Irish Oxytocin

Exposure | 19

                           ❁ Chapter 19 ❁

I couldn't help but notice Nolan's agitated body language as he disappeared into the crowd of people. His jaw was clenched as he let go of me. I couldn't help but worry if I did something wrong to make him feel this way. And worst of all, I couldn't help him in general.
I don't know how to comfort him when he's upset. He doesn't often get furious or annoyed, so when he did, I felt lost. I kept my worries to myself as I approached Chase.

He was still handing out the wrist bands. The list was long tonight, and I assumed kids from the football game that he invited were getting VIP access. The music was blaring loudly in my ears. It was quite obvious that it was Daniel's playlist, which told me he was here somewhere. The hum of people talking and the movements from the dance floor made me feel like the whole room was vibrating. I could feel the beat in my chest. I can't remember a year when someone in a group threw a party at their house since Ethan always had it covered.
I actually hadn't seen Ethan in a long while, which is where I assumed Jake went after Nolan split us up.

"Hey Chase," I addressed as I approached.
"What's up, tiny Pierce?" He greeted me, handing someone a wristband.

He turned his head to me once the person walked away.

"Where's Jake?" I asked, confused because this was his job.
"Huh? Is he not with you?" He asked in return, just as confused as I was.

I shook my head. Chase bit his lip and rolled his eyes.

"Whatta' fucker," he huffed.

I laughed quietly as he looked around for Jacob in the crowd of people.

Just then, our attention turned to lots of yelling and cheering in the crowd. The dynamic changed dramatically, causing all of our attention to fade over to the noise.

"What's going on?" I asked Chase, who could see above everyone's heads.

He was looking around with a confused face as the commotion grew. He wasn't exactly sure either.
Just then, someone grabbed my arm gently. I turned to them in fright, to immediately calm down at the sight I saw. It was Shawn, who looked panicked.

"Shawn?" I questioned panickily.
He looked quite nervous.
"It's Nolan, he's fighting some kid. Come with me," he motioned to Chase and I.

We both looked at each other before immediately starting to run behind him as we pushed through the crowd. People were shouting Nolan's name and laughing as the fight continued. We've been split up for maybe five minutes, and he's already found himself beating up some random guy. I tried my best to push through the crowd as I made it to the kitchen. As I squeezed through people, I lost Chase and Shawn. More people were gathering around to see the commotion, and I heard them calling my name.
I entered the kitchen door to see Nolan and a guy I couldn't recognize full on throwing hard punches at each other on the ground. Some kids from the other school were laughing and cheering nonsense as they grabbed drinks from the counter. I was in disbelief, and more so after every punch or slap.

"Say her name again! Say it! I fucking dare you!" Nolan spat as his hands held onto the boys collar.

The guys back was turned to me, and I saw Nolan full on in front of him. He didn't notice me, but he was so livid. I've never seen him so angry before. It was honestly scaring me. I didn't know what to do to stop him.

"Hailey O'Connell. Your old flame," the kid joked.

I think that's when I finally realized what was going on. This was about Nolan's past, and I was the one who was completely clueless here. Nolan grabbed him by the edge of his shirt and threw him to the ground. It was all happening so fast. I could barely get a good look at the kid's face, but he looked familiar. Blood and bruises covered both his and Nolan's faces as they both went in for the kill.