Chapter 16
The Confession
Matt is in the basement and brings out his phone to record another message to the girls.
Once he starts recording, he puts in the best smile he can and says, "Hey girls. It's been a while since I've last recorded a message. I have something to say." He couldn't hold his fake smile anymore, "I'm sorry. For everything. I messed up big time, I trapped us all in this world because of what was likely just a dumb misunderstanding with my parents, and now I realize that I messed up big time. I'm sorry girls, and I hope you can forgive me."
After he finished recording the message, he stopped himself from sending it, as he saw no point. He puts down his phone and heads out of the basement.
Matt is approached by Dareth and Catherine.
"We heard about you having an argument with Aaron," said Dareth. "Is something wrong?"
"I have a confession to make," Matt replied.
A bit later, Matt sat at the dining table with Aaron, Catherine, and Dareth.
"I think it's about time I fully explain how I came to this world," Matt explained. "The day my friend, Anne, turned thirteen, me and my other friend, Marcy, found this book in a public library that revealed the existence of a music box that allows one to travel between worlds. We both thought it was fake. I returned home and was getting ready for the birthday party, but I overheard my dad talking about me having to stop hanging out with my friends. I assumed he was just being selfish so I ran away. I met up with Marcy and she explained how she went through something similar to me. We both found the music box from the book in a nearby thrift store, and we both had one goal in mind. Escape the possible reality of losing our friends. We texted our friends about the music box saying it would make a perfect birthday present for Anne, so long story short, the four of us met up and took the Music Box."
"Without paying for it?" asked Catherine.
Matt sighed. "Yes, and all of us suffered the consequences. After stealing the box, we went to a nearby playground and Anne opened the box. There was a flash of light that came from the box, and the next thing I know, I'm in this world, separated from my friends. Now I realize how much I messed up doing that. You're right, Aaron. Maybe my friends aren't as good as I thought they were. Still, I want to find them and try to fix things with them, and…" Tears formed around Matt's eyes. "I want to find a way home. I want to try and fix things with my parents."
The Amphibians sat silently, trying to process everything that they heard.
"Let me get this straight," said Aaron. "You intentionally trapped yourself and your friends in this world because you didn't want to lose them?"
"That's the main gist of it," Matt replied.
Aaron hugged Matt. "I'm sorry."
"Aaron, it's not your fault I made that decision," Matt assured. "I made that mistake by my own choice."
"I might know something that can help you," said Catherine. "Newtopia is full of advanced technology and history and it might hold the answers to getting you home."
"Why are you doing this for me?" asked Matt. "I don't want to be a burden on you."
"A burden!?" Dareth shouted.. "You brought Aaron back to us safe and sound!"
"He's right," Aaron added, taking Matt's hand. "If it weren't for you, I would never have made it out of the woods. I would never have survived. I would never have built a better relationship with Dareth. You'll never owe any of us anything."
Matt stood in silence for a while before he said, "Oh. I never realized how much I helped. Alright. Let's do this… together."
Unbeknownst to anyone, the toads of the south tower always knew where Dareth was hiding. Ever since he left, Beatrix sent a toad to watch, and he was always listening in on conversations, waiting for the right time to try and capture him. Now, he's found that moment, and so he rushes back to the tower to inform Beatrix about it.