring them all was no longer an option. Muttering under her breath, she sat up and her gaze fell on Matt. For a moment she squinted and she smiled. "Matt?"
He looked up and blinked vaguely. He was having trouble staying awake. She laughed and signaled Jay. "He's gone, Jay, put him to bed." Jay's face was troubled. "No, he's got to work today." He observed Matt's efforts to stay awake for a minute longer and then turned to Stacy. "Let me have one of the tabs you gave him last night." She dug around in her jeans and handed him what was left. He broke a tab in half and gave Matt a shake. "Hey, I want you to take this."
Matt looked up at him and Jay felt a stab of guilt. He looked so childlike right now. What was he doing giving Matt all these chemicals? Still, he had to work and he wasn't going to do it the way he was now. "It's going to help you feel better, Matt, so take it for me, alright?"
Matt obediently took the pill his friend was holding out. Again Jay felt that guilt spear but he shrugged it off. Matt was fine. There had been no harm done. He headed into the shower calling to Stacy, "Keep him up and make sure he's outta here by 7 okay?" She waved him on and turned to Matt.
"Hey, you awake?" He looked at her bleary eyed and struggling to keep his eyes open. "Yeah, I guess so. I have to go. Why do I feel so bad?" He muttered to himself and tried to sit up straighter. At this rate he'd never make it back to his room. He shook his head again and was frantically rubbing his eyes when he felt a cool hand on his neck. He jumped a little and looked up to find Stacy sitting next to him. She smiled faintly and turned his face toward her. He was caught up in those golden eyes again and felt himself drifting into them as her fingers gently stroke his cheek. Her expression was gentle and concerned and when she spoke he heard real regret in her voice.
"Honey, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. You were so sleepy last night. I just wanted to make you feel better. I didn't mean for it to do this to you." He was mystified. What was she talking about? He stared into her eyes trying to read her. She laughed a little. "You have no idea, do you? You don't remember." Now she really did laugh and he began to feel irritated. Whatever had gone on, he really wished someone would fill him in. He reached up and moved her hand off his face. He placed it firmly onto the seat and when he spoke there was no mistaking the annoyance. "Look, I don't know what happened. I don't really know why I'm still here. I don't really care. Whatever you did, okay, you're sorry. Cool. I gotta go." He stood up and held onto the wall until he felt steady enough to walk. Stacy reached up to help him and he brushed her off. For some reason, she was just getting on his nerves. He headed across the room staggering slightly but he was feeling clearer and more alert with every step but for some reason he was also beginning to be angry. He stopped at the door and turned a pointedly irritated face to her. "I'll be back later. You tell Jay." He stepped out the door but turned again and saw the hurt on her face. He was genuinely puzzled. Why did she look like that? He softened his tone a little. "Will you be here tonight?" She nodded and gestured out the door. "You'd better go. You'll be late. You be careful." He smiled but it did nothing to comfort her. It never touched his eyes. He stepped out the door and slammed it behind him.
~present day~ Matt's heart started to race and his nerves to fire remembering where all this had led. He'd probably flat out ruined his career. More than that he knew he'd never be forgiven for what had happened with Jeff.
***This whole story has already been written. It's just a matter of finding time to get it typed up so updates should come pretty regularly. Thanks for the great reviews! Keep them coming!***