It Started With You + Me

Chapter 32: A wake up call

"Do you drunkards even remember anything from the party last night?" Nika enquired, a somewhat expectant gaze set upon us.

I looked up at Shea's squinted, not fully awake eyes and shrugged. "Nope?" Popping the 'p' and transferring the question onto my half naked boyfriend beside me. He shook his head solemnly and let a puzzled expression marr his face.

-SHEA'S POV-

I knew I was supposed to remeber something. Just what it was, was completely lost on me. The way Nika was glaring at me spoke volumes... Just what the hell was it? 

A rough buzzing jolted me from the uncomfortable, seemingly one-sided conversation and the continuous dirty looks Nika contiously bestowed upon me. Her usually calm demeanor had shifted uncontrollably, and truth be told, I didn't remember what I had promised her last night. In my mind I cursed, hoping I didn't owe anyone anything. But judging by Nika's expression, I did.

"Sorry love, got to take this call." I told Nina, motioning toward my phone. I walked out of the room tentatively, still feeling the dagger-like glare piercing my back.

The caller ID clearly stated my mother was at the other end of the line, "Hello? Mum, you there?"

"Listen lil bro, its me Patrick, Charlie's here as well, we have something to tell you. We need you to come back to Cory's as quick as you possibly can. Its urgent!" And with that the line went dead.

I looked up in confusion as the rushed phone call took me by suprise. I was half expecting it to be my mother, scared that I hadn't come home with Cory and Mia, or even called to tell her where I was yesterday. But with both Patrick and Charlie, here in the middle of Africa, dad's death must have hit them hard as well. As of now I was thankful that they had come down to help mum mourn and settle things before we inevitably had to leave. I couldn't wait to see them again, it felt devastating having to deal with it all alone, with mum currently being in no state to speak with. Having my two older brothers there to mourn with us would make the whole affair slightly more bearable.

"Shea?" Came a timid voice from behind me. I looked up in initial shock and took in the face of an equally shocked Nina. "Are you alright?" She trembled nervously, her voice had suddenly become as skittery as a mouse.

I opened my mouth to say yes, but my brain couldn't formulate the correct sounds, instead it was planning its excuse to get home as soon as possible. Knowing my little white lie would be seen straight through, I sucked it up and tried a faint smile.

"Listen Nina, my brother Patrick just called. He's just flown in and I need to go home to talk to everyone. I don't know what this will mean. Look I dont know if I'll be able to say-" just then a loud yell came from inside the house, closely followed by the crushing sound of ceramic plates hitting a tiled hard floor.

Without being able to continue my rough excuse, apology and goodbye, we both rushed into the direction of the kitchen. Nika sat on the floor with her legs outstretched in a half-split style, a confused yet baffled expression clouded her features. She looked up at us and blinked repeatedly, once, twice, thrice. In a meek attempt to seem fine she a fitted lopesided grin atop her face and tried to say someting, but halfway there she let out a squeal of pain. Nina rushed toward her in one swift whirlwind motion and, just like that, she was by her side. A short gasp filled the awkward silence that had followed.

I got down on my knees and cautiously bent over to check the what had caused the accident. An explosion of sharp, tiny, white pieces of plate were scattered behind Nika's bared hands. Nina, the hurricane had already grabbed a damp cloth and had began to wipe down the slightly bloody limp hands. I got out of the way and held both hands up in the air and deadpanned. She gave me a glare and I bowed my head in mock surrender, letting her get down to business and tend to her injured friend.