Thread: One Night...Forever Changed (Reydan and LingeringDesire)

Hey Keeley wait... he called after her. He knew he had no rights on her time after treating her so poorly two years before, but he felt a sudden overwhelming need to reconnect with a girl who, regardless of what had happened that night at the party, had always been his best friend. It had always been Matt and Keeley, as long as anyone could remember in Hammond's Cove, much longer than, for instance, it had been Todd and McKenzie. Always together, always quiet and bookish, always laughing and hanging out and enjoying each others' company. His parents, her parents, their siblings and friends, had always expected them to get together. Some, particularly Todd and McKenzie, had even pushed them pretty hard in that direction. But Matt had never been able to screw up his courage, too scared of loosing what he had with this amazing girl, and then the party... He couldn't let her walk off now. Keeley he said, catching up with her halfway down the street. Look, I'm sorry he began, a light blush rising in his cheeks, It was crappy of me not to let you know I was coming back. After what happened when we left...and then not talking to you...then hearing the stuff about the little one.... He was rambling now, embarrassed by his thoughtlessness. He'd jumped at the chance to return to Hammond's Cove inside, hoping that, after so long away in Chicago, he might have a chance to return to his roots and the nice guy he'd always tried to me in high school. Let me take you to lunch, please Keel he said, inadvertently using his pet name for her. Thankfully they were right next to the little cafe on the street, one of only two in all Hammond's Cove, and he steered her and the stroller inside before she could object too strongly. They ended up at a table in the window, Maitlyn gurgling happily in her highchair between them. He smiled apologetically at her mother. Sorry to foist myself on you like this Keeley he said with a gentle grin, but I thought it'd be nice to talk. I owe you an apology for not giving you a heads up that I was coming back. He brandished the menu. My treat. Honestly. He was about to ask whether Maitlyn was onto solid food yet when the server appeared. Another old face. He'd never been particularly friendly with Becca Schultz in high school but Hammond's Cove was such a small place that you couldn't help but no everyone. He half rose in his seat to greet her when he saw her turn her eyes on Maitlyn and Keeley. Mother and child were distracted fussing with the highchair and Matt wasn't sure if Keeley heard Becca's next comment. Can you believe that Keeley was the one to have a child with a one-night stand? she whispered to him, eyebrows raised conspiratorially. I don't know what you mean. Matt said coldly, loud enough for Keeley to hear across the table. I think Keeley's pretty remarkable for dealing so well with the cards life's dealt her. What's more, I don't see how its any of your business. This was what pissed him off about their home town. It was so small that everyone knew everyone's business. He felt like he was just getting a taste of what Keeley must have lived for almost two years. Becca, chastised, hurried off to send over another server. After the order was placed Matt leaned in to speak to Keeley. You know Keel, he said kindly, I can't tell you how impressed I am by how well you've coped. You just seem so natural with her. He blushed a little, unsure of where to go next. I'm sorry that her father just dumped her on you. Kenzie told me that he's never shown up to take any interest. You don't deserve that, neither does your little darling here. The server arrived and took their order, starting with asking if there was anything Maitlyn needed. Then he turned to the two of them. And for mum and dad? he asked. Oh no...no...we're not.... the words came tumbling out of Matt's mouth, I mean...she's mom...but I'm not.... He looked to Keeley for help, grinning in embarrassment.