Chapter 12~ Of Calms Before Storms

PREVIOUSLY, ON BECAUSE OF A FIGHT, BELIEVE IT OR NOT:

We were waiting outside the photo booth for our strips of photos to be printed. Problem was, they were taking quite a while.

Finally, I heard a little beep and watched as the strips came out. Before I could grab them, however, Fang took hold of them first. "Uh, uh, uh," he reproached. "One for me," Fang took a strip and placed it in his wallet, "and one for you." Looking at me, he placed the other strip in my back pocket. His hand rested there for a few seconds, and then returned to his side.

Whoa, there.

Fang's eyes never left my own as a smirk gradually developed on his face. "Now," he continued, "how about a few more games, some cotton candy, and we call it a night?"

-.-

I aimed a punch at Fang only to have it blocked. Repeatedly, I tried to punch him and failed. We must have been going like this for at least three minutes: me trying to hit him and in return, my hits not making contact with his body. Growling, I spun and attempted to roundhouse kick him.

He blocked it.

"My, my, Maxie, you've lost your touch," Fang teased as he ducked again and again.

"Shut up, Walker," I grunted. The usual techniques I used with him weren't working; my only hope was to aim a hit and hope it didn't miss.

He reached out to grab my fist again before it hit him, smirking. Thus, I swung out my foot and tripped him. Fang almost fell but as he caught his balance, I poured out all my frustration in to my hand and decked him as hard as I could to the shoulder.

My opponent tumbled to the ground in defeat. I followed after him and brought my knee up to his chest, holding it for three long seconds.

The referee's whistle blew as we both got up. He grabbed my arm, raised it, and yelled, "The winner of the New Year's Eve fight goes to Maximum Martinez!" The audience that was watching the fight roared; some people cheering because I won, some booing because Fang lost. It used to be that everyone applauded for me, until they realized I wasn't the only great fighter in town.

The referee left after slapping me a high five. Turning to Fang, I repeated the words mockingly he said to me only a minute before. "My, my, Fangles, you've lost your touch."

He narrowed his eyes, scoffing. "You just caught me off guard, don't think too highly of yourself."

I laughed. "Somebody's a sore loser, am I right?" Reaching out, I pinched his cheek to have my hand swatted. "Okay, Fang, you can stay here and mope around, or we can go party. Come on, let's go grab a drink."

As we walked to the party owner's bar, I couldn't help but reminisce about these few months. My life has been perfect ever since Nudge's party. Awesome grades, awesome family- I stole a look at Fang. Awesome friends, I thought. Everything has been free of drama and stress.

And I couldn't think of a better way to spend the new year than with a new best friend.

We soon reached the bartender (a boy named Dave), who was surprisingly not busy mixing any drinks at the moment.

"Hey, Dave," Fang greeted with a brief wave.

Dave looked up to see our faces. "Oh, hey, Fang! 'Sup, Max," he nodded at me.

"Hi, Dave. Isn't it kind of strange that no one's here asking for beverages?"

He chuckled. "Nah, everybody's on the floor right now. They'll come when they're tired, which will probably be before long. But while you're here, can I get you two anything?"

"A vodka and Sprite, thanks," I said.

"Just a Pepsi, please. I'd like to remain sober tonight."

I elbowed Fang. "Aw, where's the fun in that? Drink something heavier like a whiskey, will ya?"

He gave me a look. "Someone has to drive, right?"

Good point. Sighing, I told Dave, "Get the dude a Coke and my vodka Sprite."

The bartender saluted me. "Pepsi and vodka Sprite, gotcha."

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, happy New Year!"

Everyone whooped loudly, myself included. Guys kissed their girlfriends and vice versa; singles hugged their friends. People continued to wish me a wonderful new year and there wasn't a gloomy face in sight on that special night.

"Happy New Year's," a familiar voice yelled behind me.

I turned around, beaming, to see Iggy with his arms outstretched. Hugging him, I said, "Happy New Year's, bro. Where's Nudge?"

"Ah, she's with Ella and the soccer team, right now. What about you, where's Fang?"

"Actually, I don't know. The last time I saw him was the year before."

Iggy laughed. "Nice one, Max. Seriously, though, where is that bastard?"

"Who are you calling a bastard?"

"Speak of the devil," my brother muttered with a dark look. Then he turned to face Fang with a wide grin adorned on his pale face. "Fang, my home bro, there you are! Where were you, anyway?"

"Oh, just an important phone call from a relative." I scanned his face; his smile, albeit large, was strained and didn't reach his onyx eyes.

If I knew how to read the enigma called Fang's eyes and looked beneath the surface, I would have seen the worry and distress that lurked there, hidden by his poker face.

FANG POV

-Fifteen minutes earlier-

The crowd gathered around the magnificent grandfather clock that hung in the grand living room. I stood next to Max as each second passed, holding everyone in participation for the new year. People were chatting animatedly about the party and the future. I myself was in a giddy mood as I thought about what was yet to come about.

Until my phone rang.

I fished it out of my pocket and groaned when I saw the caller ID. It was him again. Quietly slipping away from the party, I went into the backyard, which fortunately was completely empty.

After pressing the answer button, I told the caller in an annoyed tone, "This is the absolute worst time to call, you know that, right?"

"Nick," he addressed me grimly.

"What the hell do you want? I'm busy," I snapped.

His voice remained calm, "I believe whatever business you have to attend can wait."

"I believe," I mocked his words. "Stop assuming things, it's always been your flaw."

"Please, listen carefully to what I am about to tell you," he pleaded. "This is extremely crucial."

I was honest to God fed up with him and his talking. "Everything's crucial to you, isn't it? Just tell me what you have to say, I have things to do."

"Fang," the caller repeated. "You are about to die."

-.-

Author's Note:

Check out the poll on my profile! This chappie is short but you guys... Ya'll are the best!

So how about ... 20 reviews for the next chapter... So 147?

Thank you~

Thank you~