Free Overwhelm Me by A. C. Marchman Page A

loudly.
    “Okay, baby, I’ll let you know. Right now, I have to go. We are starting to see patients, and the waiting room is filled to capacity.”
    “Sure thing. Have a nice day,” I tell him, excited about seeing him this evening.
    “I’ll pick you up at 7:30 this evening. See you then, babe.” Donovan whispers into the phone.
    “I can’t wait,” I say as I hang up. I hug the phone to my chest. He makes me so incredibly joyful. I hope it’s not too good to be true. I try to suppress the thought. I’ve only had one other boyfriend in my life, and it ended in such heartache. I was a complete mess when Matt screwed me over. I close my eyes, trying not to think of the jerk, but the memory comes unwelcome into my mind.
    I was a junior in high school. Matt was a senior. I had noticed him the year before and thought he was so gorgeous. He was dating Holly Saunders, the girl who had been homecoming queen three years in a row, so I only admired him from a distance. I would watch him in our Spanish class, at lunch, and in the hallways, but that was it. I figured I didn’t have a chance to date him. But one day, Matt and Holly had a huge argument at school, and they broke up. It was something about Holly seeing another guy at our rival school, but I don’t really remember too much detail. I just remember everyone talking about what a scene it was. Matt had punched a locker and called her horrible names.
    The following night, one of my friends was throwing a field party. There was a bonfire, something we Lynchburgers enjoy on a cold autumn night, and lots of beer. I was with my friends Michelle and Chloe. We were all sitting around drinking and relaxing by the fire on the ground. I had heard through our mutual friends that Matt was coming to the bonfire.
    At the party I scanned the faces, hoping I would spot Matt. Finally, he showed up with Chloe’s boyfriend Scott. He was wearing jeans and a red hooded sweatshirt. He was so cute. He had jet black hair and beautiful brown eyes. His hair was cut really short, and he always wore a hat.
    He was on the football and basketball teams, so he was always fit. Scott walked over to us, and Matt followed suit. My heart was beating so fast when Matt sat down next to me. It was in my throat when Matt actually spoke to me.
    “Hey, I’ve seen you around school. You’re in my Spanish class. Allison, right?”
    “Yeah, most people call me Allie. And you’re Matt Bowman.” I said, like the guy didn’t know his own name.
    Matt chuckles. “Nice to see you, Allie.”
    Our conversation lasted until the sun was peeking over the horizon. We were both really drunk and having a good time. I gave him my number, and he said he would give me a call.
    Three days later, Matt did call me. He wanted to ask me out for the next Friday. I was so giddy with excitement and couldn’t wait until that night. When he came by to pick me up from my house that Friday night, I had put on my favorite blue sweater, my skinny jeans, and my silver flats. I did my makeup for an hour just to get it right. Matt was wearing his letterman jacket and khakis. He even met my parents and told them he would have me home at eleven. With that, we walked to his truck and drove off.
    We grabbed some pizza and decided to watch a movie. It was nothing special, but to me it was the most wonderful night of my teenage life. He held my hand through the entire movie and didn’t even try to make out. I thought he was the sweetest, most fantastic guy I had ever met.
    After that date, we were inseparable. We talked about our future, told each other secrets, and made out all of the time. We would get into his parent’s liquor cabinet and get drunk as we sat by Matt’s pond in his backyard. I smoked my first and only joint on his back porch. I thought he was so perfect for me. Too bad I was wrong about him.
    Livey opens the door and drags me from my flashback. “Hey, Allie! I brought us some breakfast!
    You hungry?”
    “Actually,