'Sorry Ma'am, the first opening is in five weeks. Yes, I know we've only just opened up.'

I tell the woman on the phone as I scan through the appointments, tapping my pen on the paper waiting for a response. She should be glad it's a small one, otherwise, it would've been even longer. I huff.

'Thursday afternoon will be fine. Are you available at two?'

The woman agrees and I quickly scribble down her name and information before hanging up the phone. I shake my head, still not believing how quickly the shop has taken off. People seemed to love our work and word spread like wildfire. Appointments kept coming in at an unbelievable paste, to the point that our schedules are packed for the next two months.

I grab my sandwich from my plate as I continue to scribble down on my sketch pad, glancing over to the tv screen in between my drawing. It's been three weeks since the concert. Three fucking weeks, and still the world was going nuts about it! There hadn't a day gone by where reporters didn't talk about Lexi on the news. She'd barely been home and from what I gathered from Rebekah is that she'd been flown all over the place, attending interviews on almost every radio or television show. Her face adorning almost every cover of every magazine. It was truly insane. At this point, I think none of us know anymore if it's a good or bad kind of sanity. In all the madness we didn't get the time to talk properly, but I honestly didn't blame her. There wasn't a doubt in my mind, that by now she was done with all the attention and she'd rather be at home. Even if that meant us having to have our talk.

'It feels like it's never going to stop...'

Bheks mutters, her eyes also on the screen as Lexi walks out on stage at a well-known talk show. I huff a laugh, taking another big bite of my sandwich as I mutter with my mouth full.

'Tell me about it.'

'How she manages to function with all this madness is beyond me!'

Rebekah sighs, both in horror and awe. I swallow my bite and wash it down with some coffee as I murmur.

'It's not like she has a choice. Besides, I'm pretty sure that if she tries to escape, her manager will hunt her down. That woman is goddamn terrifying.'

Rebekah chuckles amused as she refills her mug, stirring some milk and sugar through her coffee.

'I can't deny that. Though she is amazing at her job, she certainly has an outstanding personality...'

'That's an understatement.'

I snort. We both continue to watch the show for a few minutes, listening as Lexi gives the same answers to the questions every host and interviewer asked before him. She told everyone the same thing, not willing to dive in any further. Pleading with them to accept her privacy as they wouldn't like it either if everyone went prying into their personal relationships. I had to commend her for not giving in and sticking to her guns, others would've given in by now. There wasn't a soul who didn't at least try and make her talk.

'She texted she'd come home tonight.'

Rebekah grins, glancing my way. I drag my eyes off my sketch as I mumble a little skeptically.

'Is that so?'

It's not that I don't want her to come home, anything but. It's just that every time she was supposed to come, her manager would drag her in another direction. Rebekah waves me off as she walks back to her station and says.

'You'll see.'

I don't get the opportunity to respond as the phone starts ringing again. I pick up at the second ring, my voice in business mode as I say in a friendly manner.

'Beautiful ink. This is Matt speaking, how can I help you?'

'Tsk, tsk... How is it you pick up the business phone so quickly, but you've been ignoring my calls on your cell these last twenty-four hours?'

My blood instantly runs cold at the familiar crude voice on the other side. I glance around the shop to make sure no one is listening in as I snap in a low voice.

'How dare you call this number?! What if my companion had picked up the phone?'

'Should've thought about that before you ignored my calls.'

The man mutters in a bored tone. I grind my teeth, turning my head towards the window as he continues so casually that it makes my skin crawl.

'Now that I finally managed to get a hold of you, where are we on our deal?'

I can see Rebekah's reflection in the mirror as she stands up from her booth, a worried expression on her face as she walks my way and I hurridly whisper through gritted teeth.

'I'll have half of the money by the end of the day, the rest will follow within thirty days. Gotta go.'

I quickly end the call, not giving him the time to respond as Bheks raises her brow and asks.

'Who was that?'

Fuck, she heard me. I grumble, trying to hide my nerves with a smile as I lie.

'Just the bank. I forgot I was supposed to head over there for a deposit. Those posh suckers are so stuck up about their appointments that it's working on my nerves. Nothing to worry about, I'll head over there later.'

She still looks a bit skeptical but seems to buy my story as she gives me a short nod before heading back to work. That was close, too close. I sigh, rubbing my temples before I try to focus on my sketch again.

***

P.O.V Unknown:

'Well... That was rude.'

I huff, twirling my phone between my fingers. What to do, what to do? I contemplate, but before I can come up with a proper solution the man sitting on the opposite side of my desk intervenes my thoughts.

'You've been more than patient with this lad, boss. We can't keep giving him chances, people will think we've grown soft... That'll only lead to more problems.'

'I know...'

I mumble, my voice stern to let him know he's putting himself on slippery territory here. But he's right. My father never should've gone along with this deal. It's such a goddamn nuisance. He told me the guy seemed pretty sincere when he met him. I still don't know what came over him but after a night of drinking and talking together, he decided to do a good deed and help the feller out. Dumping the responsibility of making sure he held his end of the bargain onto my shoulders. Now the situation was becoming a pain in the ass and he was giving me one excuse after the other, delaying the payback of his debt to us.

'This is exactly why we don't do business out of the state anymore. Too much of a fucking hassle when they don't pay up!'

I spew as I open up my contacts, pressing call on one of the new guys. I put him on the case months ago to gather some information on the guy so I'd have something up my sleeve in case of, this. It only takes a few seconds until he answers and I tell him while leaning back in my chair.

'Mattheo Blackwell. Unfortunately, time has run out for him and his vindications.'

'Alright, how do you want me to deal with it?'

My guy on the phone asks. I pinch the bridge of my nose, turning my eyes to the man in front of me as I give it some thought.

'I'm not in the mood for a big mess in Los Angeles, let's just give him a good scare and hope that'll set him straight.'

I wave in a bored tone even though I know he can't see it. He agrees and I hang up the phone without another word tossing it onto my desk as the guy in front of me says, a wicked grin on his face.

'Besides, dead men pay no bills.'

'Exactly.'

I smirk back at him before swiftly looking through some of the other paperwork sprawled down on my desk.

'Hah... Bets are skyrocketing these days.'

It wasn't a question. I was just stating a mere fact before I close one of the books, handing it back to the rugged man in front of me.

'You're taking care of it tonight, let me know if there's any trouble. People aren't going to be happy losing this much money.'

'You know I like trouble, boss... It's been a long time since I've seen some real action.'

'I know you love a good rumble, and any other day I would let you, but in this case ruckus among the crowd will cost me a shitload of money. You are to keep them in line, understood?'

He nods reluctantly as I dismiss him waving my hand, already busying myself with some other papers. As I hear him open the door to head out, I call out to him once more.

'And bring my father up to date about everything we talked about. The old geezer has been bugging me about it for a few days. This will keep him off my back, for now.'

***

P.O.V MATT:

'Out of the question!'

I roar through the shop, not giving a damn who hears me as I glare at Rebekah. How could she have gone along with this?

'It's not fair!'

'I don't care if it's fair or not. It isn't happening and that's the end of it.'

I grumble crossing my arms, leaving no room for debate as I add.

'You are not getting your belly button pierced. Mamá will kill me! Let alone the lecture I will get once papá finds out.'

I grunt the last part to Rosa, who's been trying to persuade me for over an hour now. Rebekah had booked her appointment without mentioning it to me beforehand, which leaves me with the task of disappointing my sister. The moment she strolled in the door I knew this was going to be a family fit.

'You've got a piercing too! Not even mentioning the fact that you're body is covered in more tattoos than my journal is with stickers!'

'I don't care! I'm their son. You're their daughter. If you want it that badly, go home and ask them for permission. Take one of them with you so I know they're agreeing to this. Otherwise, it's not going to happen!'

'I'm not a kid anymore, Matt! You know they would never agree if I asked! Which is why you didn't ask either when you got your first tattoo. If it's already there, there's nothing they can do about it. What's the worst that can happen?'

She tries to persuade me, batting her eyes and pouting her lip. Oh no, sis. That might've worked when you were five, or ten, but not now.

'They can throw you out of their house and frikkin' disown me along with it, that's what can happen!'

I shout, frustratedly tugging at my hair. Rosa scoffs, kicking her foot against the floor like a furious child as she looks over to Rebekah for help.

'Forget about it.'

I warn both of them. Rebekah isn't going to help and you're not getting your way either. I tell her silently squinting my eyes. I don't know what kind of rebellious phase you're going through, but even a blind man can see this is a terrible idea. Maybe I'm overprotective of my sister. I know she isn't a kid anymore, but I also know our parents aren't going to be happy if I went behind their backs with something like this.

'You're the lamest brother ever!'

Rosa counters, trying to get under my skin in other ways. Low fucking blow. I lift my eyebrow at her, not impressed as I huff.

'You can pout all you want, it's not going to change my mind. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got an actual business to run.'

She puffs her cheeks in one last attempt to get me to reconsider, but I quietly shake my head as I walk back to the counter. Friendly greeting an unfamiliar customer as I get the items she's sought out and run them through the cash register.

'Good call.'

The mid-aged woman whispers to me making me smile slightly. I hand her the change, along with the bag as I motion over to my sister and mumble.

'Yeah well, I guess she begs the differ.'

She snorts, probably a mother herself as she thanks me before adding slightly amused.

'I'm sure you're mother is proud and would agree with you.'

I give her a sideways smile before telling her to have a good day as she leaves the store, bag in hand. My eyes travel over my appointment list and I notice I've only got one more customer before the end of the day. He's supposed to get here within half an hour so I decide to get another coffee before heading over to my workspace to get everything ready. Rosa is still sitting in my chair, looking as grumpy as when I left her as she mutters.

'Can I at least stay for a bit?'

'Sure you can. As long as you bear in mind that you will not get pierced or inked.'

I tell her throwing her a glance before sitting down in my chair. She rolls her eyes, muttering fine in a reluctant tone. Picking up one of my books, lazily flipping through it as I start gathering all my gear on my tray. After a minute or two, she gazes up from the pages as she murmurs hesitantly.

'So... How are things between you and Lexi at the moment?'

I hadn't seen my sister ever since my birthday party and I can see the worry in her eyes as she keeps her gaze on me waiting for my answer. Like you don't already know. I sigh, knowing she probably kept in touch with Rebekah in the meantime as I keep cleaning my gun in between while I mutter.

'I've got no clue, I feel like I'm stuck in fucking limbo at the moment. How much did Rebekah tell you?'

I know she can hear me as well, but she decides to keep her mouth closed as Rosa gives me a soft smile and says.

'She filled me in on pretty much everything... Have you been staying clear of the booze since then?'

'Yes, mamá.'

I grumble without looking up at her as I start picking up the pieces of my tattoo gun, putting them back together one by one. Rosa snorts in response, laying down the book as she focuses her attention solely on me.

'Just be glad I didn't tell her what happened. She would slaughter your ass if she found out what went on between the both of you.'

'I know.'

I mutter painfully. Not afraid of what my mom would do. Okay, maybe a little... But more pained by the memories of that night and the fact that Rosa has to bring it up as I sigh.

'Thanks for not blabbering though...'

'It doesn't come for free. You better fix it! 'Cause mamá has been bugging me for weeks about how lovely she is. She keeps asking when the both of you will drop by again. I think she has an entire dinner party planned in her head already.'

Rosa chuckles, but I can't find myself laughing along with her. By now I'm over the fact they're all trying to help. Every one of them was there to see that goddamn nightmare unfold on my birthday. Even if they didn't see what happened in the bedroom, they knew this wasn't just another stupid quarrel. Geez, I'm just relieved Rebekah didn't drag Rosa into the whole tattoo debacle that went on at the opening. I think to myself as Rosa leans a little toward me, her eyes more gentle as she says.

'Mamá loves her Mattheo... And even if papá would never say it aloud, he does too.'

'Why wouldn't they? What's not to love?'

I smile halfheartedly. Rremembering the way Lexi had laughed at all the embarrassing stuff my parents had sprawled on her back home, just hours before shit hit the fan.

'Dios Mio, she had no idea how nervous I was introducing her...'

I mumble, a faint smile on my face. Trying not to think about the aftermath as Rosa's laughter pulls me back to reality.

'Let me guess, you didn't tell her she was the first girl you took home?'

'Of course not! She was freaking the hell out already, if I'd told her that she would've bolted the hell out of there.'

I counter looking back up at her. She shakes her head, amusement still lingering in her eyes as Rebekah suddenly speaks up from behind the wall that's dividing us. Not even bothered to look over it as she mutters.

'At least she would've known how serious you were about her.'

'Yeah, like that would've changed the outcoming.'

I grumble back at her, placing my gun on the tray in front of me while shaking my head. But before any of us manages to say anything else the doorbell rings, indicating another customer has entered the shop. As soon as I lift my head to see who it is, my blood reaches a boiling point and I dash out of my seat. Flying over to the front door, Rosa and Rebekah hot on my trail.

'OUT!'

I rumble, fuming with anger as I glare at the culprit who caused all the commotion in the first place. Charlotte. She batts her eyelashes innocently at me, almost purring like a cat as she says.

'Matt, love, don't be like that... I came to see if I could make an appointment with you.'

'Over my dead body!'

I bark as Rosa tries everything in her might to hold Rebekah back from lashing out at her. For all I care she kills her on the spot, I wouldn't leave an ounce of sleep over it. I huff to myself already opening the door while Bheks screams aggravated, kicking her legs in the hope Rosa will let go of her.

'Fucking bitch! You got some goddamn nerve showing your face after the stunt you pulled! Go take a long walk on a short pier ...and drown while you're at it!'

'It's not my fault your sister can't handle a little competition.'

Charlotte sneers, looking at her nails as if she's the most innocent being to walk the earth. Like it would fool anyone! At her words, my vision darkens and I ball my fists as I growl at her in an icy tone.

'Charlotte. Shut your damn mouth, unless you have a death wish!'

She glances over at me, still trying to keep her composure. But as soon as she sees the scowl on my face she cowers slightly and for a split second, I see fear trembling in her eyes. She quickly recovers from it though as she says sweetly clicking her tongue.

'Matt, baby, you can't be serious? She kissed another man right in front of you and you're still hung up on her?'

Her words provocating, unleashing, a tornado of emotions inside both Rebekah and me. One... She tosses and turns in Rosa's grip, throwing every kind of insult at her face as I tighten the grip of my hands, my body shaking with rage.

'Don't ever dare to call me baby again!'

I roar, trying my utmost best to keep a handle on myself and not strangle her. Two...

'The only one who has that privilege is Lexi, no one else. Especially you!'

My voice booms as Charlotte starts to shake both frightened and gobsmacked, but I don't give a flying fuck as I continue fuming. Three...

'You were the puppetmaster who orchestrated everything that went down that night, so leave me the hell alone!'

Four... Determined to end this once and for all I look up at her as I shout, hoping to God this will get the message through her thick skull.

'I love Lexi, she means everything to me! You on the other hand? I loath you... I have no feelings for you whatsoever. Never have, and never will. Besides hatred after what you did. Now get your skimpy ass out of here before I drag you!'

My words may be harsh and cruel, but she damn well asked for it. I'm done playing nice. I've tried to let her down gently in the past and it clearly didn't make an impression. She's still dead set on trying to get me into a relationship with her, even with all that happened. How stupid can you be? Five... Her eyes fill with tears as Rebekah settles down, everyone stunned to silence after my outburst.

'Go. Now.'

I tell her sternly, my voice dripping with venom. She instantly bolts out of the store, crying. Although I seriously doubt if they're tears from heartbreak. Most likely from humiliation instead. I sigh, my muscles still twitching with anger as I smash the door closed. Without saying a word to either Rebekah or Rosa I stalk past them to the back exit, my hands still itching to punch something as I grab my jacket and walk outside. Six... I grumble to myself lighting a cigarette before even stepping through the door, Rebekah and my sister following right behind me.

'Not now.'

I snap to both of them, breathing in a deep gulp of smoke. Seven... I slowly blow out the air, watching as the smoke rises up, eventually disappearing into nothingness. Seven, I managed to get there without going off my rocker. I breathe in again, a snort escaping me as I mutter mockingly.

'See beautiful, I managed to get to seven... Once I get there, the worst part is over...'

Destruction has passed. Anger still searing in my bones, but it's starting to dim. At least a little. This once again proves I'm nothing without you... I think solemnly. A part of me wants to kick myself for not having been able to use it back when we were fighting in the bedroom. My drunk state probably didn't even remember how to count to seven in the first place. I grunt shaking my head as Rebekah walks in front of me, her eyebrow raised in confusion while she asks.

'Uhm, what are you talking about?'

She snaps her fingers in front of my eyes as if to make sure I haven't lost my mind somewhere along the way. But I wave her off with my hand, taking another draft from my cigarette as I mutter.

'It's nothing... Just something Lex said.'

She blinks, not understanding but decides to let it go as Rosa comes to stand next to her and asks hesitantly.

'You okay?'

'I'm fine. Just hope I got the message across once and for all this time.'

I grumble, flicking the bud of my cigarette onto the ground before dragging a hand through my hair. Jesus fuck, I'm glad when this day is over... Rebekah squeezes my shoulder, saying she has to go back inside in case someone else enters the store. Not even mentioning the fact that she left a customer laying in the chair so she could join in on the raging witch hunt just now. Not a great way of advertising. I cringe, giving her a nod and motioning for her to go. Rosa walks up next to me, both of us leaning against the wall and looking up at the sky until she eventually giggles softly.

'I think you said it loud and clear. Damn big bro, that was some declaration you gave back there...'

'Oh, shut up.'

I groan although I can't help the corner of my mouth from crinkling up in a smirk. Honestly, it felt good screaming it out into the world. Rosa looks up at me from the side, worry still lingering in her eyes as she asks quietly.

'I wanted to ask you before, but after seeing you explode I think I already know the answer. When was the last time you slept properly?'

'About a month ago...'

I tell her honestly, knowing lying about it won't work anyway. The massive dark wrinkles under my eyes are enough proof that I've been sleep-deprived for far too long.

'Jesus, Matt. Give yourself a break.'

'It's not willingly, Rosa. My back normally gives me enough trouble as it is, but ever since that night...'

I shake my head, unable to finish my sentence. For the last few weeks, I'd woken up in a cold sweat. The same thing happened early this morning, the sun hadn't even come out yet. My mind remains torturing me with nightmares, replaying the party and aftermath over and over again in my head. Every excruciating detail continues in an endless loop, holding me captive as I unconsciously keep punishing myself by creating my own personal hell in my sleep.

'You're having nightmares again, aren't you?'

Rosa asks quietly, studying me intently as my head dashes up to her. How do you know? I ask without words and she smiles sadly before turning back to look at the sky above us as she mumbles.

'I know because you had that same worn-out look in your eyes, for God knows how long, after the accident had happened. I heard you, you know... Screaming in your sleep.'

'Y-You did?'

I ask stunned. You never told me. She shrugs her shoulders, blinking back a few unshed tears as she mumbles.

'Of course, I did dork. The walls in our house were paper thin and my room was next to yours. I didn't know what to do since you'd completely shut down. You're not exactly a quiet dreamer ...or nightmarer-er? Is that even a word?'

'...Not sure.'

I can't help but snort back softly in between her sentences before she continues.

'I contemplated with myself if I should tell mamá and papá about it, but I figured that would only make it worse...'

I pull her close, hugging her tightly as I say unable to keep the remorseful tone out of my voice.

'I'm sorry I put that burden on you, you were still so young...'

She smiles appreciatively back at me, giving my waist a squeeze as she mutters.

'I'm saying this for your own good... Stop feeling so damn guilty all the time, about everything, you're killing yourself because of it!'

'I know I shouldn't, I just can't help it!'

I grumble knowing she's right, but not able to stop. I still haven't forgiven myself for what I've done ...I'm not sure I ever can.

'Haven't the two of you talked at all since then?'

My sister asks as she lets go of me. I shake my head getting another cigarette from my pack as I mumble with the bud between my lips.

'Not exactly... We spoke briefly after the concert and said we would talk, but we've both been so busy we haven't seen or spoken to each other since then. I've been working late to make sure we're building a good name for ourselves, while she's being thrown in every direction by her manager.'

It isn't entirely the truth... I'm not just working crazy hours so I know the shop will do well in the future. I also need to make a boatload of money to repay my debts, and I need it yesterday. But I can't tell Rosa that. She draws her brow up as she tells me seriously.

'Don't give me that crap. You're just shoving your head in the sand, afraid of what might happen! Rebekah told me the hours you've been working. It's absurd. You know just as well as I that your books are already piling up with appointments so there's no reason for you to overwork yourself to this extent.'

Partly true... After the thrill of the concert had left my bones and I got home, I had no clue how to follow up. But I also do need that money... So I guess the distraction was convenient? I wonder if Lex feels the same way, taking another draft of my cigarette before I sigh.

'Say that's true... How do I even go about it? I want, no need, to talk to her. I just have no frikkin' idea where to start!'

'What about just picking up your phone and calling her? Rebekah told me she'd come home tonight. Give her a ring and ask if she has time to talk.'

'She was supposed to come home ten times already according to Bheks...'

I try to deflect, taking another gulp of smoke. But my obnoxious little sister won't have it as she snaps, refusing me to back out any longer.

'Stop stalling! Whether she's coming or not, doesn't even matter. Be a man and take the first step, call her.'

'Okay, fine! I'll call her once I'm done with work.'

I yell, throwing my hands up in the air as a sign of surrender. She smiles pleased, grabbing the cigarette out from between my fingers and quickly drawing a breath from it before throwing it down on the pavement.

'Good. Then get your ass inside and go finish your work.'

She grins almost devilishly as she holds the door open, waiting for me to walk past her. My life is filled with meddling minxes... I sigh laughingly, listening to her as I step back inside.

Lost in my thoughts I wander back to my booth, worrying about what to say if she would answer the phone. Maybe she's too busy to answer? I think, not sure if that would be a relief or not. Rosa follows behind me, pulling me out of my rambling thoughts as she suddenly starts to giggle. I blink a few times, looking up to see what she finds so funny. She points at the tv screen, already in search of the remote so she can amp up the volume. It's a recap of earlier this morning when Lexi was at that talk show. I turned off the sound when I saw she was going to perform, knowing it would only distract me more.

'Have you heard this? She's just as confused as you, big brother. So make up her mind for her...'

Rosa says and my eyes drift from her back to the screen as unfamiliar music starts to fill my ears.

https://youtu.be/7a28XA9osvE

Note to self. When back home, make sure to search for all the songs she wrote on that damn album. I think to myself, once again surprised I haven't heard all of the songs already. Even if she wrote it with other intentions, back when I was still in Vegas. She sings it with so much passion, I know she's referring to what's going on between us at the moment. I can't help but scoff a laugh, the irony of the situation smacking me in the face as if to wake me from my stupor.

'I swear to God, that woman has a six sense...'

I mutter plopping down in my chair making both Rosa and Rebekah laugh. Her timing is impeccable as always. Back in the concert hall, I barely held it together. The way she sang both crippled me and made me float at the same time. I'd never felt so conflicted in my life as I unknowingly walked closer to her. It felt like I couldn't breathe and every step toward her was the only way to keep me from buckling over. By the time the song had ended there was no doubt in my mind she knew that it was me standing there. Her eyes hadn't left me, not even when I was moving between the crowd. It seemed pointless keeping the hoodie on. Besides, I wanted her to see what it did to me. What her singing her soul out, did to me. Showing her just how much power she had, getting me emotional even though there were thousands of people around us to see it. She had to know I felt the same way she did at that moment...

'My sister always had a thing for the dramatics.'

Rebekah chuckles softly and I can't help but snort as well. Not sure if I'd call it dramatics... But she sure as hell knows how to surprise me time and time again.

***

After I finished up with the last customer I headed over to the bank. Depositing every fucking penny I had on the side to pay off as much of my debt as I could. Once back outside, it had taken me another ten minutes of pacing in front of a bench I first intended to sit on before I finally called Lexi. She sounded distraught when she first picked up the phone. But once I figured out why, I was the one that suddenly grew silent. I'm sure bystanders noticed how red I was from embarrassment as I strode past them. It actually did me a favor because I was so desperate to change the subject, I ended up asking her what I promised Rosa earlier this afternoon.

'Listen, I'm walking back from the bank to the shop to close up since I'm done for the day. I'll be in my car within 5 minutes. Can you wait? We'll talk more about it when I get home, okay?'

'Yeah, I'll wait.'

She said in a soft voice, easing my nerves as I started to walk back towards the shop.

'I'm glad I finally mustered up the courage to call you, even if you were already thinking about talking to me as well. I couldn't stand these past few weeks.'

I confessed, just glad that I was able to hear her voice again. Not even caring that it started to rain, feeling as if a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I dared to start to hope again, but that hope was short-lived.

Shit didn't just hit the fan anymore, no. Right now, shit flew through the fan, next to the fan, over the fan, and behind it all together. Hell, it feels like the fan just clattered into a million pieces, screwed beyond recognition!

'Me neither, I~'

She starts speaking but I interrupt her cursing lowly as I come to a halt in the middle of the street, not able to hold the terror out of my voice.

'Fuck.'

It's the last thing I say as the world seems to suddenly move in slow motion. I was too late. Suddenly regretting all the decisions I made, I watch while a black car comes driving in my direction. But the car isn't what has me nailed to the spot. No. It's the barrel of a gun pointed right at me from the rolled-down window which has my focus. I know there's nowhere for me to go and all I want is to open my mouth and call out to Lexi. But before I manage to get a word out a muffled *BANG* rings in the air, along with a crippling pain in my stomach. Fuck! I clutch my hands on the wound, stumbling to the ground as my vision starts to grow black...

I'm so sorry, beautiful. I never meant for this to happen! I cry out silently, fighting to keep conscious as I desperately search for my phone. I don't want to put you through this again, dammit! I swear, using sheer willpower as I bite away the pain in my body and try to focus on where Lexi's voice comes from. The fear and terror clearly visible in her voice as she yelps helplessly.

'Matty say something, goddammit! Matty?!'

I finally manage to locate it and I shakingly grab a hold of it with my red-stained hand. A pained grunt escapes my lips as I drag it to my ear.

'L-Lex, I'm ...s-sorry. I l-lo~'

I love you... I try so desperately to get the words out of my mouth, but there's no energy left in me as everything slowly keeps getting darker and darker. I feel my phone dropping to the side, my eyelids so heavy I can't keep them open any longer. The frantic cries coming from Lexi's mouth ringing in my ears...

I'm sorry, beautiful. I think anguished as the world goes entirely black and I feel myself slowly slipping away.

So~ fucking~ sorry...