Lessons of the Heart

by Jodie Larson

  “Well Douchenozzle is having a party but I really don’t want to go to that one.”

  My nose crinkles at his name. “Thank God for that. I hate it when you go over to his parties. Why don’t you come with me to Drake’s? You know everyone there so you’ll probably have some fun. Besides, we don’t hang out much anymore and I’d like to do that.”

  “Sure. Why not. It could be fun.”

  “It will be. Promise. Now leave me alone so I can finish my work.”

  He jumps off my bed and messes up my hair as he walks by. My phone beeps with an incoming message.

  YOU’RE STILL GOING TONIGHT?

  Penny has been flipping out all week, wondering if I’m actually going to come out or not. She and Travis have been fighting a lot lately. When the situation gets tense, she uses me as her scapegoat. Tonight I’m sure will be another prime example of that.

  YEP, GIVE ME A COUPLE HOURS.

  GREAT! CAN’T WAIT. IT’LL BE EPIC.

  I roll my eyes and focus back on my work. When my phone beeps again, I resist the urge to chuck it across the room just to shut it up. But James’s name stops me from following through.

  I MISS YOU.

  I MISS YOU MORE.

  GOING OUT TONIGHT?

  YEP.

  WITH PENNY?

  AND LIAM.

  WILL CHASE BE THERE?

  PROBABLY.

  I WISH I COULD BE THERE WITH YOU.

  ME TOO.

  CALL ME WHEN YOU GET HOME?

  PROMISE.

  I wish I could take him with me. I’d give anything to dance with him all night, sit on his lap, and laugh with my friends while his hands run up and down my sides. I’m jealous of all the couples at the parties who are able to do that. Not that James and I are a couple, but we’re definitely past the friend thing. Usually when you round first base, it’s something a little more serious.

  Just thinking about his hands on me has my legs pressing together to quell the deep need for him that’s always just below the surface. Even the thought of him makes me hot. I need a cold shower before I head to Drake’s otherwise I’ll be sending the wrong signals to a certain someone I’m going to actively avoid all night.

  We pick up Penny and she grumbles in the back seat the entire way to Drake’s house. I guess Travis is going to meet her there. Knowing them, they probably had another fight. They’ve been having more and more of those lately. Either way, Liam has a satisfied grin on his face, knowing that he’s bringing Penny to the party. It’s a technicality but who am I to rain on his parade?

  The loud music can be heard outside as we pull into the long private driveway. Thick trees surround us, making it the perfect hiding spot for a night of recklessness. I don’t plan on a repeat of Travis’s party. And with Liam around I know for a fact that it won’t happen.

  The moment we walk inside, we’re assaulted by a booming techno beat.

  “What time did this start?” I yell to Penny, who’s standing right next to me.

  “I thought he said nine.”

  “Maybe nine this morning.” I look around and shake my head. “Everyone is already plastered.”

  “Wonderful,” Penny mutters.

  We make our way past the bumping and grinding teens to the kitchen where liquor bottles line every inch of available counter space. Two-liter bottles take residence next to each liquor bottle, making it relatively easy to concoct whatever your heart desires.

  “You drinking tonight?” I yell to Liam.

  He shakes his head. “You go ahead and drink. I’m driving, remember?”

  “I can drive if you want.”

  “There is no way I’m letting you drive my Mustang. Hell no.”

  I roll my eyes and turn to Penny. “Drink?”

  “God, please. I need something strong and fast.”

  “Usually girls prefer it slow. Fast does nothing except leave you wanting,” Liam says.

  “I’m not in the mood for your shit tonight, Liam. If I want it fast, that’s how I’m going to get it.”

  “Anyone who tries anything like that with you will be answering to me,” he growls out.

  “You know what,” I yell at the both of them, garnering their attention. “You two need to fuck and get it over with. I’m not going to sit here and watch you trip all over yourselves when you obviously want to be together. Just stick your dick in her and be done with it!”

  Their faces turn from pale white to bright pink at almost the same time. It would be comical if I weren't so frustrated. I mean, I know it’s my fault they’re not together, or at least I’ll accept part of the blame. But my God, if they keep tiptoeing around this forever I’m going to go crazy.

  I pour a generous amount of Citron into an ice-filled glass and top it with Diet 7-Up. Penny and Liam are still in a silent standoff and I leave them to it. They need to figure out their shit. Yes, Penny has a boyfriend and yes, my brother can be a giant child sometimes. They’re both screwed up and yet are one hundred percent perfect for each other. Or they would be if they could stop hurting the other for more than five minutes.

  My face crinkles from the surge of vodka now flooding my mouth. Okay, so maybe I was a little wrist heavy when I poured. Too late now.

  I push my way through the crowd until I find our little group seated near the fireplace.

  “Britta!” Cami yells. She throws her arms in the air while simultaneously spilling her drink all over Lyle.

  “What the hell, Cami!” he bellows while wiping away the droplets of alcohol from his navy blue shirt. It clings slightly with each brush of his hands. He’s one of my closest friends, but I’m still a girl and can appreciate his hard athletic body.

  After Penny and Liam’s little display in the kitchen, I’ve decided to change my plan for the night. Sobriety will not be my friend. I will drink until I forget that I’m unhappy because the one person I want to be with isn’t here.

  “Sorry baby,” she says to him before throwing her arms around my neck. I catch her just in time before she spills my drink all over us.

  “Hey, Cam. Hitting it hard already?” I push her upright and into Lyle’s arms.

  “Yeah, they make a damn good punch here,” she slurs while rubbing his chest. He rolls his eyes and makes a drinking motion with his hands. I laugh and wiggle my way to sit next to Dez and Justice.

  “So where’s Penny?” Justice asks while taking a sip of her beer.

  “She and Liam are either fighting or screwing in the kitchen. I left them to figure it out on their own.”

  “Is Travis here?” Dez asks.

  “I don’t know. Penny came with us. I didn’t ask her on the car ride over for obvious reasons.”

  I scan the room, looking for my best friend’s boyfriend, but I’m unable to find him anywhere. Unfortunately, Chase locks his sights on me. An uneasy grin plasters on his face as he makes his way toward us, brushing off several girls who throw themselves in his path.

  “Fuck me,” I mutter before taking another drink. I must be getting used to the taste because the burning has stopped and all that’s left is the crisp citrus flavor.

  “Hey, Britt. Looking hot tonight,” Chase says, not hiding his obvious appraisal of my body. Maybe this body-hugging sweater-dress wasn’t the best idea. Although my high-heeled boots could come in handy in case he decides to try anything again.

  “Thanks,” I reply, turning my head away from him.

  “Oh baby, don’t be like that. Come on, dance with me.”

  “I’m good here, thanks.”

  Justice shoves my side and forces me up. “Go dance with him.” She turns to grab Dez and Cami’s hands. “Let’s all go dance. I love this song.”

  Like a flock of sheep, we follow Justice to the middle of the makeshift dance floor. The hip-hop beat of “Turn Down For What” by Lil Wayne fills the speakers as we all scream along while grinding against each other. Chase is pressing against my back and each attempt I make at moving away from him is thwarted by my so-called f
riends. Justice shakes her head and nods in his direction, apparently wanting me to dance with him.

  Chase’s hands wrap tightly around my hips, pulling me against him while he grinds us low to the ground. I’m desperate to keep my dress in its proper position and my calves are thankful when we finally straighten up. But then he flips me around, pressing my stomach to his while he dips his head low and licks a trail from my collarbone to my ear.

  “God you’re fucking hot tonight,” he says. “Wanna go somewhere quiet?” The heavy stench of whiskey emanates from his breath and I choke back my disgust.

  “No, I just want to dance.”

  “Where’s Penny, your bodyguard?”

  “I don’t know. I left her in the kitchen.”

  His hand snakes around to firmly grip my ass and I move it back to its prior position. “Seriously, you have no idea what this dress is doing to me right now.”

  The poking at my hip is telling me otherwise. “I think I have a good idea. You’re not exactly hiding it by any means.”

  He smirks and grinds his erection into me with a slight groan.

  “You feel that baby? That’s all for you.”

  “Chase, you’re drunk and I’m not interested. Let me go.”

  He shakes his head and I realize his eyes are extremely dilated. He’s not just drunk, but he’s high too.

  “Oh, you’re interested all right. Everyone is interested in me, but for some messed-up reason you’re playing hard to get. I’ll let you in on a little secret.” He leans lower until our noses touch. “I like the fucking chase. When I catch you, you’re going to enjoy every minute of it.”

  I wiggle in his grasp. My heartbeat kicks up several notches when he won’t release me. “Let me go, Chase.”

  “Hey man, she said to let her go,” Lyle says behind me. He crosses his arms and pins Chase with a look.

  “Back off. It’s none of your business,” Chase says.

  Bile rises in my throat. My hands tremble and start to sweat. I close my eyes, bracing myself for the worst. But when I open them, Liam is forcibly ripping Chase away from me.

  “What do you think you’re doing to my sister? She said let go. That means you fucking let her go.” He has Chase by the back of the neck. The vein on the side of Liam’s throat pulses and is raised more than should be humanly possible.

  “Geez, man. All right. I’ll back off.” He turns and scowls at me. “Sorry, I won’t bother you again.” Chase shoves Liam off him and stalks off toward the kitchen.

  “Are you okay?” Lyle asks me.

  I nod and take a shaking sip from a cup he hands me. “Yeah I’m fine. Thanks, guys.”

  Lyle and Liam look to each other in a silent exchange. “What’s up with him tonight? He’s never that aggressive toward you.”

  “I don’t know. His eyes were so dilated they were almost black. He must be on something.”

  Lyle mutters a curse and runs his hands through his hair. “Fucking assbag. I told him not to do anything stupid tonight. He probably scored some X off Nathan. I heard rumors he was dishing it out downstairs. Drake kicked him out soon after, but Chase must have found him before that.”

  “Wonderful,” I sigh.

  Liam puts his hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  I give him a quick hug. “I’m fine. I was two seconds away from kneeing him in the balls before you pulled him away.” Not really, but he doesn’t need to know that. “Thanks for sticking up for me.”

  “It’s my job.”

  I look around and get a confused look on my face. “Where’s Penny?”

  He turns in circles as his eyes dart from person to person. “I don’t know. I left her over there and now she’s gone.”

  “You go that way and I’ll go upstairs to see if I can find her.”

  Liam nods and I kiss Lyle on the cheek in thanks. He smiles and leaves me to find my misguided friend.

  The crowd has gotten thicker since we arrived. Another dance song plays over the speakers and everyone goes nuts again, grinding on top of each other and spilling their drinks all over the floor. I do not envy Drake for cleaning up this mess tomorrow, although knowing him he’s probably already scheduled the cleaning service to come early in the morning.

  I climb the stairs and pass several couples making out in the hallway. Heated moans filter from each room I look into and I duck out as soon as I see bodies writhing against one another. Penny had better not be in any of these rooms because that’s a visual I really do not want.

  I check the next room over. I’m about ready to give up on this floor when a familiar voice calls out from inside.

  “Yeah, baby, you like that?”

  I freeze, knowing whose voice it is and know that the blonde he’s saying it to isn’t my best friend.

  “Britt, there you are. Look, have you seen Travis? I heard he was here and I really need to tell him I’m sorry.”

  Do I lie to her and say that I haven’t seen him or do I send her inside and watch her as she breaks? I don’t want her to get hurt but every scenario I come up with leads to that point.

  “Um, Penny, listen…about Travis-” I start, but the loud moan from inside the room makes her head whip in that direction.

  “Yes, Travis, do that again!”

  Penny’s face turns beat red as anger radiates from her body. Her hands ball up into tight fists as she opens the door more and confirms what she heard.

  I stand to the side as Penny pushes past me, charging into the dimly lit room with a fire burning in her eyes.

  “You no good motherfucking cheater! How dare you do this to me!” she screams at the top of her lungs.

  “Penny!”

  He tosses the half-naked blonde away from him. She scrambles off the bed and gathers her shirt off the floor before flying past me with her head ducked down.

  The poor girl was just a victim in this whole situation, but I have a hard time feeling sorry for her. Everyone in school knows that Penny and Travis are an item. She should have known better.

  Yelling ensues and I brace myself for the breaking of objects because I know that’s coming next.

  “Britt, did you find her?” Liam walks up beside me, still looking worried.

  “Oh yeah, I found her.”

  He breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Where is she?”

  I point to the door. “Possibly castrating Travis right now. We just caught him getting ready to sleep with another girl.”

  “What?”

  He charges into the room. I try to stop him but the sickening sound of bone meeting flesh stops my progress.

  “Liam, no!” Penny cries out. More shuffling can be heard. Another hit, another thud, another sickening groan. I can’t do anything but stay rooted to my spot.

  “You fucker!” Travis yells. Various items fall off of the dressers and crash to the floor as they shove each other around the room.

  “Stop it! Stop it you two!” Penny cries.

  I try to get her to come out of the room but she’s knocked off her feet when Travis swings and misses Liam, connecting with Penny’s side instead.

  “Oh my God, Penny. I’m so sorry baby. I wasn’t aiming for you,” Travis says, backing away while trying to reach for her at the same time.

  “Stay the hell away from her, asshole,” Liam says. He kneels next to her as she tries to catch the breath that was knocked out of her.

  Drake pounds up the stairs. “What is going on up here?”

  Travis wipes away a drop of blood from his lip and points to Liam. “He fucking attacked me, bro. Get him the fuck out of here.”

  Drake looks down to Penny, who’s crying into Liam’s shoulder while clutching her side. Drake’s eyes meet up with Travis’s again, but there’s no friendly light in them.

  “Is that why Sarah just ran out of here like a bat out of hell and half-naked? Because of Liam?”

  Travis looks down and shoves his hands in his pockets. “That was before this whole thing started.”
/>   If fire could come out of Drake’s nose, I’m sure it would right now. He points at Travis. “Get the fuck out of my house. Now!”

  Travis picks up his shirt. He stops by Penny to say something but thinks otherwise when he’s greeted by the hateful stares of those around him.

  “Call me tomorrow,” he says instead, leaving behind the destruction that he created. We hear the front door slam and a round of cheers follow. Apparently word travels fast regarding dicks that cheat while their girlfriend is at the same party.

  “Are you okay?” I say to both of them as they cling to each other on the floor. Liam is rocking her back and forth, pressing his lips against her head in between whispers. Penny is crying into his shoulder and nodding her head to whatever it is he’s saying.

  I don’t want to disrupt this moment between them so I back out and make my way downstairs. Tonight has definitely been an exciting one but for all the wrong reasons.

  At the bottom of the stairs, I turn towards the kitchen in search of a fresh drink. This is way too much drama to be sober for.

  Just as I was starting to get back into the party mood, someone reaches out and grabs my elbow.

  “Hey, baby, look up,” Chase slurs with his face close to mine.

  The firm grip he has on my arm makes it difficult to pull away. My knees start to shake as his earlier attempts flash through my mind again. He points to the ceiling. That’s when I see the mistletoe hanging from the light fixture.

  “Pucker up, baby,” he says, moving in for the kill.

  “Chase, no-”

  I don’t get the rest of my protest out due to the assault of his lips against mine, slobbering all over my face. He’s more intoxicated than I realized.

  This is more than I can handle tonight. A burst of energy flows through my veins as I pick my knee up and hit him directly between the legs. He falls to the ground, coughing and sputtering while gasping for air.

  “Get off me, Chase. You’re drunk and high and I can’t be around you right now. Leave me the hell alone!”

  I stomp away, leaving him crying on the floor, as Lyle tries to make his way toward me. I grab my coat from the pile by the door. “I’m leaving. I can’t stay here any longer. Tell Liam and Penny that I’ll find a ride home.”