Baby Steps (Mark McMorris FanFic)

Chapter 23

I know this is a really short one, but I'm soon leaving for work and I won't be back until Friday night, so I wanted to update while I could. Sorry!

Craig and I made our way back down to the party. His arm rested on the small of my back, guiding me through the mass of people. Once we were downstairs, I turned to face him.

“Thanks for talking to me Craig, I appreciate it. I just have no idea what I'm going to do now...” I trailed off, spotting Mark in the crowd, with Coco faithfully by his side. To my horror, they began moving towards Craig and I. “Oh God” I muttered, just loud enough for Craig to hear. His hand found my back again, as if steadying me for what was about to come.

“Hey guys!” Said Mark happily. “I haven't seen you two in a while. Partying hard were ya?” He laughed and winked. I could feel Craig tense up while my mouth went as dry as cotton.

 There was an awkward silence, so Mark tried yet again to start up a conversation. “So, Liz, do you wanna help me set up the tent outside?” He must have noticed the strange look on my face, but he clearly misunderstood its meaning. “Oh don't worry, it's one of those insulated ones that's meant for winter camping, I do it all the time! And Coco's gonna bunk with us too if you don't mind.” Coco grinned and giggled, facing only Mark. He grinned back. Meanwhile, I was feeling sick to my stomach. Maybe he thought it was funny, flirting with the barbie doll right in front of me. Did he really have no heart?

It was Craig who spoke up in my place. “Actually Mark, Liz uh, has a bad headache. That's where we were. I was getting her some Advil. But judging by looking at her she's still not doing very good. Maybe you should just drive her back to the resort.” Nervously I looked up, waiting for Mark's response. He looked confused.

“Really? You can't just stick it out for a bit? I mean, it's already 3am, and Coco and I are ready to crash...” He didn't have to say anymore. His answer was clear.

“I'm, uh, I'm fine. Thanks, Craig.” I mumbled, quickly stepping away from the group. I was ready to retreat back to my upstairs hideaway when I heard Craig come after me.

“Liz, Liz stop!” He grabbed my arm. “I brought my car, if you want to drive it back to the resort. It's the red Jeep. He handed me a set of keys and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I'm sorry for my dick brother Liz, I really am. He doesn't deserve you anyway.” And with that he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me with a set of strange keys and an empty heart.