You Put A Smile On My Face

[Matthew Reed]

Matthew Reed walked up the harbour just outside the central shopping area. His hands sunk deep into the pockets of his jeans as he made his way through the crowd. The past few months were quite hectic for the seventeen year old. Not only had he been working in the recording studio like crazy but he had taken up giving guitar lessons, which he really enjoyed. But, now, it seemed to have all caught up on Matthew and the ruggedness was shown clearly on his face. However, Matthew wouldn't change any of it. He was blessed with being even given the chance to record in a proper recording studio, where so many legends recorded their music. Then of course, his tutoring was also great, he got to pass on his passion to children, teenagers, adults. He had become quite favoured in his area and he couldn't wait to tell alll of this to Jenny.

Even through his ruggedness it was clear that Matthew was more than happy. His handsome features were highlighted as he stood at the top of the harbour, the rare winter sun beaming down on him, waiting for his girl. Even though they had stayed in contact via owlpost, seeing her in person again was a treat. He got to spend all of the winter holidays with her, even if they had to sneak around. He didn't know if that was going to go on for much longer, he didn't really care though. He didn't care if he had to keep lying, he knew Jenny was worth it.

 

[Jennifer Wilkonson]

While Jennifer Wilkonson was excited to see her boyfriend there was something on her mind that she had to talk to him about. He would be eighteen soon and she would only be turning sixteen. In her mind, there was something wrong with that, no matter how much she loved liked him and spending time with Matthew, it had to be said. It did not exactly help that they were sneaking around and she was living with he and his family and this was what she had to explain. Jenn was breaking up with her boyfriend as they sat together in a secluded part of Obsidian Harbour. Holding Matthew's hand she spoke:

"Matthew, we have to break up," she said bluntly, swallowing her disappointment in her own words she continued on, "Our ages, they are too far away... or at least they will be once your birthday happens. And I can't keep lying to people, my mother would make me come back to my own house if she found out we were dating and I can't move back there, I just can't live with that wretched woman." Letting Matthew's hand free, Jenn even tried to stomach a smile but it was fake, one she knew he wouldn't believe because no matter how rational this break up was, it hurt ten times more.

Standing up, Jenn bent down to brush her lips to Matthew's cheek before murmuring quietly, "I'll see you at home." Picking up her trunk, she waddled in the direction of the Reed house and a single tear slipped from the corner of her blue eye. Seeing Matthew during the rest of the winter was going to be almost impossible but she had no where else to go and it wouldn't make any sense for her to suddenly get up and move back out of the house because no one would know why.

Entering the Reed home, she didn't bother making her entrance known, Jenna just went into her bedroom and hugged her pillow. She was quickly regretting her decision and now all she wanted was to tell Matthew she was sorry and hope they could get back together because she missed him so much.


laaaaame!

 

[Matthew Reed]

Matthew was pretty much taken aback by Jennys words. Who knew that just four simple words could hurt so much? However Matthew didn't say anything. He didn't see the point in fighting for their relationship when all of Jenny's reasons were unfortunately, very true. He knew the age difference would be an issue once he hit eighteen in Decemeber. And although that maybe shouldn't bother them, Matthew knew it would always be in the back of his mind.

Matthew went to grab Jenny's hand as she got up but restrained himself. He knew Jenny too well to do something like that. At a time like this, she would just want to be alone. So instead, Matthew just sat back and watched his girlfriend - friend walk away from him until she completely disappeared into the busy crowd. Matthew was certainly in shock at how their 'romantic evening' on the harbour turned out.

And so, Matthew just sat there. In silence. For hours. Thinking about how he would approach Jenny back home, what he would say to her? What he would say to his family - if they found out. How things would change between himself and Jenny. There was no point denying that things would be awkward. How he would spend the rest of the holidays trying to avoid Jenny was beyond him. Matthew stood up slowly and began to walk back home, feeling almost sick at the thought of facing everyone once he arrived.

(Continued at this topic)