Because I had you//Sweet Pea

4

   I wandered the south side; annoyed and scared. I couldn't go home and I didn't have any back up places to stay. To be honest, I almost always had someone to walk with, unless Malachai was being a dick. I still can't believe he kicked me out. After everything we had been through, and everything tomorrow, he was just gonna throw me out.

I crossed my arms, my thin jacket wrapping around my body very lightly causing me to shiver. A random bench caught my eye. It was empty and in a shaded area. I sat down, putting my bag next to me.

   The sun was slowly going down, so I peeled off my thin sweater and threw on the only hoodie I had. My leggings didn't really help keep me warm, so I still shivered and had random chill attacks. I watched the sun sink down, the blue skies fading to pink and orange; the clouds getting darker and more prominent, then disappearing. The pink and orange faded after a while to dark blue again, til soon it was pitch black outside.

   "Allison?" A male voice called. I brought my legs up, burying them in my sweatshirt, and throwing on my hood. "Go away Fangs!"

   "What are you doing out here?" He ignored my demand. "Just enjoying a night out." I sighed, taking off my hood. "Alone In the south side at night? You know better than anyone how dangerous it is for a girl to be alone out here."

   "Wish I didn't know." I muttered. He gulped, hearing my bitterness. "Do you want me to take you back to Malachais?" Fangs offered, a hopeful look on his face. I scoffed, "that's a death wish. And besides, I can't go back." I decided to admit.

   "Why not?"

   "I was kicked out." I rolled my eyes just thinking about the interaction. "Where are you staying then?"

    I stayed quiet, shrugging. I mean I really didn't know. Probably on this bench tonight and the school or something tomorrow. I had no friends to couch jump to. "Let me get you a drink," he held his hand out. I hesitated, "I cant." An awkward silence fell over us as I shifted uncomfortably on the bench.

"I had nothing to do with it, you know?" His face hardened.

"What?"

"I wasn't apart of that shit. I didn't even know about it til after. You can Be mad at Sweet Pea, be mad at Toni. I was for a long time. But don't you look at me like I hurt you, because I didn't."

My breathes became uneven as I looked up at him. I felt a tear run down my cheek, and I didn't bother wiping it away. He instantly wrapped his arms around me, taking me in for a hug. I let out a silent sob, my head resting on his shoulder.

   "It's gonna be okay." He whispered, rubbing my back. I pulled away, letting out a soft chuckle. "I'm sorry." I sniffed, wiping away my tears. "Don't be." He placed his hand on my knee cap. I froze, looking down. He quickly pulled his hand away. "Let me get you a drink."

   I nodded, taking his hand. "I don't think they wanna see me at the Whyte Wyrm."

   "Of course they do. You were family once."

   We made our way to the bar, catching up and talking about everything that happened. "You think you'll ever be able to forgive him?" Fangs asked, getting serious again.

   "I don't know. Everyone thinks I'm over reacting, but I don't think they get it." I confessed, "I mean I wanna forgive them so bad, but I can't trust them."

   He nods, as we step up to the shining logo of the Whyte Wyrm. "You ready?" He looks over at me.

   I reluctantly nod, pushing open the doors. It looks like everyone's here. I mean it is Friday. There's guys downing shots, playing arcade games, looking at the strippers. I refuse to look over at the pool table, knowing if Sweet Pea was here, that's where I'd find him. Fangs guided me over to the bar, where Toni was working her shift. Her mouth gaped open at the sight of me, and she hesitantly walked over to us. "What can I get you guys?"

   "2 shots of vodka." Fangs replies for me. She nods, sharing a confused look with Fangs. She poured the shots and went to go tend to another. "I know you don't like downing the shots. You can just sip-"

   I cut him off by downing it, letting the burning liquor hit the back of my throat and I shook my head from the bitter taste. "Damn."

   "You get used to downing shots when you hang with Malachai." I shrugged.

   He downed his shot, also making a sour face and I couldn't help but laugh at how he overdramatized the taste. He never makes a face when he does shots. Fangs is like a pro.

   "Fangs." A deep voice behind me made me jump. "We need to talk." Sweet Pea was angry.

   Fangs sighed, hopping off the stool and following Sweet Pea across the bar. I rolled my eyes, facing the other way. My phone buzzed and I look down to see Malachai calling me. I reluctantly answered, knowing he'd probably send someone to find me if I didn't.

   "What?" I bitterly asked. "Babe, where are you?"

   "None of your business."

   "Please come home." He pleaded. "You kicked me out."

   "And I regret it. The race is tomorrow. I need my girl by my side."

   I bit my lip, "why should I?"

   "Because I miss you and I love you." He just said I love you. God, why can I not leave him?
Why do I continue to go back to him? Why can I feel my legs aching to walk back to his place and to be in his bed when he's such an asshole?

   "You have one more chance Malachai. Blow it and we're over." I hung up the phone and grabbed my bag, hopping off the stool. "Leaving so soon?" Toni narrowed her eyes at me.

   "Not in the mood Toni."

   She put her hands up in surrender, walking away. I made my way past the crowded room and pushed the doors open, leaving.

   "Back off, dude. I didn't do shit." I whipped my head to see Fangs pushing Sweet Pea. "What the hell man?" Sweet Pea pushes back.

   "Hey!," I ran over, "knock it off." I got in between them. Sweet Pea shrugged me off, "Whatever." He shoved the Wyrm doors open, stomping inside.

   "Sorry." Fangs sighed. "It's okay. I need a favor."

   "What's up?" He brushed off his jacket. "Do you think you could give me a ride back to Malachais?"

   "Why in the hell would you wanna go back there?" Fangs cocked his eyebrow at me. "I need to be there for him. Please."

   He sighed, "let's go."

   He hopped on a bike, but it wasn't his. "Are we stealing Sweet Peas bike?" I ask. "He gave me the spare keys a while ago. I'll be back in time and he'll never know."

   I giggled, holding onto his waist. He sped off, my face burying into his back.

   We pulled up to Malachais and I hopped off. "I'd go before Malachai sees a serpent here."

   He nods, taking up the stand. "But thanks though. For being there for me tonight. and taking me here. I owe you one."

   "You don't owe me anything." He smiled at me, before speeding off. I looked over at Malachais in agony, rushing to the door and knocking on it.

   Malachai opened the door, smiling and pulling me in by the waist, smashing our lips together. He released, slamming the door behind me.

   "It's only been a couple hours and I was already miserable. I missed you babe."

   I hesitated, "I missed you too."

   He pulled me in again, and we made our way to his bedroom.