by Anne Lown
“I see you touch her again it’ll be the last thing you do.”
Martin’s sneer was still very much in place. “Or you’ll do what?”
Jason stepped up close, his face almost nose to nose with Martin’s. “You’ll find out and you’ll regret it.”
There was no comeback. With everyone watching, Martin backed down and disappeared into the onlookers. Jason turned to Annalise and led her away from her chair—he obviously had a better place for them to be.
“Are they going to let you play your music?” She searched his gaze—he hadn’t had a chance to tell her if they’d given in.
“Not yet, but wait until the alcohol flows, then they will.”
“Someone brought drink?” Annalise was surprised. Usually these events were strictly non-alcoholic.
Jason laughed. “Yeah, but not for us. Come and get something to eat, I’m starving.”
Annalise followed him to the food tables. If she stuck close by his side she might just have a nice evening, a pleasant memory to remember him by.
Chapter Five
Jason’s new album was playing from the speakers. She watched him proudly try to engage others in listening to the words. It seemed Cutting Crew had some profound message in their lyrics only he seemed to hear. Annalise smiled at his passion. It was the one thing that brought him to life. Everything else around him was grey matter as far as he was concerned.
“He looks happy.”
Annalise nudged a girl she knew from school. Emma had been standing in the corner, following Jason’s every move. Since the new year, she’d become obsessed with him. Annalise would’ve said infatuated, but it appeared to go beyond that. Her behaviour had put a strain on their blossoming friendship, meaning it hadn’t really got off the ground. Emma had said she was so sure Annalise and Jason were an item, and that was why he kept pushing her away. How that helped her situation, Annalise didn’t know. If she were dating him then Emma would effectively be trying to steal her boyfriend.
A whoop went up from the crowd Jason was with. A new song was playing, and it seemed to be a favourite of many in the group. No doubt the change from old-time country music had been gratefully appreciated by the young, but it did nothing to change the sour faces of the older people there.
Emma fidgeted with her drink, twisting the glass in her hand. There was clearly something on her mind, something she wanted to say. Annalise could feel the torment emanating from her. She braced herself for what she knew had to be coming next, knowing full well Emma wasn’t going to get what she wanted.
“Set me up. I want to go on a date.”
Annalise sighed. Yep, they were the words she’d expected to hear. “I don’t think he wants to, you’re just not his type.”
The girl seemed upset. “How does he know unless he gives me a chance?”
“It’s not how he thinks,” she said, placing a comforting hand on Emma’s arm, “he just doesn’t want to hurt you.”
Emma pulled her arm away and spilled her drink. “How can he know if he doesn’t try?”
Annalise felt sorry for her, but what could she do? Jason had rejected Emma so many times, she was surprised she hadn’t taken the very blatant hint. “It’s his choice. I can’t make him do something he doesn’t want to and nor should I.”
She glanced back at the group of lads messing about; she hoped he’d be okay. He seemed happy enough at that moment, enjoying being the centre of attention thanks to providing some decent music for the teens to listen to, but tomorrow would obviously be different. She wished she could let him know she’d be all right and be in touch when life settled down. Maybe she would.
The air in Annalise’s lungs burst through her mouth. Something slammed into her back, and she fell forward and landed onto the grass. Emma knelt to aid her, not knowing the reason for her sudden change in position. Annalise turned her head to see Martin standing above her. He was backed by two lads, both laughing at what he’d managed to do. Just like before, the sneer was still in place. It was a facial expression he seemed intent on perfecting, and it gave him an evil air. She shuffled along the ground in the direction of the other partygoers, hoping to create some distance and get back up. She didn’t trust him not to do it again if he could reach her so easily.
Emma jumped to her defence. “What did you do that for?”
Martin checked his friends to make sure they were still equally involved. “She knows. Where is it?”
Annalise allowed Emma to help, her dress now grass-stained; she’d have to go home and change. “Leave me alone or else.”
Martin laughed. “Or else what?”
“Or else I’ll kick your arse.” Jason approached from behind, his face like thunder. “Touch her again and you’ll wish you’d never lived.”
She watched as he came to her aid. Jason stood in front of Martin, even closer this time. The two lads were about the same height, but Martin was the stockier one. Annalise was sure he hadn’t finished growing; his uncles on his mother’s side were all built like houses, tall and wide.
Jason spread his weight across his feet. His hands clenched into fists, the skin on the knuckles white. His face was reddening, and the stare he gave Martin was cold, hard, and flinty. Annalise trembled. She hoped the feud between them would be over when she’d gone. The last thing she wanted to think about was the bitterness carrying on. Emma grabbed hold of her hand, gripping it, clearly afraid of what was coming next.
“Don’t fight,” Emma blurted the words, tears glistening in her eyes.
Although she could be manipulative, there was something likeable about her. She was close to her cousin, Ben, and they’d do anything for each other. It was something Annalise admired, the same quality she found in Jason. It was a shame he didn’t feel the same way about Emma.
Martin’s friends were not so close by now Jason had intervened. He had a reputation for being a good fighter; years of martial arts lessons from his uncle helped to relieve his aggressive behaviour. It’d shown him how to channel his frustrations, but it hadn’t stopped them being there. Jason had taught her a few moves, that was how she’d got away from Martin earlier. They’d practiced for months, and it had saved her by the pond.
Now things were getting heated. Martin had his ego to protect, and it seemed he wasn’t going to back down. None of the adults were getting involved. Annalise looked around to see who could help, but they pretended not to see anything. She could tell by the way they gave sly glances and then turned away. Her limbs were shaking, her knees wobbling back and forth on the spot. She knew Jason was good, but if the other two joined in, could he take them all alone?
“Where’s Ben?” she asked Emma. “Is he here?”
“Yes, somewhere.” Emma didn’t make a move to find him, even though he could put an end to the fight.
Jason spoke over his shoulder, clearly not wanting to lose sight of his target. “Go inside, you don’t want to see this.”
Annalise tugged at Emma’s hand, but the girl stood rooted to the spot.
“I’m staying put.”
There was a glint in Emma’s eye she’d not seen before. It was like she wanted to see Jason lose to the others; she was enjoying the show. Annalise gasped. Her muscles stiffened, her wobbly knees locking in place. Maybe Jason had been right about her after all.
She let go of Emma’s hand and strode away, not turning back to see the fight. Annalise headed for a rehearsal room, her hand shaking when she opened the door and snuck inside. She didn’t think anyone saw her enter, but the door made a small clicking sound when the latch hit home. Now in the dark, she flicked on the overhead light at the switch plate. A few chairs were scattered around the room, and she walked to the far wall and sat on one.
Time passed slowly, or that was how it seemed. Jason would come find her, she just had to wait. The door handle moved. Annalise sat up straight, ready to go—she’d had enough of this party. When the door swung open, she let out a breath, clutching her throat. Someone else was sta
nding in the doorway.
Mr Selby glared at her, the light reflecting off the top of his bald head and from his glasses. He placed his hands on his hips to widen his stance, making Annalise feel trapped.
“No one’s supposed to be in here,” he said.
“I was getting away from the fight. I didn’t want to see it.”
He looked behind him and into the corridor. She couldn’t hear anyone else near the door. It seemed most people were still in the outside area. When he returned his attention to her, she could see from his face he was contemplating something. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and her bottom lip trembled.
“I’m waiting for Jason, he’ll be here any moment.” She stood to emphasise her point. Being in the room alone with him made her nervous. She shifted from one foot to the other, wringing her hands out in front.
I should have stayed with the others. No one knows I’m here.
He seized the handle and started to shut the door. Panic seized her, and she darted her gaze about the room for another way out, but there wasn’t one. By now he had his back to her, so she charged forward, trying to get to the gap that was closing fast. He must have heard her move because he shifted his body to block her attempt, pushing her back into the room.
“I hear you were in the kitchen earlier.” His stare bored into her.
She wasn’t getting out again without telling him the truth. “Only to make the tea, but I didn’t stay. I didn’t feel well.”
The man nodded like he understood, but that couldn’t be the case because he didn’t get out of her way. “So, you didn’t happen to find anything when you were in there?”
Annalise shook her head. She couldn’t admit to taking the book, not since she’d already posted it. “I didn’t even stay to make the tea, I was gone in a few minutes.”
He took a step forward, shortening the gap between them. “Martin said he saw you with something over by the pond. Something that didn’t belong to you.”
She shook her head a second time. “That was my diary. I was catching up on the week, it’s at home now. I can get it, if you like, and show you.” She went to walk to the door, but he stepped forward again.
“That won’t be necessary.”
Annalise gripped the collar of her dress. The embroidered edge chafed her skin as her fingers touched it. To her horror, he started to undo his belt, the buckle straining against his rotund belly. She was about to protest when the door swung open and Jason made an appearance. Mr Selby fumbled to refasten it. She wasn’t sure if Jason had noticed what he was doing, but now he was here, she couldn’t wait to get out into the open.
Jason stared past the man as if he wasn’t even in the room. “I was looking for you.”
She strode forward, doing her best not to knock into Mr Selby. “I just want to leave.”
Out in the corridor, she took a deep breath. The thought of what Mr Selby was going to do made her want to cry. She grabbed hold of Jason’s arm and hugged it. Maybe she should stay with him for the evening, even if another fight broke out. She didn’t want to get caught out again.
Chapter Six
Annalise gazed at the sky. She was back in the outside space, and the evening was getting darker. More time had passed than she’d expected. The music had also changed, returning to the country sounds that’d been playing when they’d arrived. Jason was in uproar. He wanted to hear all the records he’d brought with him, but she knew he mightn’t get his own way.
“I told them to play the Queen album next. Can’t they follow simple instructions?” Jason had shaken his head when he’d spoken, then pressed his lips together in a tight line.
“They might do after they’ve played something different. Just wait a while.” Annalise clung to his arm.
He tried to remove her grip, standing so he could go and challenge the DJ over his choice in music. “I’ll be right back. I can’t listen to this shit all night.”
He managed to pry her fingers free, but not before she’d dug her nails into his skin. He stared at her as if she were crazy when she wouldn’t let go, but he hadn’t been alone in the room with that man. It proved to her he hadn’t noticed what Mr Selby had been doing, that his belt was undone, and he’d needed to fasten it quickly before Jason had seen it.
Annalise watched him stride back inside. A sudden chill rippled along her skin, raising goosebumps. She rubbed at her arms, encouraging the sensation to go. A whimper escaped her lips; she was not able to cope without Jason with her.
The fun evening had been nothing but confrontation. She hadn’t even made it to the drinks table to get herself some refreshment. Something behind her caught her attention. Her eye’s widened, and she didn’t want to glance over her shoulder, but she couldn’t sit there not knowing. Slowly, she turned her head, holding her breath. With Jason gone, it seemed Martin felt comfortable making his move.
He loomed over her, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “I want it back. We can get it while your boyfriend’s busy.”
She peered at the building and into the hall. Jason was over by the turntable arguing with the person manning the music. He was in a heated debate, so she knew he wouldn’t be back anytime soon. “I’ll just tell Jason where I’m going.”
“No, you don’t, we could easily be back before he’s finished.”
Annalise stood with the help of Martin’s tight grip around her upper arm. He dug his fingers in, and she squirmed in pain. She tried to prise them free, but he was having none of it, his grasp growing all the tighter. Martin pulled her close to him and marched her out of the grounds by a side gate. Panic set in, and she scanned from person to person, not knowing who to ask for help. The women who spread gossip about her were standing over by the barbecue. Not one of them looked at her, but then they wouldn’t have helped anyway. She caught hold of the wooden post attached to the wall where the gate was secured, splinters digging into her skin. Annalise tried to hold on, but her arm bent back when Martin barrelled her through, and she had to let go.
“I’ll get it for you tomorrow. My mum’s partner will kick up a fuss if we go there now.”
Martin wasn’t listening. He was set on one form of action only, taking her home. When he stared along the lane waiting for a car to pass, Annalise took the chance to stamp down on his shin. The sudden pain he must have felt slackened his hold on her arm, and she wrenched it free. She set off towards the trees surrounding the pond where he’d confronted her earlier. The growing darkness would make it hard for him to locate her in amongst the bushes that blocked some of the walking areas. She hid not far from the roadway, holding her breath in case he might be listening. Her hearing was now on high alert for any sound he might make.
A noise came from her far left. She peeked out from under a bush and around a tree. There wasn’t anything there. The realisation of it being a ploy sunk in too late. She was ambushed from behind. Martin’s hand clamped on the back of her neck, squeezing hard to make her comply. He yanked her up and pushed her towards the duck pond, holding her so she lurched forward and facedown over the water.
“Run off again and it’ll be the last time you do.”
Annalise struggled, trying to get him to release her. “Please, I’ll get it tomorrow, I promise.”
“You’ll get it for me now.”
A shout called out in the darkness. It was the voice she’d been hoping to hear. Jason had come searching for her. Maybe someone had seen her leaving the party after all, or he’d searched everywhere inside and not found her, hence extending the hunt. She wanted to call back, alert him to where she was, but Martin leant in close to her ear.
“Make a sound and I’ll hurt you.”
Annalise was too scared to move. The pain in her neck radiated into her jaw and down her back. If he let go of her at this point she’d drop like a brick into the water, not something she wanted to happen. She clung to his arm behind her with both her hands. By now her body was shaking from the pressure of leaning over. If he didn’t reel he
r in soon she’d collapse from her trembling legs that were starting to spasm.
The shouting was getting nearer. Jason wasn’t giving up. That was one good thing about her friend she’d miss: he always tried to protect her. A crack sounded close by; Martin was getting jittery. Her body swayed with his movement. Without his friends to back him up, he was a sitting duck.
Martin moved closer and whispered again. “Keep your mouth shut.”
She didn’t have a chance to reply as his hand released her neck and she flopped into the water. She hoped the splash she made alerted Jason to where she was and he came running through the trees. Beneath the water, she twisted and pushed herself to the surface. A shout—Jason, distress clearly in his voice. As for Martin, he was no longer anywhere to be seen, not that she was looking for him. She had worse things to deal with—she couldn’t swim.
She splashed about, trying to keep her head up. Tall grass was entangling her legs and making it difficult to move. Cold, dirty water splashed over her face, mouthfuls gulped in with the air she so desperately tried to breathe. She choked in response, the searing pain from the liquid in her lungs taking her breath away. Her eyes bulged, and she darted her gaze about, desperate to be saved.
Jason appeared from her left and entered the pond partway until he could grab hold of her dress and start to pull her out. She clawed at his arm, terrified he might let go. Slowly they struggled onto the bank where they lay side by side. Annalise coughed up fluid, retching at the same time. Finally, she lay back, breathing heavy and shivering, tears running into her hair.
Eventually, Jason found his voice. “What the hell were you doing? Why did you leave the party?”
Annalise didn’t know what to say. How could she tell him about Martin escorting her out and holding her over the water? He didn’t even know about the book she’d found and what had really been going on in her life. He thought she cut her arms for the same reason he hurt himself—just another mixed-up teen. If only that were true.