The Quiet Ones

24. Crying at Twilight

I walked up the uneven cobble staircase of the dimly lit and cramped hallway as Levi's arm hooked through mine. He was attempting to hold me up and stop me me from falling, but the heel of my shoes kept digging in between the cracks of slate and caused my ankle to tremble in discomfort.

"We're almost there," he reaffirmed me for the fifth time while he tried to adjust his tie with the arm he had free.

Yet, this time he was right. Only eight stairs later we arrived at the landing of the restaurant. It was decorated with bright string lights, and flashes from televisions shone throughout the room as people treaded around the small crowded tables carrying trays and platters of hot meals and cold beverages. The bar, however, took away from the rustic and cozy feel when large men cheered and slammed their drinks against the wooden table every time the baseball team had a good hit.

We looked past the eager and sweaty men and towards the back, where we found the booth where Avery was sitting and fiddling with her necklace while Nathan took quick sips of his soda and looked around anxiously. I couldn't blame him though - I was just about as nervous as we was.

"They're over there," I pointed, causing Avery to spot my hand and wave us over.

Nathan's eyes went wide as he placed his drink on his coaster quickly before slyly sliding an arm around Avery's shoulders. Levi did the same, except he walked almost in a skip with excitement for meeting my friends. I felt bad for him because all he wanted was for my friends to like him, but Nathan already has a reason not to.

"You guys are here!" Avery exclaimed while sliding out of the booth and away from Nathan's embrace to fix her tight skirt and hug both me and Levi. Nathan was quick to follow, giving me a small hug, and Levi, a simple handshake. Though, Levi was happy with whatever he got.

"Come sit," she insisted while following Nathan back into the leather booth so he could place his arm around her neck once again. It's almost sad how hard he's trying.

Levi grabbed my hand under the table and locked his fingers through mine. He was doing a trick that I had taught him only hours before. Our deal was that if either Avery or Nathan asked him a question that he was uncomfortable with answering, he would squeeze my hand hard. And if I was uncomfortable with something Levi was talking about to them, I would squeeze his hand hard. It wasn't the most unique nor the cleverest technique we've ever thought of, but at the time it was the best system we had.

"It's so nice to finally meet you!" Avery exclaimed to Levi while she took a sip from her cup and fell deeper into Nathan's hug. "Parker has told us so much about you, haven't you Parker?"

I nodded quietly and looked down at the napkin placed lightly on my lap while my face flooded red with embarrassment. I squeezed onto Levi's hand and caused him to laugh quietly under his breath.

"So, how long have you guys known Parker?" Levi asked while pulling the menu towards himself.

"Forever," Nathan said without second thought. His eyebrows furrowed as he squinted at Levi and challenged him to speak another word.

"Oh, cool," Levi mumbled while giving my hand a squeeze and causing me to jump at the sudden realization that he was feeling uncomfortable.

"Hey guys, did I tell you that Levi and I aren't in the taggers anymore?" I asked. I know this may not make Levi feel anymore comfortable, but I know he'd much rather talk about this than about how little he knows of me. Plus, Levi already wanted to tell them anyway.

"No way," Nathan said almost sarcastically. Avery already had a bit of a hint at the fact that we were kicked out, but I guess she forgot to inform Nathan.