Second Shot (Bastille)

20: Feeling safe

*Dans POV* 

*September 2013*

Music flowed out of the door and into the corridor, the choir chorus pulling me closer to Freddie and Sams apartment. After knocking and waiting for a minute, the door was flung open and I was greeted by Sam who excitedly threw her arms up before grabbing my hand and dragging me through the doorway. 

"How is it that you live not even thirty seconds away from us yet you're not only an hour late but also the last one here?" She shouted over the music. 

"I told you Sam, Dan has natural habit of being late for anything important." Freddie interrupted, her voice teasing and her smirk playful. "I'm surprised he makes it to his own gigs half the time" 

"Hey! Hang on, I haven't even been in the room a minute and I'm already being bullied, how is this fair?" I complained, making both girls laugh; Sam guffawed loudly throwing her head back, flicking her now vibrant red hair out of her face while Freddie chuckled softly, the outer corners of her eyes creasing slightly.

"Anyway, this is for you Sam, happy birthday" I passed the bottle of wine that I had clutched in my hand to Sam. She inspected the label before raising a brow, impressed with my choice then darting off with more energy than a child. 

Once I had collected a drink, I joined the group of people who were gathered in the space that had been cleared of the coffee table and sofas, most of them I knew- Kyle and the rest of the band- but there were a few who I didn't recognise- some were from Sam and Freddie's last workplace while others were people they knew from uni or even further back- and I spent the next hour introducing myself while enjoying the music and party atmosphere. 

As the hours passed, the crowd slowly decreased in size until at last, it was just me, Freddie, Sam and Kyle. The music had been turned down and the consumption of drinks had slowed. We were all huddled around the kitchen island, talking casually when a phone started to ring from somewhere.

"Not mine" Sam waved her blank phone screen.

"Or mine" I confirmed, tapping my pocket to make sure my phone was neither ringing or vibrating.

"It's mine" Freddie crossed the room and scooped up her mobile. Her brow furrowed for a second as she realised who was calling, whoever it was, but her expression swiftly turned worried as she answered and rushed into her room.
Sam and I exchanged concerned glances. Something told me it wasn't Rowan, feeling certain that if it was Freddie wouldn't be so quick to answer nor would she had left to talk in private. But then, who could it have been?
After what felt like hours, Freddie returned, however, her face was painted white and her eyes were bloodshot, rubbed raw.

"Hey Fred, what's up? Who was that?"

"It was Chris, um, my dad's been rushed to hospital, apparently he was uh, struggling to breath and his heart rate was really slow" Freddie let out a shaky breath as Sam leapt to her side and pulled Freddie into a tight, protective hug. "Can I take your car? There'll be no trains at this time."

"I'll drive you" I offered, not even registering my own words. "It's not a good idea for you to drive while you're worrying about your dad." Sam nodded in agreement and for a minute there was a silence; Freddie flicked her glance between Sam and I, deciding if she really wanted me with her.

"You sure you don't mind?" She finally asked uncertainly. 

I shook my head "It'll ease all of us if we know someone's with you" 

"Okay, let's go" Freddie and I collected our things before heading down to the garage and climbing into Sams car. 

-X-