Bully Me

by C. E. Starkweather

  "Hi Kaine. I thought you might need some help."

  "Grab a sponge," she said, tossing him the sponge and a rag. "How'd you know we were here?"

  "Greg's Facebook," he replied. "He said you were all here. I thought you might need rescuing from all the raging testosterone over there," he said, nodding to the group of furiously working wrestlers.

  Kaine tried to hide her sigh. Camden was trying to "rescue" her again.

  "Well, I'm glad you're here," she lied. Camden beamed.

  "Why don't you start over there?" She said, pointing to the other side of the fence. "Hopefully we'll meet in the middle. Assuming we can get it all done today."

  Camden looked disappointed to be exiled to the other corner away from Kaine, but he reluctantly headed over.

  "See what I mean?" Kaine said to Kelsey once he was out of earshot. "He's always trying to be my Prince Charming."

  "I think it's sweet," Kelsey said. "He really likes you."

  "Yeah, I know he does. But don't you think it's sort of stalkerish, the way he found out where we were and just invited himself over?"

  Kelsey shrugged and dropped the subject.

  "Who the hell invited that ass clown?" Shane asked, gesturing to Camden.

  Mark shrugged. "No one. He just showed up. Unless Kaine invited him. Are they going out or something?"

  Shane laughed. "No, I don't think so. Not if you ask her, at least. He follows her around like a lost puppy dog. It would be cute if it wasn't so fucking pathetic."

  Mark watched as Kaine gave Camden a sponge and sent him to the other side of the yard. The look on her face didn't seem like she really wanted him to be here. "So he won't mind if I ask her out then?"

  Shane glanced at him. "You want to go out with Kaine Spencer?"

  "Why not?" Mark asked. "She looks pretty hot. And if Camden wants her that badly, she's probably a hell of a lay."

  Shane ignored the flash of anger that coursed through his body. "Go for it," he said. "I'd love to see Cam do his angry monkey dance when you ask her."

  Kaine felt a presence behind her and turned around. "Mark, right?" She asked the tall, lanky boy standing behind her. For a wrestler, he didn't look like he had much upper body strength.

  "Yeah. Do you need any help over here?"

  Kaine glanced around. Camden had stopped working and was staring at Mark and her. "No, we're ok. Thanks though."

  "Oh," Mark said, not moving. Kaine raised her eyebrow at him. "Is that it?"

  Camden walked over made a big production of washing out his sponge in the bucket. Kaine rolled her eyes at his lack of subtlety.

  "Well, not exactly. What are you doing later tonight?"

  Kaine glanced at Camden, who was furiously wringing out the sponge as if trying to choke the life out of it. She sighed. The last thing she wanted was to start a fight.

  "Kelsey and I have plans."

  Kelsey nodded in agreement, seeing Kaine's predicament.

  "Oh," Mark said, shuffling his feet. "Well, maybe some other time, ok?"

  Kaine smiled and nodded as Mark walked away with his bruised ego. She turned around and glared at Camden, who purposely avoided her gaze and went back to his corner.

  "I see what you mean," Kelsey whispered. "He looked like he was ready to kill somebody."

  Kaine thought about when Shane had told her that Camden was on steroids. She hadn't believed him at the time, but it was starting to look more likely. He clearly had an anger problem.

  Jay came out to help after he got home. They worked until it was almost dark, exhausted. Kaine, Kelsey and Camden ended up finishing the fence and meeting in the middle.

  "What are you doing later?" He asked. "Want to grab a bite to eat?"

  Was he serious? "Didn't you hear me before? I have plans with Kelsey."

  "Oh," he said, glancing at Kelsey. "I thought that was just an excuse to get Mark away from you."

  "Well, it wasn't," Kaine snapped. "Come on, Kelsey. Let's clean this up." She grabbed the sponge and bucket without waiting for a response.

  Kaine dumped the water in the sink. "Sorry to put you on the spot like that, Kels. I should have just told him to fuck off. But I'm not good at rejecting people. I've never had to do it before," she said, chuckling.

  Kelsey grinned at her. "You get used to it. So do you actually want to do something? You look like you can use a girls night."

  Kaine smiled gratefully. "Hell yeah. Let me shower and change. Meet back here in an hour?"

  Kelsey agreed and left to find Greg. Kaine hung out in the kitchen for a few more minutes, then reluctantly made her way back outside, hoping that Camden had left.

  "Is Camden gone?" She asked Jay, who was standing with Shane.

  "Captain Roid? Yeah, he left," said Shane. "Or maybe I should call him Captain cock block," he laughed.

  "Watch it," Jay growled.

  "Sorry," Shane immediately apologized. "But you should have seen it. Mark tried to ask Kaine out, and Camden just stood there glaring at him, shaking with rage. It was hilarious."

  "It wasn't funny," Kaine snapped. "It was obnoxious. Anyway, I'm going out with Kelsey. See you guys later. Make sure you thank the guys for helping."

  Kaine showered and put on her royal blue hi low dress, letting her hair fall softly down her shoulders. She put on her silver flat sandals, in case they decided to go out dancing. Kaine was always a decent dancer, but too shy to ever dance in public.

  She skipped downstairs and waited for Kelsey to pick her up. She grabbed a banana and scarfed it down in about two bites.

  "You're pretty good at that."

  She turned around and flipped Shane off as he laughed. "I'm just kidding, little sister."

  "Don't call me that," she said, swallowing. "One, I'm not your sister. And two, I'm the same age as you."

  "Yeah, but I'm bigger than you," he said, flexing his muscles. Kaine rolled her eyes. "Very impressive," she said dryly.

  Shane swooped down and picked her up with one arm, throwing her over his shoulder. "Shane!" She gasped, laughing as he ran through the kitchen, spinning her around.

  "Are you impressed now?"

  "Put me down!" She cried. "I'm gonna throw up!"

  He carried her through the living room and dumped her on the couch, laughing. He plopped down next to her, out of breath.

  "So are you going to go out with Mark?" He asked.

  "I don't know. Should I?"

  "No," he immediately responded.

  She raised her eyebrows at him. "No? Why?"

  He shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "I mean, you can if you want. If you're willing to either put out or spend the whole night rejecting his advances."

  "Oh," she said quietly. "Well thanks for telling me."

  "Yeah. You know, if you want, I can set you up with one of my friends. A good guy, not an asshole."

  "You have friends that aren't assholes?" She teased.

  Shane didn't answer. He was staring at her lips. "You look really pretty tonight, Kaine," he said quietly.

  She shifted uncomfortably. "Thanks."

  A horn beeped outside.

  "That's Kelsey," she said, jumping up, thankful for the interruption of their awkward moment. "See you later. Tell dad and Nancy that I'll be back later." She hurried out of the house and jumped into Kelsey's car. "What a weird day," she muttered.

  "Weird how?" Kelsey asked.

  "Nevermind. What are we doing? Dinner? Dancing?"

  "I've got a better idea," Kelsey grinned, holding up a bottle of Jack Daniels.

  "Where did you get that?" Kaine asked, laughing. She wasn't a big drinker, but after the day she had the bottle looked pretty inviting.

  "Swiped it from my parents," Kelsey responded. "They have a huge bar filled with alcohol and have maybe one cocktail a week. They'll never miss it."

  "So where are we drinking?" Kaine asked. Kelsey pulled out of the driveway and headed to Lucy's house. "Isn't Lucy still in Florida?" Kaine asked.

  Kelsey pulled
into Lucy's driveway. "Yeah, but her mom said we could use the pool whenever we wanted while they were away."

  "I don't have my bathing suit," Kaine said.

  "Who cares? It's just the two of us. We'll skinny dip."

  Kaine was about to protest, then shrugged. "That actually sounds fun. Let's go."

  Even though they had permission to use the pool, Kaine felt like she was trespassing. They tiptoed around the back of the house, giggling. "Here," Kelsey said, handing the bottle to Kaine. "You can have the first shot."

  Kaine opened the bottle and took a big swig, almost choking on the awful taste. "Jesus Christ, that burns," she gasped, handing the bottle back to Kelsey, who took a long drink without so much as a grimace. Clearly she was a better drinker than Kaine.

  Kaine took another drink and sat back in the lounge chair. After a few minutes she started to feel buzzed. "Are you ready?" She asked Kelsey.

  Kelsey jumped up and ripped her clothes off, jumping into the pool. Kaine laughed and did the same.

  There was something extremely liberating about being completely naked in the pool. Kaine swam to the side and took another drink. "Are we really trying out for cheerleading?" She asked. Kelsey giggled. "Hell no. Those cheerleader girls are bitches. Lucy doesn't know yet, but I'd rather slit my own wrists than spend time with Jenna or Gina."

  Kaine breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God. I don't have an ounce of grace or coordination. I'd never make it anyway. I hope Lucy still tries out though. I can see how badly she wants it."

  They swam in silence for a few minutes more, enjoying the beautiful summer night.

  "So, Mark, huh?" Kelsey asked, breaking the silence.

  "Yeah, that was awkward. But I don't think I'll go out with him."

  "Why not?" Kelsey asked. "He's kind of cute."

  Kaine debated whether or not to tell her what Shane had said. The alcohol had pretty much taken away her filter.

  "Shane said that he just wanted to have sex with me."

  "Oh. Well I guess that's a good reason," Kelsey laughed. "Are you a virgin?"

  The alcohol had seemingly taken away her filter too.

  "Yes," Kaine admitted. "But I'm not, like, holding on to my virginity or anything. I've just never done it. In fact, my first date ever was with Cam last night. But I also don't want to do it with someone who just wants me for that, you know? I need to at least like the guy."

  Kelsey nodded. "Makes sense. I've only been with Greg. But we've been together for so long that I'd never really had a chance to date anyone else. I love him, but sometimes I wish I didn't feel so tied down."

  "I'd love to be tied down," Kaine said wistfully. Kelsey giggled.

  "Not like that, pervert," Kaine laughed.

  The girls took another drink. "Can I tell you something?" Kaine asked. Kelsey nodded.

  "I think...I think Shane is cute sometimes."

  Kelsey burst out laughing, and after a minute Kaine started giggling, until they were both laughing hysterically.

  "Oh God," Kelsey gasped, holding her sides. "I don't know why that was hilarious, but it was. So what are you saying? You like Shane?"

  Kaine shook her head. "No! I mean, how can I like him after everything he's done to me? But then he walks by me, smirking at me with his shirt off, and I have the craziest urge to jump him. Am I crazy? I'm crazy."

  Kelsey thought for a minute. "Well then you don't really like him. But your body does. You can't help the way your body responds to certain things."

  "I know Kels, but I feel horrible for even thinking those things. Like by wanting him I'm letting him win. If that makes sense."

  Kelsey shrugged. "My advice? Just go with it. I mean, you're going to be living with him for the next year. And after that, you're going to see him every summer and at every family event. Imagine the sexual tension you're going to have to deal with. You're young, hot and unattached. What do you have to lose?"

  "My pride, I suppose. But whatever. I'm far too drunk for this philosophical conversation."

  Kelsey laughed and they swam for awhile in a comfortable silence.

  11

  Camden watched as Kaine pulled off her clothes and jumped in the pool with Kelsey, trying to ignore the raging hard on he got when he looked at her. He hadn't known that they would be swimming naked, but was happy with the view. Kaine was even more stunning naked than she was clothed. The gentle curves of her body were perfect.

  He had only followed Kelsey out of curiosity, to see if her and Kaine were really hanging out or if Kelsey was going to drop her off somewhere with another guy. Once he saw that they were swimming, he figured he could listen for awhile and see if Kaine said anything about him. He was disappointed when she didn't, but happy that she was still a virgin. Until she confessed her feelings for Shane.

  It took every ounce of self control not to yell out in frustration. How could she like that piece of shit? Maybe she was one of those girls that liked assholes. He had tried to be a nice guy, but clearly she wasn't into that. Maybe he would act like a dick and see if she responded to that.

  His thoughts were interrupted when Kelsey and Kaine climbed out of the pool and toweled off, hastily and drunkenly putting their clothes back on, giggling. He rolled his eyes. He wasn't opposed to drinking, but they both had clearly had too much.

  "Are you staying here?" Kaine asked as Kelsey flopped onto a lounge chair.

  "Yeah. Sleeping it off," Kelsey mumbled.

  "I think I'll walk," Kaine said. Camden sighed, wondering how she thought she was going to walk home when she could barely stand up.

  Kelsey mumbled a goodbye as Kaine stumbled through the gate.

  Camden quickly ran to his car and started it, giving Kaine a few minutes to get a head start.

  He slowly drove, spotting her walking carefully but awkwardly down the road. He pulled up next to her. "Kaine?"

  She looked over and smiled at him, melting his heart. "Camden!" She yelled.

  "Kaine, be quiet. It's after 12. What are you doing?"

  "Goin' home," she slurred.

  "Well, get in. You're too drunk to walk."

  She waved him off, but crawled into his car anyway, giggling. He wondered if she would have gotten in if she hadn't been drunk.

  "Where were you that you're so drunk?" He asked, pretending he didn't know.

  "Kelsey and I went skinny dipping at Lucy's house." She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder. "I'm sleepy."

  His heart skipped a beat at the contact. What was it about this girl that had him so captivated?

  "Sounds fun," he mumbled, pulling into her driveway. He wished he could spend more time with her, but he would take what he would get.

  "Do you need help getting inside?" He asked hopefully.

  She shook her head. "I can do it. Thanks for the ride, Camden. You're such a nice guy." She jumped out of the car, slamming the door as he winced.

  Nice guy? Fuck that. If Kaine wanted an asshole like Shane, he could play that game.

  It took Kaine over a minute to find her house key, and another minute to successfully open the door. She burst in the house, falling on her face and giggling. The kitchen light turned on.

  Oh, shit.

  "What the hell are you doing?" Shane hissed at her. "Are you crazy? You're going to wake everyone up."

  "Shane!" She cried, getting up and throwing herself into his arms. "I had drinks."

  "Yeah, I can see that. If your dad catches you like this, he'll kill you. How did you get home, anyway?"

  "Camden," she mumbled.

  "You were with Camden? I thought you were out with Kelsey."

  "I was. I walked home. Camden drove by and picked me up."

  "Yeah? He just happened to be driving by you as you were walking home?"

  She nodded.

  He sighed. "Alright, come on," he said, scooping her up. "And be quiet."

  She giggled as he carried her up the stairs and to her room. Thankfully, she had forgotten to lock her door fr
om the outside and he was able to get her in bed.

  "I'm going to get you some water," he said. "And something to throw up in."

  He quietly made his way downstairs as Kaine sat up and pulled off her dress, throwing it across the room. Shane came back with two bottles of water and a pot. She giggled at the thought of throwing up in a pot. His eyes widened when he saw her. "What are you doing?" He asked, staring at her matching bra and panties.

  "Going to bed," she said, looking up at him through her thick lashes. He swallowed and looked away.

  "Can you stay with me for a few minutes?" She asked. He reluctantly nodded and sat down in her desk chair.

  "Over here," she said, getting up and pulling at his hand. "I'm freezing, see?" She put his hand on her waist.

  "Jesus, what were you doing?" He asked, leading her to the bed. "Get under the covers. I'll lay with you. Just until you warm up, ok? But you have to put something else on."

  Kaine stumbled to her dresser and pulled out a short nightie, pulling it over her head. Shane rolled his eyes. "That's not quite what I meant, Kaine."

  She ignored him and crawled back into bed, pulling him with her. He laid behind her, putting his arm around her and pulling her against him. He tried to ignore the fact that her ass was pressed up against his crotch and rubbed her arm, trying to warm her up.

  "Mmm, that feels good," she moaned.

  He shifted away to try to hide his erection.

  Kaine's face in the moonlight was beautiful. He looked down at her, her long lashes and full lips and wondered what it would feel like to kiss her.

  As if reading his thoughts, Kaine rolled over and pressed her lips to his.

  Shane rolled back. "Kaine, stop it. You're drunk."

  She rolled on top of him, straddling him. "I want you," she said softly, leaning down to kiss him again. This time he let her. She grabbed his hands and put them on her ass, sitting up and running her hands down his chest. She shifted, her heat rubbing on him. He groaned and flipped her over, kissing her. He kissed down her chest, careful not to touch her breast. He wasn't sure if they were there yet. Kaine gently grabbed his hand, placing it on her breast. He squeezed it gently, running his hand down her waist and back up to her breasts. He groaned, pushing himself off of her.