Finding strength in others (Matthew)

[Alison Harper]

((Set after 'Lost and Found'))

Alison sat by the window of the coffee shop. She looked out the window just staring outside. It was fairly chilly watching people race around shopping. Her expression held something of sorrow. Pain that held her in her mind. Too deep in thought to notice if anyone would sit next to her. She only moved to take a sip of her drink.

Today was the day of her child death. She hated feeling so exposed but she kinda hoped that no one she knew would come by. She was suppose to be strong, holding everything up by herself; be like Wonder Woman. Somehow it wasn't working, she couldn't go out to visit her child.

She was buried here in Gotham but the idea of going to her was a heart ache.

[Matthew Reid]

Wandering down the street, Matthew had one hand in his pocket while the other was gripping his bag strap. He didn't look up. He didn't need to. He'd walked this street many times and knew the way well... Hell, he'd know the way rather well after the first time he'd walked it...

Walking into the coffee shop, Matthew didn't look round but walked straight to the counter, seeing as there was no queue. Only after he'd ordered a coffee, did he look round and see Alison. She didn't look too happy... She looked... Sorrowful.

He wasn't sure why, but he could guess. He remembered what she'd told him... He remembered everything though, so it was extraordinary...

Picking up his coffee before paying, Matthew payed and walked over to Alison, his empty hand still gripping the strap.

"D'you mind if I sit with you?" He asked softly, looking at her carefully. If she didn't want him there, he'd leave. He didn't want to force her to sit with him...

[Alison Harper]

Breaking out of her reverie she instantly selected her barriers. Her shoulders straighten and a smile appeared on her face. Only it didn't reach her eyes like she wanted it to. Turning to Matthew she wished that didn’t secure herself like that. She loved him but somehow she couldn’t relax. Something she needed to work on.

“Hello, Matthew.” She tried cheerfully to greet him. After a couple of minutes of silence she was try to remember the question that he asked. She wanted to smack herself for being selfish she nodded.

“You’re always welcomed to sit with me.”

[Matthew Reid]

Matthew smiled somewhat gratefully when she said that he could sit and he did so, though not bothering to take his bag off; it would just be something he'd need to pick up again later...

"How are you?" He asked, realising that they hadn't spoken in a while. This was just like having a friend in a different state... Only, closer... He took a sip of coffee while she answered but didn't look at her, instead looking at his drink as it made him feel a little better than while looking at her. When he looked at her right now, he felt a little sad as he could see she wasn't happy... It didn't take a genius to work that out...

[Alison Harper]

"I'm fi..." Alison faltered as she though about the question. She didn't want to seem closed off but spilling her heart out was something she didn't do. Taking a sip of her drink she looked at him. Finding a little bit of courage she answered him, truthfully.

"I'm Okay, kinda struggling with today." She gave a soft smile as she asked him. Switch the subject she made it seem like it was nothing of importance. "How are you?"

[Matthew Reid]

Matthew looked up when she faltered and, at her answer, he nodded softly before hearing her question.

"I'm good." He answered softly, his gaze on his drink once more. He wasn't sure what to say and, instead of trying to push into any questions about today, Matthew sipped at his coffee softly. He didn't want to seem nosy... He didn't do nosy. He hated to seem nosy... It made him feel as though he was being mean or something... He didn't like it, basically...

[Alison Harper]

Alison took a sip of her drink nodding at his answer.

"So, what made you come to the cafe at this time?" She wasn't sure if fate was playing tricks on her or if she could enjoy being with Matthew. Maybe if he was up for it she could ask him a request. Biting her lip she listened to Matthew.

[Matthew Reid]

Matthew shrugged.

"I have no idea... Just felt like coming here..." He supposed before raising an eyebrow lightly. "What about you?" He asked, wondering if it was the same reason or something different. He really, really hoped it was just because she felt like it, but didn't know if that would be a little creepy or not... Hmm...

[Alison Harper]

Picking her words carefully, she stared hard into her cup.

"I- just wanted to-get away...To avoid people." Alison crossed her legs as she kept her gaze into the cup. Suddenly, looking up at him she quickly added, "Although I would like if you stayed."

She went back staring at her cup. Matthew's company was extremely comfortable. Hoping she didn't seem needy she let a soft smile appear on her face.

[Matthew Reid]

Matthew had begun to feel a little awkward when she gave her reason but, when she said that she'd like it if he stayed, he smiled softly. He was glad that she didn't mind... It wouldn't exactly be good if she didn't want him to stay...

Itching his neck softly, Matthew didn't know what to say. Instead, he nursed the coffee, watching it while he did.

[Alison Harper]

Alison smiled as silence swarmed around them. She couldn't tell if it was comfortable or if it was just her. Slightly glancing at Matthew she really did find he calming. Turning around she stared out the window. She wondered if he would object to her request. Taking a sip of her coffee she tossed the idea around for a few minutes. She bit her lip then turned back to Matthew.

"Would you mind if I made a request from you?" Looking down at her drink she didn't make over loud but hopefully it was enough for him to hear.

[Matthew Reid]

Matthew was sipping his coffee before hearing her asking him if she could make a request. Curious now, he shook his head to tell her that he wouldn't mind. In fact, now he wanted to know what it was that she wanted...

"What is it?" He asked her, his voice soft as he tried not to sound demanding. The tone was actually one of curiousity and questioning.

[Alison Harper]

Alison gave a soft smile then realization set in, she hasn't exactly been able to visit her daughter's grave. A wave of guilt flowed over her. Although it wasn't her fault, somehow life got in the way, she couldn't help but wonder how she would be able to handle it. Taking a long sip of her drink she tried putting words in her mind to work the conversation. Nodding to herself she started to speak.

"Wouldyoumindifyou..."She realized that she was speaking extremely fast for anyone to actually understand. Breathing deeply, she restarted her question. "Would you mind if you accompany me to visit...my daughter's grave?"

[Matthew Reid]

When she began speaking, Matthew stared blankly at her, considering she'd spoken so quickly. She must've realised, Matthew thought, because she slowed down while talking. He then looked at his drink and nodded softly. She'd asked him because, evidently, she felt that she could talk to him. He wasn't about to leave her when she obviously needed someone, that was slightly cruel. Matthew wasn't someone who could be cruel whenever he felt like it...

[Alison Harper]

"Thanks." Alison spoke softly as she smiled at Matthew. She took a small sip of her coffee then glanced at Mattie. He seems so perfect.

"We don't have to leave right away, just let you enjoy your coffee..." She took the last sip of her drink then got up to throw away her drink. Somehow waiting wasn't hard, she was just antsy.