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They flew past us, heading toward the fight without regard for the cars and bikes speeding away from the commotion.
Zada pulled into the first gas station we reached, parking on the side and putting her car in park. She covered her face with her hands and breathed.
“Holy shit that was intense,” she said.
Then she did something I wasn’t expecting. She burst into a fit of laughter.
My heart was drilling inside my chest, bruising my ribs. I was worried about the guys, and I was on the verge of an epic panic attack, but her laughter was contagious. Even though I had just experienced something crazy dangerous, I burst out laughing too.
It was insane laughter—a sound full of heartbreak for my brother, desire for Aiken, and insecurity for my future. I was mentally better in so many ways. My attacks had lessened, and I found myself being comfortable with conversations. I was laughing and smiling more, but I was putting myself in dangerous situations.
I was becoming a butterfly, and that only happened once my life was at its worst. It didn’t make any sense to me. Things were better because they were worse.
“I hope no one got arrested,” I said.
Just then, a group of bikes flew past us, and I was relieved when I saw Aiken’s green bike and his glowing neons alongside the other guys.
I pulled out my phone and sent Erik a text.
Me: Are you ok?”
Erik: Yes. No thanks to you. You don’t belong around here.
He repeated Aiken’s words, angering me.
Me: Then, neither do you.
He didn’t send anything after that, and knowing that he was okay, I wasn’t going to push it any further.
“Do you want to go home?” Zada asked when she pulled away from the gas station.
We had waited there until Reggie pulled up beside us.
“Depends. Where are you going?”
“Probably to Crow’s place. It’s still early.”
It was either I went home alone or out with Zada, seeing people who were becoming familiar.
It wasn’t much of a choice.
“Then, I’m with you.”
She laughed, turning her wheel and heading in the direction of her neighborhood. “Of course, you are.”
“What’s that mean?”
“It means you’re falling into the fire. Aiken is a lot to take in, and I know you like him. Just be careful, girl.”
I snorted. “Yeah. I don’t like Aiken like that, and I’m positive he doesn’t like me.”
“Right. Aiken doesn’t like you. That’s why he jumped that guy as soon as he put his hands on you.”
I hadn’t realized she had seen that.
“Whatever.”
Again, she laughed. “Yeah, whatever.”
