by Jarica James
“So, it’s Friday…” Jacob trails off with a suggestive eyebrow wiggle and my face lights up at the prospect of a night out.
“Diamonds for karaoke?”
“Hell yes!” He whisper-yells, earning him a glare from the girl sitting across from us. We look at each other and roll our eyes, before returning to our work for a few minutes. I’m not exactly an artist, but for this class I can hold my own, so it’s not looking too bad.
“Sam coming this time?” Interrupting the silence, I whisper back to Jacob a little quieter this time. He gives me a sad look and shakes his head no. I frown at his response, hating that Sam seems to be changing. The last thing I want is to see my best friend hurt, but I’m afraid Sam is starting to pull away from Jacob and I know if they break up it will devastate him. Opposites attract, but they have to find a common ground to work out and theirs seems to be slipping out from under them.
“What’s his excuse this time?” He hasn’t joined us in weeks. It’s not even like we try to convince him to sing karaoke with us, but he still has a few drinks and laughs along with us at the other acts.
“I’m not sure, something about a new tech job. I just don’t think he wants to do anything anymore. He hates going out and I get that he prefers the quiet life, but going out once a month with your boyfriend isn’t too much to ask,” he vents before letting out a huge sigh and distracting himself by over-shading his project. I put my hand on his arm to stop him before he ruins his work and fails the assignment. He blinks a few times to clear his head before he starts to fix it in silence, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. It’s an odd look on his usually cheerful face and I want to karate chop Sam for putting it there.
Not wanting him to be upset, I try to find a nice way to delve deeper. “It’s not. Have you told him you like when he goes?” I ask softly. But I know the answer, Jacob isn’t afraid to say how he feels. He nods again in lieu of speaking, his distress still clear on his face.
“He doesn’t seem to care. I think I’m losing him, Bells.” His voice sounds so sad that it makes my chest ache. I’ve noticed Sam withdrawing the last few months, but I think that Jacob overlooks it on purpose. He loves Sam and doesn’t want things to change.
“Give it some time and give him some space. Come home with me tonight? Make him realize what he is missing?” He just gives me a noncommittal shrug, not really wanting to take me up on it.
“His loss, bestie, we are going to go get our drink on and belt out our eighties ballads.” He does a shimmy in his seat which has me holding back the giggles threatening to burst out. We don’t want to get more angry glares from our overly serious classmates.
At least I only had to make it through one more class before heading to work, both of which flew by. My excitement grows as I get home to change for tonight. Jacob needs a pick-me-up and we could both use some major stress relief. Anxiety and stress aren’t something I usually struggle with, but this project accounting for a major chunk of my grade is adding extra pressure.
My debate on what to wear is interrupted by a knock, then the door opening. That can only mean Jacob came over early, he’s the only other one with a key. I wince, hoping this doesn’t mean bad news. Since my time is up, I grab the outfits that caught my eye and line them up on my bed so I can go greet Jacob.
“I choose the purple dress,” Jacob says as he enters my room before I even have a chance to go find him. I look over, surprised to find him in a pleasant mood. “I guess Sam really does have a big project. He was pouring over numbers when I left,” he announces happily, clearly back to denying their issues. He may be optimistic, but I’m not… I just can’t see it lasting and that kills me. If Sam made half the effort that Jacob does, then it might be a very different situation.
“Okay let me change, then I have to attempt my makeup.” I throw my jeans and shirt in the hamper, and put on the dress Jacob picked out. It’s a dark purple strapless number that stops just above my knees. Glancing in the mirror, I’m glad to see that it somehow makes me look taller than my just over five foot frame. My hair is cooperating and hanging down in soft waves, the light blonde standing out against the darker vibe of my outfit. I finish my makeup before I pull on ankle boots. Diamonds is always insanely hot so I don't bother with a jacket, instead stopping and adjusting my long platinum blond hair in the mirror. For once I managed to get the smokey eyes right and it transforms my face from cute, to sultry. That’s a definite win.
“Perfect. Now move! I want a good table!” he barks out, already by the door. I laugh and salute him before we lock up and walk down the street to Diamonds. We flash our IDs and Jacob flies through the crowd to secure a table. I head to the bar and grab our favorite drinks, the Diamond Special. It’s a sweet mix of juices and vodka because I can’t handle straight liquor. I couldn’t tell you what all is in it, but we love it.
The bar is already packed and I have to wedge myself between two giants to even be seen. As soon as she spots me, the bartender nods and makes up our drinks. I guess we’ve finally reached regular status. After paying, I duck back into the crowd and fight my way to the table. At least Jacob is tall enough so I can easily spot him over the crowd.
“Alright, sign us up my friend!” I yell over the noise as I set our drinks down. We clink our glasses together and down half for a bit of liquid courage.
“Already did, doll.” I glare at his nickname for me. He always says I resemble one of those antique porcelain dolls, only with a tan. Grumbling under my breath I flip him off and take another sip.
After another round of bad karaoke, it’s finally our turn, the announcer calling us up. Jacob pulls me up on stage to choose our song. A few people in the crowd cheer, because we do this often enough that some of them already know what’s coming. We pick Total Eclipse of the Heart and move in front of the microphone as we wait for the first notes to play.
As soon as the song begins, we put all we have into it, belting it out while using the usual dramatic arm movements and flair. The lights are hot and I’m already sweating, but up here all thoughts of projects are wiped away. We feed off of each other’s energy, having a fucking blast while we sing and dance badly.
We finish the last note and give a dramatic bow. I realize it’s a bad choice as soon as I stand back up, the world spinning for a few seconds before it recedes. The crowd cheers while I regain my composure, Jacob reaching out and grabbing my hand to lead me off stage. Apparently my lightheadedness wasn’t unnoticed by him.
“Come on tipsy, let’s go get some water before our next round.” Jacob has a point. I’m kind of a lightweight, but for some reason my alcohol metabolizes fast. I may get drunk quickly, but I also sober up in the same amount of time. I’ve learned to enjoy my buzz while I can, though it felt a bit different tonight. Could be all that coffee I’ve had in the last twenty-four hours.
“Yeah, yeah… bring on the water.” I sit at our table and wait while he runs back to the bar. I laugh along with the crowd as the next guy takes the stage. He’s trying his best, but his voice cracks as he tries to reach the high notes of his rock song, making me laugh so hard I’m crying.
“Nice singing up there, gorgeous.” A preppy guy with overly gelled hair and unnecessary swagger leans his arm on the table, blocking my view of the stage.
Trying not to be a jerk, I hold back an eye roll and give him a small, polite smile. “Thanks.” Maybe keeping my responses short would end this quickly. I even try to lean to the side to see the stage but it seems hints aren’t his strong suit.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asks with a wink. I cringe a little, winking is a terrible pick up move. It just makes me think that he’s a creeper and he doesn’t need any help in that department.
“Nope, my drink is already on its way,” I reply and turn around to see Jacob marching my way. “There he is now,” I announce happily as he joins us. The guy gives Jacob an appraising look, then apparently decides he isn’t a threat.
“Well maybe the next round? Or you
can join me for some pool?” he offers, looking put out, but never losing his smile. I hear Jacob chuckle quietly and can’t help but wonder what he has planned.
“Nope, I’ve got a date right here, but thank you.” My voice is cheerful, and this is the point where most guys give up. Why can’t he just take a hint?
Not sure what else to say, I turn to Jacob and dismiss the guy. I don’t feel like flirting tonight and he is definitely not my type. Plus, I said no already, that should mean something. The guy eventually walks away muttering something about stuck up girls. Jacob, of course, finds it hilarious and can barely contain his laughter.
“You’re a heartbreaker. Dressing up to tempt these poor fools, just to turn them all down. I thought I was going to have to kiss you to get him to leave,” he says while he’s laughing. I give him a playful shove to shut him up, which of course doesn’t work.
“I dress up for myself, jerk. Plus, they just aren’t my type.” As I finish with a pout, he shoves my water in front of me and I take a long drink of the cool liquid. I finish it quickly and grab my mixed drink that’s still in front of him.
“This seat taken?” I hear coming from Jacob’s other side and look up at Sam in surprise. I guess he did feel bad about ditching us again. He gives me a polite nod and kisses Jacob on the head. I can’t help the jealous sigh that escapes me. Sam does the little romantic things that would make any girl a bit jealous, even if he’s dense more often than not.
“You came!” Jacob squeals at Sam and pulls out the chair. He shoots me an elated look, before giving his boyfriend his full attention. Third wheel status, engaged.
“You missed the first song already, we have one more slot coming up though, lucky you,” I joke, trying to take a bit of the silence away.
“Right on time then, I was hoping I didn’t miss it,” he chuckles. He knows all about our crazy dance moves and subpar singing.
They quickly fall into a comfortable bubble of personal conversation. I love that Sam came, but now I just feel weird. Maybe Jacob is right, I need a man.
Our names are finally called and we pick Never Gonna Give You Up - you can’t go wrong with that kind of classic. We dedicate it to Sam and serenade him, which has him rolling in his seat. By the time we rejoin him at the table, he seems to finally be relaxed, which makes him much more approachable. But I also don’t want to stop them from having a chance to enjoy a night together.
“I’m out, you guys,” I announce, gathering up my purse.
“What? This early?” Jacob asks. I’m not usually the first one out, but I give him a pointed look at Sam and wiggle my eyebrows. He blushes and nods in understanding, “Thanks, doll,” he says in my ear as he hugs me goodbye. Sam waves and I wave back before I force my way through the crowd.
My apartment is only a few blocks away, which is why I wore boots instead of heels. I want to look cute, but I’m not crazy. In the cool, night air, my tipsy feeling fades little by little.
Just as I’m about to round the corner, I hear a crash coming from the back door of Diamonds. I peek around the building and see the preppy guy from earlier hovering over a fae girl. It wouldn’t be something I would have noticed if not for the bright light above him and her pointed ears poking out of a mass of curls. Apparently he thought she’d be a more agreeable target than I was. She doesn’t seem to be fighting him, so I just roll my eyes at the fact he got him a girl. Creep. But I only manage to take a few steps before I hear a muffled scream. Without any hesitation, I whip my head back around and notice she’s starting to struggle. My temper flares and anger courses through me in a raging swirl of emotion. Oh, hell no!
My pepper spray is in my hand in seconds and I take off at a sprint. Before I reach him I click off the safety. He’s too busy to notice me so I take the opportunity to yank her away from his grasp and spray continuously. His high pitched screams are immediate and I know a crowd will be coming soon.
Not wanting to linger, I pull the girl away and drag her back to the front of Diamonds. The bouncer should be enough protection from that asshole so I can check on her properly. At this point I was likely public enemy number one.
“Are you okay?” I ask as soon as we’re safely against the front wall. It gives me the chance to look at her properly. She’s shaking and has tears running down her face and my suspicions were right, she’s clearly Fae. She shakes her head and mumbles a thanks before trying to turn away, but I stop her. “Can I at least walk you home? Two girls are better than one.”
“Sure,” she agrees quickly, clearly not ready to be alone in case he comes back. My pepper spray stays in my hand, ready if we need it, and she starts to walk. This time when we pass the alley he’s gone, likely dragged inside by his fraternity brothers.
“Were you at Diamonds, tonight?” I ask, trying to keep her talking in case she was internally freaking out. I sure as fuck would be.
“No, I was walking home from a friend’s house. The alley is usually empty because the back door is employees only, so I just wanted to cut through. Then he was stumbling out and getting in my face, going on and on about the fae and how we don’t belong. Of course it escalated to pinning me to the wall. I’m glad you came when you did. Thanks. Most people wouldn’t have helped,” she explains quietly. I feel my rage bubbling up again. What decent person would look away in that situation?
“Well I’m not most people, and that’s fucked up. We need to get you one of these bad boys,” I say as I hold up my pepper spray. “I’m Arabella by the way, but call me Bella.”
“I’m River.” We walk another two blocks in companionable silence before she gestures to a small house a few feet away. It’s a bit run down, but the yard is beautiful, full of flowers and well placed landscaping. You can tell she put a lot of work into it.
“I love the flowers,” I compliment and her face finally relaxes into a genuine smile, the weight of the evening slipping off of her shoulders now that she’s home safe.
“Landscaping is my specialty, now,” she says proudly, “thanks for walking me home and coming to help me.” She gives me a quick hug, but as she pulls away a worried look crosses her face. I smile to show it’s okay, even though my rage surges up again. The fact she was afraid to even hug me makes me livid. This stupid town and always treating the fae like scum.
“You have a phone?” I ask and she nods, giving me a confused look. “Let me see?” I hold out my hand. She hands it over and I add my number then shoot myself a quick text. “Alright, there’s my number. I live a few blocks over, so if you ever find yourself alone, you call me. I’ll come walk with you, or if you just need a friend,” I add casually, I suck at the whole making friends thing, but she seems really nice. “No pressure.”
“Really?” She blinks a few times and looks genuinely happy and slightly stunned.
“Of course, us women have to stick together,” I tease, giving her a reassuring smile before starting my journey home. My night didn’t go as planned, but at least I made a new friend.
Look at me being social like a normal person.
Chapter 3
River and I actually became quick friends. Jacob had no problem welcoming her into our group, which is just another reason why I love him. They’re actually heading over tonight and I already have a pizza on the way. Not on the way… here, I think as the doorbell rings. I hurry over to procure our cheesy goodness.
“Evening, ma’am. I have one cheese pizza, one pineapple and ham, breadsticks and a soda?” he asks as he hands over the receipt. I pay and tip him, but before I can even close the door, Jacob and River are walking up, talking animatedly.
“Perfect timing! I guess you’re finally rubbing off on me,” Jacob says as he shimmies past me and heads for the kitchen. He grabs plates out of the cabinet and starts helping get stuff ready. River’s still in that stage of friendship where she fits in well, but isn’t quite at home with us yet, so she stands off to the side until Jacob rolls his eyes and yanks her playfully over to the counter where he has the piz
za and plates ready. She gives a shy grin and sits down, visibly trying to shake off the rest of the awkwardness.
“How can you eat that sweet crap on your pizza?” I groan and shove the pineapple pizza towards Jacob. He grabs a piece then dramatically bites and chews it with an appreciative groan. I roll my eyes at River and she laughs before taking a slice of cheese pizza. “That’s my girl,” I joke.
“Whatever, you girls eat your boring pizza. I’ve got the good stuff right here,” he says around another mouthful. The amount of food Jacob can eat always astounds me. The dude manages to keep abs while simultaneously downing copious amounts of food at the same time. I guess that’s the product of those gross morning jogs he loves. I’m the opposite. I’m petite and lean, but I get my shape from good old genetics and walking around the city and campus. Which was mainly a necessity. I’m way too uncoordinated to try and play any kind of sports and I avoid exercise outside of going to classes, at all costs.
“It’s not plain, I just don’t eat meat,” River defends, “also, I brought cookies.” At her announcement, Jacob and I perk up. You can’t bring sweets around us and expect us not to get excited. We are literally the people who bake dozens of Christmas cookies and eat them all ourselves.
“I’ll forgive your poor pizza choice for a cookie, that’s for sure,” Jacob announces in a fake snotty tone, his chin pointed up.
“So River, our mysterious new friend, tell us something about you?” Jacob asks. He isn’t afraid to be nosy and I’m honestly kind of surprised he waited this long before delving into her life. Though I can’t complain, I’m secretly dying to know more about her and the fae in general.
“I’m a vegetarian. I do landscaping designs. I’m studying horticulture and graphic design online. Though, it’s more of an adaptive study. Time here moves much quicker than it did in Faerie, so I am technically 67 of your years. Going to college seems so weird. I try to keep in contact with the other fae around here, but we’re all so different I would call us more like a forced family you see on holidays, than actual friends.” She lists off her description like she’s reading from a list she’s rehearsed more than once.
