"Do you think we can sleep and not throw up in this ship?" Asked Tabitha while we're checking out the room. "Well it's only a 2-hour travel time. Maybe we won't get seasick?" I answered Tabitha as I looked at the window of the room. "Who paid for our tickets, by the way?" Asked Tabitha again as she walked around the room. "Uncle Alfeo did… I think." I answered unsure as I sat on the bed. Huh. Comfy.
Then we suddenly heard a knock on the door. "I'll get it," said Tabitha then she opened the door. "Who is it?" I asked while still sitting on the bed. "It's Matthew," said Tabitha as she looked at me. I got up from the bed and walked towards the door beside Tabitha and saw Matthew. "Him, Matthew, come in," I said as I got out the door to let him in. "Thank you," thanked Matthew while looking at both Tabitha and me then looked around our room. "I hope you're okay with this, Tabitha," I said to her as soon as I realized that I'm not the only one staying in this room. Tabitha smiled then nodded in response.
I walked closer to Matthew as I heard the door shut. I looked back, Tabitha was nowhere in the room. She left us? Then it hit me. Oh my! She got the wrong idea! I'll deal with it later! "What happened, Matthew?" I asked as I came near him. Matthew looked at me then he shook his head. I looked at him confused and when he saw my expression, he finally spoke again, "I-I uhm… can-can I stay here in your room?" Matthew asked. I quickly nodded while looking at him, "yes, of course, Matthew," I answered. Matthew then nodded then bit his lips while fidgeting with his fingers. He's nervous about something.
"Al-alone?" Asked Matthew as he kept on fidgeting his fingers. I nodded slowly. "Do you want me to find Yeshua?" I asked. Matthew raised both his brows and shook his head. "N-no, thanks." Matthew's only answer. "Okay… I'm going to leave you alone now," I said as I kept on looking at him. "Thank you, Maria," thanked Matthew as he now looked around the room. I walked towards the door and looked at Matthew worriedly one last time before opening it and walking out the room.
As soon as I walked out, I saw Tabitha, Jude and James acting like they weren't trying to eavesdrop. "Ahem!" I cleared my throat while looking at them with one eyebrow raised. The three of them looked at me. "Oh! Maria! I didn't know you were there!" Said Jude. "Spill it." I said to them firmly as I crossed my arms. "Are you and Matthew a thing?" Asked Tabitha without hesitation. Jude and James quickly looked at Tabitha then looked at me with curiosity in their faces.
Of course… Hazel and Elle already told me. Outside our friend group, Matthew and I looked like a couple because of how close we are. "No. Matthew and I aren't a 'thing'. No, I don't have romantic feelings with Matthew. And no, Matthew doesn't have romantic feelings for me as well." I answered, making sure all other questions they could ask were answered.