500 Days

by Jessica Miller

  “This coming from the guy with ice under his armpits.”

  “I’m fucking hot, okay.” I snapped.

  “Sounds like it’s someone’s time of month. If you want I can go ask one the girls if they have any Midol or some super tampons?” Colton laughed. I threw one of my make-shift ice packs at him. The ice flew in all different directions all over the place. “That’s nasty dude,” Colton laughed. I took the remaining ice pack and put it on the back of my neck.

  Declan came into the room then and inspected the floor and looked at me. “You’re cleaning that up and I’m not even going to ask why you’re shirtless.” She turned her attention to Colton before I could rebuke. “Jaxson and Jacob are here and they wanted to know if it was cool if they hung out back here with you guys before you went on.”

  Colton shrugged. “Yeah, sure. I don’t care.”

  “Alright, I’ll let them know.”

  “We’re still on for later, right?”

  “Yeah,” Declan said, giving him a sweet smile. “Are you going to the party later?” Colton nodded like a love sick dog. “Maybe we could go together and talk?”

  “Yes, I’d really like that.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and was out the door. I didn’t know what happened, but it looked like these two were going to be okay. I cooled down enough to put my shirt back on but not before I made sure I applied some fresh deodorant. I fixed my Mohawk in the mirror and then sat down and helped myself to another beer just as Jaxson and Jacob walked in.

  “What’s up boys?” They both walked straight for me and stopped just a foot away, arms crossed. The serious look on their faces had me worried Alex sent them back here to say something to me.

  “We want in,” Jacob said. I creased my brow, confused.

  “We know you’re trying to prove Reece is cheating and we want to help you,” Jaxson clarified.

  “Why would you want to help me?”

  “Because we know you like Alex. And I rather see her with you than a douchebag like Reece. We all know you’re a dick, but despite you being an asshole, I know for fact you would never hurt Alex.”

  “Gee, thanks Jax.”

  “No problem,” he smiled, breaking his serious mode.

  “So what makes you believe Reece is cheating on her?”

  Jacob took a step forward. “He’s been getting sloppy. I had my suspicions about him from the beginning, but you know how Alex is. I couldn’t just blurt it out to her without proof.” Colton gave me that ‘I told you so’ look. I ignored him and sat back.

  “So you’ve actually seen him cheat?”

  Jacob looked at Jaxson. “Not exactly. I was drunk. So it’s all a little fuzzy.”

  “What my idiot brother is trying to say is Reece is a lot more flirtatious with girls when Alex isn’t around.”

  “And a lot more hands on. Cheating or not I don’t like the guy,” Jacob declared.

  “Why don’t you just tell Alex you don’t like him and he’s bad news,” I suggested.

  “Alex would never listen to us. She would tell us to fuck off and then kick us in the shins,” Jaxson laughed, grabbing a beer.

  “You two have a plan?” I asked.

  “We were hoping you did.”

  I rubbed the back of my neck feeling a headache come on. Having two out of Alex’s four brother’s on my team definitely helped. If we actually did find proof, her brother’s would be the better choice to deliver the news and soften the blow. I caught them up on everything so far, which was basically nothing. Although with Jaxson and Jacob on board we would know more about Reece’s whereabouts - when he was and wasn’t with Alex.

  “Alex told us earlier she would be at the party tonight with Reece.”

  “Is he coming to the club?” I asked.

  “I don’t know,” Jacob said.

  We all sat around trying to come up with an inconspicuous way of catching Reece without Alex finding out. We knew he wouldn’t try anything with Alex around, so tonight we decided to just do recon. Find out who he hangs with and get as much info as we could without raising suspicion. Our planning and scheming was cut short. The guys and I had to be on stage in five minutes. I told Jacob and Jaxson they were welcome to hang in the back if they wanted, but Jaxson told me he was going to take advantage of his lil’ bro being the designated driver.

  We played a great set and I was on a high as I walked back into the dressing room. Everything came to a crashing holt when I saw her standing there, restocking our liquor supply. She was the last person I expected to see but so happy she was there. She heard us return and looked up. Seeing me made her finish up quicker. The guys piled in, including Jacob and Jaxson. Alex rolled her eyes at her brothers and exchanged a few words. By the tone of her voice and the expression on her face, I knew it wasn’t a friendly chat. I caught Jaxson and Jacob roll their eyes a few times. Alex smacked them both. I made a judgment call and decided to intercept.

  “Is there something I can help with?”

  Alex glared at me and laughed before she turned back to her brothers. “I’ll be watching you both,” she warned before she left.

  I turned to the boys for an explanation. “Alex just being Alex,” Jaxson replied.

  “Someone needs to remind her she’s our sister not our mother,” Jacob complained. I heard Alex arguing with someone and then returned to the dressing room with another bucket of beer. “Jas, it’s about time you got here.”

  “Look, I don’t need any trouble tonight. So you stooges better behave,” Alex said, slamming the bucket down on the table and walking out again. This time I followed her.

  “Alex, wait.” I caught up to her in three long strides. I spun her around to face me. “Alex…I’m sorry.”

  She ripped her arm away from me. “You got a lot of nerve.”

  “Alex, just please hear me out. I’m sorry. I was a dick. I overreacted. I was drunk and thought I saw something…I just didn’t want to see you get hurt.”

  “The funny thing is Casper. You’re the one who hurt me.” She turned to walk away.

  “Alex, please.”

  “I don’t have time for this Casper. I have to get back to work.” I let her go. When I turned around I had a crowd of spectators. My band mates and Alex’s brothers were all standing there watching me.

  “That…was pathetic, dude,” Jasper said while Jacob and Jaxson tried to hide their laughs. “If I would have known you would end up having a thing for my sister I would have beat your ass that first day in the tattoo shop. But lucky for you, I kind of like you and surprisingly I think you would be good for Alex. Someone needs to pry that stick out of her ass.” I just stared at Jasper, dumbfounded. “Wipe that stupid-ass look off your face. We don’t have a lot of time.” Jasper walked back into the room, Jacob and Jaxson following closely behind.

  “What the fuck just happened?” Greyson shrugged, as clueless as I was. “And how is it that everyone knows I like Alex, except for Alex?”

  Our last set ended around twelve. We packed up our equipment and headed to the frat house for the party. Jasper stayed behind with Alex because she didn’t get off until one. She insisted he didn’t have to stay because Reece was picking her up which just made Jasper stress how he needed to stay. I couldn’t help but get a little joy out of seeing Alex squirm.

  Jacob tried to convince Colton to drive them to the frat house so he could drink. “Uh-ah lil’ bro. You got drafted for DD so suck it up,” Jaxson laughed, shoving the keys at him. Jacob rolled his eyes and got in, starting the car. “See ya in ten,” Jaxson called as they peeled out of the parking lot.

  The second we got to the house, I headed straight for the beer and tequila. “You’re not going to win over Alex if you’re drunk,” Declan said, tearing the tequila from my hands.

  “Where the hell did you come from?”

  Colton came around the corner and wrapped an arm around the little devil. Declan cuddled close to him letting me know they kissed and made up. “And why the hell does she get i
n on our little plan?”

  “I’m here to make sure you don’t fuck up again.”

  “How do I know you’re not gonna change your mind again?” She scrunched her brow at me. “One minute your all for me being with Alex and then the next you’re telling me to move on.”

  “Well if you would stop being an ass I wouldn’t have to keep changing my mind.”

  I glared at her. “Why change your mind now?”

  “The boys approached me and if they think something is off with Reece, I have to believe they’re right.”

  “You believe them, but not me?” I said defensively.

  “Casper, they’re my cousins. Of course I’m gonna believe them.”

  I shook my head and walked away. I didn’t need the stress of Declan’s Jekyll and Hyde personality. I couldn’t even be happy about her joining our side. She had a habit of changing her mind. I made my way through the party. I had no idea where I was going to even start or how we were going to prove this. I knew Reece would slip up eventually. Cheaters always did.

  I was about to make my way back around when I bumped into someone. I recognized him right away, even with his stupid costume. He was dressed up as Zorro. “Hey Casper,” Reece coughed, taking a step away from the girl he was ‘talking’ to.

  “Where’s Alex?” I asked, eyeing the blonde who kept inching her way closer. She looked oddly familiar. But then again most chicks looked all the same to me.

  “On her way.”

  “I thought you were picking her up?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but she told me not to worry about it. She would have one of her brothers drop her off since she had to work late.”

  “I guess she didn’t want to interrupt your fun.” My eyes moved to the blonde.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” he said, taking a step closer to me.

  “It’s just a matter of time before she sees you for the jackass you really are.”

  “And let me guess. You’re going to be the guy to prove it?” He laughed. “Casper Covington is going to swoop in and save the day.” I crossed my arms tightly across my chest. “The only problem with that scenario is who is going to save her from you.” My arms dropped. Reece took another step closer. “What are you going to do this time? Tattle on me again?” he smiled smugly. “I have to thank you for that one. You drove her right into my arms and gave me a perfect opening.” He threw an arm over the blonde’s shoulders. “I can do what I want and she will never believe a word you say.”

  I clenched my fists at my sides. Reece laughed, tugging the blonde as he walked past me. My rage grew. It started in the pit of my stomach working its way up and cutting off all oxygen to my brain. My head spun and my body reacted without my permission. I lurched forward and turned Reece around. I didn’t even give him the chance to glare at me. My fist was flying at his jaw. The blonde screamed. Reece only stumbled. He stood up straight and wiped the blood from his lip. “I’m going to fucking enjoy this,” he said, tackling me, and knocking me into the wall.

  I thrust a fist into his side. He barely flinched. I gave him a good hit in the gut, backing him up, and then I swung again, hitting his cheek. He regained his balance and came at me, knocking us into a group of people. The crowd dispersed as we fought. We wrestled our way into the kitchen. He had me pinned up against the fridge. I blocked his punches, getting a few swings in myself. Needing room, I pushed him back. He fell on top of the table. People scattered as I barreled my fists into him. “Cas!” I heard Colton shout.

  “What the hell is going on?” I looked up at the sound of Alex’s voice. Reece took advantage of my distraction and socked me good in the jaw. I elbowed him. “Stop it!” Alex yelled. She tried to break us up, but Jasper jumped in and pulled her back. Reece and I continued to exchange punches. Colton moved in to pull me away. I struggled against him.

  “Jaxson! Take her,” Jasper called, stepping in to help Colton break us apart. Colton got a good grip on my waist and yanked me back against the counter. Reece took a swing at Jasper, not realizing who he was. Jasper shoved him so hard he fell, breaking the table. “I’d stay the fuck down if I were you.”

  “Let me go!” Alex yelled. Jaxson released her and she dropped down beside Reece. “Are you okay?” she asked him while she helped him sit up.

  “I’m fine,” Reece said, wiping the sweat from his brow. “He hits like a girl.”

  I charged for him but Colton slammed me back against the counter again. “It’s over Cas,” he growled. “It’s over.”

  Alex turned her head to me, eyes glowing dark with anger. Then she turned her attention back to Reece. She helped him stand. “Should I even ask what happened?”

  “Psycho over here punched me for no reason. I was just defending myself.”

  “Liar! He fucking admitted it to me.”

  “Enough!” Alex turned to Reece, running a soft hand along his jaw. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m okay,” Reece said, tugging her in close. He looked up at me and gave me a smug smile. I tried to get free again, but this time Jaxson and Jacob were blocking my way.

  “Alex, please…” I pleaded, desperate.

  She slowly pulled away from Reece and turned her attention to me. She pushed her brothers aside and got in my face. “It’s over Casper. I’m done. For good this time.” I grabbed her wrist to keep her from walking away from me. She reacted by slugging me in the face and then walked back over to Reece and took his hand.

  “Alex,” Jasper called.

  “I don’t want to hear it Jas.” She led Reece outside.

  I blew past everyone and followed them out. I just couldn’t leave it like this. I couldn’t let her go. “Alex, wait!” She handed Reece the keys and he slid into the passenger side. She spun around so quick I skidded to a stop to keep from running into her.

  “You just can’t let it go can you?”

  “Not when I know I’m right. Alex just please hear me out. I would never lie to you and if you don’t believe me ask your brothers.”

  She looked over my shoulder letting me know we had an audience. “You three are a part of this too?” I knew she was trying hard not to lose it. Alex was strong, but even the strong break sometimes. “I can’t deal with this right now.”

  “Alex,” I reached for her. “Tell me one thing and I’ll leave you go. Just one thing.” I could feel her pulse racing. “Tell me you felt nothing when we kissed. Tell me that when we’re together you don’t feel something.”

  She took a step closer, so close we were but inches away. “Nothing. I felt nothing.” She tore her arm away and walked to the car. It was like she ripped out my heart and took it with her. Stomping on every bloody piece until there was nothing left. My legs gave out beneath me and I fell to my knees as I watched Alex get in the car and drive off without another glance. That was it. It was over, for good.

  “Casper,” Declan said softly.

  I stood up and walked back into the house, grabbing the tequila.

  I followed through with my promise to Colton. Alex told me she felt nothing for me so I had to give her up. I had heard through the grapevine that her brothers had tried to convince her that it was Reece that was in the wrong, but Alex wouldn’t hear it. I told them thanks for their efforts but it was over. I’d given up and she was no longer my concern.

  I spent most my nights hanging with Johnny. Any chance I got I was out. I wanted to feel numb. I no longer wanted to feel anything. Hanging with Johnny during my darkest days wasn’t the best idea, but I knew I could get what I wanted. I had access to anything that would numb my brain.

  “We need to talk,” Colton said as I stumbled through the door. I laughed and dragged my drunk-ass to my room. Unfortunately Colton followed. “Casper.” I turned to look at him. “You missed practice again this week.”

  I shrugged it off. “I know those songs like I know the back of my hand,” I said, looking down. “Hey, where’d that come from?”

  “Look, I get you’r
e pissed we couldn’t prove Reece is a bastard.” I narrowed my eyes at him. Just hearing his name fueled a blackness that bubbled deep down inside me. “But this self- destructive behavior is not going to solve your problems.”

  I grabbed a handful of his shirt in my fist and slammed him back against the wall. “You have any idea what it’s like? You have any idea what I am going through? To see her with that jerk who’s just using her.”

  “Then why don’t you do something about it instead of destroying your life over some girl.”

  I punched my fist into the wall cracking the plaster. “She’s not just some girl. You told me I had to let her go. You told me if she didn’t feel the same then I had to move on. That’s what I am doing. So why don’t you leave me the fuck alone.” I let him go and marched into my room slamming the door.

  “I was wrong Cas, but I never thought you would actually give up.” The last thing I heard was his retreating footsteps.

  Chapter 18

  Alexis

  It was the night before Thanksgiving and the club was packed. Leverage was playing tonight and the fans were rowdy. I hadn’t seen Casper since our fight at the frat House on Halloween. I was still pissed at him for what he did. My brothers tried to convince me Casper was right but they also had no proof. I ended getting into a fight with them and haven’t talk to Jasper or Jacob in three weeks. The only reason I talk to Jaxson is because he’s my twin and we have a few classes together and because we’re the only two who can’t stay mad at each other. Declan tried to get me to talk to Casper, saying he was just looking out for me. I told her it was his possessive nature coming out. He couldn’t have me so he wanted no one else to either. When she wouldn’t leave it alone, I started a fire with her romance books in a trash can outside. She stopped bugging me about Casper.

  I’d be lying if I didn’t start to notice some things about Reece after the fight, but I told myself it was Casper and my family putting bad thoughts in my head. “Alex, go check and see what the band wants,” Gus yelled. I rolled my eyes and headed to the back. That was the last thing I wanted to do.