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“I haven’t heard of that before,” I murmured but then grimaced at my own stupidity. I had heard of it before.
Matt patted my waist. “It’s a newly recognized medical condition, a brain disorder actually. Not a lot of people know about it. And there isn’t much research on it because it is so new.”
“So sound bothers you?” I asked.
“Not all sound. Certain sounds. They, ah, elicit an emotional response. For some people, it’s just like an annoyance, but for others, it’s more severe.”
“An emotional response?”
Matt swallowed and nodded. “Yeah, ah, it triggers a fight-or-flight response. For me, it also causes anxiety.” Matt glanced over at Ben, almost seeking reassurance. I recognized the look because it was one I also wore when looking at him.
“P just gets overstimulated easily.” Ben went on, talking like it was no big thing. “Wearing the AirPods helps drown out the noise and helps him keep his cool.”
I felt my brows lift. “Do you get angry?”
A shadow of wariness moved behind Matt’s eyes.
I grabbed his hand, giving it a light squeeze. “It’s okay if you do.”
“Sometimes,” he admitted.
“So do you listen to music? Or just use those to muffle sounds?” I asked, gesturing to the pods in his ears.
“Both,” he said. “It depends on the day.”
I nodded, then leaned in to hug him. “Thanks for telling me, Matty.”
The front door of the townhouse opened, and Max poked his head out. “Get in here,” he demanded. “Everyone’s worried.”
Ben moved in, sweeping me off my feet without even asking. I squeaked, arms automatically winding around his neck for balance. “Ben!”
“No crutches.” He reminded me, starting over the sidewalk. “I’ll get you some new ones in the morning.”
Beside us, Matt cleared his throat. “Jess?”
“Hm?”
“I never told anyone else about this,” he said, pointing to his ear.
Surprised, I glanced at Ben. He met my eyes head on but then glanced over at his best friend. “She won’t say anything, P.” His eyes came back to rest on mine. “Right, final girl?”
“Of course,” I said instantly. “If you don’t want anyone to know, then I won’t say anything.” I made a motion of locking up my lips and throwing away the key.
“It’s not that I care if they know… It’s just an odd condition. Hard to explain and understand.”
“You know Elite will have your back, bro,” Ben told him. “Just like I do.”
“You’re different,” Matt said, voice gruff.
Does that mean I am too?
As if he could read my thoughts, Matt looked at me. “You too.”
“How are we different?” I wanted to know.
“You’re family.”
Ben nodded. “Always.”
