A Light in the Dark

“You do that a lot.” Tony commented. I was still lost in my thoughts, but I couldn’t help but catch what he had said to me.

“Do what?” I asked curiously.

“You tend to answer me vaguely, leaving me with more unanswered questions.” He replied while gazing into my eyes. His stare made me feel slightly uncomfortable because it felt like he was peeking into my thoughts and was about to figure me out in an instant.

“Sorry?” I offered an apology.

“You don’t need to apologize, I’m just trying to figure you out.” Tony remarked leaning onto his elbows; his attention still on me.

“You shouldn’t.” I answered.

“You shouldn’t have gotten her distracted!” My mother yelled at me.

I was too busy crying in my bed, trying to forget how it all went down. It was my fault! I shouldn’t have distracted her when she was driving, maybe then she could’ve avoided the whole mess. But instead I made her look away for a second. That second cost Emily her life.

“I didn’t mean to.” I sobbed.

“Why do you always screw up?” My mother whispered, venom drenching her voice.

“Effie? Effie!” I heard Tony call my name, breaking me away from my thoughts. I hadn’t realized I was crying, tears just spilling over my eyes. Tony rushed to my side and wrapped me in his arms. “You’ll be fine.” He cooed gently.

I couldn’t take it. All the memories, all the guilt, just piling within me daring me to run away from it again.

“Please, just don’t cry.” He whispered; his lips close to my ear. I could feel the warmth of his breath and the way it was slightly tainted with a hint of whiskey.

I was slightly hyperventilating, capturing the attention of Darlene who rushed to our booth handing Tony a small paper bag. Tony shoved it in my hands, helping me breathe into it.

“Just breathe.” He said; his voice soothing away my anxiety. By now he was rubbing small circles into my back, slowly calming me down.

“Thanks.” I whispered feeling a little ashamed at the way I lost control. I was always in control of myself within the dark of the night. Was I slowly losing my sense of self because my past was catching up to me for some damn reason?

“No problem.” Tony said; his arm still draped over my shoulders. “Are you okay though?” He asked with concern in his voice.

“I’m fine. I guess I’m just tired.” I lied.

I’m sure Tony could see through my false answer, but let it slide.

“So what’s this you being on tour thing?” I asked changing the subject.

Tony’s cheeks flushed a little when I asked this question. “I’m in a band.” He replied with a small smile.

“That’s cool.” I answered with an enthusiastic voice. “What kind of band?” I asked.

“Uhh…it’s like a rock band.” He replied.

I was about to ask something else but Tony lifted his hand, gesturing me to wait.

“How’s about we take turn asking and answering questions.” Tony suggested.

In theory, this would be an excellent game to play. It’s a fair way to give and receive information. But I didn’t want Tony to ask a tough question that’ll trigger another crying session.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun.” Tony said with a broad smile stretching across his face. It was the smile that made me cave in and agree to play.

“Okay, it’s my turn to ask a question.” Tony said then pondered thoughtfully for a few minutes. I waited in trepidation as Tony’s face lit up, finally coming across a question worthy to ask. “What’s your favorite color?” He asked.

I looked at him with surprised eyes. This is what he wanted to ask? I thought to myself. I shook my head before answering. “My favorite color is blue, every shade and hue.” I smiled widely. Tony nodded his head, accepting my answer.

“Okay let me think.” I said, thinking of my next question. “What is your favorite movie?” I asked with the same innocent intentions as Tony.

“Hands down, Star Wars.” Tony answered with no hesitation.

I couldn’t help but giggle. Darlene came by again with a smile on her face. “Oh darling, you gave me quite a scare. You feeling okay?” She asked looking at me.

“Much better.” I answered with a broad smile.

“My turn!” Tony chimed in just when Darlene began walking away.

The night carried on like that; Tony and I volleying back and forth asking questions. I learned that Tony was a guitarist for the band he’s in—which is named Pierce the Veil. Tony gushed to me about his love of turtles. The more he shared with me the more I grew to enjoy his company. In return, Tony learned all the states and towns I’ve lived in. He even dared ask me who my first boyfriend was. The way he asked that question made him blush scarlet while wearing a goofy grin. I was so enveloped in the conversation that the sun began to peek over the horizon, shining through the bay window of the diner.

“I need to go.” I said rather sadly. I didn’t want to leave Tony, but I needed my rest especially since I had this damn bump on my forehead.

“I’ll drive you.” Tony said following suit. He scooted out of the booth, shrugging on his jacket and pulling out his keys.

“You really don’t need to.” I said softly.

“Please, I got you.” Tony said jokingly.

Once again I climbed into his car, giving Tony direction to where I lived. The car ride was silent, but not awkward. Every now and then I’d catch Tony glancing my way with a small smile. We arrived at my place not long after that. The car idled quietly as Tony looked over at me. I didn’t budge because I didn’t want to move. Not yet. I didn’t want to be left alone with my thoughts to haunt me.

“I’ll see you later?” Tony asked as I slowly unbuckled my seat belt.

“You know where to find me.” I replied with a smile.

I guess I could’ve guessed what happened next, but I wasn’t prepared. Tony leaned in close and kissed my lips softly, eliciting an on sight riot of butterflies to be released in my stomach.

Notes

I hope this chapter satisfies your fanfic needs! Sorry it took me a while to update, but I needed to update my other stories first. I've been slacking haha.

@lostinthemusic I hope I wrote enough for you to go off from! :D

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