Wanderers (1st Draft)

Lights Out

James

James slouches down in his chair and glares at his empty glass. As soon as Snake had left the table, Rixton and Alice went to go dance, leaving him alone. He had started out by watching them, but seeing them together sent a wave of jealously crashing over him. Part of him feels guilty for lying to Rixton and for not being there when Alice needed him, but the other part is furious at Rixton for stabbing him in the back. He just doesn't understand how his best friend could to that to him.

"He always that charming with girls?" The waitress says bitterly as she comes to a stop next to his table. He looks up at her to find her staring at something across the room. He follows her gaze to Rixton and Alice. Rixton spins Alice around then pulls her close to him. She laughs, her dress flowing around her.

"Charms them, then leaves then." James says looking back at the waitress. "Or forgets them in your case."

The waitress looks down at him. "Can I get you another drink?"

James glance at his drink then looks back up at the waitress. "No, thank you."

The waitress gives him a weak smile then walks away. James turns his attention back to Rixton and Alice. Even from where he sits, he can see Alice's eyes light up when she smiles. Another wave of jealously washes over him and he looks back down at the table. Across from him Rixton's glass catches his eye. He reaches over and picks it up. It's still mostly full. In one quick motion he drinks the rest of the whisky. When he finishes he slams the glass on the table and stands up. He marches across the dance floor, towards Rixton and Alice.

"Mind if I cut in." James says as he comes up behind Rixton.

Rixton turns around to look at him. There's a lost panic in his eyes. He glances over his shoulder at Alice. She nods her head and he steps to the side, letting James take his place. He takes one last glance at Alice before walking to the edge of the dance floor. James waits until he is out of earshot to start talking.

"He doesn't do commitment." James says.

"What?" Alice asks, looking at him for the first time since they started dancing.

James looks down at her. "Rixton, he doesn't do commitment. Can't do commitment." When Alice doesn't say anything he continues talking. "He's selfish and only cares about himself. He gets what he wants then leaves. He doesn't love, he doesn't care. He's using you and you're going to get hurt."

"Shut up." Alice snaps. She drops her hand from his shoulder and takes a step back. "Just shut up."

At that moment Rixton walks up to them. "Alice. Snake's back and he has..." He trails off when Alice goes stiff.

She stares at something behind Rixton, something that puts fear in her eyes. James turns around to see what she's looking at. Standing at the edge of the dance floor are Snake and Chris. James looks back at Alice to find her shaking her head.

"I can't do this. I can't..." She says. Her voice shakes and she takes another step backwards.

"Yes you can." Rixton takes a step forwards, closing the gap between him and Alice. "I promise you he won't hurt you. You can stand behind me and James. He won't touch you."

Rixton looks over his shoulder at James. His eyes plead James to let go of his anger and do this for Alice.

James lets out a sigh and nods his head. "Rixton's right. We won't let him hurt you." He says.

"Okay." Alice says quietly.

James nods his head. He turns around and leads the way up to Snake.