Hi,
I am sorry if this chapter is short. I just want to get it out there you know?
Happy reading!
p.s.
If you haven't voted for me on the watty awards for my story Have We Met?(Book I: Player's Chronicles) under Non-teen fiction category. It would be appreciated if you do! Thank you very much for reading my story and your patience :)
20
“I don’t get it. Run it through me again because honestly, I don’t know why she forgave you for what you did” I deduced that it was Anne speaking in a hushed tone from a few feet away from me.
“Look, I know you’re her female best friend…”Mark started but was immediately cut off
“I’m her ONLY best friend” Anne hissed indignantly in Mark’s direction.
For some reason I can actually imagine her glaring at Mark as she crosses her arms against her chest. I took a chance on peeking at her and felt smug about knowing her too well that she was definitely glaring daggers enough to kill someone…well, Mark at this point. I also saw that it was still dark outside but the sky is a bright pink hue telling me that it is still heavily snowing outside. Translation: I haven’t been passed out for a long time if the two are having a heated chat.
“Fine, but I don’t want you or anybody else to worry about this issue. All I care about is that Danni forgives me and understands what I did was…” Mark started softly
“…stupid, selfish, and a dumbass move” Anne finished for him
“Yeah, those things and more please, can you actually shut up and listen without interrupting me?” Mark asked irritated by my best friend.
A small smile escaped my lips and I figured it’s time for me to tell them that I am awake just to stop them from further bickering. They were starting to give me a headache plus, I have to find out if Ryan came back yet. I was right as soon as I opened my eyes both of them shut up and came into my line of sight in mere seconds.
“How are you feeling?” Anne asked
“Do you need anything?” Mark asked the same time as Anne voiced out her question.
I sat up slowly on the sofa with one hand on my head as I mentally shove the headache down from beating me within. Mark caught on my action and instantly left the living room.
“Is Ryan back yet?” I asked Anne clearing my voice from my brief sleep.
Before Anne answered my question, she looked up from behind me and I followed her eyes. Mark was making his way back with a bottle of water in one hand and a bottle of aspirin in the other. He handed them to me and I took two tablets out of the bottle and drank half of the bottle’s contents as I let the medicine down my throat.
“Thanks. So?” I said as I recapped the water bottle.
“I’m sorry he’s not back yet and the weather has gotten worse since he left” Mark replied instead of Anne.
I drank the rest of my water as I started letting my mind welcome some pessimistic thoughts that crossed my mind. I know I should be thinking positive things about Ryan’s well-being but life hasn’t been fair to me for a few months now. Well, I hope that in another life it gets better. Karma and Fate owes me that much, right?
“Don’t fret Danni he’s fine. He probably pulled over and parked somewhere before the snowstorm picked up speed in density” Anne said making herself sound reassuring but the smile that she tried projecting was a grim one.
I stood up from where I sat and started pacing the living room. The room was silent save the soft creaking noise that my feet were making from walking back and forth over the hardwood floorboards.
After thinking over what had happened and how it ended in Ryan walking out on me in the snowstorm, I found myself slumping down on the sofa. I let out a huge frustrated groan as I rubbed my fists over my eyes.
“Don’t you dare blame yourself if anything happens to Ryan” Anne chided as she placed a hand over my shoulder.
“How can I not? If he didn’t catch Mark and I…” I rebutted in defeat
“That’s neither your or Mark’s fault. I mean sure we can easily blame him but you didn’t seem to be against it” Anne observed with a sage look.
I closed my eyes as I leaned back on the couch then opened them just to look up at the ceiling letting what she said sink in. I felt the weight of the couch dip on my left side informing me that someone sat next to me.
“Danni, it will work out” Mark started softly
“Will it?” I asked scornfully.
“Yes, when there’s light out I will go out for a drive to see if he might have been stuck on the side of the road or something” Mark continued.
I stayed the way I was on the couch without looking at him as I rubbed the spot between my eyes. If something bad happens to Ryan it will be my fault and I don’t think I can forgive myself. God, please let him be okay, I prayed silently as I closed my eyes briefly seeing Ryan’s hurt look when we locked eyes after realizing that he’s there.
“Stop it Danni.” Mark scolded with vehemence in his voice.
“Stop what?” I asked finally looking at him
“Stop punishing yourself with what happened or may happen to Ryan. If anything it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have kissed you” Mark despondently stated with a head shake. I grasp his right hand and gave it a squeeze.
“I will stop if you stop. The kiss was also my fault. You didn’t force me.”
“Will you be alright Danni? Coz, really I am jet lagged.” Anne asked as she stood up to stretch her tired body.
I nodded my head and wished her a good rest. I sent her to my and Ryan’s room since I know I won’t be going back to sleep until I know that Ryan is alright.
“Go on and rest Mark. I will wake you up when there’s light out. I don’t want to get into another scuffle with Ronnie” I lamented solemnly.
“Danni, are you blind? I am here for you. Veronica just tagged along for the skiing and the getaway. I’m sorry if I hurt you in the past but please know that you have me” Mark said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“Thank you” I whispered
I leaned my head on his shoulder as I let out a sigh of relief knowing that he meant every word he spoke. We stayed quiet for I don’t know how long. Seconds, minutes, hours had passed and we stayed like that just listening to each other’s breathing. It was soothing and for the first time in a long time, I felt completely whole.