Beautiful Apparation (Tony Perry FF)

eighteen

I got my car fixed, and it actually gave me a boost of energy to go out and do something today. Especially, since I didn't have to spend a ton of money for the mechanic. I think about Danielle, she said that whenever I felt like it we can go to a bar. Why not tonight? She helped me out when my car was down. The least I can do is buy her a drink.

As soon as I pull into my driveway from the shop, I walk next door. I knock on the door, anxious for her to open it. Vic answers instead. He looks stressed, but smiles anyways.

"Hey Audrey, what's up?"

"Nothing much, is Danielle here? I would've called her, but I don't have her number."

"Danielle!" He calls. "Come on in."

I do so and chill by the door while Vic goes back to do whatever he was doing. Suddenly, I hear the sound of an acoustic guitar, I can't help but follow the beautiful symphonies. Finally, I reach what I'm searching for.

Vic's sitting on the couch, playing, humming an unfamiliar tune. Maybe it's a song that I haven't heard yet. He stops to write on the piece of paper in front of him.

"Oh, hey Audrey," I turn to Danielle and Vic catches me spying.

Shit.

"Hey." I give her a hug to play it off.

"What's going on?"

"You made the offer awhile ago and I'm taking advantage tonight. Wanna go get a drink together?"

Vic clears his throat. "Without me?"

Danielle rolls her eyes, "He's totally kidding. I'd love to go tonight. I just need some time to get ready. Be at your place in two hours, sound good?"

I nod my head before letting myself out. Once I enter my house, Daryl greets me. After filling his bowl with food, I go into my room and find Tony laying there, staring at the ceiling. I quietly lay beside him and stare like him.

"Do you ever think Vic might get back into the music business?" I ask breaking the dead silence. When I saw him playing that guitar, it didn't look like it was for fun.

"He's still in it," he says. "But he never releases anything , only keeps it to himself. I find myself guilty for it."

"Hey," I interrupt, turning over so I was facing him. "You can't blame yourself."

He scoffs. "But it is my fault. He feels wrong to release anything. He knows the fans would love it, but I'm always in the back of his mind."

"You can't control that, therefore it isn't your fault."

He sits up and I follow.

"I should've had my fucking seatbelt on," he snaps. That's when I notice a tear streaming down his face. I had no idea he was capable of crying.

"Tony, nobody knew that was going to happen. Nobody could've warned you. It was an accident. A tragic accident."

He remains quiet for awhile. I feel like he's replaying the day in his head. What exactly did go wrong? I can ask but that'd just be encouraging him to mourn over it. I'm too scared to look it up myself.

"Tone, I'm going out tonight. But, I'm willing to cancel if you want me to stay here." Danielle can wait another night. I want to be here with Tony, but I also want to respect his request.

"I don't like that you have to ask me if it's okay. Just go, I can handle myself."

Not wanting to make him more upset, I begin to get ready.

>>>

Danielle and I sit at the bartop, taking in the view of the rest of this place. It's not a top notch spot, but it also isn't a bad one either, it's just right. There aren't a bunch of annoying drunks, and the drinks themselves are fantastic! I've been generous to Danielle when it comes to getting them. She refused at first, but gave in.

"How long have you been coming here?" I ask.

"A long time," she giggles. "Vic and I came here on our very first date."

"Is that right?" I raise an eyebrow and she smiles.

"It wasn't like that, after a day on the beach we figured a few drinks was what we needed. Anyways, enough about my love life, what's shaking in yours?"

Well this is so straight forward.

"I don't really have one at the moment, but at the same time I sorta do. I don't know. I hate labels, but at the same time I want to put a label on this relationship I have with this guy."

She takes a sip of her Margarita before responding, "So it's like a friends with benefit thing, with your co-worker right?"

I nod my head, lying. Lying isn't hard for me. I wasn't the most innocent kid growing up so I've had plenty days when I needed to lie my way out of a grounding.

"That sucks, but if you really want my opinion," (yes please) "Break it off. If he doesn't do something soon, for example say 'I love you' or even take you out on a regular date then you're wasting your time."

If only she knew.

"Thanks Danielle. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." I drink the rest of my beer before ordering another one. I have a lot to think about.

>>>

"I'm gonna walk you to your house," Danielle insists before getting out of the car, then opening my door.

I stumble out. I'm not drunk, but buzzed for sure. Danielle puts my arm over her shoulder and she practically drags me to my front porch. I'm surprised at how sober she seems to be. We had the same exact amount of drinks.

"Hey," she almost whispers. "Be careful, okay?"

I do remember her saying this clearly, and I don't think she was saying it because I'm buzzed and could fall. It feels like more of a warning. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

"See you later," she unlocks my door for me and walks away.

Now how the hell am I going to make it to my bed? Then I feel Tony's grasp, I'll be just fine.

>>>

Sirens, that's what I wake up to. I glance to the clock, three in the morning it reads. I get up and put on my slippers. While exiting the bedroom, I grab a robe and throw it on. I go to look outside the kitchen window. The flashing lights nearly blind me.

What I can see is an ambulance and five police cars in front of Vic and Danielle's home. Daryl barks at the flashing red lights. I put him on a leash quickly, before walking outside. Vic's talking to paramedics, but there's no sign of Danielle.

Then I see Mike and his girlfriend, Alysha. Just by their looks I can tell something really bad happened. I drag Daryl along.

"Is everything okay?" I ask approaching them.

Alysha goes to speak, but instead burst into tears, her face buried into Mike's chest. Mike gave me a solemn look and I decide to leave them be.

Another car pulls up, Jaime. Okay, this is really serious. I go to his door as he parks.

"Dude what the hell happened?" I ask as soon as he gets out of the car.

He sighs, "Danielle tried committing suicide."

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oh snapppp! any predictions?

ik it may seem random, but it'll all make sense soon!

talk to ya next update (: