A Glimpse of Us • Sodapop Curtis

Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ｆｏｒｔｙ-ｆｏｕｒ

Tori

     I wrapped my hand around Toni's wrist to grab his attention and as soon as I did, he looked down at me worried. But, that worried expression soon turned to a confused one. I knew the change in emotions was due to the fact that my mouth was pushed into a straight line, clearly giving off my irritated attitude from the conversation I had just minutes before.

The girl next to him was watching us with a curious look on her face and I couldn't help but to feel anger course through my veins once I saw her face. I couldn't help but to think about this girl dragging my brother back down to the black hole that he was once in. Not only have I sacrificed so much to help him, but I can't let my brother continue down that path again because I feared he wouldn't be able to crawl back out of that hole a second time.

"What's the matter?" Toni asked sincerly, his eyes scanning my face, clearly trying to find an answer.

I took a breath while looking back and forth between the girl and my brother. Toni took notice of this action and looked even more confused, obviously wondering what was running through my mind.

"Who's this girl to you?" I questioned. The words fell out a little harsher than I intended, but at the same time, if Chris was right I wouldn't have no regret about it.

The corner of Toni's mouth twitched and I was sure it was because he was trying to pinpoint why I had a sudden interest in the girl. I mean it did seem a little strange considering how they had been side by side with each other most of the night and now suddenly I was acting all weird about it.

The girl looked a little taken back as well due to my attitude and sudden demand to know who she was.

    Toni eyed the girl before glancing back at me, "What are you going on about Tori?"

Toni knew I wasn't just asking out of no where and most definitly wanted to know why I was even here in the first place.

My eyes landed on the girl for a quick moment and I couldn't help but to give her a glare, especailly with all the thoughts that began to flood my mind once I did.

The girl raised her eyebrow at me before uttering out a, "What's wrong?"

"I don't want you hanging around my brother," I replied back, my tone dry.

Both my brother and the girl looked surprised by the comment, but I was going to stand my ground. Though, the one sober part of my unconcious mind was screaming at me to stop, but to my demise, the majority was inflicted by the effects of the alcohol.

Toni shifted his weight and the girl absolutely had no idea what to say.

"And why is that?" Toni asked, rather sternly, matching the dry tone that was in my voice just seconds ago.

I gulped. I don't know why, but I was nervous to give a reply. It could have been because of the stern look Toni was giving me, or maybe it was just because deep down, I felt like this was a bad idea and I knew that Chris was using me to start drama.

Toni waited for my reply and I was going to back down because of the way my gut was screaming at me. But, I took one look at the girl and Chris's words flowed into my head like the liqour had flowed into my blood stream.

"I heard about her Toni, and I don't think it's a good idea you hang out with her." I mumbled loud enough for only Toni to hear. I know the music and crowd of people drowned out my voice in time before it reached the girls ears.

Toni crossed his arms at me making a certain face that was clearly demanding me to go on, "Why don't you tell me why, Tori."

My heart was pounding in my ears but I went on anyways, "Because it's not a good idea for you to hang out with other druggies," I snapped, upset that he couldn't put two and two together.