Songs of the Chapter:
Change by Lana Del Rey
Welcome Home by Radical Face
LEA FOLEY
The thought of what could have happened to this boy for him to want to take his own life breaks my heart a little. Watching him stand on the edge of that bridge then fall? God, it was almost like I was watching Scott fall off a bridge. I would have died. Thankfully, someone went down the back, dived in and saved the kid, although it was a minute or two after he'd drowned and probably consumed a ton of water. I would have done something but, I'm a terrible swimmer; trying to support someone else with my swimming skills would mean we both drown. Watching him cough all that water up, confirming he's still alive brought tears to my eyes. Then, he passed out.
The ambulance came in time thankfully. I took responsibility for the boy without even knowing anything about him. I went back to my hotel for the night after seeing him into the hospital, giving a statement and doing some paperwork. The hospital is not far from the bridge at all. Two days after, in the afternoon, here I am watching him sleep; the doctors say he's in a coma but I choose to say he's sleeping. He's adorable. I feel so connected to him. Sighing, I head back to the reception to finalise payments for his bills.
MATT
I wake up to bright, white lights and a very annoying beeping sound. I have a headache, my vision is blurred but more than anything, my ribs hurt like hell. I try to sit up and regret moving - pain travels round my body in an instant. I wheeze. I notice that I'm wearing a hospital gown which could only mean I'm in a hospital and the memories come flooding in.
Susan.
Hate.
Fire.
Ben hates me.
Evan doesn't want to train me anymore.
Jump off bridge.
I'm homeless.
Alone.
The tears don't even need to be called as they fall freely from my eyes onto the covers, making a wet patch. I hear some noises coming closer to my door. I try to dry my eyes with my hands but the needle in my wrist stings.
Fail. Just like every other thing in my life.
I squint to have a clearer vision as a very beautiful woman comes in, wearing a white t-shirt tucked in black jeans, a black leather jacket on top and black flats. Her hair is tied in a high pony tail. Her stud diamond earrings catch my eyes easily. I remember her from yesterday... Shit. What day is it?
"Hi." I say cautiously.
"Hi." She says smiling oh so positively. It's quite infectious but I fight the smile. I can't truly be smiling right now. My life's a mess.
"What day is it? And the time please?" I ask her, not looking her in the eyes.
"Well, it's the seventh of April and the time is twelve-twenty-eight. P.m. of course." She smiles again. I don't return her smile. She takes a seat on a chair really close to me.
"It's my birthday." I whisper.
"Happy birthday to you." I snicker at that. It sure looks happy, doesn't it?
"So what's your name?" She asks, trying to find my eyes.
"My name's Matt. I don't mean to be rude but you really should've just let me die back there. I have no one. No one cares and oh, no one's coming to pay for my hospital bills so I might as well be dead." I say, almost screaming in a choked voice, my breathing uneven.
"I'm Lea and I'm sorry, Matt. But, do you mind me asking you a couple of questions?" She asks, looking a bit apprehensive.
"Go right ahead." I sigh.
![Rumours [BxB] ✔️ oleh redxstorm](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/176835582-80-k318879.jpg)
"Where are your parents?"
"I never met them. They're dead to me."
"Where do you live?"
"I used to live at a rink but now, I've got no place to stay." I say with the straightest face.
"You skate?"
"Yeah. It's the only thing I'm sure I know how to do." My expression falls as I remember Evan Lysacek and all the events of the previous night and that makes me go into full blown sobs, worsening the headache that was already in place.
"I'm sorry. You're okay." She coos, reaches out and hugs me. I stiffen a bit from the contact but ease into it. She lets me cry on her shoulder for what feels like hours till I finally simmer down.
"I'm sorry, Matt. I won't ask you what happened because it clearly put you in a lot of pain to the point of wanting to... end it. So, just tell me when you're ready. I'll go get the doctor." She smiles and leaves the room. Soon after she does, a doctor and two nurses come in for the check up.
A few moments later. I'm declared free to go but I'm given the option of choosing to go to a shelter or move in with Mrs. Lea, since I just turned 18. Yeah, I discovered she's married when I saw her left ring finger. That's a huge rock. She actually wants me to live with her. Someone she barely knew. I accepted the offer to move in with Lea all the way in Boulder.
She talked about her family; having a husband and a son who is not so older than me and two dogs. I got to find out that she owns a magazine company with a name that starts with "V". I can't remember what she called it. I idly wonder if she's a model. The negative side of my mind makes me think of walking tightropes and starting "the climb".
I get a bath, eat and now I'm sitting on my bed in fresh, clean clothes bought by Lea and I'm waiting for her to get back. She went to inform her family about the "news". I even got a new pair of sneakers.
She walks back in, excited. I can't help myself, I smile back. Just a little.
"Flight's in less than an hour. We better hurry."
I sit on the wheelchair and get wheeled off to the front of the hospital by a nurse while Lea thanks everyone. I spot my duffel bag and I'm a little grateful it didn't get lost.
I see her car and whoa! It's a huge, black SUV with a driver in it. I can tell it's on rent but still, damn. I get help standing up and getting into the car by the nurse. Lea puts my duffel bag next to her black, sleek leather travel bag and walks to the other side, effortlessly getting into the car.
The drive to the airport was short and so comfy that I dozed off a bit.
"We're here. Let's go." I get out and I'm greeted by a soft breeze.
We walk to the attendant.
"Good evening Mrs. Foley." The attendant says.
"I have a flight back to Boulder set up. This young man will be coming with me." She smiles down at me.
"Yes ma'am. This way." Some security men lead the way, the chauffeur close behind with our bags.
"Now, have you ever flown first class?" She winks at me. I giggle feeling a little giddy with happiness and excitement.
The flight was superb. We got served the best food, fruits, name it. I had the most mouthwatering orange juice ever. Lea was laughing all the way.
We finally landed and I started feeling anxious hoping everything will go well. A very sleek silver Ford car came to pick us up. The driver steps out immediately.
"Hi Justin." Lea says, putting her sunglasses on her head. She really could pass as a model.
"Welcome back Mrs. Leah." Justin says.
After putting our luggage in the booth, we get in. Justin turns the radio on and we ride for about thirty minutes. This city gives me bitter-sweet memories as I remember Evan and my first competition.
The car goes through a drive way and halts in front of a tall, beautiful, see-through, black gate. Wow. The driver unwinds his window and presses his thumb to a fingerprint scanner. The gates open and as he drives through the gate, it closes almost immediately. Okay now, this is crazy.
"Okay Matt, when you get inside, I'll show you to your room. I'm gonna need you to take a quick shower and change. I got you some new clothes you could wear."
"Thank you so much. Wow. I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"Anytime buddy. Oh and I ordered you a birthday cake. Hope you like chocolate?".
Honestly, anything right now is a privilege.
"I love it. Thank you." I grin.
Being honest, this house - mansion is exquisite. Someone pinch me.
We get inside and my jaw drops.
"This is your home?!" I say, looking around in awe. She laughs.
"Yeah. Don't be weird. Act cool." She chuckles.
There's a huge chandelier by the entry way, floors made of marble, white and black furnishings, interiors. Everything is impeccable. I'm still looking around when I hear another voice.
"Welcome back mom. Is this hi-" I turn and find myself staring at Scott. The Scott. His eyes widen, mine do the same and suddenly everything starts spinning and the ground feels closer.
Author's Note: I really meant to update this earlier on so I could say: "Three chapter updates in 24 hours?! Say whaaaat?" But my internet service got really crappy. Please let me know what you think in the comment section.
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