Hidden in the Night

Chapter 5 - Unbelievable

"I'm so sorry," the words spewed out of my mouth before I even had the chance to comprehend what I was saying. I could only hold onto the sliver of hope that he was in some type of spectacular mood, and that he wasn't about to release immeasurable amounts of irritation onto me. And for some odd reason, he didn't. Even when he had more reason to be upset with me now than he ever had before, he didn't.

"Why are you sorry?" he asked, his voice stern and demanding, as if he was truly curious as to why I apologized. It was the last thing I had expected from him.

"Um, b-because I pushed you," I spoke quietly, focusing my gaze on a stray strand of hair covering his forehead. Looking directly into his eyes seemed too daring, and I wasn't sure where he was going with this.

"I'm pretty sure she just fucking shoved you into me," he spat visciously. Suddenly, the girl was now the one of the receiving side of his threatening glare. Even when it wasn't directed towards me, it was still alarmingly hostile. For a reason unbeknown to myself, this caused the girl to send me a menacing snarl as I looked her way. I subconsciously took a step back before I even realized I was doing so, which only led the girl's snarl to transform into a loathsome grin. She let out a dry chuckle.

"If her clumsy ass wouldn't have got in my way-" she remarked, her words slurring slightly together.

"Get the fuck out of here before you piss me off even more," Dax cut her off, the underlying threat in his tone catching her attention. The girl looked towards him ready to argue even more, however, she must have seen something in his eyes. Something terrifying enough to make all of the liquid courage she'd accumulated through the night dissipate like fresh snow in the scorching sun. She inhaled sharply, her irritation obvious, before proceeding to dramatically roll her eyes as she exited the room briskly. With the path to the garbage now open, I threw away the things in my hands.

"T-thank you," I said, risking a fleeting glance at Dax's fearsome bright blue eyes as they remained glowering towards the direction the girl left. However, once he registered my words they quickly diverted their attention back to me. I cowardly lowered my gaze once again.

"For what?" he questioned, the kind concern he had previously shown vanishing in the girl's absence.

"Um...for helping?" I replied, more so of a question than an answer.

"You're unbelievable," he grumbled, running his hand through his jet-black hair.

"What?" I asked him curiously.

"You're just- nevermind... What are you doing here anyways?" he snapped suddenly, his demeanor shifting for the umpteenth time.

"I came with Daniel," I responded quietly. I never knew if I was about to say something that set him off. I used to think that I was relatively adequate at reading someone, getting a feel for what type of person they were and what reactions they might have. But predicting Dax's actions was more similar to deciphering a code than reading a book, and I never was very good with numbers.

"So you guys are best friends now?" he asked sarcastically.

"Practically Mario and Luigi... minus all of the amazing driving ability. Well, that is unless you've been keeping your racing skills from me Paisley," Daniel suddenly exclaimed, bursting into the kitchen with a spring in his step and a girl following along behind him.

"Dax, I see you're as charming as usual tonight?" the girl asked cheekily, laughing in spite of his irritated glare.

"Mia, I see you've decided to get wasted as usual tonight," he remarked, gesturing to her near empty solo cup of alcohol.