Time Stops with You - Matthew Patrick

Chapter 9: I'm Fine

"This story is written in 3rd person"

Alex woke up to a soft snore from underneath her head. She felt the warmth of a body on her left cheek, she turned her head to see her soulmate, snoring sleepily. She smiled and though it killed her too, she got up and went to the kitchen. She looked at the table, a tan bulky evidence envelope lay next to the business cards Matthew had put down. She picked up the cards and read them.

Dr. Brett Dawson, Psychologist.

Dr. Liam Neil, Psychologist.

Do they think I'm gonna go? Hell no.

She shoved the cards in her pocket and opened the cupboard above the sink, grabbing a glass cup. She closed the cupboard and opened the fridge, grabbing the gallon of apple juice, and poured it into the glass. Putting away the jug, she closed the fridge and took a long sip of the apple juice. She sat at the table and grabbed her phone out of the evidence bag. She never looked at it after the incident and just got it back from the evidence office.

Scrolling through social media, she heard footsteps arise behind her. Only a small yawn was heard and Alex knew that it was her one and only soulmate, Matthew. She felt the warmth of another body on her neck to the tip of her shoulders. She looked up only for her head to meet a soft, warm stomach, and the face of her brown-eyed, ebony cutie. "Morning," Matthew stated. "Morning," Alex replied. "Do you want breakfast?" She continued. "Sure," Matthew answered.

Alex set her phone down and stood up from the kitchen chair. She turned to Matthew and engulfed him in her arms as she lay her head on his cotton-covered chest. Matthew wrapped his arms around Alex to signal a hug back and they let go, letting Alex start breakfast.

In the other room, Lynn and Jazmine lay sleeping soundlessly, while Stephanie awakens to the smell of sausage and eggs. Sitting up, stretching, and walking out to the kitchen to see Matthew sitting at the table, and Alex cooking Breakfast. "Good morning, lovebirds." Stephanie greeted tiredly. To the sound of the voice, Matthew turned his head to look behind him, to see Steph, hunched over like a zombie, tiredly looking at Alex and Him.

"Morning, walker," Matthew replied. Alex looked back at them and smiled. Matthew turned back to the table and Stephanie sat down across from him. Alex continued stirring her scrambled eggs and grabbed a plate from the above cabinet to her left, placing it on the counter. A floral white Ceramic plate she got from her mom. After the eggs were done and well cooked, she reached to the burner, turned it off and scrapped the eggs onto the plate. She put the frying pan in the sink and turned on the faucet earning a singed sound and water instantly boiling. She grabbed the plate and put it on the table, going back to the cabinet and grabbing plain white plates for serving, and 5 forks.

Matthew and Stephanie continue a conversation about a theory they are doing, and Alex sat down. "Thank you for breakfast." Matthew thanked. Alex nodded. "You're welcome." She replied with a smile, earning a surprised grin from Steph. Matthew grabbed a plate and a fork, He scooped some eggs and sausage onto it and set it in front of him. Stephanie did the same, and they both ate. Alex looked at the food on the white floral plate. Something was telling her not to eat it, to save it for everyone else. Alex's face drew cold and sad. She stood up and started to walk out.

"Alex? Where are you going?" Matthew asked. "To my room," Alex replied, still looking into the living room.

"You didn't even eat," Stephanie added. Both Matt and Steph stopped eating and looked to her. "I'm not really hungry." Alex finished. She couldn't help but feel that she didn't need to eat, she felt sad, like she didn't deserve food. Something told her to just stop.

Matthew turned all his attention to her, she wouldn't look behind her to talk to them. "Are you okay?" He asked. "I'm fine." She replied. She started walking away. Matthew stood up, and tried to grab her hand, she ripped it away.

"I said I'm fine!" She exclaimed. Matthew felt hurt but knew it wasn't directed towards him. He backed away and let her speed walk upstairs. Matthew looked back to Stephanie, she was wide-eyed.

"Somethings not right," Matthew stated.