Malediction

28 - Truck & Unicorn

Together, Danny and I walked alongside each other, careful of the space between our bodies. Every moment his figure became too close, flashbacks of the moment he had grabbed my waist at his grandfathers home rushed back. It was a simple gesture, much like the handshake he had given my mother, but it was small contact that could potentially have horrific consequences.

The closer we became to the hall, to the open courtyard, noise of life became gradually louder. Lights were brighter, voices of many lost in their own worlds. As we entered the assortment of crowds that had already formed, I became well aware that eyes were drawing on us, in particular, Danny. It wasn't normal for him to be out in public, at an event, during the night. It wasn't something anyone had ever seen, nor was the outfit and class he had emerged with.

Rumours were sure to circulate, and either way our night would go, good or bad, our appearance in itself was going to change everything. I was prepared for whatever would come, regardless, but what I wasn't prepared for was Danny and his own personal decisions.

Slowly moving forward, I caught sight of my friends. I gave a small wave to Skyler who stood with a polished James, Justin and an elegant Cara. They looked like they were ready to step onto a movie set, a movie setting fit for royalty. Suddenly I felt inferior, the only one who opted for a low key colour and style.

Clearing his throat, Danny prepared himself for the human interaction he knew was coming. Would he make eye contact? Would be avoid my girlfriends? Would he act differently or would he remain his normal statuesque self?
My questions were soon answered.

"You look beautiful!" Skyler pulled me into a gentle hug the second we were in front of them

"You do too" I told her

"How did you get your hair so perfect Em?" Cara shook her head, giving me the same greeting Cara had

I shrugged "A hell of a lot of hairspray"

Politely shaking hands with their dates, clean, shaven, fresh, I knew the moment was now to introduce my own date.

"James, Justin, this is Danny, Danny, James goes to school with us and Justin works in town but finished school 2 years ago" I informed each side, nervously waiting what would happen "And you know Skyler and Cara briefly" I added

Cara and Skyler gave a small nod and 'hey' in response, whereas the boys held their hands out for him one by one. Thankfully, like he had with my mum, Danny didn't hesitate, taking their greetings firmly. I watched his face from the corner of my eyes, his gaze surprisingly on all 4 of the people in front of us.

"Nice to meet you all, properly" He smiled charmingly, his voice calm

"We're surprised to see you here Danny" James began "Not a big people person are you?"
It wasn't snide, it was more a desperate way to converse without silence taking over

Danny shook his head, a small smirk in place, his head remaining up "No, not really, I mean it's hard when your past affects your future"

"I've never really believed the crap people have said about you and your little bro, and whatever your pops did has nothing to do with you guys, we aren't all the same" James continued, respectfully building on his trust

"I agree" Justin teamed up "We aren't all like that Mathew moron"

Had everyone known of my ex's cruel antics? I wondered if he would show tonight, what condition he would be in. His appearance concerned me, as it always did.

"I appreciate that" Danny told them, his hands burying in his pants pockets, his tone genuine

This was the side I had wanted to reveal to him. He wouldn't harm anyone by making male friends. I was proud of the introductions that had been made, they were a solid base for possible future friendships.