Dark and Light

Chapter 46

~~~Aubrey’s P.O.V.~~~

“Hey don’t worry. Dalia will go easy on him. I promise,” Cara softly patted my knee.

I just felt bad for letting Dalia steal Chad away. He wasn’t really the type of guy who would tolerate something like that. I’m still shocked he hasn’t come out of the room raging.

“I don’t know, Cara. Dalia can be a little harsh,” I turned my attention to the door or the sitting room. My heart was beating crazy as I waited for it to open. My ears never earned more for the creak doors made while opening.

Cara chuckled, “Oh, Aub. Calm down girly!”              

“I’ve got food!” Taylor’s cheery voice called from the top of the stairs.

Taylor’s feet rambled down the stairs causing a rumbling. A large platter was balanced upon her shoulder. She looked like a waitress. I tried not to giggle while she struggled to set the items on the coffee table.

Speaking up, I asked her, “Need any help Tay?”

Taylor brushed her hands against her jeans and blew a breath out. “Actually no! I’ve got it all done. Time to party!”

The three of us collapsed into giggles.

“Where did Dalia and Chad go?” Taylor peered around the room.

I fixated my eyes on a spot on my pants. I aimlessly twirled a finger around as I replied to her, “Dalia has to ask him questions. They’re in the sitting room.”

“Are you upset?” Taylor reached a hand to pat my arm.

“I’m fine. I really am,” I failed making eye contact.

The truth was, I wasn’t fine. I hated the fact that Chad wasn’t sitting here with me right now. Dalia shouldn’t have taken him away like that.

“What’s Gucci my niggers?” A male voice called from upstairs, breaking my thoughts.

Two male laughs filled my ears.

My friends and I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew it would be Carter and Colton. I was excited to introduce them to Cara and Taylor. Maybe Colton would crush on them instead of me.

Two pairs of feet rambled down the stairs. Laughter grew louder and louder as the boys approached us.

“Hey ladies,” Colton struck a pose at the foot of the stairs.

Cara’s eye lit up with excitement. I knew she found him attractive, how could you not? His eyes sparkled and a goofy grin plastered his face. Colton’s hair had been perfectly messy. I almost thought he fixed it up like that.

Trying not to be rude, I rose from my seat and waltz over to him.

“Aubrey. Oh my god, bring it in baby.” Colton chuckled.

The smell of alcohol was present in his breath. I inferred the boys had their own fun before coming over. Peering over Colton’s shoulder, I spotted Carter playing on his phone. He must have been waiting for his turn to make an entrance.

Catching me off guard, Colton wrapped his arms around me. His arms tied tightly around my arms. Moving away from him was completely out of the question. I could barely breath. It was almost a good feeling thought. I’m not going to lie; I liked it. I enjoyed the giggles from my friends as Colton squeezed me tightly while rocking back and forth.

Colton let go off me too quickly and I stumbled back.

“Sorry Aubrey. I did not mean to do that,” Colton tried not to slur his words.

Colton’s attention span seemed to be shortened as he glanced over to my right. He must have been looking at either Cara or Taylor. I must admitted, I’m not surprised.

“Well fuck me sideways, you two are fine as shit.” Colton bit his lip.

Oh, he was drunk. Defiantly piss drunk. I hoped Carter wasn’t this bad. Dalia and him have gotten along very well lately and this would just crush her.

“Hello there. I’m Colton,” Colton laughed as he bowed. He couldn’t help but stumble forward when he straightened up.

Taylor giggled and bit her bottom lip. Sometimes around cute boys, Taylor grew a shell. She was always the girl who was laid back.

Cara stepped in to save it from going too awkward, “Hi there. I’m Cara. This is Taylor.”

“Nice to meet you ni-“

Carter cut him off, “Okay bitches! My turn!”

Carter ran down the stairs, tripping into me. I fell off balance when he knocked into me. Luckily, I caught myself but hitting my head near the stair banister.

“Aubrey, right? My little brother wants to date you so bad. Go out with him so he can shut the fuck up,” Carter crept close to my face.

As like his brother, Carter’s breath was rich in alcohol. I was curious how they got here. Hope to god they didn’t drive.

Trying to distract myself, I turned to look at Colton. He was to intoxicate to realize what Carter and I were talking about.

Dalia’s voice traveled into the room, “Baby? Are you here?”

Now’s my chance, I thought. I scooted away from Carter and Dalia and went to find Chad. Why hasn’t he come back out here yet? I prayed it wasn’t because Colton had gotten here.

As I walked toward the sitting room, I checked the clock on my phone. It had only been 10 minutes since the set time. I’m sure Chad’s friends would arrive soon.

I poked my head in the sitting room and found Chad. He sat with his head buried into his hands.

“Ch-Chad?” I stuttered.

Chad picked his head up with a worried look. “Hey baby.” He tried to play it cool as he stood up. His feet carried him over to me.

Before I knew it, Chad had collapsed into me. His arms clutched me tightly against his chest.

“Chad, what’s wrong?” my voice shook with fear. My hands traced his spine slowly.

  “I’m okay. Let’s go enjoy everyone else. Okay?” Chad squeezed me.

This was weird. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Positive.” Chad pulled back and put an obviously fake smile on his face.

Our fingers locked together and we cautiously walked back into the great room. Dalia and Carter had started making out already. To my surprise though, Cara, Taylor and Colton had started to dance. No music was playing but they all appeared to be having the time of their lives.

“That him?” Chad’s voice was low as we approached them.

I didn’t answer. It was a rhetorical question. Chad knew exactly who it was. That almost scared me.

What also scared me is what Dalia must have told him. His mood and flipped completely. He wasn’t even acting like himself. What was even going on?

“Hey Aubrey! Come dance with us. You too Chad.” Cara laughed and pushed her bangs to the side.

I gave Chad a questioning look and he replied with a smile. We intruded to circle and danced around crazy with the others. At some point someone had turned the music on. We were going crazy.

Colton placed his hands on my hips and swayed me along to the music. I’m glad we were able to push past things and become friends. He was so fun.

“ Why the fuck you touching my girl?” Chad’s voice boomed, breaking my trance.