His Purple Eyes

Chapter 12

We were just sitting on the ground, hugging each other and apologizing. We both lost our cool and regret hit us like a bus. Neither of us cared who saw us. We were each others friend, the only other person who understood what being an orphan was like in that damned town.

"I am so sorry. You hate me now and its all my fault." Atticus buried his face in his hands. I ran my hand up and down his back. "We both made mistakes; too much stress. But I don't hate you. I'm sorry too." We both stood up and I saw the dent in the van. That made both of us move a bit faster to the car. We got in and started driving.

As we drove home, I couldn't believe Gabriel just left. He saw our argument and he ditched. There must have been an explanation. He was a kind person. Maybe he didn't want to be in cross fire and I didn't blame him.

We got home soon after. I didn't want to go in because I knew Daniel and his family would be there. I also found out they were staying for the rest of the month.

We got inside and looked around. No one was in the living room. We followed the voices to the kitchen. They were all eating pizza. "Hey guys, want a slice of pizza?" One of Daniel's brother asked. His name was Marcus I think.

"No." We both said at the same time. "Whats wrong?" Daniel asked. "A lot is wrong, Daniel.'' Atticus replied. We started walking away when Zaine said, "cheer up, things can't get worse.'' I raised my eyebrows and looked at Daniel. "They don't know?" I asked, referring to the murderers after me. He shook his head. "Keep it that way. No one else needs to know.'' Daniel thought about that.

"What aren't you telling us?" Daniel's cousin asked. The three brothers looked eager to know as well. "There's a group after-" I cut him off quickly. "Did you not hear what I just said to you?" I snapped at him. He couldn't do that to me; tell anyone who asks. "They're my family, they deserve to know." He gestured with his hand towards the group of men. ''They have no connection to me. It's my decision who knows, not yours." I stood my ground. I was tired of fighting with people but I had to defend myself.

"Ok Arianna, that's fair. Would you like some pizza now?" I nodded then took a piece from him. That ended very smoothly. I was scared that he was going to tell them anyways. Daniel respected my choice. It was a mature move for him after what he did to me before.

I went to living room then sat in a chair to eat it. Daniel came in alone. He walked in front of me with his hands in his pockets and his head hung.

"I know how stressed you are. You know, about school and those men and all of the change... Then I go and put more stress on you. I really want to make things better. But I've done a horrible job at it." Daniel was rubbing his forehead and breathing heavy. I did the only thing that felt right, I stood up and hugged him. He ran his fingers through my hair. "I forgive you, but not Zaine, I don't know him well enough yet." I relaxed into Daniel and he whispered, "I'm not ever going to do that again."

We stood there for awhile until Daniel's brother walked in. "Are you coming back to eat your pizza?" He asked, leaning against the door frame. "Not now, Marcus." He replied. So thats his name. He looked very similar to Alex. In fact, the appeared to be twins. "We're going swimming in the back. You two want to come?" Daniel looked down at me and I nodded. "I'll go change." I said.

I walked up the stairs and passed Atticus' room. He had his music blaring. I pounded on his door so he would hear me. He opened the door and was surprised it was me. "Things are good between Daniel and I. We're going swimming out back, do you want to come?" He looked behind him momentarily then shook his head. I nodded and continued to my room.

I changed into high waisted shorts and a crop top. I heard my phone buzz but I ignored it. Making my way downstairs, I saw that everyone had gathered in the kitchen. As soon as I got there, we all piled out of the kitchen. Just so I wouldn't forget, I ran through all the names in my head. Daniel's brothers names were Zaine (the oldest), Marcus and Alex (the twins) and Eaton was the youngest and most shy out of the brothers. I had heard Daniel say their names countless times.