The guy returns a hit, and Christopher staggers back. He runs forward and tackles the guy to the ground as they fight. They wrestle around, arms and punches flying everywhere.
“Oh my god, stop it,” I cry. I try to run in to break it up, and someone holds me back. People are shuffling in, trying to see. A few people step in to help Christopher, and then some stick up for the other guy.
It gets broken up, and the two men are held back from each other.
Christopher’s eyes find me across the crowd, and I throw up my arms. “What the hell are you doing?”
His nostrils flare. He turns and marches out of the hostel.
What the hell is wrong with him?
He practically runs down the corridor and pushes out the large front doors and down the stairs. He begins to walk off into the darkness up the road as I follow.
“Christopher,” I call.
He ignores me and keeps walking.
“Christopher,” I yell. “Don’t you dare ignore me!”
He stops, his back still to me.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“Getting the fuck out of here,” he says, his back still turned.
I catch up and walk around to see his face, and my heart drops. He’s upset.
“What are you doing?” I ask softly.
His eyes hold mine.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“I don’t fucking know,” he cries. His eyes are wild, his hair is tousled, and his chest rises and falls as if he’s gasping for air. The adrenaline in his system must be through the roof.
I frown, taken aback. Something’s going on with him. He’s in the middle of another major freak-out.
“It’s okay . . . ,” I say softly.
“Nothing about this is okay, Hayden,” he cries. “I’m going fucking crazy.”
I stare at him, unsure what to say.
“I’ve been frantic all fucking day over you, and now . . .” He throws his arms up in surrender. “I saw him touch you, and . . .” He drags his hands through his hair.
“You got jealous,” I say softly.
“I do not get jealous,” he yells, infuriated.
He’s having some kind of episode here, and I don’t want to throw fuel on the fire.
I need to try to calm him down.
“I’m sorry I didn’t answer my phone today. I didn’t mean to worry you,” I say.
“That’s the point. I don’t worry. I don’t get jealous, Hayden. I don’t know if I’m up or down or just going fucking crazy,” he cries. “What the hell is wrong with me?”
I stare at him. He really has no idea . . .
“You’re in love with me,” I say softly.
His face falls.
“But that’s okay.” I smile hopefully. “Because I love you too.”
His eyes search mine.
“And now you’ve gone and ruined a very special moment between us.” I put my hands on my hips.
He stares at me, shocked to silence.
“Get your shit together and go back inside and finish your shift,” I demand.
Perspiration beads on his brow. His eyes are crazy, and I’m unsure if he’s about to run. I just need him to calm down and go back and work. If he runs now, it’s all over between us. I’m not going through that shit again.