Terror By Night

Chapter 23

"Yes, I was following you. You should be the one explaining to all of us where you've been going and why." I motion with my hand to include the other girls.

"Layken. Do you understand the risk you took? You broke the number one rule. You went out alone!" He's so mad he shoves a chair. This is the first time I've ever witnessed Xavier breaking his calm and controlled exterior.

I'm momentarily suspended in disbelief. I think Xavier's throwing a temper tantrum. This is ridiculous. "Seriously Xavier? Look who's talking. I didn't see you taking Nolan with you. Or is that rule only for us girls? Hypocritical much?" I fold my arms across my chest.

He stands, breathing raggedly through clenched teeth. "No, it's for all our safety. I may have been alone, but you know I don't step out that door unarmed. I can take care of myself. But we aren't talking about me. What can you do? Besides get yourself cornered by four guys with evil intentions." He crosses his arms to mirror my stance. I hear Zoe and Sarah gasp at his revelation. That was not a good way for them to find out. Not ok Xavier.

"I wouldn't have been in that position if it hadn't been for you," I throw back at him, wanting to finger point like a child who doesn't want to admit to her own guilt.

He throws his arms up in the air. "So now it's my fault you followed me alone, attempted to find your own way back and almost got attacked. I thought you were smart."

That was low. I know the saying about pride, but that dart hit home. I advance on him. "I know you're angry. I get it. I made a couple bad decisions." He wants to interject, probably with more snide remarks, but I don't leave him any room. "It doesn't change the fact that you've been lying to us. You've been sneaking behind our backs. How are we supposed to trust you?" I'm breathing hard. We should probably both take a step back but we're in too deep now. We have things to say and there's no more waiting to say them.

"I saved your life. Twice. I would hope that had earned even your trust," he says gruffly. We continue to stare each other down, neither side wanting to give ground.

I hear a commotion behind me. Nolan's come-to finally, not surprising given all the yelling, and is making an appearance. He says sleepily, "What's going on with you two?" rubbing sleep from his eyes with the heels of his hands.

Sarah replies to Nolan by saying, "The parents are fighting." I roll my eyes at her.

Zoe snorts and I throw a quick darting glance her way. She ignores me and chooses to fill Nolan in succinctly. "Xavier's been sneaking out. Layken followed him and got into some trouble with some guys while Xavier came to the rescue."

Nolan turns shocked eyes on the two of us. If he wasn't awake before, he certainly is now. "I hope someone's about to explain what's been going on around here. Layken, sit down. You messed up and you know it. Xavier, forget trying to distract us with whatever nonsense she pulled and start telling us the truth." As he makes his way closer, I hear him grumble, "What I would give for some coffee right now."

I second that feeling. Without much defense, I sit down. There really is no point in arguing with him in this moment. I decide it's better to pick my battles. Besides, I want to hear Xavier's explanations.

Nolan walks over and flops down in the camping chair nearest to mine. He reaches for my hand. "Are you ok Layken?"

Zoe and Sarah both take seats to my right. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to Xavier," I confess begrudgingly. My eyes flick up to him. No matter how upset I'm with him right now, it doesn't change the fact that he saved me back there.

Xavier runs his hands through his hand and takes a breath. He releases it slowly and turns his eyes on each person in the group. Finally, he says. "I'm sorry. It's true I've been keeping some things from you. But I didn't have much choice."