CHAPTER 5. A QUIET CHANGE

CHAPTER FIVE

LUKE’S POV

I watched Matilda walk away.

For a few seconds, I just stood there, staring at her back as she disappeared through the school gate.

She didn't even look back.

I clenched my jaw.

I had expected her to forgive me.

Maybe not immediately, but eventually.

I had apologized. I told her I still loved her. I told her I regretted everything.

I had said all the right things.

But the truth?

I didn't love Matilda the way I made it sound.

Not anymore.

Maybe I never had.

I cared about having her around. I liked knowing she was mine. I liked the way she looked at me, the way she trusted me, the way she was always there whenever I needed her.

But love?

That was different.

And I knew it.

My relationship with Matilda had become comfortable, and I didn't want to lose that comfort.

But Lucy was different.

I'd been sleeping with Lucy for a long time.

More times than I could count.

And every single time, I hid it from Matilda.

I knew what I was doing was wrong. I just didn't care enough to stop.

Whenever Matilda asked me if there was someone else, I lied.

Whenever she told me she trusted me, I smiled and pretended I deserved that trust.

Even at the hotel, when she caught me with Lucy, I still tried to explain myself.

I had to.

Because I wasn't ready to lose Matilda.

Not because I suddenly realized how much I loved her.

I simply didn't want someone else to have what had been mine.

I pulled out my phone and stared at her name.

Blocked.

I scoffed.

Matilda thought walking away from me would make everything over.

She was wrong.

I wasn't used to losing.

And I wasn't about to start now.

MATILDA’S POV

By the time I got home, I was exhausted.

Not because of school.

Because of Luke.

His apology kept replaying in my head, but I tried my best not to think about it.

I had made my decision.

I wasn't going back to him.

I dropped my bag on the couch and went straight to my room. After changing into something comfortable, I joined my mother in the dining room for dinner.

She had already served the food.

"You're late today," she said as I sat down.

"Lecture ended late."

She nodded and started eating.

For a while, neither of us said anything.

It was just the quiet sound of our spoons against the plates.

I looked at my mother.

She looked tired.

She had always looked tired.

Since my father died when I was little, she had been the one carrying everything on her shoulders.

My school fees.

My feeding.

Our house.

Everything.

She never made me feel like I was a burden, though.

She always made sure I had what I needed, even when I knew things weren't easy for her.

"Mom," I said quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

She looked at me and smiled.

"I'm fine, baby."

I nodded, but I wasn't completely convinced.

We continued eating until she suddenly put her spoon down.

"There is something I want to tell you."

I looked up.

"What?"

She took a small breath.

"I'll be traveling soon."

I froze.

"Traveling?"

"Yes. It's for work."

"For how long?"

She hesitated.

"About two or three months."

My mouth fell open.

"Three months?"

She smiled apologetically.

"It could be two. It depends on how long the project takes."

I stared at her.

Three months.

That was a long time.

"Mom, you're leaving me alone?"

She laughed softly.

"You're not a baby anymore, Matilda."

"I know, but..."

I stopped.

The thought of coming home to an empty house suddenly made my chest feel heavy.

My mother reached across the table and held my hand.

"I'll call you every day. And I'll make sure you have everything you need before I leave."

I looked down at our hands.

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

She squeezed my hand.

"But this trip is important. It's a good opportunity for me, and I can't turn it down."

I understood.

Of course I did.

She had spent her entire life working for me.

If this was something that could help her, I couldn't ask her to stay.

I forced a small smile.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay. You can go."

She smiled.

"That's my girl."

I smiled back, but inside, I was already thinking about how quiet the house was going to feel without her.

For the first time, I realized something.

With Luke gone from my life and my mother about to leave too...

I was going to be completely alone.

After dinner, I helped my mom clear the table before going back to my room.

She went to her room shortly after, and the house became quiet.

I changed into my pajamas and lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.

It had been a long day.

Luke.

His apology.

My mom's trip.

Everything was happening at once.

Eventually, I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up later than usual.

It took me a few seconds to remember that it was Saturday.

No lectures.

No rushing to school.

No waking up early.

I stretched lazily in bed and reached for my phone.

For the first time in days, I didn't have to worry about seeing Luke on campus.

I sighed and placed my phone beside me.

Maybe today, I could finally have a peaceful day.

I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and headed downstairs.

My mom was already awake.

She was moving around the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

I smiled.

"Do you need help?"

"Actually, yes."

She pointed toward the dining table.

"I need to start sorting some things for my trip."

I walked over and saw a small pile of clothes and documents on the table.

"You've already started?"

"I don't have much time left," she said.

I sighed.

"Okay. I'll help you."

We spent the morning going through her things.

I folded her clothes while she checked her documents and made a list of everything she needed to take with her.

"Don't forget your medication," I reminded her.

She looked at me and laughed.

"Look at you acting like my mother."

"Someone has to take care of you."

She smiled.

"You're growing up too fast."

I stopped folding and looked at her.

"I'll still be your baby."

"You'll always be my baby."

I smiled.

For a moment, I forgot about everything else.

Luke.

School.

The breakup.

Everything.

It was just me and my mom.

After we finished packing, we cleaned the house together. She washed the dishes while I swept and arranged the living room.

By afternoon, we were both tired.

We sat on the couch with cold drinks, and my mom rested her head against the back of the chair.

"Thank you for helping me," she said.

"You're welcome."

She smiled at me.

"I know you'll be fine while I'm gone."

I nodded.

"I'll be fine."

But deep down, I wasn't so sure.

I had never been this long without her.

And the closer her trip got, the more I realized just how much I was going to miss her.

MATILDA’S POV

Sunday came faster than I expected.

By morning, my mom was ready to leave.

Her suitcase stood beside the door, and I could already feel the emptiness that was waiting for me.

"I still don't like this," I said as I helped her carry her suitcase outside.

My mom laughed softly.

"It's only two or three months."

"That's still a long time."

"I'll call you every day."

I nodded.

After putting her things in the car, we headed to the airport together.

The drive there was quiet.

I kept looking at her, wishing I could somehow make the trip shorter.

When we finally arrived, I helped her with her luggage and stayed with her until it was time for her to go through.

She hugged me tightly.

"Take care of yourself."

"I will."

"Eat properly."

I laughed.

"Mom."

"I'm serious."

"I'll eat."

"And don't stay out too late."

"I won't."

She kissed my forehead.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I watched her walk away until I couldn't see her anymore.

I stood there for a moment, feeling a strange emptiness in my chest.

Then I finally turned around and headed back outside.

I was almost at the parking area when I heard a familiar voice.

"Matilda?"

I stopped.

I turned around.

Ryan.

He was standing a few feet away, dressed casually this time, with his phone in his hand.

I smiled in surprise.

"Ryan?"

He walked toward me.

"What are you doing here?"

"My mom traveled today," I explained. "I came to see her off."

He nodded.

"Same here. Well, not exactly."

I raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm here to escort my business partner. He's traveling for a business meeting."

"Oh."

I smiled.

"So we're both saying goodbye to someone today."

"Looks like it."

For a moment, neither of us said anything.

Then Ryan glanced at me.

"Are you going home now?"

"Yeah."

"Did you come alone?"

"I took a taxi."

He looked toward the parking area.

"I can drop you."

I hesitated.

"You don't have to."

"I know."

He smiled.

"I'm offering."

I laughed softly.

"Okay."

We walked toward his car.

As we got in, I suddenly realized something.

This was the third time Ryan and I had crossed paths.

Maybe Anna was right.

Maybe I really did need to stop bumping into this man.

Ryan started the car.

"So," he said, glancing at me, "how have you been?"

I looked out the window.

"Better."

"That's good."

He didn't ask what had happened.

He didn't push.

And somehow, I appreciated that.

We talked about simple things during the drive—school, his work, and how stressful university could be.

By the time we reached my street, I realized the drive had gone by much faster than I expected.

Ryan stopped in front of my house.

"Here we are."

I unbuckled my seat belt.

"Thank you for the ride."

"You're welcome."

I opened the door, then looked back at him.

"See you around?"

He smiled.

"Hopefully."

I stepped out of the car and watched him drive away.

I stood there for a moment before turning toward my house.

For some reason, I was smiling.

And I didn't even know why.

I turned toward the house, opened the door and stepped inside.

The first thing I noticed was the silence.

Usually, my mom would be somewhere around the house. I would hear her moving things around, talking on the phone, or asking me if I had eaten.

But today, there was nothing.

The house felt empty.

I dropped my bag on the couch and sighed.

"Okay, Matilda," I whispered to myself. "You're going to be fine."

I headed to the kitchen to make lunch.

Since I was alone, I decided to prepare something simple. I cooked some noodles and fried an egg, then carried everything to the dining table.

I ate quietly.

It felt strange eating alone.

After washing my plate, I went back to the living room and picked up my phone.

I called Anna.

She answered almost immediately.

"Matty!"

I laughed.

"Why are you shouting?"

"Because you finally called me. I thought you forgot about me."

"Please. As if I could forget you."

We talked about school, my mom's trip, and everything that had happened over the past few days.

Of course, Anna eventually brought up Ryan.

"So..." she said.

I already knew where this was going.

"So what?"

"How was your ride home with Mr. Handsome?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Anna, please."

"What? I'm just asking."

"He was only giving me a ride."

"Okayyy."

"Don't start."

She laughed.

We continued talking for a while until she said she needed to go.

"Call me later," she said.

"I will."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

We said goodbye, and I ended the call.

For a moment, I just stared at my phone.

Then I shook my head and put it down.

I wasn't going to spend my Sunday thinking about boys.

I turned on the television and searched for a movie.

A few minutes later, I was curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn.

The movie was actually good.

For the first time in days, I wasn't thinking about Luke.

I wasn't thinking about school.

I wasn't thinking about anything.

I just watched the movie and ate my popcorn.

By the time it ended, it was already getting dark outside.

I looked at the clock.

"Wow."

The day had gone by quickly.

I stood up, stretched, and walked around the quiet house.

Mom was really gone.

I went upstairs, took a shower, and changed into my pajamas.

After brushing my teeth, I climbed into bed.

I picked up my phone and checked it one more time.

No messages.

I placed it on the bedside table and pulled the blanket over myself.

Tomorrow was another day.

And for the first time, I wondered what being alone would really be like.

RYAN’S POV

When I got home, I parked my car in the driveway and stepped out.

The house was quiet, just like always.

I walked inside, dropped my keys on the table, and loosened my shirt.

I was tired, but my mind wasn't ready to rest.

For some reason, I kept thinking about Matilda.

I smiled to myself.

At least now I knew where she lived.

I didn't know why that made me happy.

Maybe because we'd only ever met by chance.

First at school.

Then at the airport.

Now I knew where she stayed.

I shook my head.

"Ryan, get a grip."

I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water.

As I drank, I remembered our conversation during the drive.

She had seemed different today.

She smiled more.

She laughed.

She seemed lighter than the first time I'd seen her.

I wondered what had changed.

I knew she had been going through something, but I had never asked her about it.

Maybe I shouldn't.

I wasn't close enough to ask personal questions.

I placed the glass down and walked toward the living room.

Then my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen.

It was my mother.

I sighed before answering.

"Hello, Mom."

"Ryan, where have you been?"

"I just got home."

"You didn't come for lunch today."

"I was at the airport."

"Airport? Why?"

"I went to see a business partner off."

There was a brief silence.

Then she asked, "And when are you coming to see your mother?"

I smiled.

"Very soon."

"You always say that."

"I mean it this time."

She laughed softly.

We talked for a few more minutes before ending the call.

I dropped my phone on the couch and leaned back.

The house was quiet again.

But this time, I didn't mind it.

For some reason, my thoughts went back to Matilda.

I smiled slightly.

I really didn't understand why I was thinking about her so much.

She was just a girl I'd met a few times.

Nothing more.