A Deadly Affair

Twenty-Five

It's five am, when I'm sitting around the almost unused kitchen table at our apartment. Maya leans against Ben's arm while she sleeps, while I sit across from them and Josh sits at the head, ice on his ribs, and a bandage over the two cuts on his face. While Ben went to pick up Maya (who resisted, but Ben isn't playing games anymore), Josh relayed his attack to me as I cleaned up his cuts and assessed his ribs. He was inside when he noticed someone near his truck; he went outside, and was blindsided by four guys. They left when they heard Ben's car coming down the street; which is good for Josh because one more hit and his rib really would have been broken. The front door opens, startling Maya, and gaining everyone's attention but mine. I know it's Ryan, and I really don't feel like being lectured right now: but to my surprise his anger is directed at his best friend.

"I can't believe you let her go." He states, anger evident in his voice and the tension rolling off of him as he stands behind me. I don't have to look to know he's glaring. Ben raises one hand since the other is cemented by Maya's leaning on his arm.

"She wouldn't have listened to me." He argues, not seeming sorry. I'm too tired to interject, defend anyone, especially myself. Maybe it was dumb to go: but it was my best friend, and he was attacked because of me. I slide out of my chair wordlessly, slowly making my way to the kitchen and grabbing the coffee pot: I hate coffee but we all need some type of caffeine. I got a few hours of sleep, and I'm ready to attack anyone who even speaks to me, so I know Ryan has to be irritated, and I can't deal with him like that right now. I move around the kitchen, aware of Ryan's gaze following my every move as I reach up to grab the coffee bag he uses. I'm too short to reach it, so I place one knee on the counter, hauling myself up some and gripping the bag. Once I land back to the ground, I shake the bag, feeling frustration overtake me as I realize it's empty. I turn away from everyone, tears pricking my burning eyes as I set the bag down on the counter. A hand touches my elbow, and I sniff, wiping tears angrily.

"The stupid bag is empty." I mutter, exhaustion getting the best of me. Ryan rubs my back, shielding me from everyone else by shifting his body in front of me. "We need caffeine." I state dumbly, avoiding his eyes by staring at the spotless kitchen counter.

"I'll go get some in a minute. Are you okay?"

"Fine." I mutter, crossing my arms, feeling defensive. "Go ahead and shout at me."

"I'm not going to do that." He replies, turning me gently to him, meaning I finally look up at him because he's not letting me out of this. He's worked all night, and he still looks incredible, while I've been awake almost all night, and look like a goat. Or whatever animal people look like when they don't get enough sleep.

I wipe my nose with my sleeve, which is gross, but I could care less right now. I'll wash my tee later. "Did everything go okay at work?"

He nods, before a ghost of a smile passes his face. "We had a bar brawl, but Skull finished it by himself." I can't help but smile, thinking of the burly man who Ryan said was skull; happy he was breaking up fights and not Ryan. I feel another wave of emotion and lean my head against his chest, craving his comfort. He rests one hand on my back, while trailing his fingers up my chill bumped arm.

"I couldn't have stayed here." I tell him. He doesn't respond, but something tells me he understands because he doesn't argue.

"Want to go with me to get coffee?" He asks, and I nod into his chest. He kisses the top of my head, then takes my hand, leading me back to everyone else. "We're getting coffee. Anyone want anything?" This perks Maya up and she nods quickly.

"Jules knows my order." She says, and Josh grimaces as he moves toward us.

"Mine too," He grumbles, leaning back in his chair, letting his head fall against the back; I offer him a look of pity, that rib must be hell right now.