Blame

Chapter 14 (Him)

        Dan finished his last slice of pizza and leaned against the seat, slowly exhaling. The bus was getting stuffy with everyone in it, and he looked around observing everyone else. He hadn't noticed how absolutely exhausted he was. Maybe it was the time difference that he wasn't used to or maybe it was all the events that had happened tonight, and maybe it was the awful fight he had with Max. 

        He looked over and saw her leaning her head on Katie's shoulder. Katie was saying something to her and Max smiled. God, how he missed the good times, her smiles and her laughter. Dan then watched Kyle approach the girls with an apologetic look and Max's smile vanished. She said something to him and he walked away, contacting his eyes with Dan's.

        "Everything alright?" Dan asked, curious what Kyle had said.

        "Yeah mate." Kyle said, taking a swig of his beer.

        "What did you tell her?" Dan persisted, but Kyle didn't reply.

        "If it's about me then I have a right to know."

        "I'm just worried about you two, and I just think you all need to work it out." 

        "Kyle, I really don't think this is any of your business." Dan said angrily, knowing his friend was meaning well but didn't want him involved.

        "Yeah, Max told me that much." Kyle let out a sarcastic laugh and drank some more.

        "Alright boys, this has been great, but we've gotta catch some sleep." Sebastian stood up downing the last of his beer. Adam was already passed out on one of the sofas, so Brendan and Fredrick had to help him out of the bus.

        "See you all in the morn!" Will shouted after them and soon it was just the boys of Bastille and the two girls, who were almost falling asleep.

        "Hey, that sofa unfolds, it can give you more room." Woody offered and the girls stood up, so he could unfold it.

        "Alright, good night ladies." Will hopped onto one of the bunks and rolled over. Kyle patted Dan's shoulder and followed Will and Woody. Dan sat at the table, looking at Max as she lay facing him, with her eyes closed. Her curls were splayed over the pillow and he watched her there, her breath coming in and out. He wanted to fix everything, but he was completely clueless.

*        *        *

        "So, wanna catch some food with us?" Dan smiled at her as she looked up from her laptop.

        "Uhh...,"

        "Perfect. We're off to Loretto's. Come, come." He motioned for her to follow them,and she had no choice but to close her laptop and climb aboard the van. The interview at the radio station was over, so Max thought her work day was over. Soon, the van arrived at its destination and Dan hopped out, followed by Max.

        "Have fun you two!" Kyle snickered before Dan shut the door and the van sped off.

        "But, aren't they coming?" Max asked in awe, confused about what was happening.

        "Nope. Just us two, they have things to get done apparently. Come on." Dan smiled at her and she adjusted her purse on her shoulder and walked into the restaurant. After being seated, they ordered their food and then he turned to her.

        "So. Tell me about yourself." 

        "What is this?" She laughed nervously tugging at her hair. She could barely look him in the eye, so he placed his hand on hers in attempt to calm her down.

        "It's just me...wanting to know more about you, that's all. I figured we already made out, so time to get to know one another." He grinned at her and Max pulled her hand away, her face getting pink.

        "Look, I already feel embarrased about that, that shouldn't have happened--,"

        "Stop apologizing for that. I liked it, so no harm done." Dan smiled sheepishly at her and then their drinks were brought out. 

        "We're moving past that now." He said, taking a sip of his Coke.

        "Well...okay. In that case, I'm from Seattle and I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing in England." Max looked at him witih skepticism and he burst out laughing. And just like that, Dan and Max were knowing more about each other the old-fashioned way. 

*        *        *

        When Dan opened his eyes, he noticed the sofa in front of him was empty. He got up and looked around in a panic; had Max and Katie gone? He rubbed his eyes and stood up. The boys were still sleeping and he was confused.

        "Listen, it has nothing to do with how I feel about him, because I know I care about him--," 

        Dan stood quietly, listening to Max's voice. He realized it was coming from the front of the bus, and he quietly ventured over, but without letting the girls see him.

        "Then you know this is all so foolish, Max." Katie answered.

        "But I feel like there isn't anything much to do...," Max paused and Dan decided to interrupt them. Katie wordlessly stood up and walked out, letting them talk again.

        Dan took her seat and stared out the window. Seattle was white and it was beautiful.

        "It's beautiful." Max all but whispered, and all he could do was nod.

        "I want to apologize, Dan." She said slowly. He turned his head towards her with a questioning expression.

        "Why?"

        "I don't want to fight. I'm tired of it."

        "Me too, Max. Me too. But where do we go from here?" Dan asked, rubbing the sleep from his face.

        "You go on witih your tour and I go back to college. Just like we did."

        "So you're leaving?" 

        "No Dan, I live here. This is my home." Max turned towards him and furrowed her eyebrows.

        "I know...I know." He shook his head and then leaned towards her.

        "Maybe someday we can wake up from our own bullshit and give in to each other." He gave her one last piercing look and got up to leave.

        Long after he left, Max whispered, "Someday."