Find You in the Dark

we found ourselves. That he was so aware of the fact that no one understood our relationship and what we meant to each other. I wasn't sure one night with my friends would erase the months of damage. But I wanted to be as positive about it as he was.
    “I love you.” I whispered before kissing him again, wanting to take away the sadness and pain that never seemed to leave Clay's face.
    “Uh guys, we have a problem here.” I heard Rachel call from downstairs. Clay sighed and rested his forehead on my chest. “That doesn't sound good.” Clay commented. I chuckled and got up. “Come on. Let's go see what monumental crisis we have to avert.” I straightened my rumpled shirt and smoothed my hair before following Clay downstairs.
    Ray and Clare were gone when we entered the kitchen. Daniel was sitting on one of the stools at the island, his head propped on his hand, looking annoyed. “What's up?” I asked, looking at Daniel, who I knew from experience was usually the source of Rachel's problem.
    Daniel rolled his eyes. “You'd have to ask her. I don't see that there is any problem . ” I looked at Rachel, waiting for her to explain. “I'll tell you what the problem is. There is only one extra room! And there's only one queen sized bed in there! I told Daniel, if he were a gentleman, he'd sleep on the couch, but he's refusing. He says I'm being ridiculous! Can you believe it? Him calling me ridiculous? That's just rich!” Rachel shot daggers at Daniel, who looked bored with the whole debate.
    “Uh, Rach, it's not like you haven't shared a bed with Daniel before.” I reminded her. Rachel huffed. “We were like eight. That does not count, okay. Tell him he has to sleep on the couch, Clay.” Rachel turned to my boyfriend, drawing him squarely into the middle of the argument. Clay looked flustered and his eyes found mine in silent appeal. I knew he was worried about making Rachel any angrier. But I didn't know how to help him, so I just shrugged.
    Clay put his hand through his hair in that flustered way he was known for. “Well, Rachel. I can't really say who gets the bedroom. I mean, that's really something the two of you have to decide.” Rachel looked like she wanted to throw something.
    “Well, I'm not sleeping on the couch. If the thought of sharing a bed with me disgusts you that much, you sleep on the there.” Daniel remarked grumpily. He hopped down from the stool and grabbed his overnight bag. “Where do you think you're going?” Rachel asked him angrily. He started walking down the hallway. “I'm taking my bag to my room. Later.” He called over his shoulder.
    Rachel whipped around and gave Clay and I a steely glare. “What the hell am I supposed to do? I shouldn't have to sleep on the couch because he's being a a dick.” I patted my best friend's back. “I have a solution for you.” I whispered conspiratorially. Rachel looked at me, interested. “Yeah?' She asked. “Why don't you stop being such a stubborn pain in the ass and take your stuff back to the bedroom. One night sharing a bed won't kill you.”
    Rachel harrumphed, picked up her bright pink bag and stomped down the hallway after Daniel. “You'd best stay on your side of the bed or I'll cut off your testicles while you sleep.” I heard her yelling. I couldn't hear Daniel's response.
    Clay looked bewildered. “She's scary when she's mad. I'd hate to be Daniel right now.” He said, going to the refrigerator and pulling out a beer. I cocked my eyebrow at him. He looked down at the can. “Okay, maybe not such a good idea.” He gave me a smile and put it back, grabbing a bottle of water instead.
    An hour later, Raymond and Clare emerged from their room, looking as though they had just woken up from a nap. Daniel and Rachel joined us in the living room not long after that, both looking less annoyed, though Rachel continued to bristle every time Daniel opened his mouth.
    “Didn't Lisa say there was a grocery store five minutes from here?” Raymond asked. “Yeah, if you go back down the driveway and head right, it's less than a mile on your left. It's just a little mom and pop place, but you can get the essentials.” Clay told him.
    “Cool, you want to come, Danny?” Daniel jumped at the chance to get away from a still fuming Rachel. “Clay?” Raymond asked. Clay looked at me and I nodded. “Go, have some guy time.” Clay grinned and I could see how happy he was to be included.
    “Ugg! I seriously need to decompress.