The Stranger

Chapter 8.

What did I ever do to deserve this treatment? How could he be so cold hearted to leave me in the middle of nowhere, fending for myself to find a way home. I began to walk down the sidewalk, in hopes of catching a taxi or possibly running into someone from the party that'll be willing to take me home. I pulled out my phone and realized I had a battery percentage of 10%. "Crap." I mumbled.

I snuggled into my coat and trotted. Maybe, I'll come across a gas station and I can make a call to get picked up. I smiled at the thought of my plan.

"Going somewhere, princess?" I squinted my eyes, looking into the foggy weather trying to recognize the voice that was coming out of a black SUV. "Uh, do I know you?" The passenger side of the window rolled down lower revealing who was inside the car. And to my surprise it was Dean. "Yes, you know me. It's me, Dean!" I licked my lips rapidly from nervousness, and continued to walk down the sidewalk without saying a word. With each step I took, his SUV moved along with me at a slow pace.

"Daze, can you please get inside?" He asked softly. I waved my hand, hoping he'll get the hint that I wasn't in need of a ride from him. "No, thank you Dean. I'm fine." "Really? It's about to rain. It's the least I can do." The moment he said this, lightning struck within the skies following by a loud rumble of thunder. I jumped at the sound and snuggled deeper into my coat. "Stop being stubborn." He yelled. I sighed and figured, what's the worst that can happen? At least it's free ride and I'll be safe inside a car from the storm.

I walked towards his SUV, and he unlocked the door as I sat down, buckling my seatbelt. If I just stay quiet and keep looking out the window, he'll get the hint that I don't want to speak. "What are you doing in this side of town?" He asked, breaking the awkward silence. I shrugged. There's nothing for us to discuss, please stop asking me questions and just drive me home! "Heh, you don't have to act immature Daze." This really upset me. It's as if he knew what buttons to push. "You're the last person, to talk about immaturity!" I bashed back. I could tell my response caught him off guard. He blinked rapidly as his face formed a poker face.

For the rest of the ride home, he kept quiet. Thankfully, the radio broke the awkwardness between us. "You don't have to pull into the driveway, you can park on the sidewalk." I mumbled lowly, but enough for him to hear. He nodded his head as he pulled on the sidewalk quietly. I guess he figured I snuck out of my house. I reached for the door handle and spoke my peace. "Thank you for the ride." I let out a deep breath and continued, "I'm sorry for snapping on you. It's.. it's been so long since we saw each other since the incident that happened." He reached over and rubbed my shoulder, comforting me and my emotions. "I know, Daze. I'm sorry for how things went. Have you spoke to Laney since then?"

I bit my bottom lip, practically chewing on it and replied softly "No.." His hand slid from my shoulders to my left hand. "I'm sorry, I was the cause of everything. I'm sorry you lost your best friend; I ended up losing the love of my life." He removed his hand from mine and pressed his head on his steerling wheel. "I know, you don't care Daze. But it's been hard losing Lane. I miss her.." I've never seen Dean this emotional. I sort of felt bad for the guy. "I forgive you Dean. Maybe, by the grace of God and the universe things will turn around for the better." I said, trying to cheer him up. "Yeah.." I could tell from his response that he wasn't the confident Dean that I knew before. I opened the door wider, as I exited myself out of the passenger seat. "I'll see you around." He turned to look at me, with tears swelling  in his eyes. "I'll see you, Daze. Stay safe." I nodded my head, closing the door behind me and scurring to my cracked window.

As I entered my room, closing my window behind me, I saw Dean pulled off slowly. He waited for me to get inside.. That was sweet of him. I took off my clothes and changed into my pajamas. Entering into my bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror and noticed my curls were super frizzed. "I'll fix this in the morning" I said to myself, as I fondled through my curls.

I turned off the light in my bathroom and laid on my bed. What a crazy Friday. I giggled to myself at how much has happened in one single day. I glanced over at my alarm clock and it read: 2:34 am. I rolled over to the other side of my bed, turning on my television to Adult Swim. I snickered at the adult jokes coming from Family Guy. "So classy." I giggled. As I was dosing off, my phone vibrated. Flipping my phone over, I noticed a text message.

Oscar: hey. are you home?

Oh! Oh, the freaking nerve of him! You leave me in the middle of nowhere and decide to text me?! I was outraged at his nonsense. But, the good girl in me responded as such.

Dazie: yes. i'm safe.
Oscar: good.
. . .
Oscar: i'm sorry for leaving you.
. . .
Oscar: can we start over?

He was flooding my phone with messages. I wasn't too sure how to respond. I wish I had a girlfriend to talk to, to gain advice from. Instead, I decided to take a stand for myself.

Dazie: no, we cannot.
Oscar: i don't take no's very lightly.

What did he mean by this?