Expectedly Unexpected

Chapter 4

"What have you done to him?!" I exclaimed, concerned for my friend. My hands clenched and I shot a threatening glare in Zach's direction.

He looked over at me, annoyed.

"Nothing! He got wasted at my party, and then randomly sprinted out onto the road, before collapsing on the ground just around the corner. I dragged him here so you could pick him up..."

To say I was shocked would be an understatement, a party? On a Monday?

I felt the muscles in my face soften, seeing the red tinge decorating his cheeks.

"Are you saying you care about him?" I teased.

 "Don't look so smug! I just didn't want him catching pneumonia or something-"

"So you do care!"

"No!" Zach folded his arms and sighed heavily. "I just get caring when I'm drunk,"

I bit my lip to keep in a laugh, bending down and clutching Louis' chin within my hand.

   "You going to be alright to stand Lou?" I asked, only to be on the receiving end of a rather blank stare.

    "Of course not, you idiot. Weren't you listening when I said that I had to drag him here!? The lad's completely wasted," Zach said, his voice clearly laced with bitterness.

     "I tend to switch off while you're speaking. All you say is utter nonsense, normally..." Zach rolled his eyes, pulling down the sleeves on his coat, before he turned around and started walking towards the exit of the park.

   "Hey! Where are you going?" I called, lifting myself up from the ground.

Surely he wasn't going to leave me here, when he knows I'm incapable of moving Louis into my car. He brought him here, so he won't leave, right?

Zach's only response is continuing to walking away.

No, no, he can't leave. I won't be able to fetch Louis to my car, not without his help.

"Zach, get back here!"

Louis was slowly, but surely, falling asleep. Occasional jumps and opening of his eyes occurred whenever I raised my voice.

I sighed heavily through my nose and cupped my hands around my mouth, my eyes trained on the back of the figure, which was gradually getting further and further away.

"Zach!? C'mon, please!?" My throat was now raw and stung whenever I spoke.

"I'm sorry!?" My words came out hoarse and defeated.

I managed to see Zach turn around at the end of the street, and I heaved out a huge breath of relief.

However my relief didn't last long.

Zach's shoulders simply raised before dropping again in some sort of careless shrug, before he pivoted and turned the corner of the street, out of my vision.

'The number you have called is currently unavailable, please-'

I shut off my phone once again, letting it drop onto my lap.

 I was sat on the soggy grass underneath the slide, my head resting harshly on the sturdy frame. There was a dull ache appearing inside my head, and fatigue made my eyes heavy.

I unlocked my phone before tapping onto recent calls. I clicked Rich's number and weakly brought it to my ear, sighing lightly.

The dial tone sounded in my ears, as I peered over at my unconscious friend.

 He had his temple pressed up against my shoulder, with the rest of his body sprawled outwards onto the ground. His face was smooth, his permanent toothy smile hidden by poised lips; even in his sleep, Louis still remained carefree. I was kind of jealous.

I sighed and slowly moved my arm to massage at the tender spot at the back of my head. It's so dark, and peaceful, and I'm so sleepy...

I close my eyes for a second and let my body sink into the grass heavily. It was so tempting, to just give in to sleep, it must be so late.

BRING BRING BRING BRING

I was jolted out of my reverie by my phone's ringtone.

I blearily opened my eyes and fumbled for the phone in my lap. Once it was clutched in my hand, I swiped across the screen to answer the call.

"Hello..?" Beside me, Louis murmured in his sleep, shifting his body to be more comfortable.

"Anna! I've gotten over thirty missed calls from you! Are you okay? What on earth's the matter?" Richard's deep tone was normally soothing, but the way it shrieked through my phone at a fast pace was highly irritating.

"Listen Rich, I am so sleepy right now, it's probably like three in the morning and-"

"2," He corrected.

"Two then!" I grunt and sit up straighter against the slide. "Listen, long story short, Louis and I aren't indoors, we need you to pick us up at Tulip Park. I'll tell you the full story later," I grumble.

"Fine! But only because you're in a foul mood. I expect the details later," Richard promptly hung up after that, because he probably started driving.

I sighed in relief and unconsciously smiled. Now that I knew Rich was on his way, I didn't need to worry anymore, I was too tired to worry. Rich is coming, he'll look after us. We'll be okay.

With the weight off my chest and knowing that my friend was on his way, I finally drifted off to sleep.