A/N—I won't go into detail about some of the drug slang and games I'm using. We all know the jargon (or at least can guess). In addition, I'm just not going there. Although this chapter isn't graphic, it does contain strong themes. So, consider yourself forewarned.
A/N2—Sorry this chapter is long, but it's necessary. These last few chapters will be kind of long. I'm wrapping up this series, so bear with me. Thank you so much for reading and your kind reviews. I've enjoyed writing this series. Now, read on and enjoy!
Chapter 42
Matt moves on to when Melina becomes pregnant.
Oh boy. I am in so deep. Melina's pregnant. She's about two months along. Mom and dad are gonna be pissed. I dread telling them. Dad's gonna hit the roof! I'd suggested an abortion, but she'd hear none of that. She also wants to keep it, so I guess I'm gonna be a father.
We were playing beer-pong and Strip Jenga, along with doing lines and joints in the cave. Lanny was out of town, so it was just Melina and me. I snuck out of my bedroom window, and Melina met me at the cave. Since mom and dad are doing random drug tests and watching me like a hawk, it's harder to get out. However, I have my ways.
SEQUENCE BEGINS
Melina's already in the cave when Matt arrives. It is around 11 at night.
Melina: Whew! It's you. I was afraid you wouldn't make it or my folks followed me.
Matt: Have they been on your tail?
Melina: Some. They asked me 20 questions.
Matt: Ugh! Mom and dad are asleep, so I snuck out the window.
Melina: You got the stuff?
Matt: Yeah, you?
Melina: Yeah.
They start out doing a couple lines. Suddenly, both of them are buzzed.
Melina: Ooh! That's good!
Matt: Yeah. Let's set up the table.
They set up the table. Matt pours the drinks, while Melina sets up the cups and balls for beer-pong.
Melina: Hits Matt's cup. I think that's a drink! Drink up!
Matt: Takes a drink. My serve. He hits her cup and knocks it off. That's a chug for you.
Melina: Smirks and takes a chug. This is Lanny's best brew.
Matt: Smooth!
They continue the game, and become fairly wasted. Then, they decide to play a different game.
Matt: I'm sick of beer-pong. Let's play something else.
Melina: Okay, what?
Matt: How 'bout a game of Jenga?
Melina: A sly grin grows on her face. Let's make it interesting.
Matt: Talk to me! He smirks.
Melina: How 'bout a game of Strip Jenga.
Matt: You're on! Set it up! I'll roll some more joints.
They play a couple rounds of Jenga, until both of them have stripped off all their clothes. Melina puts her hands on the back of Matt's neck, and pulls him into a deep kiss. Matt wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in closer. They lay on a blanket, which is spread on the ground, and spend the night.
(Sequence Continues)
The couple wakes up the next morning, and realizes what they'd just done. A sly smile spreads across Melina's face.
Melina: You were great!
Matt: So were you.
Melina: I think this was your best performance ever.
Matt: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! He takes a bow. Then, he looks outside. Light is pouring in the entrance. Uh, I think we need to go. It looks like it's about noon or something.
Melina: I don't wanna leave. She begins covering him with kisses.
Matt: I don't either. He lies back down, and they continue their activity.
SEQUENCE ENDS
We stayed in the cave until about dinnertime. I walked her home, and then went home. Mom was waiting for me when I got home. I knew I was in trouble. Since mom's been in remission, she hasn't let anything slip by her. It's kind of annoying. I'm not saying I wish she had cancer again; I'm glad she's okay. But she never seems to miss a trick. That's annoying. I'm just glad dad wasn't home; he was on a business trip the whole weekend. Marin and the twins were playing in the living room.
SEQUENCE BEGINS
Jo: Where have you been!
Marin: Yeah, where have you been?
Jo: Marin, I'm the mommy here. I'll handle this. Turns to her eldest son. So, where have you been?
Matt: Out.
Jo: Out! Is that all you can say? I've been worried sick!
Matt: Becoming agitated. I was out with Melina, okay?
Jo: Doing what? And cut the tone, mister.
Marin: Yeah, cut the tone. She sticks out her tongue.
Jo: Marin. Go play in your room. Ben, Brooke, go with her.
Brooke: But? Whad I do?
Ben: Mommy! Brooke hit me!
Jo: Mommy will be up in a little bit. The kids do as they're told. I'm going to ask you again. You and Melina were doing what?
Matt: Hanging out. That's all.
Jo: I don't believe you. You smell like smoke.
Matt: Her next door neighbour was burning leaves. That's why we smell like smoke.
Jo: Frowns. You smell like pot. Have you been doing pot?
Matt: No! Jo shoots him a look and Matt shrinks back. Okay, a couple joints. That's all.
Jo: Matthew Dylan McGuire! She yells at the top of her lungs. What do you think you're doing? Do you want us to send you to rehab, because we will?
Matt: No.
Jo: What is it going to take for you to stop? I'm worried about you, son. A tear rolls down her cheek. You're so different from the little boy I used to know.
Matt: I'm growing up. He says tongue-in-cheek.
Jo: This isn't just a matter of growing up. Matt, you're sour, you get detention, well, you've gotten detention all along…. She regains her train of thought. You smell like smoke. Sometimes I think you've been drinking. Have you been doing anything else?
Matt: I babysit Marin and the twins. My grades are high. I learned how to cook and clean. I graduate next year. What else do you want?
Jo: I want you to grow up! I want to see you graduate from high school, go to college, and have a family if you want. I want you to be healthy and happy, and off drugs! I want all that for my children. She begins crying. Something Lizzie didn't get to do.
Matt: His face falls. I'm sorry.
Jo: Just go to your room. We'll talk more later. I'm gonna start dinner.
Matt: Do you want me to make dinner?
Jo: No, I'll take care of it. I need to be alone right now.
Matt leaves, and Jo sits on the couch, buries her face in her hands, and cries.
SEQUENCE ENDS
I feel like such a sht. I hate lying to mom, but what am I supposed to do? Mom can't know what Lanny, Melina, and I do. We're just having a good time. I quit dealing. It got to be too much of a hassle. Plus, we're graduating in May, so I might as well hand over my customers to Clark. We've decided to give up meth and coke; those were our last lines. It was getting too expensive. I feel so worthless, at times.