The Ride of a Lifetime

15. Stupid

"Mr Kine? I'm so sorry about what happened."

Exhaustion weighed on his features. Having known me for as long as Jayden and I have been friends, he quickly dismissed my apology.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. It's that boyfriend of yours. I don't mean to be rude but he has a lot to learn." I silence, understanding the truth behind his words but undeniably feeling a bit unsettled.

"Do you happen to know where Lachlan might be?"

The man shakes his head sadly. "The boy didn't let us call an ambulance, saying it would be too much trouble. My wife has gotten him into our guest room upstairs."

I nod politely, noticing that people were sparing me weary glances. I grind my teeth, quickly finding my heels and holding them in one hand.

One guy cheered as I walked past, saying something like 'don't go round messing with boys' hearts, sweetie.' I didn't try to hear him, fearing I might just throw the heels at his fucking face.

A woman was whispering into someone's ear. It took everything in me not to throw a sarcastic comment about their not-so-discreet volume.

Axel emerges from nowhere, silently following me.

"Your brother and the others went to clean the living room."

"The party was cut short."

"I don't see the point in risking another assault."

Jesus. 

I didn't reply, climbing up the stairs. A half open door catches my eye and I hastily make my way over.

Axel remains behind me as I gently push the door fully, revealing Lachlan laying hopelessly on the bed.

Mrs Kine was squeezing a towel of water, glancing up as I walked in. 

The accusation was clear on her face. I force myself to focus on my friend.

"I'm sorry. Truly, to you and Lachlan both." I mumble, unsure if they wanted me here or not.

It's sensible to assume the latter. Until Lachlan attempts to sit up and I step forward instinctively.

Jayden's mother frowns. "Lay back down before I tape you to the bed." He helplessly obeys.

"I'm not pressing charges, Luna."

I didn't know whether that was what I was expecting. Hell, I barely even thought about the legal ramifications at all.

Nevertheless, I smile gratefully at him, a weight that didn't exist before freed from the situation.

"I'll make Javis apologise."

"No, it was a mistake on my part. I shouldn't have forced myself onto you like that. I'm sorry, I didn't know what I was thinking."

Jade, who was now padding the cloth onto his face, wasn't able to stop the gasp. 

It seems most people must have thought Javis exploded simply because I was dancing with another guy.

"He needs time to rest. The impact made his head hit the ground more times than any human can withhold." The slight distaste was gone from the woman. She was merely stating fact.

"Thank you for taking care of him. I promise I'll find a way to repay you." With that I slowly turn around and meet Axel outside the room. I was honestly glad to have escaped the fact that Lachlan exposed the uncomfortable experience to my best friend's mum.

We descend the stairs in silence.

I run my hand through my hair and stand awkwardly before the hustling of people throwing rubbish into garbage bags.