The Rainbow at the end of my storm

•18•

I hadn't actually thought about if I would see him tonight. Especially in the car once I knew where the party was. He had clearly come for a ride voluntarily. As I took him in, my heart started to pound faster. He was wearing his usual all black, with a khaki jacket to style up his outfit. He looked hot.

We gazed at each other for a second, his eyes making work over my outfit, darkening to blend into the night, until I finally slipped in beside him. It wasn't until Jason drove off that he spoke.

"Hi." He sounded so different to usual. What was going on? I know he'd asked me out and admitted a few things, but I couldn't believe I was seeing this side to him, a sweet, gentle Mason.

"Hi." I replied. Could pleasantries ever sound so boring?

He paused a second. "You look beautiful, V." He held my gaze as he waited for my reply. But it didn't come. My breath had caught and I was froze. I didn't know what to say. His cheeks had now turned red, and he was getting a little frustrated.

"Sorry, its so weird hearing you like this," I admitted, hoping I hadn't offended him.

"What do you mean?" His hand brushed against my bare knee as he lifted it to push back his hair, and tingles sparked through me.

"You were so cocky, arrogant even, when we first met. It's like I've seen a different side to you these past few days."

He looked insulted. "There's no other side to me, cupcake. If you don't like my personality then get lost."

My heart came to a stop. What did I do? I couldn't believe he'd spoke to me like that over such little words. I wasn't insulting him or anything of that sort. Tears threatened to spill and as we pulled up, I rushed to get out the car.

"Victo-" I heard Bree shout me and then I heard her voice raise even louder as I left the car. She was shouting at Mason. Good. Asshole!

The tears were lingering on my cheeks as I made my way through the frat house. The familiar sound of loud music, combined with the smell of beer and sweat, filled the space around me. I needed a bathroom. I took the stairs, careful not to walk in on anyone again. I noticed a huge line to the bathroom but I didn't want to wait. I just needed somewhere to think. I slumped my shoulders and began to head outside when someone pulled me away.

"If you need a bathroom, there's an en-suite in that bedroom" a girl pointed to the same room I'd walked in on Mason in and I stared at the door for a second. I really could do with some space.

"Thanks." I walked towards it, knocking gently first to check no one was inside. When no one answered, I walked in. I was thankful to see the room dark and empty, heading straight for the bathroom. I had no idea whose room it was but I just needed a breather. I left the door open so you could see I was in here in case some drunk couple decided to drag themselves in here for a quickie. I didn't need that in front of my eyes, they burnt enough from the running mascara.

To think I was about to go on a date with that ass! I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been. His aggression was enough to put me off, why did he get so offended easily? Or at least, why did he then? Kieran got aggressive. I took a deep breath at that reminder, brought from my thoughts when a knock tapped the door.

I turned to see no other person than the devil himself. Ergh! Great!

"I'll be going." I said, chucking my tissue in the toilet and flushing before heading out. His arms engulfed both sides of the door frame, locking me in. That usual fear of panic rose inside my chest and I fought to calm myself down.

"What are you doing?" I asked, ensuring I didn't freak out.

"I want to apologise," he started, but I stopped him.

"Move your hands from the door," I reached out the grab his hand away and he held it there tighter. Why was he doing this?

Panic consumed my whole body now. I didn't want to feel trapped, that familiar feeling of having no where to go or run to.
"Seriously, Mason, just move your hands. I-I need you to move them."

His eyebrows drew together in confusion as he dropped both his arms and reached for me. His arms encircled my waist as I released more tears, but tears of relief. I knew he wouldn't hurt me, so why did I panic anyway? This was something I was going to have to discuss when I met my new counsellor this week.

"Hey, Shh, it's okay." He pulled my head to his chest and for a second I forgot why we were even in this state. "I didn't mean to scare you, I wanted to apologise for being such an ass. I'm so sorry, V." He sounded sincere, but right now I just needed to calm down. I couldn't accept an apology when my head wasn't in the right place.

I pulled away, heading for the bed. It was still dark but I preferred it that way. He followed, the bed dipping as he sat beside me. "Is everything okay?" He sounded cautious like he wasn't sure if he wanted to ask.

I nodded, "Yeah, I just had a panic that's all." I wrung my fingers, looking straight down at my feet. He couldn't even see my face in the dark room, I just couldn't up the courage to look in that direction anyway.

"I get that, cupcake," his hand came to cradle my face, bringing it upwards anyway. "But why? I would never hurt you like that-"

"I know, just leave it. Please." I begged, hoping to god he wouldn't keep asking questions.

"You're hiding something, please tell me. You can trust me."

I stood abruptly, pacing the bedroom floor. I couldn't tell him. What part of leave it did he not understand? He was starting to stress me out.

"No!" I yelled. My chest began to tighten. "I just can't, please." Small sobs left me and I felt embarrassed. Why couldn't he just leave it alone?

He slowly stood, a wary look on his face. I'd freaked him out. "Okay, I'm sorry. I just care, V." He brought his hand to my face again, pressing a tender kiss to my lips. I loved the feeling of his lips on mine.

"I know. But not yet, I just can't." I cried, shaking my head.

Exhaling, he changed the subject. I was thankful. "Let's go get a drink, come on."

Our fingers intertwined as he led me downstairs. I was still confused about us. I knew we had a date coming up, but I didn't really know where I stood. Something told me it wouldn't be so simple with Mason Leighway. I thought back to the night we met, almost catching him in the act with that girl - what was her name now? Lolly or something? Is that what type of person he was? Did he sleep around? Was that all he wanted from me? I realised then that I'd jumped into something - not sure what - with a boy I had no idea about, or his intentions. But right now, I just wanted to enjoy his company. I'd bring my concerns up on our date.