UNMASKED

#04

Eli was starting to wonder why he even bothered going to class. It wasn't like he would really learn anything. Not when his mind was occupied with wondering just how Matthew would ignore everything Eli had asked him not to do before leaving. Then again, he doubted he could really guess something like that. Matthew had a way of surprising Eli in the most ridiculous ways.

It would have been more amusing if it weren't usually so dangerous.

"You look nice and bitter today."

Eli paused on his way out of the building, turning back to be met with the sight of his friend—and once girlfriend—Vanessa. She looked, as always, like she was tired but all too happy for a chance to annoy Eli. He supposed most of the people he knew could be described that way.

"Glad you noticed," Eli said, not even bothering to glare. It never worked on Vanessa anyway.

"You know me, always trying to make you feel appreciated." She walked up to Eli, small grin in place and dark eyes amused. "Seriously though, what's wrong?"

There was enough actual concern in her voice that Eli wished he could actually tell Vanessa all about the shit show that was his life. But, of course, there was no way he could do that. Instead, he settled on a lie that seemed plausible enough.

"Nothing, just tired," he said with a shrug, actively avoiding looking at Vanessa as he continued on his way out with her at his side.

"We're all tired," Vanessa pointed out. "And I've seen you tired. You get bitchy, not mopey."

"Wow, rude."

"Still true," Vanessa said with a shrug. "So, what's bugging you?"

They stepped out into the chilly night, both subconsciously pulling their coats closer. Eli was about to answer when he caught sight of an all too familiar figure all but lurking outside.

And there it is, Eli thought, deciding it wasn't the worst way in which Matthew could not listen to him. He still must have looked frustrated enough for Vanessa to notice.

"Oho, trouble in paradise?" Vanessa teased. Eli decided that she was a terrible person. It wasn't the first time he'd thought so about one of his friends.

"You know—"

"That you love me and I'm your best friend?" Vanessa cut him off. "Sure do. Now go make up with your boyfriend. Or make out. Same thing." And with that, she walked off, snickering at Eli's red face.

He still glared at Vanessa's retreating form as she waved at Matthew. It made Eli feel a bit better, but he was sure his face was still red. It certainly felt hot enough.

"Hey honey," Matthew greeted with a wide smile that almost convinced Eli he was okay. "Why's your face red?"

"It's cold," Eli said without pause. "And what are you doing here? You're not supposed to be out."

"Well, I got hungry." Matthew held up a bag of food.

"What about the food I left?"

"I ate it. Then I got hungry again."

"I made eight sandwiches."

"People recovering from injuries need plenty of food to replenish their strength." Matthew did his best to make it sound like that was reasonable.

"They also need to stay in bed." Eli threw in a glare to really get across just how displeased he was.

"And also fresh air. Which I wasn't getting back at home." It was a pretty weak attempt at an excuse, even for Matthew. Apparently, even he was willing to admit that much. "Besides, it's late. I wanted to make sure you got home alright."