"I'm sorry I called you Adolf Titler," Drake grumbled unhappily.
After Mindy had saved his life, Josh had decided it was only fair that Drake make amends. After all, Drake had scared both of them to death, though Mindy was remiss to admit it. Even now, with Drake stable, they could both still hear the crackling sound of his lungs fighting to get air.
Right after this, we're going to the hospital, Josh thought to himself.
"I'm sorry you're such an idiot," Mindy replied in the same reluctant tone.
"Guys," Josh warned with a glare.
"I don't like you," Mindy started, placing both hands on Drake's shoulders.
All three teenagers stood quietly for a moment, waiting for the "but…"
It didn't come.
I don't like you either," Drake started. "But you also saved my life. So, thanks. I guess."
"You scared me," Mindy suddenly growled, teeth clenched.
"I what?" Drake asked, confused. There was no way in hell she had said what he thought she had.
"You scared me, Parker," Mindy confessed. Her hands fell to her sides limply, and Drake could have sworn he saw the sheen of tears rising in her eyes. He was dumbfounded. Was this some kind of a trick? Was he being Punk'd?
"What?" He and Josh replied lamely.
"You can feel fear?" Drake sputtered. When Mindy's eyes betrayed her hurt, he replied, "sorry. Habit."
"I don't have a whole lot of friends. Shocking, I know… But this whole near death stunt of yours made me realize that I would be at least mildly inconvenienced if you were to die," Mindy said.
"Wow," Drake murmured. "Thanks."
"I'm allowed to worry about people I hate," Mindy defended herself gruffly.
The three stood in the hall uncomfortably for a beat of silence, until Drake spoke up.
"C'mere," he said. Before Mindy could protest or Drake could second guess himself, he had bridged the gap between them and wrapped his arms around her. Mindy was stiff and shocked at first, but slowly began to hug back. To Drake's surprise, her body was much warmer than her heart. After what felt like hours, the two broke it off.
"Three and a half seconds," Josh announced as he ended the video he had been taking. "It's a start."