Bi the Curb

Chapter 4: Walking

Rodney's fists clenched at his sides as Hunter continued to talk down about Ally, the small group turning on his former best friend. Rodney didn't want to hear anymore, so he slowly entered the room. The pounding music and chatter from the party outside the room were a distant hum as Rodney felt his head start to throb.

"Enough," Rodney muttered under his breath, shoving his way to the front of the group where Hunter was delivering his speech.

"What the hell dude, you made me spill my drink," someone called out, the group fell silent as their attention fell on the scene.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to," Rodney picked up the red solo cup from the floor, while the girl looked down at the stain on her dress.

Hunter's eyebrows raised as he watched Rodney hand the drink back. "I think there are some towels in the bathroom we can use to get that out. Rodney, why don't you join me?" He led the way out of the room, strolling to the bathroom with the purpose.

Once inside the marble-accented room, Rodney wasted no time. "What was all the stuff you were saying about Ally?" he asked, the words tumbling out as he watched Hunter pull some towels out of the closet.

Hunter turned back to look at him, feigning confusion. "That stuff was the truth. I've heard all about what she did to you,"

"How did you hear about that?" Rodney cut him off, feeling very exposed. He hadn't told Hunter about it, after all, Hunter confused him and he was never really sure what he wanted.

"Jordan told me about it." Hunter tapped the side of his nose with a smirk. "I just noticed you've been off so I asked them."

Rodney's skin prickled with unease. "Hunter please don't ruin Ally's life because of me. I am so tired of everybody claiming they are trying to help me by hurting her. I want everyone to stop assuming they know what I want."

Without waiting for a reply, Rodney spun on his heel and left, the door slamming behind him as he decided he was done with this party.

He stormed through the party, eyes straight ahead, ignoring the curious glances his abrupt exit earned. He needed space, a moment to breathe without feeling like he was being analyzed.

"Rodney?" Jordan's voice carried over the music as they tried to wave him over. "Come join us,"

"Sorry I need some air," Rodney said, not wanting to talk to them. "Going for a walk."

"Want company?" Jordan offered, noticing Rodney looked off.

"Stay with Samantha," Rodney replied, his pace quickening. "I'll be fine alone."

Jordan nodded, stepping aside as Rodney pushed through the front door and into the cool embrace of the evening.

The long driveway stretched out before him, and the perfectly manicured lawn rustled in the breeze. As he walked toward the street he heard the doors swing open and the sound of footsteps begin to follow. Rodney turned, expecting to find Jordan, but instead found Hunter, chest heaving slightly from the chase.

"Look, I'm sorry," Hunter panted, looking up at him with a sincerity that Rodney didn't know he was capable of. "I should have minded my own business. I get why you're pissed."

Rodney crossed his arms. "Yeah, I am. But I am mostly tired, it's hard to move on when everyone keeps bringing her up."

"Point taken." Hunter held up his hands in surrender. "I promise I won't say another word about Ally. Your business is your business."

Rodney exhaled, the tightness in his chest easing ever so slightly. "Thanks," he managed to say with the smallest smile.

"Can you forgive me?" Hunter's voice was low, his breath forming clouds in the chilly air. "You know I care about you, Rodney. I have all these weird feelings when I am around you. Sometimes I just.. you know?"