matilda frances taylor

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

Doctors flitted in and out of the room, as night turned to day and back to night. It had taken three nurses and a security guard to separate Addison from Mattie when they needed to run the tests, but as soon as she was allowed, she was back by her side. It was a small comfort when the rape kit confirmed that he’d been stopped before he got too far- although, in her opinion, that scumbag even looking at Matilda was too far. It was a relief when she was finally rolled into her own room, but at the same time, without the hustle and bustle of the hospital, to distract her, her worry seemed to triple.

When Mattie’s eyes fluttered open, her voice barely audible, Addison was by her bad a moment later, making sure her step daughter could see her. As uncomfortable as her dress was, she refused to change into scrubs, worried that Mattie might not recognize her immediately, in her disoriented state. She bit back tears as she took her hand, a watery smile on her face. “It’s me, sweetheart. I’m here. Don’t worry.” She said gently, reaching up, she brushed a loose strand of hair to the side. “We’re at the hospital now, but everything is going to be alright. How’s your pain? You’ve been unconscious for almost 24 hours.”

Mattie tried to really take in what her step mother was saying but her mind was still somewhat foggy and her heart was racing from the panicky feelings. Thankfully when Addison took her hand her heart somewhat calmed. Her dark eyes took in the sight of the blonde and she smirked a little. “Does that mean you’ve been dressed like that for twenty four hours?” There was a teasing tone to her voice. Without thinking, she tried to move her broken hand and winced with a small whine. “.... fuck.” She muttered. The pain was surprising.

There were chunks of time missing from her mind that simply seemed hazed over and that scared the shit out of her. She cleared her throat gently, looking down at their locked hands. “What happened? Why am I here? I fuckin’ hate hospitals, Addi.” Although the words were a little rough her voice was still small... almost delicate though she tried to find a bit of strength, not wanting to seem fragile.

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

Addison was growing frustrated, but kept her voice low and level as she spoke to her board. This so called “emergency” was barely a blip on her usual workload radar, and she could feel her temper rising with each passing moment. Holding up a finger, she began to speak, “I’m going to stop you right th-” A slam across the ballroom had everyone’s attention, and she struggled to see what the cause of it was. But the moment she did, Addison was moving without consciously meaning to, shoving people out of her way as she recognized Mattie, her dress torn up and face pale as she fell to the floor. “Someone call 911!” She barked as she knelt beside her step daughter. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she recognized the head of her security team. “Lock the building down. Find whoever is responsible and bring them to me.”

The next few hours went by in a haze. A boy barely older than Mattie had been found in the parking lot, a bruise on his face and blood on his shirt, and Addison knew immediately that he was the perpetrator. Having him held for when the police arrived, she rode in the ambulance, trying to stifle the tears that came to her eyes, livid that one Jones had even been employed by her company and guilty that she had left her alone. And as she sat hunched over next to her bed, Addison couldn’t help but remember the last time they’d been in this exact position: Mattie unconscious on a hospital bed, and herself sitting beside her, anxiously and desperately hoping she would wake soon. Only this time, even more of her heart seemed tethered to the wellbeing of her of her step daughter than before.

The drugs running through Mattie’s system were taken care of upon arrival. Her swollen hand hand been xrayed only to find that she’d fractured it. The rape kit had shown that she’d been one of the lucky ones but the bruising on her hip told the story of how she’d been cornered. The doctors had told Addison that her step daughter would wake up, that all Mattie needed now was time, but Addison clearly knew better than to leave her alone in a hospital of all places. Matilda loathed hospitals. Since the accident she threw a fit any time it was even suggested that she go to one.

When those dark eyes opened she immediately felt a rush of panic surge through her body but that intense feeling made her incredibly aware of the physical pain she felt. She winced and decided that sudden movements were not in her best interest. Her eyes scanned the hospital room, heart racing as she tried to contain the panic and upset. Finally that gaze fell on the blonde and the urge to run subsided. The last 24 hours were a fuzzy blur and for now that was probably for the best. “Addi?” Her voice was small, hoarse, scared. “Wh-what happened?”

#addison #para04

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

Brett only smiled wider, amused by how full of fire this girl was. “You say that now, Ms. Taylor, but I’ll have you by the end of the night. One way or another.” Allowing her to feel like she had control of the situation, he merely inclined his head as she stood, her threats not bothering him in the least. He knew who she was, had noticed she was accompanied by her stepmother, and that the younger woman might be harder to get on her own. But he was patient. He just needed to find the right time to strike.

For half a beat, he thought that she was going directly to the blonde, but as she veered right, his smile returned. A moment later he was on his feet, greeting coworkers and strangers alike as he followed. And as he watched her slip into the ladies room, he knew he had her exactly where he wanted her. With a last glance over his shoulder, he quietly entered the restroom, not bothering to lock the door behind him once he saw the state she was in. “Ms. Taylor? Are you alright?” He asked, his voice laden with faux concern as he moved to stand in front over her, one hand moving to her hip to guide her back, trapping her between the counter and himself. “You’re not looking too well. But not to worry. I’ve helped many a woman in your situation.”

She didn’t even have it in her to insult him about coming into the wrong restroom. “Wh-what did you put in my drink?” She slurred. As he trapped her against the counter the world continued to spin. She felt his body against hers, she felt one of his hands start to travel, to glide up a bare leg and bare thigh up beneath the fabric of her dress that was situated so close to the apex of her thighs... she hear that fabric ripping. It’s when both his hands were busy that she found the very last of her strength. While one hand was slipping into her panties and the other was busy working at his belt and trousers, she brought up her knee hard and fast, Though his hand had pulled away he was still in her space. In a last ditch effort, Mattie threw a punch the way her father had once taught her and clocked him in the head so hard that she swore she felt something crack in her hand.

With Brett out of her way she braced herself on anything that she could and stumbled out of the bathroom as fast as her legs would carry her. She ran, knocking over waiters, glasses and plates shattering in a dramatic symphony around her. The little brunette swore he’d be coming after her and she wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t until she swerved into the crowd of tuxedos and designer gowns that she no longer felt his eyes... instead she felt everyone else’s. She’d made it to the main hall. She didn’t blame them- her dress was ripped, her skin was pale, one side of her dress was falling down, her knuckles on her right hand were swollen. Now she just had to find Addison but the more she searched the crowd the more everything around her blurred. Just as she thought she might have made eye contact she felt her knees give out and her world went black.

#addison #para04

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

There was a flicker of anger underneath his smile, his eyes darkening ever so slightly as his gaze seemed to intensify. But a moment later it was gone, and when he spoke next, he sounded entirely undeterred by her initial rebuffment. “Hardly an idiot, lovely. Just a man who’s been taken in by your feminine wiles.” He continued with a saccharine smile. “Surely you’re not going to write me off so soon? I’m young, fit, and I make six figures. Not to mention, I’m a Junior Finance officer for the Dawes & Jenkins, well on his way to a big promotion in the next year or so.” He continued on, his pitch falling smoothly from his lips.

The moment her head turned, he leaned forward, one hand moving to slip an innocuous looking pill into her drink while she was distracted, the other moved to rest on her thigh to keep her attention diverted. “How about this one: It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Brett Jones. Just thought you should know, since you be screaming it later tonight. I’m not the kind of guy who just gives up on what I want. And what I want tonight, Miss Taylor, is you.” Leaning back, his smile remained just as easy and charming as it had been moments ago, looking ever the neat, wellcut and well intentioned man he had convinced the world he was.

Oh, she could have a party with this. “Surely, I am.” She mimicked. “You have a dick. I don’t swing that way, sweetheart. Move along.” She could have said so much more. She could have put him in his place by mentioning her stepmother- one mention of this conversation to Addison and his career was ruined. He hadn’t touched her or anything, she’d hold off, hopefully he got the picture sooner rather than later.

The second the hand fell to her thigh those dark eyes shot daggers at the man. He knew her name. He knew exactly who she was and that was completely unnerving. her hand dropped down to where his rested, though it looked like a dainty hold, she got a death grip on his wrist and removed it from her body placing it onto his lap. “Brett Jones.” As shaken as she was she didn’t show it even a bit. She took a sip of her wine and gave a pointed smile. “And now I have a name to give to my stepmother... you know, your boss?” She batted her lashes. “She doesn’t take too kindly to people touching...” what’s hers... “me.” Mattie took another long sip then set her drink down. “Have a nice night.” Seeing that Addison was still busy across the room, she made her way to the ladies room. As soon as she stepped into the bathroom her world spun. She braced herself on the marble counter top. “...fuck.” She muttered.

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

“No, I suppose that would be a fool’s gamble. Nevertheless, as I said, I have no problem taking the time to correct any defiance you are unable to tamp down upon.” Addison let out a low chuckle, setting her glass aside as she leaned forward slightly, one eyebrow lifting and a smile playing at her lips. She wasn’t bothered by Mattie’s snarky comment in the least. If anything, it excited her, encouraging her to assert her dominance over the other girl even more. It had been so long since she’s had anyone who challenged her. “After all, reddening that cute little ass of yours is quickly becoming a favorite pastime of mine.”

Chuckling, Addison shook her head. “Are you really surprised, Matilda? After all, when have you ever known me to let you get away with acting out like th-” Her eyes shifted away from Mattje, her words fading out as she realized her CFO was gesturing for her to come over, a panicked expression on her face. Letting out a sigh of annoyance, Addison downed the rest of her drink, before getting to her feet. “It seems that I can’t even enjoy one night without being interrupted by incompetence,” She said irritably. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, Darling. Feel free to mingle, but do try to keep out of trouble.”

As soon as Addie disappeared into the crowd, her seat was taken by a young man- not much older than Mattie, dressed in a pressed suit, his blonde hair slicked back and what was likely meant to be a charming smile on his lips. “Did it hurt? You know, when you fell from heaven? Because you are the most magnificent creature I’ve ever seen. Surely you must be some sort of angel.” He grinned, his teeth almost seeming too white, even under the soft light of the ballroom.

She was a little sad when Addison got called away, not being near her was proving to be a more difficult task with every passing day. Seeing the woman get irritated actually made her smile because she got to see her mutter about it the way Matilda typically complained- and that’s where I got that from. Noted. It actually made her heart warm to know that nature vs nurture was a legit thing and Addison had clearly rubbed off on her. She pressed a kiss to the older woman’s cheek. “I make no promises, Addi.” She smirked and watched her go.

She hadn’t realized the seat had been occupied until the man beside her was spouting off nonsense. She rolled those pretty dark eyes, a throaty laugh slipping past her lips. “Does that line actually work for you?” Mattie rose a brow and clicked her tongue. “Surely you must be some sort of idiot to think I’d be agreeable to your advances.” It slipped off her tongue in such an eloquent fashion that one might mistake it as pleasant conversation. She looked away and took another sip of her wine, glancing over to her step mother and wondering when she’d be back to save her from this moron. His smile was creepy and his polished persona was lacking in sincerity.

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor‌:

Having the chance to show Mattie off- even as just her step mother- sent a surge of pride through Addison that honestly incomparable to any she’d felt up to this point. While she wished that she could introduce her as her date, she was pleased to have the brunette by her side in any capacity, at this point. Mattie looked beautiful, and played the part of the refined, if somewhat reluctant, step daughter perfectly, and none of her coworkers batted an eye as she reintroduced her, even nearly half a decade later. “I don’t know how you could expect any different of me, Matilda. Not after that little tantrum you threw earlier.” She quipped offhandedly, before taking a sip of her scotch. “You were already playing the part of the bratty step daughter, so I figured I might as well play my role just as adroitly, while I have the chance.”

Addison couldn’t help the smirk that came to her face as she watched Mattie shift uncomfortably on her chair even if she cared to. And she definitely didn’t. There was something incredibly satisfying about knowing that she was the reason for that adorable little flush in her step daughter’s cheeks. And even more so that she was able to take the younger girl over her knee the way she had, her reddening her cute little ass in retribution for the little tantrum Mattie has thrown. “Perhaps it’ll have you give sassing me a second thought, for a while.” Even as she said the words, Addison knew the punishment wasn’t likely to have much on the lines of a long term effect on the younger girl, but she said them nonetheless. “And if not, I’ll be more than happy to give you a repeat performance. Putting a bit of color into those cheeks of yours is quickly becoming a favorite pastime of mine.”

That nose scrunched up at the use of her name and she gave a defiant little huff before sipping at her wine. The more she truly got to know this woman the more she realized what a piece of work she was and in the brunette’s mind that wasn’t really a bad thing- she needed someone who could follow through with consequences and enjoy doing it.. she’d officially met her match. She gave those words a thought for a moment gave a little shrug. “Perhaps.” She mimicked the blonde woman near perfect. “But I wouldn’t hold my breath on the matter.” And there was the sass.

The smirk that tugged at her lips vanished quick at the words that left Addison’s mouth. “I still can’t believe you did that in the back of a fucking town car.” Mattie muttered shifting her sore rear end in the seat a little as she polished off her first glass and nodded to the bartender for another. Mattie felt eyes on her but she brushed off the feeling, explaining it away as Addison’s colleagues overly curious about the woman her stepdaughter had grown into- that was just fine by her, the older woman deserved favorable attention.

glitter in the air . mattie + addison

Addison accepted the driver’s hand as she stepped out of the town car, an almost smug smile on her face. If he had heard anything in the backseat on the drive over, he gave no indication of it, and she tipped him generously after he helped Mattie clamber out of the car, a silent dismissal. Her right hand still stung lightly and she relished in the flush that still covered the younger girl’s cheeks, memories of the last hour still fresh in her mind. Mattie looked breathtakingly beautiful and that alone would have been more than enough to have made the resistance she’d received when she’d presented the dress she’d picked out for her entirely worth it. Getting to take her over her knee in the town car and spank her until she was absolutely squirming in on her lap? That was just the cherry on top.

Offering her arm to the younger girl, the corner of her lips quirked up ever so slightly, as the dark haired woman reluctantly took it, allowing her to escort her up to the event space. The ballroom looked absolutely stunning, and she gave a nod of approval as she introduced Mattie to the different members of the board, a proud smile on her face. It was difficult to remember that her coworkers knew her as just her step daughter, but Addison had spent much of her adult life presenting herself in certain ways to her peers, so she knew she could handle this with just as much poise and tact as she had been known to handle any and all problems that she was faced with. And while she wasn’t overly excited about having to distance herself from Mattie, she was pleased that she was able to bring her at all.

Breaking away from one of her more monotonous coworkers, they made their way to back of the hall, Addison ordering them both drinks. It was only then that she finally allowed herself to really look at Mattie, knowing that they wouldn’t attract to much attention at the busy bar. “Everything seems to be going quite well, all things considered.” The end of her sentence laced with just a hint of amusement as she recalled the tantrum that took place just before they left. Taking a sip of her drink, she let her eyes roll over Mattie’s form, an approving smirk on her face. “I must say, you look absolutely gorgeous, darling. Your dress suits you quite well.”

Mattie had one hundred percent thrown a complete fit when she saw what she was expected to wear to this gala thing. Addison very well knew that the younger girl was uncomfortable at these events, they just weren’t her scene but she’d go anywhere the woman wanted her to. Throwing a very girly dress and extremely high heels into the mix was just unfair- cruel and unusual punishment, total torture. The tantrum had been rather epic and she’d gone off even though the blonde had warned her. Eventually the dress had made its way onto her body, much to her dismay. The car ride had been intense to say the very least. She hadn’t expected a spanking in the back of a town car. It was harsh enough to get a point across but not painful enough to make her cry and ruin her make up. As she stepped out of the car she could feel her rear end burning just as hot as her flushed cheeks. She let the man help her out of the car and straightened out her dress, clearing her throat gently.

Casting an almost exasperated glance at the offered arm she resisted the urge to roll her eyes and slipped her own into the blonde’s. The place was absolutely stunning, there was so much to look at and take in that she almost forgot why they were here in the first place. From the moment they stepped inside she knew exactly what she was... she was the trophy daughter- reintroduced to colleague’s of her stepmother’s and the board members who’d heard about her travels and her accomplishments; some even remembered her from when she was a much younger girl. The pride she could see in Addison’s eyes told her all she needed to know. Their dynamic had to shift back to stepmother and daughter for the evening but in Mattie’s eyes that was okay as long as the older woman was happy- she’d deprived her of this for too many years.

When they finally made it to the bar the girl was quick to sip at her sauvignon blanc, outright refusing to drink the gin in the US. Europe had spoiled her rotten when it came to gin and she’d never go back to her tanqueray days. The brunette shot the woman a little glare at her remark. Her eyes only narrowed some when she spoke about the dress. “You’re enjoying the Evil Stepmother role far too much tonight.” There was a hint of teasing to her tone. “Sitting is still a challenge.” She muttered, shifting uncomfortably in her seat, cheeks flushing.

Matilda arriving at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for Addison’s company’s annual charity ball.

#album

no more waiting . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor:

Addison pursed her lips, as Mattie spoke, her face unreadable as the younger girl finally admitted why she’d been taking so long packing. While she was comforted by the fact that her step daughter wasn’t worried about moving in because of her, her true reasonings had Addison concerned. Mattie’s fears weren’t entirely unwarranted, but the odds were against any of those scenarios coming to fruition. Addison was about to scold her tone, but paused as she apologized, clearly beginning to lose steam in her rant. “That’s exactly what I expect of you, Matilda. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere. I ‘m here for you, and I want us to be able to move into this next part of our lives together. But I need you to tell me how you’re feeling so we can work through those complicated emotions.”

In the years that Addison had been on her own, she had lost much of her own drive, personally. She threw herself into her work and everything else just faded into the background. But when she was with Mattie, it was like she had life breathed into her once more and she was determined to help the other girl reach a similar place that she had, emotionally. So, as soon as Mattie settled, Addison’s hand came up to rest on the side of her face in part to comfort her, but also to stop her from looking away as she clearly wanted to do. “Speak to me, little one.” She felt a slight pang in her chest at how lost her step daughter seemed. Clearly she had allowed Mattie too much control. However, now that she was there in person, she could correct her mistake. “I have no problem bossing your around, Mattie.” Addison drawled with a chuckle, picking up on her attempt to lighten the mood a little, “It’s by far one of my favorite pastimes. Do you think you can be a good girl for me and do what I tell you so we can get your things all packed up?”

Mattie’s nose scrunched up at the use of her name once more but she did listen to what the older woman had to say. After a moment of what appeared to be non-deliberate pouting, the girl deflated some. “...You do realize that’s gonna hafta be a work in progress, right? Like... I’ve never been good at sharing my feelings or fears or needs with anyone... it’s an emotional handicap.” She muttered softly. “But...” She took a breath and slowly admitted, “I do want that... you know, to move forward together.”

The term of endearment warmed her, any time Addison called her that it felt like a hug and helped her walls come down; she both loved and hated how easily it affected her. When the woman forced her gaze up she gave a little sigh. That laugh coupled with those words had a shiver dancing along her spine and her cheeks flushing and though she playfully rolled those dark eyes, a small smile quirked at her lips. “Of course it is.” She quipped. Mattie thought about the question for a moment. “I can’t promise I won’t sass you during the process but I’ll certainly try to be a good girl, Miss.” It was still so weird yet so right to call her step mother that.

#addison #para03

no more waiting . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor:

Addison didn’t mean to come off sounding as harsh as she did, but she was frustrated and nervous, neither of which manifested themselves in her particularly well. Furrowing her brow, she shook her head incredulously, running a hand through her hair irritably. “I do believe I offered to come down and help you on more than one occasion, all of which you insisted that you were doing just fine.” She said, her tone almost clipped as she took a seat on the cleared space on the couch. Having Mattie so far from her had been hard on Addison, and as much as she wished it didn’t it hurt when her offers to come visit had been rebuffed. Exhaling deeply, she leveled her expectant gaze on her step daughter once more, reminding herself that pushing the younger girl like this would only make things more difficult.

The silence in the room was deafening, but as Mattie finally lifted her eyes to meet her own, Addison felt her heart break at the dejected look in her eyes. Pursing her lips, she let out a sigh as Mattie spoke, a slight feeling of guilt seeping into her chest. She should have known that there had to be more to the situation than she thought. “Come here, sweet girl.” She said gesturing for Mattie to sit on her lap, suddenly craving contact. “Look at me, please.” Once the younger girl had settled, Addison pressed a kiss to her forehead, brushing some loose hairs behind her ear before speaking. “Firstly, thank you for being honest with me I know it was hard for you. Secondly, I apologize for not giving you the chance to explain. I should have considered how hard it might be for you to come home. What can I do, Mattie? I just want to help you.”

“What... I was just supposed to admit to you that I was basically having a nervous break down?... because I’m terrified of moving back into my childhood home when that entire part of my life is surrounded by death and heart ache?” She was getting a little worked up just talking about it. “That maybe if I come home you’ll die too and I’ll be left alone in that big house with nothing but memories?” She snapped. She didn’t mean to. Her voice had cracked and she shook her head. “You have a job. You wanted to pick up and leave and come here to help.... but I was still determined to get it done on my own. Sorry.”

Her head dipped some and she looked from her feet to the older woman’s lap, taking a long moment before she obeyed. Eventually, she did take that seat that had been offered but again it took her a long moment or so before she’d look up into that waiting green gaze. It was hard to make eye contact when she was so unsure of everything around her. The girl was usually so confident but in this case the confidence was lacking; she felt lost. It was unlike Addison to apologize so quickly. The girl gave a little shrug. She knew she’d need to use her words but it took her a long time to find them. “I dunno.” She admitted softly. She glanced down at her hands which were fiddling with the hem of her shirt in her lap. “Maybe I do just need you here bossing me around.” Mattie was mostly serious but her phrasing showed that she hadn’t completely lost her sense of humor.

#addison #para03

no more waiting . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor:

“I see you’ve been hard at work the last few weeks.” She commented, sarcasm edging her tone as she paced the short length of the apartment. At the very least, it seemed that a few boxes had been packed and sealed, but most of Mattie’s things lay strewn about haphazardly, boxes partially filled before being cast aside. Exhaling, she turned back to face the younger girl, her lips pursed as she took in her appearance. Mattie somehow managed to look even more of a mess than her apartment, which would almost have been amusing if Addison hadn’t been so irritated. “Alright, Matilda.” She began, knowing that that name would get a reaction, “I expect an explanation as to why you told me you would be packed and ready in a week, yet it’s been three and you’re apartment looks like it’s barely made it through a natural disaster.”

Addison hated how out of sorts she felt- and had been feeling for the last few weeks. She wasn’t the type to let her hopes get too high, but this time she couldn’t quite help herself. Mattie was everything she hadn’t realized she needed, and now that she had her, she wasn’t going to let go. In the three weeks since she’d last Mattie, Addison had done her best to keep busy, to bury herself in her work the same way she had for the last three years. Yet, unlike before, this time around, she actually had something to look forward to. Or at least, she had though she did. Even she could acknowledge that it might be difficult for her step daughter to move back home, but she had thought she had put those worries to rest. But as Addison stepped into the apartment, immediately noting the state of disarray and Mattie’s attitude, it became clear that perhaps she had given the younger girl too much control over the situation than she was ready for.

Mattie rolled dark eyes dramatically at the comment as she went about washing her hands. She could feel that icy gaze taking in the sight of her and she felt exposed in a way. Addison hadn’t seen her in this state since the accident and back then it wasn’t by choice. Hearing her name, her nose scrunched up and she made a face. “God, why do you always have to-?” She was cut off swiftly by the rest of what her step mother had to say. Drying her hands off on a paint rag, she hung it back up and then went to clear some space on her couch so that the older woman could sit if she wanted. The girl shrugged some. “I guess I have more to pack than I initially thought.” She muttered. Yeah, like all the emotional baggage you have when it comes to moving your ass home.

It’s not that she wanted to be an ass, really she didn’t, but when Addison’s tone did what it was doing it pushed certain buttons from their past. She had been avoiding eye contact but when that stare finally held her dark gaze captive, she deflated... no lying, no half truths, no lying by omission. She sighed as her memories and that one simple look reminded her of their agreement. “Every time I go to pack I-... She swallowed hard and glanced away. “Freak out. Start panicking. So I calm down my brain and try again and then the panic sets in again.” She glanced back up with an expression that can only be described as that of a kicked puppy. “It’s harder than I thought it would be.” She admitted.

#para03 #addison

no more waiting . mattie + addison

addison-dawes-taylor:

@matilda-taylor

Addison crossed her arms, her foot tapping irritably on the pavement as leaned against her car, sunglasses shielding her eyes from the warm, midday sun. She had texted Mattie the night before about how far along she was in the packing process, only to once again receive a series of noncommittal answers and excuses. They had agreed that Mattie would move home that fateful weekend where her life had been turned on its axis, made better than she could have ever dreamed. Yet, despite the enthusiasm that the younger girl had shown at the time, she continued to drag her feet on packing up her little apartment like she’d agreed.

And she had tried to be patient. Honestly, she really had. But it had been over three weeks, and she was growing frustrated at the decided lack of progress in Mattie’s packing. At first, Addison had thought the younger girl was having second thoughts, that she no longer felt the same, now that she’d had time and space to process their weekend together. Yet every conversation they’d had since then indicated otherwise. Every conversation that didn’t involve questions about when Mattie would finally be coming home, at least.

So Addison packed up an overnight bag and made the long drive down to look in on Mattie herself. She hadn’t sent any warning, or given any notice that she would be coming down, so of course when she’d finally arrived, buzzing up her stepdaughter’s apartment, it was no surprise that she didn’t receive an answer. Clenching her jaw, she glanced at her phone once more, preparing to call Mattie once more, stopping halfway through the motion as the girl in question finally appeared, her eyes downcast, staring at her phone as she walked. “I hope you have a very good explanation for why you’ve been ignoring my texts for the last twenty minutes.”

Okay, so maybe this whole moving back home thing had freaked her out a little bit more than she’d been letting on. The thought was great at first. They’d had such an incredible weekend that it was a total no brainer- she’d move home and transfer to a school in Boston. It would be great. But then she got back to Philadelphia and the quicker that day approached, the more she freaked herself out. A week turned into two weeks and two weeks into three weeks. Every time she went to pack things up it seemed like she just took a few steps back, just made more of a mess, just sent herself closer to the edge of panic mode. Any time Addison brought up her moving date it would prompt her to attempt to pack again but then the entire cycle would restart.

She probably had a good third of her apartment packed up but clearly that wasn’t enough to move. It’s not like her place was all that big or like she had much of a life to pack. She’d been in the middle of painting to release some of her pent up energy when the texts had come through and then she freaked out a little when her stepmother mentioned being here in Philadelphia. She looked a hot mess. Her hair was up in a messy bun, her feet bare... she wore an old tshirt and a pair of tiny cotton shorts- both were marked up with paint. Her face was void of make up save for the blistex on her lips and one or two streaks of blue and yellow. Her hands were mostly covered... like a child who’d been given finger paints.

When she finally opened the door she was biting into her lower lip. Mattie knew she was in trouble. That tone and those words had her going into bratty defensive mode almost immediately. She held up her paint covered hands. “I couldn’t exactly use my phone.” When the woman came inside she bumped the door closed behind them with a nudge of her hips and gave a roll of those pretty dark eyes. Sure, she felt kinda bad but that changed nothing. Her tiny one bedroom apartment was in a state of disarray- boxes and bags opened and half filled everywhere you looked. Her easel was set up over by the huge window that looked out over Washington Square Park. She sighed and looked at her hands. “I should prolly-...” She turned to head for the sink in the kitchen area across the room.

#addison #para03

@addison-dawes-taylor

#addison

in town . mattie + addison