by Ruby Scott
“I hear he’s got a lot of things with a lot of girls.” I sarcastically threw at her.
She laughed in my face. “Oh, you’re so cute.” Belittling me. “You’re a virgin aren’t you?” Demeaning bitch.
“Did you want something?”
“No, no just wanted to get to know my future sister-in-law that’s all.”
My blood was boiling inside of me but I decided that I shouldn’t make enemies too soon. I put my fake smile on while trying to subtly get her to leave me alone.
“Oh, that is so lovely of you Tanya. It was lovely meeting you.”
She obviously didn’t take the hint and dove head first into inappropriateness.
“You’re mom left you yeah?”
“What?” I was startled at her abruptness.
“I heard she was a crazy drug addict.”
“I think you better leave me alone.”
“Oh I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. My aunty was really into drugs and overdosed last Christmas. We are pretty similar you and me, you know?”
Oh god! Fuck making friends! I could not keep my cool any longer.
“No, I don’t think so. My mom made a much a better daughter you see.” I smiled at her and I could see the embarrassment in her face. She stood up and yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.
“You inconsiderate bitch. No wonder your Dad never wanted you and your mom left.”
I had nothing left to say. I had tears fighting to seep out of my eyes and release the pain she just unleashed. I could hear whispers and laughs all around me. I didn’t know what to do.
“Tanya your parents don’t even like you…” I heard a familiar voice behind me and a tug at my arm. “Come on Victoria, let’s go.” It was Jake, saving me from the bitches. Suddenly it seemed that the laughs were now directed at Tanya instead of me.
We walked behind the building and he sat me down against the wall, placing himself next to me.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I think so…”
Silence.
“Thanks for standing up for me.”
Silence.
“I didn’t know she would say anything you know?”
I looked at him bewildered.
“I trusted her and just told her stuff but I didn’t say anything bad.”
I stood up, frustration brewing inside of me and a tear found its way down my right cheek.
“This was you?” I yelled. “You trusted her? She doesn’t really seem like the type of person one would trust Jake. Actually, come to think of it neither do you.”
I stood up to leave and he grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“Victoria.”
I looked at him. I could feel my eyes swimming in tears and slowly releasing them one at a time. Jake gently placed his thumb under my eye wiping the tears away. His eyes had so much pain in them and I suddenly felt guilty myself. I bet this was exactly how he got all the girls playing against each other, manipulating them. I knew this but I didn’t look away. I could feel his sincerity and it was something I hadn’t received in a long time. Jake moved his hands over both of my cheeks and then slowly tucked my hair behind my ears.
“I’m sorry about your mom, Victoria.”
I sniffled and stood there, not knowing what to do next.
“We will look after you now, I promise.” He said breaking the silence.
I looked into his eyes and my stomach started going crazy again. His gaze dropped to my lips and I braced myself, unsure what I wanted to happen. He grabbed my head in both hands and kissed my forehead and then stepped away from me.
“It’s going to be okay you know?”
And in that moment I actually believed him and I felt my entire body relax in his presence. I felt safe.
Jake
Wow. Today was crazy. I can’t believe Tanya. She hasn’t stopped calling me. I can’t be bothered with her drama anymore, or any of those girls for that matter. I better go check on Victoria and see if she’s okay.
I knocked on her door and listened for her voice.
“Come in.”
She said it so quietly that I could hardly hear, but I knew it didn’t sound like a ‘fuck off’ so I was safe.
“Just wanted to come check on you. See how you’re doing.”
“Good thanks, just trying to organise my books and homework.”
Victoria had books and papers scattered over the floor in front of her and she was madly scribbling away with highlighters. I’m not sure if she understood the purpose of a highlighter, considering she was highlighting practically everything, but I decided not to say anything. I walked over to her and sat down with my back resting against her bed. I could smell her perfume and I found myself weirdly drawn to her. For the first time, I really took in her beauty and I smiled to myself. Shit, stop thinking bad thoughts Jake.
“How kooky is Mr Ally hey?” I tried to distract my thoughts.
“Yeah he is pretty kooky but I like him. He is actually really quite intelligent. I love the way he spoke about the way the particles mixed with the….” She paused. “Sorry I’m rambling, aren’t I? Science tends to send me on tangents. Sorry to bore you.”
She giggled and it was like music. She was so cute, and I actually wanted to hear more about these particles she was so interested in, just because it was coming from her. I obviously was not paying attention in class.
“I like listening to you. I mean…like…when you’re happy. I haven’t seen your eyes light up like that since you got here.” I stumbled on my words.
“You mean since two days ago?” She teased.
We both laughed.
“Yeh. It’s my sixth sense.” I joked.
She laughed again.
That laugh. I hardly knew this girl. Why in the world was my mind doing somersaults?
She rested her back against the bed next to me and closed her eyes.
“Are you tired? I can leave if you need to sleep?” I asked hesitantly.
“Oh no. Stay. I’m just relaxing, that’s all. You made me completely frustrated and on edge yesterday…but now you make me feel… I dunno…relaxed…comfortable.”
I laughed.
“Phew. Note to self: Sucky at first impressions. Always insist second date.”
She laughed and turned her face towards me. Our lips were so close now and our smiles quickly dissipated into serious lustful stares. What. The. Fuck. Were we doing? I inched slightly closer to her and I could feel her warm breath on my chin. I reached over and tilted her head up towards mine. I could hear her breathing getting faster and louder. I loved that I had this effect on her. I loved that she hadn’t just thrust her body on top of me like every other girl. I liked that she didn’t feel the need to say anything. I got closer and I could almost taste her lips, feel their fullness on mine. They were amazing lips. She had amazing lips and I was going to kiss them. The rest of the world melted away, I closed my eyes and leant in and then…then I felt her abruptly stand up and ruin the entire moment.
“I actually am quite tired you know. Today was a big day. Thanks again.”
I think this was my cue to leave.
“Yeah, goodnight,” I walked towards the door and left feeling completely rejected.
Victoria
And then he left.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
What was I doing with my brother? Sure, we weren’t actually related in any way but this was still so totally weird. I don’t know what is wrong with me, it’s been two days for Christ sakes.
I liked him though.
A lot.
I looked at him from across the room, like really looked at him. I couldn’t help but think about how extremely handsome he was. His hair was a light brown and was long enough to just touch his ears. It sat messily and, what I first thought to be an unattractive quality, I now found incredibly sexy. It looked so natural, and paired with his piercing green eyes? I practically melted whenever he looked at me. He had
a chiselled jaw, a thick neck that led down to broad shoulders and, not that I had seen much else, but there was no way that he wasn’t sporting washboard abs under that shirt. His hands were big and I loved seeing the veins that popped up from his skin on the top of his hand and travelled up his arms. It made him look strong and manly. Oh. God. I really had it bad.
The rest of the school week went pretty fast. I tried to keep up an imaginary wall between me and Jake. I could admit I liked him but I also thought that maybe I was just craving some support and he happened to be the first person to give it to me. Besides, he also hasn’t got the best reputation with the ladies. And, let’s not forget…HE IS MY BROTHER! STEP-BROTHER…step-brother...he is my stepbrother…totally no relation at all, but I still felt that keeping my distance was the way to go. The thing is though, he didn’t even seem interested to break the wall down. He had pretty much ignored all week; no more teasing, no more jokes. Thank god I didn’t kiss him that night in my bedroom. He was obviously only wanting one thing from me and now that he’s realised I’m not that type of girl, he wants nothing to do with me. Typical.
I made a couple of friends this week too and they even invited me to a house party tonight. Apparently everyone will be there. Usually I would say no to this type of thing but I really wanted to make friends…and keep them.
Jake
It’s Friday night already and I haven’t really spoken to Victoria all week. She hasn’t spoken to me either. To be honest, I’m still feeling deflated after Monday night in her bedroom. I’m never wrong about a girl’s signals and I could’ve sworn she wanted to kiss me but it turns out she is totally not interested at all. I’d never had a girl turn me down before, and unfortunately for me, this made her even more attractive.
“Hey Jake. Can I get a lift to the party tonight?”
Shit. Don’t tell me she is going to a drug and alcohol infested party? I looked up from my game and holy fuck! Was that Victoria? She was wearing a tight navy blue dress that hardly covered her ass. And thank god for that, it is the best ass I have ever seen. Her blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders and her eyes were so intense. I usually wasn’t a fan of brown eyes but when she had been crying the other day at school, I noticed the green tinge in them and realised they are the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen, and this moment, really cemented it. The top of the dress tied around her neck and draped down in front of her chest just far enough for me get a good look at what I’d call an ‘A-plus’ rack. I felt guilty saying that though. She didn’t look slutty like the usual girl. She looked beautiful.
“I know, I look like a whore. It’s Natalie Trent’s. I had nothing to wear and they kinda forced me to wear it.”
“You can’t wear that.”
“What? Yes I can.”
“The guys are going to be all over you. You know there’s going to be drugs and alcohol yeah? And the boys just go to these parties for one thing and you look like you’re up for giving them that.”
She looked at me stunned. Stunned and angry.
“I can handle the boys thanks. I came to you for a lift, not a lecture Dad.”
Shit. She started walking away.
“Sorry… Sorry…Victoria come back. I’m sorry. I’m just trying to look after you. I can be a little protective sometimes.”
I could see her relax slightly.
“Yeah I kinda have noticed. You’re a total jerk.” She said this seriously but then laughed.
Phew, a joke, she’s joking. I must’ve still had a hurt look on my face though.
“Relax man. I’m only joking.” She teased me.
“Yeah I’ll give you a lift you nerd.”
She tried to shoot me an angry look but she couldn’t keep a straight face and we both laughed.
Victoria
I found my friends as soon as I got to the party and we made our way straight for the alcohol. My plan was to just hold the same cup all night and pretend I was used to this party atmosphere. Five minutes in and Tanya was already all over Jake. I could see Sarah watching with a sour look on her face. I don’t know what Jake’s game was but damn these girls were really stupid. Jake was different this time though, he kept shrugging her off and I kept catching him glancing over at me. I decided to leave my friends for the bathroom. Well, that was my excuse, I just went outside instead and sat down near the fireplace.
“Well don’t you scrub up nice Victoria?”
I looked over and Jimmy McBride was dragging a seat up next to me. I hadn’t talked to him at all but I knew him as one of Jake’s friends and I had actually noticed him a lot—he was very good looking.
“Thanks.” I shyly replied.
“Do you know my name?”
“Should I?”
“I don’t know but I hope so.”
I smiled and I could feel myself blushing.
“Is it something like Jimmy?”
“Bingo! You are so smart Victoria….that’s why I like you.”
Before I had time to respond, another friend of Jake’s was yelling out the door to Jimmy.
“Oi Jim, put your dick back in your pants, we’re playing naughty games in here.”
“Comin’ man, I’m bringing Victoria.”
And with that he grabbed my arm and pulled me up while I tried to make up excuses for him to leave me outside. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Relax Victoria, you’re with me.”
I took a deep breath and followed him inside. We entered the room with Jimmy holding my hand leading the way. Natalie and Gabrielle raised their eyebrows at me showing they were impressed. On the other hand, I could feel a hole burning through me from the looks of Tanya and Jake. When I looked at Jake though he smiled at me. He then swung his arm around Tanya’s shoulders and she moved closer to him.
“Okay, okay, everyone. We are playing ‘never have I ever’, umm….” She scanned the room. “Victoria, why don’t you start?”
That bitch.
“I haven’t played this before actually so I might just watch.”
“You either play or you leave.”
Jimmy came to my rescue. “She can watch the first couple and then have a turn, Tanya. Quit being such a bitch.”
I swooned. Jimmy was defending my honour.
“Fine. Whatever. I’ll start. Never have I ever had an orgy…whoops.” She laughed and took a shot. So did Jake. And most of the other boys.
“So Victoria, you drink if you have had an orgy okay?”
“Uh…okay…I haven’t.”
“Of course you haven’t.” Tanya laughed and turned to Jake. “Babe you do one.”
“Never have I ever had sex in the school toilets.”
Jimmy didn’t drink this time but Tanya, Jake and a few others did.
“Okay, my turn.” Jimmy cut in. “Never have I ever had sex with Tanya.”
The whole room erupted with laughter and nearly every guy drank. Tanya shot Jimmy the evilest look and then hit Jake in the arm for laughing too. He leant over and gave her a kiss and she suddenly was in love again. She turned to me.
“Ok Victoria, get it? Your turn now.”
“Ok…ummm…never have I ever…done drugs.”
The whole room laughed again and everyone except myself, Natalie and Gabrielle drank up.
“Oh you are just so cute Victoria,” Tanya teased. “Maybe we should play another game so we can actually get some drinks in you. Oh I know, let’s play the number game with cards.”
Jake
I don’t know why it bothered me so much but the more Victoria drank and got closer to Jimmy the more I wanted to make her jealous. The games were over because everyone was far too drunk and I was now sitting on the couch with Tanya draped all over me. Victoria and Jimmy were sitting on the couch across from us, but besides that the room was empty. I grabbed Tanya’s head and pulled it towards mine trying to keep up with Jimmy and Victoria. I moved my hands up and down her body and grabbed her ass and I could feel Tanya starting to undo my pants. I stop
ped her. Kissing in front of Victoria was one thing, but anything else? I just couldn’t. Tanya looked at me in shock.
“What’s wrong babe?”
“Nothin’…I just don’t really think this is the place.”
I looked over at Victoria. Jimmy’s tongue was halfway down her throat and he kept trying to put his hand up her dress. Thankfully, she was persistent at pushing it away.
“You never usually care. It’s just Jimmy and Victoria here. It wouldn’t be the first time Jimmy’s seen us.” Tanya protested. She then rolled her eyes and pulled me off the couch leading us to another room. I wanted to resist but I really didn’t have a reason to and as we walked away I caught Victoria’s eye contact and felt like I was going to be sick with guilt.
Victoria
I could hardly see. I had no idea what was going on. No wonder I don’t drink. Jimmy had taken me into a dark room upstairs and we were lying on a bed. I’m not sure where we were but I was in no state to really care. I just wanted to forget about Jake and that slut, and unfortunately, I was letting Jimmy help me. I could hear Jimmy undressing at the edge of the bed and then he came over to me and pulled my dress up over my head. I held my arms up and let him. He went to pull my underwear down and all of a sudden I felt myself about to be sick.
“No, Jimmy, wait.”
He was too drunk to know what I was saying and he successfully got my underwear off. He started lowering his body on top of me and I screamed.
“Please stop”
He didn’t.
And that sick feeling became reality. It was all over me and him. He jumped up faster than I’d seen anyone…not that I could really trust my vision at that moment.
“You stupid bitch!”
I could feel myself starting to cry. He grabbed his clothes so I reached over, using what little energy I had left, to grab my underwear and slide them back on. I was in no state to get up but I could still think enough to know I didn’t want to be found completely naked. I heard voices at the door as Jimmy stormed out of the room. A second after he had slammed the door shut, it flung back open and I could hear someone in the room next to me and I was lifted up. I put my arms around the person’s neck and looked up. Jake—my hero and I closed my eyes knowing that I was safe.
