Living With Him

by J. L. Ostle

  “There’s nothing to apologize for. I know that you’re hungry or your stomach wouldn’t have growled at me.” He laughs and I giggle. “Now that’s what I want to hear more of.” He smiles and heads back to the kitchen and I follow him.

  “More of what?”

  He looks at me. “Your laugh,” is all he says before grabbing our plates and we head back to the couch. He places them on the coffee table and goes back to the kitchen, returning with two glasses of orange juice. We both take a seat and he turns on the TV and starts eating, so I do the same. After taking one bite, I groan out loud, letting the taste dance around in my mouth. I notice that Jackson has stopped eating and when I look at him, he is watching me. I feel my face heating up again so I look back at my plate.

  “Have I done something wrong?” I ask softly.

  He stays quiet for a moment. “No, I’m just glad you are enjoying my culinary skills.”

  I giggle and eat everything on my plate, never having been so satisfied in my life.

  “Finished?” he asks and I nod as he takes the dishes away. I fall back onto the couch feeling stuffed. I can’t remember the last time I was this full. He walks back in and sits next to me and I tuck my feet under me.

  “That really was fit for a queen.” I smile, and when he turns, he smiles in return.

  “You are easily pleased,” he chuckles.

  “I guess I am. That was amazing. Thank you again.”

  “Anytime.”

  We sit there, comfortably watching some show about cars being fixed or something, but I don’t mind. I am looking at the clock on the wall when the door that leads to the stairs opens and a very attractive girl is standing there. She must be the girl from last night. No wonder he is with her. She looks like a model with her long blonde hair, long legs, and thin curvaceous body.

  “You could have woken me up,” she says sweetly, but her eyes are throwing daggers at me so I look at my hands, which are in my lap.

  “I didn’t want to wake you,” he says indifferently.

  “But we could have gone for round four.” They had sex three times?

  “I had to cook me and my roommate breakfast.”

  I can feel her eyes on me and I am starting to feel uncomfortable. “I bet-ter go and leave yo-u alone.” I stutter over my words and stand, but I feel him stand next to me and hold my hand. My body tenses up again but he doesn’t release me.

  “Yes, I think that would be great,” she says.

  “No, you don’t need to go anywhere. Mary …”

  “Mayzie,” she corrects him.

  “Mayzie, you know the deal. I will see you around.”

  I sit back down as I feel my legs are shaking.

  “Are you being serious?” I see her feet stomp over to us. “I don’t let guys fuck me around,” she says sternly.

  “Well, you shouldn’t open your legs after five minutes of being with a guy then.”

  “You are such a dick.”

  “You know who I am, are you really that surprised?” I hear her huff and then I hear the front door bang closed. Jackson sits back down, and I just want to head to my room. “I am so sorry about that.”

  I nod. “I need to go and get showered and dressed. I’ve got classes soon.” I stand up and start to head up the stairs.

  “Do you need a lift?”

  I don’t turn around. “Kendra is picking me up, but thank you.” I run up the stairs and head to my room, closing the door.

  That was so awkward. I can tell by how the girl looked that she is popular and probably a bully. Back in high school, I attracted them. Privileged girls who had money that looked their noses down on me. But I feel a little sorry for her; she shared something intimate and he just acted like it was no big deal. He wasn’t very nice towards her. He could have turned her down more gently. It was kind of mean.

  I grab a shower and get dressed. My hair is wet but I can’t find a hair dryer. I guess I’m going to have to tie it up and let it dry naturally. I don’t even own makeup so that’s one thing I don’t need to worry about.

  I head back downstairs and I smile when I see Kendra and her boyfriend Jayce. They are sitting on the couch smiling at one another, and they really do look like the perfect couple. Kendra, with her shoulder length black hair and caramel-colored skin and runner’s body. Jayce, with his light brown hair and tanned skin. He is on the football team so his body is quite muscular from what I can tell from his tight shirts.

  Jackson is sitting on the other couch looking at his phone. He is dressed in black jeans and a white T-shirt that is hugging him nicely. I have seen his body this morning so I know it’s beyond perfect.

  As he knows I’m there, he looks up and smiles at me when he sees me. I went with my jeans that I wore yesterday, with a black tank and my dark blue hoodie.

  “So, by looking at this place, I guess a certain someone tidied up,” Kendra says looking at me and shaking her head.

  “I was as surprised as you are. I came home to it like this,” Jackson says.

  “I hope you thanked her,” she says to him.

  “He did, but he didn’t need to. It’s my thanks for letting me stay here.” I walk over to Kendra and she stands to give me a hug.

  “Are you okay?”

  I nod. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “So, bro, did you get lucky last night?” Jayce asks Jackson, who shrugs.

  “Who says no to this?” He waves his hands down his body and Jayce laughs at him.

  “Knew she wouldn’t turn you down. But from what I heard that girl is clingy as fuck.”

  “Yeah, I had to show her the door this morning when she wouldn’t take the hint.”

  “You brought a girl back here with Riley in the house?” Kendra glares at Jackson.

  “I forgot she was going to be here. She was asleep on the couch so I made sure both doors to my room were closed.”

  Kendra is looking at him like he is crazy. “If you saw her on the couch then why didn’t you ask the skank to leave?”

  “It’s his house, he doesn’t need to … ummm … throw away his … ummm … friends because of me.”

  “Don’t be stupid, he should have told her to leave. You are a pig.”

  “Kendra, it’s no big deal. Jackson, I’m okay with it, seriously.” As long as I don’t hear it I don’t care. I notice Kendra roll her eyes.

  “Well, just don’t make a habit out of it J-man. Just fuck the girls in alleyways. I don’t think they would care. Now let's go before we are late.”

  I quickly head back upstairs to grab my backpack when I run into Jackson on the way out.

  “I am really sorry if last night offended you. I didn’t think.” He does look upset over having upset me.

  “Don’t be silly. Kendra treats me like I’m made out of glass. This is your home and if you want to bring girls back here, that’s up to you.”

  He nods. “I will try to not bring any back.” He gives me a wink and the question that pops into my head is, just how many girls does he hook up with?

  Chapter Three

  Lunchtime came by quickly and when I head to the cafeteria, I notice I am one of the first to arrive. I am happy that Jackson did make me breakfast as there is no way for me to pay for anything to eat now. I grab a table and decide to do some work. It doesn’t take long before the place starts to fill up with students.

  No one speaks to me as they head on with their lives. I don’t really get noticed. With girls around wearing up-to-date fashions and showing a bit of skin, I’m not really surprised that I don’t get a second look. I’m lucky if I even get a first look. It doesn’t really bother me as I’m not interested in dating.

  I just want to graduate and start my life. I deserve a better future and I am going to work my ass off to get there.

  I am in my own world, studying away when I hear chairs scrape next to me and see Kendra and Jayce sit down to join me. Kendra passes me a can of Coke and a sandwich and she gives me a wink, not saying anything more.
>
  I really do love her to bits. She knows me so well; she knows me inside out and I her. I put my books to the side, taking a drink and starting on my sandwich when our table starts to fill up with Jayce’s football team.

  A few students walk by saying hi to Jayce, Kendra, or any of the guys on the team. But like always, no one says hi to me. The only seat left vacant is next to me and soon Jackson sits down saying, “Hey,” and I can’t explain it but it feels nice that someone else acknowledged that I am here as well.

  I have just finished eating when a voluptuous blonde comes over and sits on his lap. Just like the girl from last night and this morning, this girl is very attractive. She is stroking up and down his chest as he talks to a few of the guys opposite him.

  I am sipping my Coke when the girl starts poking my shoulder trying to get my attention. When I turn towards her, her eyes look at me like I’m something she stepped in.

  “Is it okay if I take your seat? You seem to be finished, and well, I want to sit next to Jackson.”

  I haven’t finished my drink but I don’t say that. I start gathering my books into my backpack when I hear a thud and turn to see the girl on the floor and Jackson in his chair pulled away from the table.

  “It’s not okay and she surely isn’t finished.”

  The girl stands up, putting her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe you made me fall,” she whines and he shrugs as he stands, taking the chair with him and getting back close to the table, ignoring her as he continues talking to the guys like nothing has happened. The girl walks away and a few guys around the table snicker.

  For the rest of our lunch, Jackson introduces me to the guys who I will probably forget by tomorrow, but it’s nice that he includes me, even in parts of their conversation.

  “So, when are you going to give up that pansy music of yours and join us on the team? You know Coach would take you back in a heartbeat,” one of the guys says. I think his name is Jermaine.

  “I love my music and my band is starting to take off. I will let the guy groping up of guys to you.”

  Jermaine scoffs. “Whatever, dude, but I think you are going to miss out on all the honeys.”

  “Does it look like I have trouble getting women?”

  They both laugh but I turn away to listen to Kendra’s conversation as I don’t want to talk about these guys hooking up.

  “So, what are we doing this weekend?” Kendra asks Jayce, pulling him away from his conversation.

  “Well, there’s a fraternity party happening and I think Jackson is playing there. Yo, Jackson,” he shouts out to get Jackson’s attention. “You playing at that frat party Saturday?”

  “Yeah, I am,” he replies and continues talking.

  “There, that’s what we are doing.” He gives her a wink and she rolls her eyes.

  “Thanks for collaborating—what if I wanted to go out for dinner?”

  He chuckles at her. “Baby, you have been going on and on about this new dress you want to show off. I know you will want to show it off at this party, where every girl is going to be, so you can make them envious of you.”

  “I hate that you know me so well.” She smiles and they share a kiss, so I look away from them.

  “So how is the new roommate?” another guy opposite us, called Darren asks. I don’t mean to eavesdrop but I can’t help it. “Is she a dog like you thought?” He laughs and Jackson is giving him a death look and swinging his hand around his neck, trying to tell the guy to shut up, but obviously this guy isn’t taking notice. “Come on, man, is she woof-woof material or a girl you will bone by the end of the week?” Jackson throws a chip at the guy’s head and he finally shuts up. “What the fuck man?”

  “Darren, this is my roommate Riley. I introduced to you all not that long ago.”

  I give a small smile and Darren rubs his neck, looking sheepish.

  “Sorry, my bad. By the way, you ain't no dog. You are really cute, as a matter of fact.” He leans forward. “You got a boyfriend?”

  I feel my face heating up again. All I can do is shake my head.

  “Do you want one?” He winks at me.

  “Fuck off, Darren. She doesn’t need a horndog like you,” Jackson says sternly.

  Darren shrugs. “If you ever change your mind, sweetheart.” He winks at me again.

  “Gross! You would have to be the last man on earth before she gives you a second look. I know you fuck ‘em and leave ‘em. She is too good for that.” Kendra butts in.

  “Yeah, she doesn’t know where you’ve been.” Jayce joins in.

  “Who hasn’t he been with?” a guy shouts out and they all high five.

  Darren stands, looking pissed off. “You all suck,” he spouts as he walks off.

  “You wish, Darren,” another guy shouts out, and Darren continues walking but flips him the finger before he’s out of sight.

  “What a pig.” Kendra shakes her head.

  “Do you think all guys are pigs?” I joke.

  “Yeah, pretty much.” We both laugh.

  “Hey, what about me?” Jayce asks, looking wounded.

  “You were a pig, but you’ve got me now, so it’s all good.” He is pleased with that answer and kisses her nose.

  “I know that you think I’m a pig. You tell me every chance you get.” Jackson leans over, joining our conversation. His body is so close to mine, I can feel his heat radiate off him. He turns his head a little so his eyes connect with mine and he gives me a smile and a wink.

  No wonder girls give in to temptation whenever he is near. He just oozes sex appeal and he has that bad boy look to him. But it’s his eyes that reel girls in. They are so mesmerizing and intense. I have to look away as I feel myself blushing again.

  “If you do a piggish thing, I am going to call you out on it and I’m sorry, babe, but you are a pig with a capital P. Still love ya, though.” She leans over me and pats his cheek.

  “Well at least you still love me. Be careful, Jay, I think she may leave you for me.” He winks at Jayce and Jayce quickly puts his arm around Kendra’s shoulders.

  “In your dreams.” They laugh. “So, Riley, are you going to join us this Saturday?”

  “Yes.”

  “No.” Kendra and I answer at the same time.

  “Come on, you need a life and you are allowed to come to these parties now. Please, pretty please? I’ll love you forever.” She pouts at me.

  “You will love me forever, anyway,” I tease.

  “True, but please come with me.”

  I roll my head back, not really wanting to go to a party where everyone is going to get extremely drunk. “I have nothing to wear.”

  “You can borrow something from me,” she answers quickly.

  “But …” I am lost for words and after a moment without thinking of an excuse, Kendra claps her hands in glee.

  “Yay, you are coming.”

  I groan, but she ignores it.

  “Don’t you like parties?” Jackson asks me.

  How can I tell him that I was forbidden to go to any? “I have just never really been to one and I don’t want to be standing there all on my own.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and brings me into his chest. I hate that my body tenses up.

  “It’s okay, kitten, if you ever get bored just watch me play, and after I will be stuck to your side like glue.”

  I giggle and lean away from him. “What about all the girls who will be fighting for your attention?” I joke.

  “Well, I am irresistible. But for one night, you will be my girl.”

  “Don’t think about it, Jackson,” Kendra warns him.

  “What? I am trying to be neighborly and all that shit. I am not trying to fuck her.” I look down at my hands again and I feel his hand entwine with mine. “I wouldn’t do that to you,” he whispers in my ear.

  I nod. “I know you wouldn’t.” I don’t, but looking into his eyes, I can sense the sincerity in them.

  “Yeah, she is definitely not your type,” Kendr
a adds in.

  “Kendra, stop it. He is only being friendly.”

  “You better be, Jackson, or I will cut your balls off and feed them to the fishes.”

  “You are one sick girl, Ken.” Jackson shakes his head.

  “I know.” She smiles sweetly. I can’t help but smile.

  “Glad you think this is funny.” Jackson acts like I hurt him and I shrug.

  “Just a little.” We both chuckle. He soon stands and gathers his trash.

  “Well, I’m off. See you later, roomy.” He gives me a wink and walks off and a few girls stand and start to follow him.

  “Girls can be so desperate. Don’t they realize that if he does pick any of them, it’s just for a quick wham bam.” Kendra rolls her eyes.

  “I think one of them is hoping to tame the bad boy,” Jayce says.

  “Like one of those skanks will. They only want to be with him because he’s hot, an ex-football player, and he’s in a band. They just like the appeal.”

  “You think he’s hot?” Jayce asks in shock.

  “Not as hot as you or I wouldn’t have chosen you, would I?” She kisses his lips and he quickly lifts her, placing her on his lap.

  “Good answer.”

  They start sucking face again, so I gather my bag, telling them my goodbyes and head on out.

  Chapter Four

  I head off to my afternoon classes. I walk across campus, looking at a few students lingering around, laughing, talking, making plans. I always overthink when I’m on my own—like would my life be different if my mother never passed away, or if my father never took to drinking to help forget the love of his life?

  I only have a few memories of my mother. I have one photo of her and me from when I was five, and I look like the spitting image of her now—long brown hair and light brown eyes. We even have the same smile. I think that is also the very reason my father is cruel to me when he is drunk.

  This is my fresh start now. I am leaving my messy past behind me.

  I enter the classroom, grabbing a seat, and get out my notebook and pen. I see students pulling out their laptops but I like writing, I think it helps me with remembering the material when writing on paper. I am putting the date on top of the page when I feel someone sit next to me. I turn to see Jackson smiling at me.