Being The Player (Being #2) rough draft. Warning-Many spelling and grammar mistakes

•Chapter 9•

DANIEL

Once again Kari was at my house upstairs with Avery. I could hear the pounding of the music and the thump from the ceiling every time they jumped. I rolled my eyes and sighed, leaning back into one of the chairs. Another one of Averys and Karis sleepovers, and as always they completely went overboard. I got bored of not doing anything on a Friday night so I flicked the channels and settled on a action movie playing.

"Aaah!" I heard a squealed and jumped. It was Kari, she jumped off the stairs and landed on the floor laughing while Avery looked at her in horror.

"I'm okay Avery." she said in between breaths.

"Kari you are one crazy girl." I muttered under my breath. I got up and walked to help Kari up who was just sitting there staring off into space. I loomed over her and stretched out a hand. She snapped out of it and looked at me confused.

"What am I supposed to do with that?" she said. I rolled my eyes irritated and looked at her pointedly.

"Just give me your hand."

"No!" she snapped and frowned. She helped herself up and dusted off her butt.

"I don't need your help." Kari said quietly, avoiding my eyes, she walked into the kitchen. I followed her and watched in silence.

"Why are you looking at me?" she asked, her back to me as she opened a bag of popcorn and placed it in the microwave. I leaned back on the counter and crossed my arms.

"You're nice to look at..." I muttered quietly. Kari whipped around so fast she tipped forward but managed to catch herself on the table in front of her. My heart plummeted at the look she gave me. She could freeze mountains with the icy daggers she was giving me. I shuddered slightly and met her penetrating gaze.

"Right, you would say that." she spat at me.

"Whats that supposed to mean?!" I said getting slightly angry.

"Nothing." she said and turned back to watch the popcorn in silence. I walked behind her slowly, counting every step as I came near her. God I wanted to reach out for her, my hands were curling up at the sides just waiting to run my hands through her long curly hair. I shook my head and just stood there defeated. With my hands in my pockets I waited for her to turn around. Finally the microwave beeped and Kari angrily yanked opened to microwave door and pulled out the popcorn. She spun around and gasped as she almost crashed into me. She started breathing harder and wouldn't look up at me.

"Daniel. Get. Out. Of. My. Way." she said through gritted teeth. I flinched slightly at her tone but stood grounded to the spot.

"Fine." she said and tried to go around me but I raised my arms to the sides to block her way. She growled and pushed my hands but it was no use.

"Kari, look at me." I whispered softly, I knew she was mad at me but I didn't know why. As much as it was killing ne to admit it but I kept getting this cold empty feeling at the thought of her ever being angry at me. Kari wouldn't look at me and kept gazing at the floor in silence. I reached over carefully and placed my finger under her chin, as soon as I did Kari flinched and automatically I started feeling scared. My heart was racing and I didn't know why. I felt hurt as my eyes roamed hers, I was surprised to see regret lingering in her eyes. I tilted her head upward to look at me.

"What do you want Daniel." she said in a voice full of anguish. I groaned inwardly and took a deep breath.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked. Kari's eyes turned stone hard and she tried to move her head away but I kept it firmly placed in my hands. Cradling her cheeks I watched in silence at her inner turmoil. Anger, sadness, regret, hurt, and guilt crossed her features and I wanted to hug her. So I did. I pulled her in and wrapped my arms around her lithe body. I could feel her shaking and I didn't know what was wrong. I couldn't stand her being mad at me. She was so warm in my embrace and I never wanted to let go. What was wrong with me? Why am I starting to get these feelings for Kari of all people? But for now all I cared about was the present and Kari's arms around me. The warmth that radiated of off her made me shiver, she was so small and fit perfectly. The hug lasted a couple minutes and then she pulled away quickly. She mumbled a quick "excuse me" and pushed me out of the way. I stumbled a bit and watched her go upstairs. The bag of popcorn forgotten.