Blood Lust

Chapter Six

"Fuck!" I hear as I walk downstairs.

Atlas and Forrest are playing some kind of video game on the TV.

"Stop overreacting, I thought someone was dying." A couple of hours ago Atlas was so depressed, but now he seems fine. I guess he's just good at hiding it.

I walk into the kitchen and grab a Dr. Pepper. Without looking away from the screen Atlas remarks, "You shouldn't drink those. They have too much sugar and caffeine in them." "I think I'll drink what I want to." I reply with an attitude. I walk into the living room and sit on the couch beside Atlas. As soon as I sat down, I could have swore he flinched just slightly.

Does he not like me? You wouldn't have that conversation we just had it you didn't like someone. I know he just lost his parents but still. I wonder what his deal is.

I grab my phone from my pocket and text Elinor.

Me: hey E. you got a sec?

A few minutes later, I get a response.
E: yea, I'll call in a minute

So I wait. And wait. And wait. I think she might be with Mac. I didn't mean to interrupt if she was with him.

The sound of my phone ringing interrupts my thoughts.

"Hey Lia, what'd you want to talk about?" I leave the couch with a glance from Atlas. "Hang on a sec." I say, climbing the stairs to my room. "How's things going with Mac?" She sighs into the phone. "It's going amazing. But you didn't want to talk about my relationship did you?" "No." I admit. "It's just...I don't know. Do you think Tyler and me make a good couple?" "What? Are you kidding? You both are incredible together!" She basically screams into the phone. "Wait why are you asking? Did something happen?" "No, just curious is all. I'm also really bored hanging out with Forrest and Atlas." "We'll come on over Lia, cause we're having a party!"

...............

I meet Elinor at her house a few hours later. It's only 9:47 but I feel exhausted. I call Tyler and ask him to meet me there.

I spot her outside making out with Mac in the backyard.

"Eww get a room." I laugh. They both break apart. "Hey Thalia you made it!" She gives me a one armed hug. "Now if you excuse me." She continues making out with Mac.

I head into the house in search of drinks. I have to squeeze between people making out and grinding on each other to get to the kitchen. I finally spot them and grab me a Coors.
"Oh hey." I turn and see Atlas grabbing a drink too. "Oh, I didn't know you were going to be here." "Yea. You told me about it." "I don't remember telling you." He turns defensive. "You definitely did." He smiles.

I definitely didn't.

"So." I say breaking the silence.

"Actually, can we talk?" I nod. "It can't be long, I'm supposed to meet Tyler."

I follow him outside, away from the crowd. He walks me to the edge of the yard, near the fence.

"Is it weird for me being in your house? If it is I can leave or-." "Why would it be weird?" "Become..." he stops. Am I supposed to know why?

"I'm just going to say it." He takes a breath. "I don't like your boyfriend. Something is off with him. And especially with this serial killer on the loose, he can't protect you., he won't. But I can. I would. I really want to keep you safe. Not just because you're my best friends sister."

I don't even know how to respond. "Atlas, my relationship with Tyler is none of your business. And I can protect myself. I don't need you. I don't mean to harsh, but you keep telling me how you don't like Tyler, but I don't care. I'm not looking for your approval." And with that, I walk away.

I can't believe him. He is such an entitled dick.

"I'm not a dick." It's like he read my mind. "I care about you." He yells after I walk away.

I walk back into the kitchen and take shots after shots.

Tyler never showed up.