loosing game | daniel seavey

chapter twelve

My eyes adjusted to the darkness of my room as I sat up, the ringing louder now that I was awake and annoyed. I didn't even look at it before picking it up and putting it to my ear. The touch of Frank's fur against my arm almost made me jump out of my skin as I laid on my back.

"Malia? Are you awake?" Corbyn's worried voice spoke through the phone.

"Well I don't know Corbyn," I looked at my phone screen, the bright light blinding me. "It's 2:18 in the morning. I love you but what do you want?"

"It's Daniel. He was supposed to meet Jonah at 6 but never showed and when we called to check in, he was out of his mind. It was like he'd spent the entire day drinking." Corbyn's voice was full of worry. I sat up straight. And rubbed my eyes, finally adjusting to the dark. "His brother is out of town and we got a hotel for the night. Can you go over and check on him?"

It was 2 in the morning. Daniel was drunk. And the boys were trusting me with going over there?

"Yea, of course." I answered almost immediately. As Corbyn continued talking, I threw on a hoodie and a pair of leggings, along with whatever shoes I could see in the dark. I was already in my car by the time Corbyn had hung up and sent me his address.

My mind wandered as I drove. Why was Daniel drinking so much? Would he even be up? It was so late. Was he okay? Is he okay? Did he do anything stupid? So many things clouded my mind until the second I pulled up to his house.

He was standing at the door with a girl. She was on the taller side with pitch black hair that reached her shoulders. Daniel leaned in, pressing his lips to hers before turning the other way and closing the door. My heart broke as I sat in my car and watched. I almost felt bad for watching, but what else was there to do. The girl stumbled down the steps, smiling widely as she reached her car. I waited for her to drive out of view to get out of my car.

"Back for more already?" Daniel slurred as he opened the door. I crossed my arms and pursed my lips. When he looked up and saw me, his face dropped. "M-Malia? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to check up on you. Because apparently you're so drunk that you sent Corbyn into a panic attack." I said as Daniel let me in. The last time I was here was the night of his party, the first time I hung out with the boys. It was only about a month ago, but seemed like forever. It seemed much bigger without all the people. I knew he lived with his brother. So he probably knew what it was like to say in one big ass, lonely house.

"I'm fine. You didn't need to come here." Daniel walked ahead of me, annoyance heavy in his voice. He walked to the kitchen and took a sip of whatever was in his cup.

"Think you had enough yet?" I lifted an eyebrow at him and sat down on one of the island chairs. Daniel laughed and shook his cup.

"Think you could loosen up? Here, have some." Daniel sat the cup in front of me. I picked it up and smelt it. The smell alone was enough.

"That's disgusting, how do you drink that?" I kept the cup close to me in hopes he wouldn't drink anymore.

"You lift the cup to your lips and just drink it, duh." Daniel laughed to himself as if it was the funniest thing anyone had ever said. I glared at him and shook my head.

"Are you okay?" I asked after he finally stopped laughing. He shrugged and nodded his head. "Then why are you drinking so much?"

"Because I like to have fun sometimes. You should try it." Daniel threw at me and walked the other direction, rolling his eyes in the process.

"And why are you acting like an asshole all of a sudden?" I followed him up the steps. He walked into his bedroom. Flashes of him and Alexis the night of the party hit me as soon as we walked in. I didn't even wanna take my mind to the girl that was just here.

"You're the one that came here up my ass about how I'm doing. I'm fine, Malia. Just go home." Daniel pulled his shirt over his head without hesitation. His back muscles flexed as he reached above him in the closet to pull out a tank top. I couldn't help but notice every inch of his body move perfectly as he put it on.

"I'm worried about you, Daniel. So is Corbyn. And the other guys. Don't you think this drinking thing is getting out of hand?" For only knowing Daniel for a little over a month, this was my third occurrence with him being drunk. I've seen him at his best and his worst. My heart shattered at the fact knowing he was hurt, but it also glowed brighter than any star over his smile alone. I looked down at my feet, realizing what was happening.

"I''m fine!" Daniel yelled and pounded his fist against the desk. My head snapped up at the sudden sound. Daniel winced in pain and put his hand in the other. I walked over to him to look at it and help if there were any cuts, but Daniel turned away. "I don't need your help."

Something about the tome of his voice and the way he was acting so distant made me do a whole 180. I balled my fist and I could feel my face heat up with anger.

"Fine! I guess I should apologize for only trying to be a friend and making sure you were okay. But since you are and you obviously only need yourself, I'm gonna go." I yelled a little louder than I intended to, making Daniel flinch back.

"Malia, wait-" Daniel's hand gently wrapped around my wrist. His voice was softer, more gentler. I shook out of his grip.

"No, Daniel! You don't need my help remember? And what help would I be? You can't help someone if they can't help themself." I dropped my arms in defeat as I turned and walked the other way. I rushed out to my car, slamming the door once I was in. I punched the steering wheel, causing the horn to go off. I took a deep breath and leaned my head against the wheel. Closing my eyes, I took another thought of what I realized earlier.

I was falling in love with Daniel Seavey.