The Fault in Our Infinities

Chapter 10: Night's Mask

Augustus Waters

I don't see her disappear.

At first, I stand there, leaning against the bar with Isaac, necking another shot. When I go to slam the empty glass on the counter, I see her.

Hazel Grace Lancaster stands in the darkened corner of the room, looking mildly uncomfortable and out of place, her fingers winding around her oxygen tube. She stares at the people on the dance floor, a mixture of envy and disgust in her gaze.

I can't help the grin that spreads on my face. It's been a few weeks since I've last seen her, and God knows I've missed her witty comments and serene yet playful smile. She is beautiful, and I enjoy looking at beautiful things. I admire her for a moment before turning to the bar man and ordering another set of drinks.

"Dude," Isaac says, casting me a side glance. "Why have you got this stupid-ass grin on your face?"

I shake my head. "No reason."

When I turn back around, she's gone.

A forewarning shiver slithers up my spine, alarm bells ringing in my head. I nudge Isaac.

"What?" He asks, necking his shot.

"She's gone."

"Who's gone?" He sounds impatient now, but I think he hears the panic in my voice because he pays me full attention now. "Gus, what's wrong?"

I gesture over to the corner where she had been stood. "Hazel. She was just there a second ago."

"She's probably walked away."

"You're not understanding, Isaac." I say, pushing my weight off the bar stool. "No girl with lung cancer can move that fast."

I make my way across the club, pushing and shoving past the other dancers. Isaac calls after me but I don't have time to answer. A horrible chilling sensation has crept over me and I know something is wrong. I keep my eyes peeled for Hazel, in case I am over-reacting, but I don't see her. I didn't expect to.

It takes me another minute to push past the crowd, by which time Isaac is at my side. "Dude." He says, trying to regain my attention.

I am in the corner. I am in the dark corner of the club and she is not here. She is nowhere to be seen. I turn, my eyes seeking the glitter of the purple dress she'd been wearing. I can't see her.

"Isaac, she's fucking gone."

Isaac exhales and I know he is worried now. He knows I don't swear often. He knows I am serious.

"She might have gone out the fire exit." He points to a dull green, glowing sign just five metres away, tucked into an alcove. It is an emergency exit and it's been left ajar.

I yank Isaac's shirt, pulling him along with me as I stride towards the door. He doesn't protest. A sick feeling is building in my stomach and I am grateful that the alcohol hasn't got into my blood stream yet. The last thing I need right now is to be drunk.

I push open the door and stagger out.

It takes me less than a second to process what's happening. Hazel's eyes find mine and they widen with relief and alarm. She struggles against the man that holds her, releasing his hold on her mouth to cry, "Gus!"

I don't know which of us leap into action first, me or Isaac, but suddenly, at the sound of her desperate voice, I see red.

"Get your fucking filthy hands off her, you asshole!" I shout, launching myself off the steps and into the alley. The man steps away from Hazel and she falls, her weight no longer supported. Beside me, Isaac is bellowing a stream of profanities at the man and we stalk him as he backs into the blocked end of the alley. I lunge at the man, and he holds his arms up to block my punches. I want to at least get two clean hits. One for me, and one for Hazel Grace.