Who Are You?
Simulation
.:.:.
The sun hadn’t even begun to show itself by the time Elise was up and getting ready. It was half past 3:00 and Matt had already texted her a good morning. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or her nerves, but she was slightly shivering from inside the bathroom. Excitement from another incoming text intensified her shakes giving Elise the answer that it was indeed nerves.
Matt: It’ll take a little longer than I expected to get there so remember to dress comfortably. Any way you would be ready sooner than 5:00? If not, no worries! (:
Elise fought the urge to ask where he was going and instead told him she would be ready whenever. Her hair would be thrown up in a wet bun or braid with minimal eyeliner and mascara to save time. The shower was turned on and off in record time which surprised Elise more than it should. Elise’s red locks were brushed, pulled to the side, and braided carefully in fear of damaging her vulnerable wet hair. As she sprayed and combed her scalp smooth, she smiled at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her mood was through the roof with positivity and she couldn’t wait to spend more time with Matt. Their first date had taken an unexpected turn but Matt handled it like a sweet gentleman. Elise knew she was in good hands with Matt and could feel herself trusting in him more and more.
Her phone vibrated on the counter as the screen lit up. It had only been 15 minutes since his last text and Elise hoped he wasn’t ready yet.
You told him whenever. The voice in her mind nagged.
Matt: Be there in 20, cutie!
Elise smiled and playfully rolled her eyes. She couldn’t admit to herself how much she had liked being called “beautiful” or “cutie”. Her fingers quickly typed a response as she rushed to her room to get dressed and apply some makeup.
Just as she finished the last coat of mascara, Matt sent another message letting her know he was in the parking lot. She grabbed a zip up hoodie, put it on over a black tank top, and threw a beanie onto her head. Elise was out the door in less than a minute. Her arms folded themselves around her chilled body the further she walked across the parking lot. Surprisingly for it only being a week into June, the morning air was crisp and chilly. Having wet hair didn’t help her body temperature either. That is, until her face began to blush at the sight of Matt sitting on the lowered tailgate of her truck.
She smiled being able to take in his appearance without his knowing. Even though the sun was still a couple hours from rising, Matt wore a black hat with the bill peeking out from under a black hood. Elise wondered what the point of having a haircut was if he kept it hidden until she remembered he was a guy. Elise noticed he seemed to be fidgeting quite a bit for a guy bundled up in heavy looking sweatpants and a thick hoodie. Then it hit her; it was cold as hell out and Matt didn’t have a cigarette between his fingers or lips.
“Is he quitting the cancer sticks?” Elise wondered. She hadn’t taken notice before but thinking back now, she didn’t see Matt smoking as much as he used to. He maybe had one on their first date but that was it. A feeling of pride radiated through body. Elise took one more glance at Matt and continued her way towards him only to catch eye contact with a dimpled smile.
“Hey, you,” Matt slid off the tailgate and wrapped Elise in a soft hug, “Ready to go?”
Her rose colored lips grinned wildly against his chest while returning the motion. In those short three seconds of contact Elise had never felt more right. She hoped Matt felt the same but mentally kicked herself for inviting any sort of doubt into their bubble. He had to feel the same otherwise the two wouldn’t be where they were, right?
Luckily Matt found a parking spot next to Elise’s truck. She began handing over the keys into his pale white palm, “Be gentle, she’s not used to it rough.” Elise winked and poked out her pierced tongue.
A low chuckle emitted from him, “I just need to warm her up the right way.” Matt’s hand closed over Elise’s sending a jolt of electricity through them both. Their eyes briefly met, intensifying the shock still radiating in them. Her cheeks were beginning to flush at the mere sight of his bright hazel eyes. Matt smiled and gently swiped a stray piece of her red hair off her heated forehead. A jagged breath caught in her throat at the feeling of his cold fingertip brushing against her skin. All was sweet in that moment which didn’t sit well with Matt. With a devious smirk, his fingers quickly yanked on the dark green fabric of Elise’s knit beanie.
“Hey!” She yelped, trying to shift the cloth back into it’s once comfortable position around her head. Matt couldn’t stifle his laughter as Elise tried her hardest to reach for his hat in return. He grabbed her forearm with one hand, her wrist with the other, all while spinning her around until her back was pulled into his chest. Matt constricted his arms around her as she giggled in defeat.
“Get a room!” A gruff voice from beside them scoffed. The two rolled their eyes and looked over to see a man rushing to get inside his Beamer.
“I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Elise chuckled as she was released from Matt’s embrace.
She climbed into the passenger’s seat and waited as patiently as she could to get going. Matt grabbed some bags from his car and carefully set them inside the cab, behind her seat.
“Maybe he has a side job lined up?” Elise guessed.
Just ask him something about it!
She gave in and asked, “What are you meaning to do today? Help someone move or something?”
Matt shook his head, “I just have to set something up for someone. It’s supposed to pay off really well.”
Elise didn’t answer but exaggerated her lips as if she were drawing out an “oh” sound.
“Alright, beautiful. I hope you don’t have to use the restroom because we’re going to be on the road for almost three hours.” Matt flung the hood off his head and scratched the back of his neck. His phone was clicked off before being placed off to the side. Matt was nervous she wouldn’t be as eager to go on this trip since it would take longer than he assumed. She was quiet and didn’t look at him or in his direction. Instead, she stared out her window while picking at her nails.
It took a moment but she turned to her driver with a coy smile, “Looks like I’ll have plenty of time to bug you.”
.:.:.
The two young adults laughed their way down the road. Elise wasn’t exactly sure where they were going, only that they were currently on the 15 North. Traffic was a breeze, even for California which Matt silently thanked a higher power for. For each mile that passed, Matt was getting further and further to the edge of his seat. As for Elise, each mile meant a steady buildup of anxiety inside her and for once, she was excited about it. For what seemed like the first time in her life the anxiousness of a surprise was purely positive; Matt was truly a life changer. It made her think back to almost every incident with her ex that involved surprises.
Every plan her ex made riddled Elise with uneasiness. Partly due to the fact that he planned things to do for himself while she tagged along. He was incredible at bowling while Elise was self-conscious every time she stepped up to her lane. Despite the countless times of pounding her insecurities into his ear, they fell right out the other side of his dense head. With Matt, she was slowly learning not to feel the need to be worried. Even in this moment of sitting beside him and not knowing where they were going, she was at peace.
“Lenwood?” Elise questioned as Matt turned off the freeway.
“Yeah, don’t be a smartass about what I’m about to say, but,” He paused as if he were concentrating on making his left turn into an Americanized, barely Mexican, taco place, “I have to pee like a racehorse.”
Elise tried her best to keep her snort quiet and decided this was the perfect opportunity to grab them both some breakfast. She gave him a look and followed his muscular physique inside the fast food joint. As soon as Matt made a bee line for the restroom, Elise quickly walked to the counter and ordered. The great thing about fast food is that it lives up to its name. A single bag and two coffees were handed to her with a smile to which she returned.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to take that long. Surprise poopy…” Matt chuckled at his own humor while Elise let out a full-blown laugh.
“Ah, Matt. Ever the shit talker, aren’t you?” The redhead shook her head letting her giggles die down. “Hope you like coffee with an egg and cheese breakfast burrito!” Elise held up the bag and foam cups in front of his face.
“Oh, uh…” Matt’s face quickly changed from surprise to awkwardness to disappointment in less than two seconds. He snapped into a fake smile and took the cardboard drink holder from her hands.
“You don’t like ‘em?” Elise’s smile dropped, “I’m sorry, I should have asked first.”
Matt’s demeanor changed at the sight of her discontent. “No! It’s great, sorry. I feel bad that you got me something. I’m supposed to be treating you.”
Elise’s mood lifted at the sight of his dimples, “You can get me next time then. Deal?”
“Nope. I’ll be getting you every time.” He grinned until he realized what he just said. It was innocent enough but the flirtatious look on Elise’s face told him she steered that right into the gutter, not that he minded. “Uhm, let’s not let this get cold. Here…” Matt pulled out a chair for her just as fast as he had changed the subject.
They both finished their food quickly and made their way back to the truck with coffees in hand. Matt checked his phone but quickly shoved it back in his pocket when Elise looked over from her seat. A tinge of jealousy punched her gut.
You’re making something out of nothing.
Elise began to feel sick but not from the possibility of Matt having something on his phone that he shouldn’t, no, Elise was horrified how deeply it affected it her. She had never considered herself the jealous type. Then again, doesn’t everyone say that? In her mind she knew better than to assume something so quickly but maybe her heart was on high alert?
“Just another hour or so. Why don’t you take a nap? I don’t think that caffeine is doing its job.” Matt glanced over just in time to see a yawning Elise. “Point made.”
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt. I better not hear any R&B or blue grass violating my speakers, Sanders.” She warned.
He smirked, “No promises.”
The smoothness of the road and quiet music lulled Elise right to sleep. It almost seemed inhumanly possible how fast she entered dream mode. Matt saw her lying perfectly still giving him the perfect chance to peek at his phone again. His face beamed upon seeing the text.
More time had passed and Elise had only stirred once in her seat. Matt was sure she would be waking up soon from the sun rising above the landscape and hoped she would stay asleep for a little while longer.
The sun hadn’t even begun to show itself by the time Elise was up and getting ready. It was half past 3:00 and Matt had already texted her a good morning. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or her nerves, but she was slightly shivering from inside the bathroom. Excitement from another incoming text intensified her shakes giving Elise the answer that it was indeed nerves.
Matt: It’ll take a little longer than I expected to get there so remember to dress comfortably. Any way you would be ready sooner than 5:00? If not, no worries! (:
Elise fought the urge to ask where he was going and instead told him she would be ready whenever. Her hair would be thrown up in a wet bun or braid with minimal eyeliner and mascara to save time. The shower was turned on and off in record time which surprised Elise more than it should. Elise’s red locks were brushed, pulled to the side, and braided carefully in fear of damaging her vulnerable wet hair. As she sprayed and combed her scalp smooth, she smiled at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her mood was through the roof with positivity and she couldn’t wait to spend more time with Matt. Their first date had taken an unexpected turn but Matt handled it like a sweet gentleman. Elise knew she was in good hands with Matt and could feel herself trusting in him more and more.
Her phone vibrated on the counter as the screen lit up. It had only been 15 minutes since his last text and Elise hoped he wasn’t ready yet.
You told him whenever. The voice in her mind nagged.
Matt: Be there in 20, cutie!
Elise smiled and playfully rolled her eyes. She couldn’t admit to herself how much she had liked being called “beautiful” or “cutie”. Her fingers quickly typed a response as she rushed to her room to get dressed and apply some makeup.
Just as she finished the last coat of mascara, Matt sent another message letting her know he was in the parking lot. She grabbed a zip up hoodie, put it on over a black tank top, and threw a beanie onto her head. Elise was out the door in less than a minute. Her arms folded themselves around her chilled body the further she walked across the parking lot. Surprisingly for it only being a week into June, the morning air was crisp and chilly. Having wet hair didn’t help her body temperature either. That is, until her face began to blush at the sight of Matt sitting on the lowered tailgate of her truck.
She smiled being able to take in his appearance without his knowing. Even though the sun was still a couple hours from rising, Matt wore a black hat with the bill peeking out from under a black hood. Elise wondered what the point of having a haircut was if he kept it hidden until she remembered he was a guy. Elise noticed he seemed to be fidgeting quite a bit for a guy bundled up in heavy looking sweatpants and a thick hoodie. Then it hit her; it was cold as hell out and Matt didn’t have a cigarette between his fingers or lips.
“Is he quitting the cancer sticks?” Elise wondered. She hadn’t taken notice before but thinking back now, she didn’t see Matt smoking as much as he used to. He maybe had one on their first date but that was it. A feeling of pride radiated through body. Elise took one more glance at Matt and continued her way towards him only to catch eye contact with a dimpled smile.
“Hey, you,” Matt slid off the tailgate and wrapped Elise in a soft hug, “Ready to go?”
Her rose colored lips grinned wildly against his chest while returning the motion. In those short three seconds of contact Elise had never felt more right. She hoped Matt felt the same but mentally kicked herself for inviting any sort of doubt into their bubble. He had to feel the same otherwise the two wouldn’t be where they were, right?
Luckily Matt found a parking spot next to Elise’s truck. She began handing over the keys into his pale white palm, “Be gentle, she’s not used to it rough.” Elise winked and poked out her pierced tongue.
A low chuckle emitted from him, “I just need to warm her up the right way.” Matt’s hand closed over Elise’s sending a jolt of electricity through them both. Their eyes briefly met, intensifying the shock still radiating in them. Her cheeks were beginning to flush at the mere sight of his bright hazel eyes. Matt smiled and gently swiped a stray piece of her red hair off her heated forehead. A jagged breath caught in her throat at the feeling of his cold fingertip brushing against her skin. All was sweet in that moment which didn’t sit well with Matt. With a devious smirk, his fingers quickly yanked on the dark green fabric of Elise’s knit beanie.
“Hey!” She yelped, trying to shift the cloth back into it’s once comfortable position around her head. Matt couldn’t stifle his laughter as Elise tried her hardest to reach for his hat in return. He grabbed her forearm with one hand, her wrist with the other, all while spinning her around until her back was pulled into his chest. Matt constricted his arms around her as she giggled in defeat.
“Get a room!” A gruff voice from beside them scoffed. The two rolled their eyes and looked over to see a man rushing to get inside his Beamer.
“I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Elise chuckled as she was released from Matt’s embrace.
She climbed into the passenger’s seat and waited as patiently as she could to get going. Matt grabbed some bags from his car and carefully set them inside the cab, behind her seat.
“Maybe he has a side job lined up?” Elise guessed.
Just ask him something about it!
She gave in and asked, “What are you meaning to do today? Help someone move or something?”
Matt shook his head, “I just have to set something up for someone. It’s supposed to pay off really well.”
Elise didn’t answer but exaggerated her lips as if she were drawing out an “oh” sound.
“Alright, beautiful. I hope you don’t have to use the restroom because we’re going to be on the road for almost three hours.” Matt flung the hood off his head and scratched the back of his neck. His phone was clicked off before being placed off to the side. Matt was nervous she wouldn’t be as eager to go on this trip since it would take longer than he assumed. She was quiet and didn’t look at him or in his direction. Instead, she stared out her window while picking at her nails.
It took a moment but she turned to her driver with a coy smile, “Looks like I’ll have plenty of time to bug you.”
.:.:.
The two young adults laughed their way down the road. Elise wasn’t exactly sure where they were going, only that they were currently on the 15 North. Traffic was a breeze, even for California which Matt silently thanked a higher power for. For each mile that passed, Matt was getting further and further to the edge of his seat. As for Elise, each mile meant a steady buildup of anxiety inside her and for once, she was excited about it. For what seemed like the first time in her life the anxiousness of a surprise was purely positive; Matt was truly a life changer. It made her think back to almost every incident with her ex that involved surprises.
Every plan her ex made riddled Elise with uneasiness. Partly due to the fact that he planned things to do for himself while she tagged along. He was incredible at bowling while Elise was self-conscious every time she stepped up to her lane. Despite the countless times of pounding her insecurities into his ear, they fell right out the other side of his dense head. With Matt, she was slowly learning not to feel the need to be worried. Even in this moment of sitting beside him and not knowing where they were going, she was at peace.
“Lenwood?” Elise questioned as Matt turned off the freeway.
“Yeah, don’t be a smartass about what I’m about to say, but,” He paused as if he were concentrating on making his left turn into an Americanized, barely Mexican, taco place, “I have to pee like a racehorse.”
Elise tried her best to keep her snort quiet and decided this was the perfect opportunity to grab them both some breakfast. She gave him a look and followed his muscular physique inside the fast food joint. As soon as Matt made a bee line for the restroom, Elise quickly walked to the counter and ordered. The great thing about fast food is that it lives up to its name. A single bag and two coffees were handed to her with a smile to which she returned.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to take that long. Surprise poopy…” Matt chuckled at his own humor while Elise let out a full-blown laugh.
“Ah, Matt. Ever the shit talker, aren’t you?” The redhead shook her head letting her giggles die down. “Hope you like coffee with an egg and cheese breakfast burrito!” Elise held up the bag and foam cups in front of his face.
“Oh, uh…” Matt’s face quickly changed from surprise to awkwardness to disappointment in less than two seconds. He snapped into a fake smile and took the cardboard drink holder from her hands.
“You don’t like ‘em?” Elise’s smile dropped, “I’m sorry, I should have asked first.”
Matt’s demeanor changed at the sight of her discontent. “No! It’s great, sorry. I feel bad that you got me something. I’m supposed to be treating you.”
Elise’s mood lifted at the sight of his dimples, “You can get me next time then. Deal?”
“Nope. I’ll be getting you every time.” He grinned until he realized what he just said. It was innocent enough but the flirtatious look on Elise’s face told him she steered that right into the gutter, not that he minded. “Uhm, let’s not let this get cold. Here…” Matt pulled out a chair for her just as fast as he had changed the subject.
They both finished their food quickly and made their way back to the truck with coffees in hand. Matt checked his phone but quickly shoved it back in his pocket when Elise looked over from her seat. A tinge of jealousy punched her gut.
You’re making something out of nothing.
Elise began to feel sick but not from the possibility of Matt having something on his phone that he shouldn’t, no, Elise was horrified how deeply it affected it her. She had never considered herself the jealous type. Then again, doesn’t everyone say that? In her mind she knew better than to assume something so quickly but maybe her heart was on high alert?
“Just another hour or so. Why don’t you take a nap? I don’t think that caffeine is doing its job.” Matt glanced over just in time to see a yawning Elise. “Point made.”
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt. I better not hear any R&B or blue grass violating my speakers, Sanders.” She warned.
He smirked, “No promises.”
The smoothness of the road and quiet music lulled Elise right to sleep. It almost seemed inhumanly possible how fast she entered dream mode. Matt saw her lying perfectly still giving him the perfect chance to peek at his phone again. His face beamed upon seeing the text.
More time had passed and Elise had only stirred once in her seat. Matt was sure she would be waking up soon from the sun rising above the landscape and hoped she would stay asleep for a little while longer.
Notes
Part two will be out within the next day or two so stay tuned! Comments always leave me happy and wanting to write more often. (:
Hm, I wonder what's going on?
Well damn! ;) glad you’re back!
6/2/19