The Aviators

Michelle looks absolutely stunning. She’s wearing this white top that accentuates her body shape perfectly and a dark jacket over the top which gives her a sophisticated air. Her hair. I am so jealous of her hair. I can’t believe I just said I’m jealous of someone’s hair, but what the hell. It’s just, beautiful. It’s long and blonde and silky...and everything mine is not. Of course, Matt would beg to differ, but this ismy opinion.

On the other hand, Brian looks ridiculous. He’s wearing a multi-coloured, knitted poncho. Talk about tacky. But, then again, it kind of suits him. Not that I’m saying he’s tacky... He’s just in a goofy mood, running around and hugging everyone and going crazy. He’s even tried to plant a sloppy kiss on Matt’s mouth. He’s acting more like Jimmy than Jimmy is.

Speaking of, the drummer is surprisingly subdued. He’s sitting over in the corner of the dining room, smoking a cigar, I think. Leana is over with my twin checking the food. She keeps looking over at Jimmy, though who is just staring into space like he’s trying to figure out the answers to the big questions.

Matt is across the other side of the room, drinking a beer and talking to Brian. Johnny is with them, just nodding his head at either one of them, whoever is talking. The Berry brothers are here as well, somewhere. I haven’t seen Matt Berry, but Jason is sitting with Zacky at the dining table picking at some raw vegetables and dip. I’m sitting near to them, not really listening, just observing them all. Because, that’s something I’m good at.

Little bits of conversation drift toward me, but I just filter them out, as my gaze finally settles back on Matt. He’s talking in a low voice to Brian, a strange look in his eyes. I can’t quite catch what he’s saying, but I become even more curious as Michelle goes over to him and interrupts their conversation. The look on Matt’s face gets even darker, if that’s at all possible and he literally glares daggers at my sister.

Michelle glares back at him, snapping, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Don’t you look at me like that, Matthew. I didn’t invite them, they’re my parents. They just decided to come. And they’ll be here soon.”

I sit up, eyes widening slightly. Her parents? My parents...

“They’re her parents’ too, Michelle. What the fuck were you thinking,” Matt growls in response, anger obvious in his voice; he’s right on the edge. He’s definitely not happy with my sister. “She’s not ready for this, Michelle. You should’ve told her.”

“Told her what, Matt? Something I didn’t even know until this morning? That’s rich. I can’t tell her shit I don’t know. I’m not some kind of psychic.”

Matt leans into my twin’s face and practically spits at her, “You could’ve called us after you found out, Michelle. You have that freaking phone glued to your ear half the time.”

“I do not!”

“And anyway, what about them, Michelle?” Matt goes on, ignoring my sister’s outburst. “What the Hell are they going to say when they see Val? And don’t even start about what kind of questions they’re going to ask. Because I sure as Hell am not going to lie to them about how I met your sister.”

Michelle scowls. “Do you really think they need to hear about that?”

“Yeah, I think they do. They have the right to know.”

“I don’t think Val would appreciate you telling them that she’s a slave, do you?”

“I don’t think she’s ready to meet them right now, Michelle, let alone me telling them that.” Matt crosses his arms over his chest, glowering at her.

I bite my lip, watching them. They’re standing toe-to-toe arguing over this, while I have no idea how to feel. It seems a bit weird, considering I was just thinking about if I’d ever get to see my parents earlier today. Maybe I’m the psychic one. That’s actually kind of funny.

“Well, I can’t tell them they can’t come over, Matt. This is my engagement party, and they want to show their support.” Michelle’s voice is getting louder.

Matt’s is getting softer, but there’s a definite edge to the tone. “Well, I won’t be held responsible for anything that happens.”

“No one is expecting you to.” My twin sighs. “Look, I’ll explain everything to them, okay? It’s the least I can do.”

“You’d better. Otherwise, I will.” He stalks away from her, grabbing a beer on his way out of the room.

I watch him go then look at my sister. She’s also staring after him an irritated look on her face. Brian is by her side a hand on the back of her neck, rubbing slowly. She leans back into him and sighs loudly. Johnny, who is still standing there, looks a little shocked by the outburst and is just shaking his head slowly.

“Hey, Val...”

I turn my head to see that Jimmy has shifted his chair next to mine. Blinking, I avert my gaze to the floor, wrapping my arms around myself.

He speaks right next to my ear, but I manage not to jump in response.

“Maybe you should go after him?” Jimmy phrases it as a question as if he’s not so sure of the merit of his suggestion. I peek up at him, shaking my head. He tilts his, eyebrows wiggling in a ‘why not’ sort of gesture.

Lowering my eyes again, I murmur, “Not a good idea.”

“Why not, Val? You seem to be the only person who can get him to calm down.”

I blink at his statement, looking up into his anxious stare. “You really think so?”

Jimmy’s lips curve in a soft smile. “Yeah. I have to say you coming into his life...you’re a fucking godsend. Not sure what god sent you, but you’re a godsend.”

My face burns at that and I duck my head down.

“For serious,” Jimmy insists. “You make him a better person. Not that he was an ass or anything before you came along, but...” He shrugs, smiling more at me, which I only just catch from the corner of my eye.

I sigh, shaking my head. I still don’t think it’s a good idea to go after him. I don’t want him to get mad at me. I don’t say this, though. I just sit with my head down, chewing nervously on the inside of my cheek. Jimmy reaches over to squeeze my shoulder. He says nothing else just sits back and lights up another smoke.

Matt reappears moments later, looking a little more composed, but still tense. I can tell by the tightness around his eyes. He searches the room, his gaze falling on me. He lifts his right hand and crooks his finger at me – come here. I swallow hard, before obeying the summons. He’s obviously still upset about the whole thing about Michelle’s parent...my parents.

Shit. They’re going to be here. Anytime soon. And I haven’t seen them since I was four...five. Matt’s right. I really am not ready for this. Then again, if I’m not ready now, will I ever be? Perhaps it’s better this way. A big shock, yes. But then we can get past it, right?

Who knows?

I look up at Matt as I get closer. He’s frowning now, but he’s focussing inward, not really seeing me.

“Matt?” It still feels a little strange, calling him by name that is. I’ve been so used to calling him ‘master’ that it almost feels awkward saying anything else. But, it seems to do something, because he snaps out of his mental cloud, gaze fixing on mine.

“Val,” he murmurs as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I blink at this obvious sign of affection, wondering vaguely what everyone else thinks of this. Incidentally, the others have moved away, gathering around the dining table, picking at the food. Leaving Matt and I basically to ourselves.

Leaning into his body, I let my breath out slowly, only just realising that I was holding it.

He runs his palm up and down my spine in a slow sweeping motion before murmuring low, “You know I’m gonna be here for you.”

I nod against his chest.

He tilts my chin up, his expression grave as he adds, “If you want to leave, just let me know, ‘kay?”

I feel like one of those bobble toys, still moving my head up and down in response. Having no words, I feel this is the only way I can let him know I’m listening. Matt sighs brushing his fingers against my cheek, before stepping away and walking back toward the table.

Watching him go, I wonder what’s going through his mind. Aside from any and all promises he’s just made to me, I know there are other thoughts that are worrying him. To do with my sister, to do with his friends. But, as ever, he’s a closed book to me.

Turning away, I find my gaze locking with Jimmy’s again. His bright blue stare flashes at me, and he grins around a mouthful of smoke. I blush a little, and lower my eyes. The effect he has on me is kind of surprising. He makes me feel special. Like I matter. Not that Matt doesn’t do that. It’s just, since he’s my master it makes sense on one level that he will ease my fears and what not, through trying to keep me comfortable, or feeling good about myself. I mean that in a general sense, because even my previous masters did that to some extent. Though most of them were just assholes to me.

With Jimmy it’s different. Heck with all the guys, Matt’s friends, it’s different. They treat me just like I’m one of the other girls. As if I’m just Matt’s girlfriend. Don’t get me wrong, I love that fact about them. It’s odd, but it makes me feel warm on the inside. But, I can’t lose sight of what I really am, so it always makes me a little nervous as well.

But a part of me takes note, and it gives me some hope that they’ll be there for me, whatever happens. Not just Matt who’s explicitly promised, but them as well. I guess I count them my friends. And I can tell you the number of people I give that honour too. Can count them on two hands.

Jimmy keeps smiling at me; I feel colour creeping up into my face, so look away again.

There’s only so much of him I can handle. Then again, there’s only so much of anyone I can handle. Even Matt becomes too much for me sometimes, but with him I don’t have any choice but to put up with it. Of course, as luck would have it, he seems to know and gives me space. None of my other masters ever did that for me. Ever cared enough to give me that.

And now, in this new situation, this…waiting to see whether my parents show phase, I’m grateful for him, for his friends… and just the fact that I got lucky. I really, truly, got lucky.

Notes