Paradise Bound (bxb)

Chapter 9

Ryder left Sunday evening, leaving me to email my professors about my upcoming absences this week. After that was squared away, they emailed me back the material for the classes to be completed. I also texted Hayden to let him know I wouldn't be in our dorm this week. He said he hoped everything is okay and that he'd see me when I got back.

The next appointment is Thursday so Monday I hung out with mom all day, baking Halloween cookies and setting up the last of the outdoor decorations. Halloween is mom's favorite holiday and she loves going all out for decorations.

Which reminds me that I need to tell Ryder about my idea for our Halloween costumes for the next weekends Halloween party at Brandi's apartment. Either Cat Noir and Ladybug(well Mr. Bug because neither of us are women) or Pikachu and Ash. I'm leaning more toward Pikachu and Ash though. However, I'm going to ask his opinion first.

Tuesday and Wednesday I spent the day with Jace playing video games and shopping for Christmas gifts because he wanted to get an early start on it. I am sometimes jealous of how organized and on top of things he is. It also gave me a chance to look for ideas on what to get Ry.

Now Thursday is here and I'm nervous on what the doctor will say now.

"Amber, Matt, nice to see you again" the doctor greets with a smile. "Alright, let's pull up these images" she says, clicking on her computer while Amber clenches my hand. The technician we had today didn't notify us of anything while she used the machine. It's pretty nerve wracking, not being told anything. When we tried to ask the technician just told us the doctor will talk about the results, in which worried us even more. Like, I get it's only their job to get the images but she could've at least told us if there were heartbeats still.

"So the heartbeats are still very strong" she started. Amber and I let out a relieved breath.

"It also appears that the clot had shrunk in size" she added

"Really?!" Amber asked excitedly.

"Yes, but not by much. We will still need to monitor it and if you start to bleed call us immediately" the doctor informed us.

"Thank you Dr. Gables" I told her as she stood.

"If you two don't have any more questions, I will see you next week" she smiled. We shook our heads and said we didn't have any more questions.

"It's such great news to hear Matt" Amber's eyes lit up. I didn't want to crush her spirits by being the negative Nancy and saying it still could turn out bad, so I just kept quiet. She probably knows anyway, so why take away the sliver of hope.

"I agree, just keep doing what you're doing and if the bleeding comes back call them immediately then let me know. I'm going back to campus Sunday" I told her as I drove her home.

"I'll keep you updated, don't worry" she squeezed my arm "We're in this together Matty" she smiled at me and I returned it.

"Yes, we are"

"Why are you going back Sunday and not sooner?" She asked me. I pulled up to her house and parked against the curb.

"In case you, my mom or someone needs me"

"Ahhh, I thought you'd want to go back and spend time with lover boy" she wiggled her eyebrows with a giggle.

"Why does every girl call him that?" I laughed "My friend Brandi, refers to him as that too"

"But for real, I would call you if anything happens. I know you'd be three hours away but you don't have to stick around for me. You need to spend time with Ryder. Your relationship is new and you need to solidify it"

"I'm sure mutual handjobs is pretty solidifying" I murmured and she gasped.

"Matt, you didn't tell me!"

"I don't think telling your ex about your s****l encounters is exactly normal" I told her.

"We aren't normal" she beamed "Plus, I thought we would stay close friends"

"That is true, we aren't normal" I chuckled "How is things with Corrine then?"

"Haven't made it further than kissing due to obvious reasons" she gestured to her belly. I frowned.

"I'm sorry" I said sympathetically.

"It's fine, not your fault. Well it takes two to tango" she winked "But seriously though, there is all the time in the world for hers and my relationship to blossom sexually. She is more than understanding and I couldn't ask for a better partner after you"

"Thanks Amber. Remember to call me if anything happens" I smiled, getting out of the car and helping her out.

"Of course" she smiled back. I heard her front door open and we turned to see Corrine. She skipped down the stairs and to us.

"How'd it go?"She asked while giving Amber a gentle hug. We told her what the doctor said and she had the same hopeful glint in her eyes as Amber

"That's great news, now let's hope it shrinks even more and we will be golden" she smiled. "You sticking around Matt?" She asked me.

"Nah, I'm going to see if my mom needs me for anything before asking her to bring me back to campus" I told her and Amber gave me a thumbs up. I smiled and shook my head. "You ladies have a good afternoon and remember to call me if anything happens"

"Of course Matt, safe travels back to campus!" Corrine said before turning and helping Amber to the stairs and up them. I'm so happy to see Amber happy with someone who seems to treat her like a queen. It's not even awkward between us, and I'm thankful because there are so many relationships that end and especially when babies are involved, it gets ugly.

I arrived home and noticed my mom and dad were still gone at work so I decided to clean up the house and cook a simple dinner for us tonight. Chicken Alfredo with garlic bread. I'm not a master chef or anything but I have perfected this specific dish over the years for mom or dad's birthday. They seem to enjoy it enough each time.

"Mmm something smells good" I hear my mom's voice say after the front door opens.

"Hey ma, how was work?" I call out from the kitchen. I hear her heels click against the wood floors.

"Can't complain" she responds while placing her hands on my shoulders and she kisses my cheek. I grimace cause I know her lipstick is still on.

"Ma" I groaned and she giggles.

"Gotta show my love as much as I can Mattypoo. What's the special occasion? Your father's and I's birthdays aren't until February" she said while walking to the fridge. I stir my Alfredo sauce and check the noodles.

"Can't I just cook for my parents for the hell of it" I say innocently. She gives me a look and grabs the butter for my garlic bread. "Really, I'm just cooking for you guys. Oh, The doctor said the clot shrunk too by the way, she said for Amber to keep doing what she's doing and to monitor it and if bleeding comes back to call them right away"

"That's good to hear Matt" she said happily "Don't get your hopes up too much in case it turns into worst case scenario though" she added cautiously. I nodded.

"I know" I said sadly then cleared my voice "So, in other news Ryder and I are officially dating"

"Awww, that's wonderful hunny! So when is he coming to meet us?" She questioned while grabbing the garlic salt and powder for the bread.

"The oven is already preheated" I mentioned, grabbing the colander to strain the pasta. "And next time we come into town. By the way, is there anything you need me for until Sunday or would you be able to bring me back tomorrow?"

She gave me a knowing look with a small smile. "I'll bring you back to your sugar bear tomorrow" I blush at her words while she pops the bread into the oven.

"Thank you ma"

"Of course dear" she pinched my cheek. The front door opens again.

"Oh, smells delicious sweet bottom!" dad called out, shutting the front door.

"Matt is cooking, not me" she called back.

"What's the occasion?" He asked coming into the kitchen.

"Why can't I cook without you two wondering why" I roll my eyes and mom laughs. She updates dad on the doctor visit and then tells him that she is bringing me back to campus tomorrow, which he is a little too excited for as he wiggled his eyebrows at my mom. Barf. No one really wants to think of their parents doing the nasty.

The next morning mom and I make our way back to campus. We chit chat and sing together the whole way there. I asked her to drop me off at Ryder's to surprise him.

"Have a safe drive back ma, let me know when you get home" I lean over and kiss her cheek quickly before unbuckling.

"I will sweetheart, have fun and remember no glove, no love "she says with a pointed finger. My cheeks redden.

"Yes, ma I know. Contrary to popular belief Amber and I used one, every single time "I muttered.

"I know hunny, sometimes s**t happens. Just be safe, I love you"

"I love you too mom" I say before closing the passenger door with a wave to her. She waited until I was in the apartment building to pull away from the curb.

I'm giddy as I walk into the elevator. It's only been a couple days but I miss him. It's like now that we are together, I want to be around him all the time.

"Can this thing go any faster" I exasperated with my foot tapping against the floor. I shake my head and laugh at my ridiculous actions. Acting like a lovesick puppy. The door dings open and I all but run out of the doors. I get to his door and use the key he gave me to open the door.

A look inside and I don't see him in the main area. I think hard about his class schedule and he only has an online class today. Huh, must be sleeping still. I shut the door, take off my shoes and make my way to his bedroom.

As I get closer I hear low moans coming from the shut door. I freeze. He wouldn't cheat would he? We just got together. He seemed so into me. What if he's just watching porn? Maybe I should just walk in. We are dating and dating people do that right? No. They would still knock right? Ugh. I mentally groaned at my overthinking mind. I'll just take a peek. I settle with.

I tiptoe to the door and the low moans continue. I hesitate but then twist the doorknob slowly and peek inside. A gasp leaves my mouth as I take in the scene in front of me.