Darren looked at his watch again. It was ten o'clock on dry, hot morning. He took a sip of his coffee and settle back into his couch.
It was two days after the incident, and today was the day Daniel was finally allowed to go home. Thank the Lord he's alright. He stopped and suppressed a bitter laugh. Geez, is that the only reason why you're thankful, Daz? Get a grip.
He hadn't visit him at all in hospital. Not that he didn't want to - he didn't dare to. After all, anything could have happened. And what if Daniel hated even the mere sight of him after what he'd done to him? It's better I don't see you as much now, Jonesy. It's back to the "Avoid The Daniel" game, just as before. He pressed his lips nervously together. The only thing that unruffled him was that Daniel would certainly be more hurt than ever. Didn't they just make up forty-eight hours ago? I'm sorry. It hurts, but it protects you. You're strong enough to get over it, trust me.
A sudden knock on the door jolted him out of his daze. He quickly stood up and went to open it.
It was John, their former manager. He was one of the very first people who encouraged Savage Garden to go on in those early years when no-one else battered an eyelash at them. If it weren't for his help and enthusiasiam, Darren doubt they'd be where they were right now.
But he wasn't in the mood to socialize with anyone at the moment, not when he had a feeling today was going to be an explosive one. He smiled at the friendly-faced, grey-haired man uneasily. "Hey John, what brings you here?"
John grinned his toothy grin, but the corners of his mouth faltered just a little. "Just to see how you were going, that's all," he answered back warmly. He examined the dark-haired singer closely. "I hear Daniel's released today from the hospital," he added quietly. Obviously it wasn't exactly the easiest topic to chat casually about. "Are you going to see him soon?"
"Yes, of course...." he replied carefully in a slow measured tone. "I'll be leaving in a few minutes to pop over to his house."
John eyed him again and Darren squirmed slightly under his scrutinizing stare. What's his problem? he thought to himself, suddenly annoyed. Why does he keep looking at me like that?
He cleared his throat. "Um John, is that all you wanted to know?"
The older man turned away for a second, then looked deep into his eyes. There was something else.
"Everyone's been so worried about you, Darren," he finally said in a low voice. "You've changed so much.... and it seems to be very much to do with Daniel, isn't it? And Daniel seems to be...." He stopped abruptly and breathed in. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't poke my face in your private businesses, it's-"
"No, John it's alright," Darren replied hurriedly, his heart was racing. "But tell me, Daniel seems to be what?" How is he, how did he react, how is he coping?
John shifted uncomfortably on one foot to the other. "I don't really know, but when I visited him yesterday, he didn't seem,er, quite the same."
Darren's brow crinkled in concern. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Poor John looked even more uneasy than ever. "Listen, it was nothing really, he was still in some pain and-"
"John, tell me! What's wrong with Daniel ?"
"Alright, alright, calm down will you?" John snapped, flashing his eyes at him. Darren felt his face flush red. He hadn't even realized his was starting to shout. "I'm sorry John, but you've got me all worried now, so you have to tell me. What's up with him?"
John swallowed. "Well, don't take this too personally, but when I questioned him about you, he, erm, said some very uncharitable things."
"....Like what?"
"Said you didn't bother to see him at all because you couldn't leave the mirror at home. He seemed to be pretty bitter about it. And he also said he could've done better that night, he would have put you in hospital instead of him, only you got to him first in the groin."
Darren was speechless for a moment. Finally he found his voice. "He really said those things about me? Why? I said I was sorry...!" He was clearly hurt. Very hurt.
"Yes, I know, I'm sure he was just really tired and irritated....I don't think he meant any of it," John reassured him. He noticed the singer looking very downcasted indeed. "Hey, I'm sorry...I didn't want to tell you, you know."
"No." Darren shook his head. "I need to know." He looked at him expressionlessly. "I'm gonna go over to his place now. I need to know what the hell's going on with him."
"Alright. I'll catch ya later, okay?" John patted him on the arm. "Take care, eh?"
"I will, I will." He turned and locked the door behind him, before wordlessly brushing past the older man to his car.
Darren pressed the accelerator hard underneath his black, leather boots. He turned the steering wheel around to another corner. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse....it damn well does! He was desperate to find out why Daniel made those cruel comments about him. Why? Why? Even though probably he deserved every bit of contempt from Daniel, he thought they had made up already.... weren't they on good terms before? So why, all of a sudden, he was like this now?
As the car sped up the main highway, he sighed inwardly. For the past dramatic few days, it had been hard keeping his feelings to himself. A sensitive and emotional soul he was, he was careful to always shield his vulnerable side. But this.... this problem with Daniel was pushing him at his tether. Never before had such intense tension grew between them.
That's because nothing like this has ever happened. Not until you started it.
"Oh be quiet," he hissed audibly to himself. That annoying little voice in his head.... god, he wanted to wrung the life out of it. Here you go again, my dear Darren, talking mentally to yourself. Gee, shouldn't you see a doctor?
Yes, it was hopeless alright.
He slowed the car as he went up the familiar road. Betony Crest Road, Meadow Lakes. It was nice place to live, though not as posh and expensive as where his house was, but nevertheless considered one of Brisbane's top suburbs as well. A white-bricked mansion with elegant black iron railings gradually came into view. A picture of a very well-to-do person living there. Ah yes, Daniel's home. He had good taste too.