"I have to find my friends." Daria's monotone had urgency behind it.
"The building's being evacuated so they're probably ok, besides, you need to get that looked at." He nodded to the purpling area over her left eye that she had gotten when she had fallen and hit the side of the table when everyone was trying to leave.
"I'm fine." Her tone was clipped, and she absently touched the area, then winced in pain while frowning when she saw the blood on the withdrawn fingers.
"That cut could be pretty bad." He glanced at her before pulling out of the parking lot.
"Wait! My friends are back there."
"Look, we can call them from the hospital," he insisted.
"I'm not going to the hospital." Her voice was resolute.
He stopped the car in the gravel but kept it running, then turned to her.
"I know you're worried about your friends, but you could have a concussion or something."
She glared at him and opened her door.
Shit!
He turned off the car and hopped out following her.
"I'll help you look, but we need to stay together."
She said nothing but looked for any of the familiar faces that she had come with.
Come on Jane, Trent, Jesse, Max, Nick, Charles, or Andrea. Where are you guys?
"Daria?"
"Nick?" she felt a small bit of relief. "Have you seen Jane or Trent- everyone else?"
"I'm taking Max to the hospital- he got hit by something. I thought I saw Jesse and Jane that away," he pointed to where everyone was gathering away from the building that was now engulfed in flames. "Last I saw of Trent; he was looking for you and Charles inside."
They both looked at the building uncomfortably.
"I'm sure he's out now though."
Daria barely registered what Nick was saying. She found herself moving closer with single minded purpose. As she neared the door, she felt a hand pull her back by the wrist. She looked back to see Tom pulling on her. She tried to snatch away but he insisted.
"You can't go in there. I'm sure the fire trucks are on the way.
"LET GO!" she demanded, clearly angered at his stopping her. "You will not stop me!" This time when she yanked away, he could not stop her, and she marched towards the building.
If that- DANDY, thinks that I will just sit by and let Trent get hurt-
She felt a hand on her arm again.
I will pulverize this asshole!
She turned furiously ready to spew but the person gripping her arm was Trent.
Oh, thank God!
She flung herself at him almost knocking them both over. He half carried her away from the building with Tom trailing them. They were on the far side of the parking lot near the area where the band always parked and loaded.
"It's okay," Trent soothed patting her back. "You're okay."
What?
"I thought you were still inside." She was barely managing to hold back her tears. "Nick said Jane and Jesse were out here but you-" her breath became jagged. "You were-" she took a deep breath trying to contain herself. "I thought you were inside."
"I'm right here with you. I'm okay." Trent held her tight.
She was soothed by his scent and the reverberations emanating throughout his body as he spoke.
"We're okay," he whispered. "We're okay."
"Well cue the theme to The Young and the Restless." Jane's voice broke through the scene.
Trent and Daria pulled apart letting their eyes still hold each other's for a moment before turning their attention to Jane and Jesse.
"Nick said Max got hurt." Daria blurted out as she remembered suddenly. "He was taking him to the hospital."
"But we've got the Tank." Jesse said looking at the van that was a few feet away.
Daria shrugged.
"Let's get to the hospital." Trent suggested and they headed to the van.
"Guess I'll see you guys-" Tom spoke looking a little lost.
"Uh, sure." Jane said as she got in back and Jesse shut the door. Daria had sat in the passenger seat while Trent got behind the wheel. Tom watched them drive away. He was unsure of what to think but he felt that he simply had to get to know those two girls better.