Annabelle's POV:

I felt my body seize up instantaneously. The voice was not Carter. His voice drew me in but this one, although a friend, could most certainly grind my gears. I turn to meet the blonde human known as Matt as he grins at me casually. I rub my arms feeling the slight chill that he gave off but he was highly unaware. "So I was wondering if I could walk you home?" he questioned scratching his left shoulder briefly. I wanted to say no was going to but I didn't. I knew that Matt probably still liked me but was it so bad that this was what I wanted? To feel wanted? Feel needed? Carter had brushed me away so quickly and cleanly that I felt disposable. Used. But Matt made me feel necessary and I found comfort in that. Or I guess I would for now. We walked side by side quite slowly from the building only to come face to face with none other than my brother and an exhausted looking Carter.

My breath shuddered slightly and I didn't know if anyone else picked up on it but I know Crater did. His eyes looked at me with sadness, anger and a mix of other emotions or maybe that was just a reflection of what was in my eyes. Carter reluctantly pulled his eyes away from mine to meet Matt's gaze as he looked down in what seemed like defeat? Carter looked weak. Vulnerable. All I wanted was to hold him in my arms and whisper to him that I forgave him and that it would be okay. Unfortunately that's not how the world works. His jaw clenched as he left without a single word muttered from any of us. At first the silence was harsh and awkward until Danny spoke up as clueless as ever, "well that was dramatic" he said following after Carter after giving a head nod to Matt and a small smile in my direction.

Matt and I continued walking in the direction of my house. Honestly I was hoping in my head that he wasn't waiting for me to start the conversation because that wasn't going to happen. I was severely beginning to regret this decision as I didn't want to invite him into the house, I just wanted to go to my room and die in peace. Matt didn't pry which I guess was a bonus but finally we were outside my house and I was really hoping that he realised this was his cue to leave. "Annabelle" he half whispered taking a step closer and I backed up to my door. I met his intimidating gaze and really regretted the whole situation, I was really not in the mood or ready for him to try and make any moves. "Do you think that you and I could ever.." he trailed off as he stared at me deeply and this was the biggest cringe moment. In my head all I could think of was how the word 'friend zoned' was playing in my head like a broken record. Firstly this boy hadn't even been in any way a respectful towards me and I seriously was not over Carter in the slightest to do anything with anyone. Let alone Matt. I let out a breath and said calmly, "Matt I'm in no place for anyone right now". He smiled meekly as he nodded and with a quiet goodbye he left.

I slunk upstairs and collapsed face first into my bed as I let out a deep groan I didn't know I was holding in. I rolled so that I could breathe and stared at the ceiling. I wanted to go back to the Annabelle that had just returned from camp, wasn't heart broken, had no boy dramas and who's only problem was her irritating mother. I heard the door close downstairs as heavy feet began to climb the stairs. They went silent outside my closed bedroom door as I shouted out, "I'm home". Danny peered his head round the door as a grin covered his entire face as he looked at my collapsed state and said, "is D-day over?". I laughed a little at his comment as he entered the room and sat beside me. "Hey Annie I just wanted to say that you can talk to me you know" he said holding his hands together awkwardly. I sat up next to him and gave him a small but sweet smile and I told him, "I know". He rubbed his closed hand on my head which irritated me slightly as he said way too cheerily for my liking, "wonderful! We're having kebab for dinner" and with this he jumped up and left the room.

During dinner my mind didn't even wander to he who must not be named and it was nice. Being able to feel again was really kind for the mind and soul. We hadn't really spoken to or seen Dad much these past weeks but I knew his new job was keeping him busy. Just the three of us again was nice and it made everything normal for a while. That evening I actually slept ads i was actually able to close my eyes and not cry or feel pain or feel numb but just sleep and dream of all things Batman.

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A/N

Hey guys! just had to throw in there that Batman is literally the best person out there and no one can change my mind. period.

does anyone ship annabelle and matt? how do people feel about the split between carter and annabelle? who's everyone's fav character at the moment?

like and comment to your hearts content guys because its nice to hear from you guys!

TaTa for now

xx