I'm glad that you guys like Matthew!
Some people thought that maybe he was just a friend.
But there's nothing fun in that, he's going to be a huge part of this story.
& I also want to thank you guys for all the reviews you left.
Made a lot of my days.
So on with the story.

Chapter 20
Too Soon

RPOV

The first love of my life was standing right in front of me after a year of not hearing from him. After a year of being absent.

I didn't know whether to cry, laugh, get angry, or just plain walk away and pretend that none of this happened.

"Matthew" I whispered.

"Rosalinda" he said. That trademark smirk that only he can pull off appearing right on that handsome perfect face of his.

That sparkle in his honey colored eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I had to snap out of it. I had enough complications in my life to let Matthew's return do more to me.

"I told you I'd see you soon"

He did. Before he left St. Vladimir's we spent our last night time together making love, remembering, laughing.

He comforted me when he saw in my eyes that I would miss him. He would just say 'I'll see you soon'

And when I woke up the next morning, the note that was right next to me with the words 'I love you' was the goodbye I got.

I didn't hear from him, I just thought about him for as long as I could and when I couldn't anymore, I erased him from my memory.

I never really knew why he had to leave, he never told me. All he said over and over again was 'I'll see you soon'

Now that he's here, again, right in front of me…

"Yeah, I remember those words" I said. "they were the only words I got when I wanted an explanation"

His face fell for a split second and then he regained it and just slightly smiled.

"I missed you though"

So did I. I missed everything about him.

I missed the way his honey colored eyes darkened a little bit when he opened his heart out to me. I was the only person he ever opened up to.

My heart skipped a beat but other than that I didn't let him see how much his words did to my battered broken heart.

"Yeah, I bet you did" I said sourly.

"Rosalinda" he whispered and I remember what that name did to me. The way a smile formed on my face, the way my heart fluttered, and butterflies adorned in my stomach.

"Don't call me that. That girl doesn't exist anymore. She's gone and the only thing that's left is Rose" I moved my hand up and down, showing him what was left of his Rosalinda.

He was the only thing that made me happy, besides Lissa and the rest of the gang, but then he left. He was in a way like my father. Leaving without explanation. I hated him for that. I thought he'd stay. But no explanation…

"We have to talk later Matthew. I'm already late and standing here 'catching up' and if I keep talking to you, I'll be ever later"

I started walking around him and I heard him walking behind me. I sighed. I know how he is. Persistent. In a way he was like my Adrian and Dimitiri wrapped in one.

The only difference is that Dimitri and Adrian captured more than my heart. They captured my soul. They have that power to unbearably crush me within reason. They're the weakness that I couldn't shake off if I wanted too.

Matthew did break my heart, but I still stood. Adrian and Dimitri…they could destroy me and I'd never resurface.

I turned around and looked at him. "Look I'm serious. I can't talk right now. I'm late. I want to go on Christmas vacation without a hitch. So please. We could just talk later. You could text me or I'll just see you. But right now I gotta go"

I started walking away and when I was pretty sure that he wasn't following me, I ran to class like I was doing the first time around.

When I arrived Mrs. Karmack gave me the stink eyes and I felt like I was thirteen years old all over again.

When I sat next to Mason he looked questioningly at me and I just shook my head.

I don't think anyone of the gang knew that Matthew was back and I bet they're going to receive the shocks of their life.

I couldn't even concentrate in class. Normally I can't concentrate anyway, but this time, my mind was complete blank. Nothing around me existed. I was alone in my head.

When someone nudged me a couple of times is when I finally noticed the world around me still existed.

"Rose" Mason said. "You okay?"

"Matthew's back" I whispered.

"What?" Eddie said.

I nodded and looked at both of them. "He's back" I felt like I was about to start to cry. But I can't. Matthew is part of my past. I'm in the present now and I have to keep moving onto the future.

"How do you know?" Mason said.

"I bumped into him after I ran out the dorms. He hasn't changed. he still looks the same"

I recognized the longing in my voice. I did miss him like crazy, but I needed to move on,

I had something great in front of me, I just needed to choose. But until Dimitri or Adrian ask me, I have something great until it's possibly taken away from me.

"That's great." said Mason. "I wonder why he's back though. I thought he was gone for good"

I nodded. Yeah, I thought he'd be gone for good too. No one knows why he left, and no one really knows that I went through some suffering while he was away. I just told them that he said he'll come back soon.

When we walked out the door, Christian was there waiting for us.

"Hey. Took you guys long enough. What's wrong Rose?"

"Matthew's back" Mason said.

"No shit!" Chris said. "When did he get back"

"I'm guessing this morning" Eddie said. "Rose bumped into him"

"Wow" said Christian. "It's great that he's back. It's been too long, I haven't heard from him in like a year or something"

Mason and Eddie nodded. "It'll be great catching up, seeing where he was" Mason said.

I really didn't want to know where he was. All that mattered was that he left, and he didn't take me with him.

"Alright I'm off" said Eddie. "I'll see you guys in English"

We waved bye and just kept walking to our next class. When we entered Algebra I went straight to Dimitri like I always did. Maybe he'd make me feel better.

"Hey" I said, placing my chin on his shoulder. He was sitting at his desk and when I saw he was reading a book of poetry I almost kissed him again. Especially when he was on the page with the poem of the very famous Jane Austen. Of A Ministry Pitiful, Angry, Mean.

I decided I wanted to read it to him.

"Of a Ministry pitiful, angry, mean,
A gallant commander the victim is promptitude, vigour, success, does he stand
Condemn'd to receive a severe reprimand!
To his foes I could wish a resemblance in fate:
That they, too, may suffer themselves, soon or late,
The injustice they warrent. But vain is my spite They cannot so suffer who never do right."

I kissed his cheek and wrapped my arms around his shoulder.

"Good Morning Roza" he said in a whisper.

"Morning" I said with a small smile.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

I blushed and sat on top of his desk, facing him. "I slept really well that I woke up late"

He smiled. "That's not a good thing Roza, you should set your alarm"

I scrunched my nose. "I hate that thing. It's annoying and it makes beeping sounds and stuff"

He laughed and it sounded like music to my ears. Healing a little of my reopened broken heart.

"That's what it's for Roza"

I sighed. "I know, but I still hate it"

"Well think about it like this, in less than two weeks you'll be able to sleep in"

I put my finger on my chin and pretended to think. "Hmm, I think you may be right"

He laughed and I felt alive, so, so, alive. "Roza, what am I going to do with you?"

I hopped off his desk when Mrs. Spencer walked in. "You love me anyway" I said as I walked to my desk and sat in my chair.

I saw him shake his head and then I paid attention to the lesson. I had to make Mrs. Spencer like me somehow…

When the bell rang, and we exited Algebra the whole gang minus Adrian met in the hall before we had to disband for our next class.

"So I have something to tell you guys, since almost the whole gang knows" I told Mia and Lissa.

"What's wrong?" Lissa said

I shook my head. "Nothing, but I wanted you to know so you don't shit your pants or something"

Mia nodded her head. "Go on"

I took a deep breathe and exhaled slowly. "Matthew's home"

"WHAT?" Lissa and Mia said at the same time.

I nodded. "Yeah, I bumped into him this morning. It was a super shock"

Mia smiled. "I can't believe he's back" she said. "I missed him"

Lissa nodded looking at Mia. "I did too. I wonder how he's been I'm dying to know where he went"

"I said the same thing" Mason said.

"Now I can't wait" Lissa said.

"Yup" Mia said "He was like the most awesomest big brother ever"

"Who's Matthew?" asked Dimitri.

"Oh" Lissa said. "he's one of our closest friends who we grew up with. All of us have been together since we were five. He was here in St. Vladimir's till about a year ago. He left and we didn't know when he'd be back. But now he's back and I can't wait to see him!"

Lissa and Mia jumped up and down and I just rolled my eyes. I already knew this is the reaction they were going to have. Matthew had a spot in all our hearts, mine more than others.

The warning bell started to ring and we all said goodbye and headed for class.

I couldn't concentrate in Physics for anything the world.

So when my phone vibrated I welcomed it.

I can't help but think something's wrong right now

-A

I smiled. It's like he can feel my from all the way across campus.

I don't know yet.

-R

I didn't know what to say, I didn't want him to think anything was wrong. I haven't told him about Matthew or how he broke my heart, or how he was my first love.

Then I was right when I said something's wrong?

-A

I didn't want him to know through a text message. I wanted to tell him face to face.

I wanted to tell Dimtri and Adrian face to face.

There is and there isn't. but before you ask what, can you just distract me until I see you for lunch?

-R

I don't know how Adrian would react when he learns about Matthew.

But I hope it's a pass by kind of emotion. I couldn't take it if there was a jealous possessive side of him. I didn't want any fights with Matthew. He's a big part of my life in the end. We've grown up together and we love each other. Once as brother and sister and then as lovers. I want our relationship of brother and sister back.

Whenever we can talk, and I get the truth I hope we can go back to how things were. Matthew means so much to me and losing him would be like losing one of my best friends.

My phone vibrated again.

I'll do whatever you want me to do. You already know that

-A

I smiled. He's right. He'd always do whatever I'd ask him to do.

And that's how I spent my entire class time. Adrian and I texting. Him making me laugh quietly and I bet in whatever class he was in, he was containing laughter as well.

When the bell rang, I walked out before everyone else.

"Hey, I'm going to meet Adrian for lunch. Wanna tag along?" I asked Dimitri.

He nodded and I waved to Mia and Eddie. "I'm going to have lunch with Adrian and Dimitri ok? I'll see you guys later"

"Ok, I'll tell Lissa. Have a great lunch" Mia said.

"Do you want to tell me what's wrong now, or should I just wait until we meet with Adrian?"

He's perceptive as usual. "Why don't we just wait until we're at the restaurant with Adrian so I can talk to you guys. There's something I need to tell you and I want to do it all at once"

"That's fair enough" he said.

When we arrived at the garage I already noticed that the gang's cars were gone. Damn that was fast.

"Took you guys long enough" Adrian said. He was standing by his car, looking like a male model from a magazine. His hair was still some of a mess, he was wearing slacks, button down shirt with a few buttons left open, and he had sun glasses on.

"Where's your coat?" I said.

He pointed to his car. "In the back seat. It clashes with my outfit"

I laughed and I heard Dimitri laughing too. "Seriously" I said.

"Of course. I mean come on, I do pay attention to my appearance once in a while"

"A little to much I would say. You're such a loser" I said.

He smiled. "The loser you love" he said in a sing song voice.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I'm gonna ride in my car. I'll see you guys at the restaurant" I literally skipped to my car and hopped in. I heard them laughing and I smiled just a little bit.

I plugged my I-pod and put on The Veronicas. "4Ever" started to play. That's enough to set the mood.

I was halfway down the secluded drive of the school when I heard what sounded like Evanescence Bring Me To Life playing.

I looked in my mirror and saw that it was Adrian, and behind him Dimitri. I smiled. I guess they wanted to make this interesting.

I beeped my horn once and sped up. This was going to be something fun for the next few minutes.

I sped up to eighty miles before they caught up with me. They were playing with me, I know their cars could go faster than that, I've been around fast sports cars and definitely fast motorcycles, and I know the speed anything creates.

They were toying, and it's something I wasn't cool with. I missed speed, I've been itching for another race. I feel like I've been deprived from a life line.

I guess right now this would do. Next time though, when "Rey" gets called out, she's going out to win.

OoOo

Finally when I reached the pizzeria I had a big smile on my face. Okay, so they let me win, but still, it felt good to feel that adrenaline I've been missing.

I don't know how long MacKenzie River Pizza has been in business but every time I come here, I leave full. Their pizzas are the friggin best!

So when we were sat in a booth by the back, away from the huge crowds seated at the tables, they both looked at me. I'm guessing waiting for me to talk.

Gladly a waitress interrupted before they basically forced me to talk.

"What can I get you guys?" I noticed that she was just looking at the two guys and giving them what seemed like a flirtatious smile.

I cleared my throat loudly and she reluctantly looked back at me.

"Three cokes, minimum ice. Bye now" I said.

She wrote it down and left. I'm betting with a scowl on her face.

I scoffed. What a bitch, obviously she wouldn't think they're both here with me in any kind of relationship way, but I don't care. Don't go flirting with what's mine bitch.

When I saw that they were still staring at me I sighed and a ran my hand through my hair.

"What do you want me to say?" I said.

"I'm guessing this has to do with Matthew" Dimitri said.

"Who's Matthew?" Adrian said.

"Matthew's the first love of my life. He left St. Vladimir's just about a year ago. I haven't heard from him since. I bumped into him this morning. I slept in and was running like a maniac"

"Was he someone really special to you?" said Dimtri.

"Well from what I remember Rosalinda, everything we had was special"

DAMN!

I turned around and he was standing right there. Wearing a dress shirt all rumpled, a loose tie, his black jeans, and beat up converse. His hair still a messy disarray. The honey colored eyes.

Yeah, this is bad.

"Seriously. I hate that part about you," I said. "you come out of nowhere" just like someone I know. I thought.

"You know how much I love this place"

I groaned inward. Yeah, this place has a lot of memories for us.

I don't need to recall those now. I just want to know where the hell he came from.

He walked towards my table and he stood there holding out his hand to Adrian.

"Matthew Hale. Nice to meet you"

Adrian shook his hand, and if he was annoyed in any way he didn't show it. "Adrian Ivashkov"

Matthew nodded. Then put his hand toward Dimitri. "Dimitri Belikov"

"Pleasure to meet you both"

"I'm saying this in the nicest way ever" I said to Matthew when he looked at me with a good knowing smirk on my face.

"I know, I know" he said with a very cocky look, raising his hands in apology. "I'll see you guys later then"

I sighed as I saw him walk up to the counter, flirting shamelessly with that fake boob waitress. Seriously I know he's doing it to spite me. Ugh! "I wonder about him sometimes" I said.

"He seems like a cool guy" Adrian said.

"I think he seems kind of fun too" Dimitri said.

I looked at both of them thinking that maybe I must've heard them wrong. I know that they cannot be serious.

"Care to order" said that blond flirty waitress said after she put down our drinks.

Maybe I can kick her ass and make myself feel better in the process.

….

Or maybe not. I know Adrian and Dimitri wouldn't like that one bit.

"Give us a large Rancher pizza pie and extra pepperoni. Bye now"

She scoffed again and left.

"Rose…" Adrian scolded.

"Hey! She was flirting so she needed to back off"

They both laughed.

OoOoO

An hour later we finished eating that nice amazingly tasty pizza.

When we paid, that stupid bimbo of a waitress still flirted with Dimitri and Adrian. I think Dimitri had to hold me back so I don't kick her fucking ass.

When we exited the restaurant, and made our way to the parking lot, I heard the most awesome sound. A motorcycle, but not just any motorcycle. A 2010 Ducati 1198S Corse SE. I recognize it from one of many races I've had. I didn't know the persons name, I just knew it was a guy, and he was racing right past me.

"I never thought I'd see that motorcycle again" I said out loud in wonder. I loved that bike. The speed was amazing, but I'm not experienced to ride it. But with a little more practice…I'll be experienced enough.

"Where have you seen it before?" said Dimitri.

"I beat him in one of my many races. He's really good. I always wonder why I beat him though, a Ducati is insane in speed"

"Maybe he knows a beautiful woman is behind that helmet"

I turned to him, rolling my eyes. "I don't think so. 'Rey' is always behind a helmet"

"Well" Adrian said. "maybe one day you'll get lucky and see who's behind the helmet"

Maybe I will.

OoOoO

We raced back to St. Vlad's and this time Adrian beat me. At least we had a lot of fun.

Parking the car back in the garage, I saw the Ducati. And Matthew stepping off of it.

"Son of a bitch!" he looked over to me and he looked like a dear in headlights.

Well at least that's what I remember anyway before I passed out.

So what did you guys think?
Im not big on detail...not my kind of style.
& MacKenzie River Pizza is a real place, & really is in Missoula.
The Rancher pizza is real. It has: Seasoned beef, pepperoni, bacon, tomato, red onion & green pepper.
My tummy's growling just thinking about it.
So I bet some of you guessed it was Matthew?
Or maybe not...

Anywayz guys leave me review love.

Peace In Readers

-Kristy