Four Can Play That Game: Part One

by Ostle, J. L.

  Light is shining through his window. I look down to see if I can find my phone to check the time, but I can’t see it. I look around his room to see if I can spot a clock, but nothing. I need to get up and head back to my room before the other two find me in here. I really wish I’d given them back their doors sooner.

  I try and lift Benjamin’s arm, but he just holds me tighter. I wiggle a little to see if I can squeeze out, but my mouth hangs open when I feel his erection press against my ass. “That is what happens when you wiggle that fine ass against my crotch,” he mumbles, pulling me further into him, his face cuddling into my neck.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” I try and move but he doesn’t let me go.

  “You can’t go. I’m way too comfy and I’m not ready to wake up.”

  “I need to go before our roommates wake. Now, if you could let go.” I try and lift his arm with all my might, but he hardly budges. I am so weak. “You can’t keep me here all day.”

  “Watch me.” He snuggles into me.

  “Benjamin.” I lift my arm behind me, messing up his hair.

  “You are no fun.” He lets me go. I quickly stand and bend down when I spot my phone on the floor. “We are so having a sleepover again. You were so warm and soft, I could sleep the entire day away.”

  “Soft? I hope you're not calling me fat.” I put my hands on my hips.

  “What is it with girls thinking they’re fat? You are gorgeous, which I have said before, and your body is made from sin. Now, get back into this bed so I can spoon you.” He taps the mattress where I just was.

  “I need to get showered and get ready for school, and I think you should do the same.”

  He lifts the sheet off him, standing up and stretching. Seeing him in just his boxers makes me want to say screw it and get back into bed for a snuggle. “So, are we going for a shower then?” He smiles cheekily at me.

  “Nice try, Benny boy. Now, go get ready.” I head to the door, and when I reach the doorframe, I’m stopped in my tracks, arms wrapping around my middle.

  “That was the best night’s sleep though. Thank you.” He kisses the top of my head and lets me go, patting my backside before heading to his joined bathroom.

  I go back to my room. I’m just opening my door when I feel like someone is watching me. I turn around, but no one’s there. I sit on my bed, messaging Clarissa to ask if she can get her friends to bring the guys’ stuff back at some point today, before grabbing a quick shower and getting dressed.

  I’m going commando again. I’ve decided on black skinny jeans and a white tank top that shows my midriff, and my leather jacket. I go to the kitchen area and make a cup of tea. I sit on the counter, sipping my drink, going through my emails and Facebook.

  I hear movements and, one by one, the guys come in, making their morning coffee. Only Benjamin says good morning, and I reply with a warm smile. I look over to Zeal who is watching me. I look back down at my phone while I finish my tea.

  I jump down from the counter, going back to my room and getting my things. I have just reached the front door when my name is called and I turn around to see Benjamin walking towards me. “You want a lift?”

  I look at the other two, and see the surprise on their faces. “It’s okay. I don’t mind walking.”

  “Don’t be silly. It’s cold, we’re going to the same place, so let’s go.” He opens the door, walking out first. I look back to see Devon’s jaw tick, but Zeal looks at me before following Benjamin, then I follow suit.

  I jump in the back seat and the whole ride is silent. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife, and when we reach the parking lot, I’m so relieved. I climb out of the car, telling them thanks.

  Clarissa is standing near the entrance doors, looking at her phone, probably reading the messages I sent in the car ride over. I look behind me. Devon is talking heatedly to Benjamin. Zeal looks lost in thought. As if he can feel me watching him, he looks at me, his eyes intently on mine before I face forward again.

  “They gave you a lift? Is it another prank? Is the war over? Did you win?” she asks in a mumbled rush.

  “I have no clue what’s going on. Maybe this is going to be a fresh start.”

  We head to class. I’ve just taken a seat when multiple phones go off, indicating they got a message. I look around at people reading whatever it is.

  My phone didn’t go off, but Clarissa’s did. I watch her read the message, her eyes going a little wide. She looks over to the guys and they’re checking their phones. I watch as anger morphs on their faces.

  Clarissa looks at me and back down to her phone.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  She passes me her phone and there is a picture of me. A picture of me in my dress yesterday with the heading ‘Whore’ and underneath a caption saying, ‘She has already made her way through the share boys, now she’s working her way through the richos. Who will she slut out to next?’ My mouth hangs open.

  Who would send such a thing?

  I look around the room and everyone is looking my way. I can feel my face turning bright red, my body heating in embarrassment. It takes a lot for something to get to me, but sending this out to everyone at school? It's bullying. I feel like I’m back in high school. I take in deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. Who cares what people think?

  But this is week three and already I’ve caused social suicide. Why did I have to wear that dress yesterday?

  “Are you okay? Don’t pay attention to it. Someone is obviously jealous and couldn’t handle the attention you were getting.” Her hand covers mine.

  “I did this to myself though, didn’t I? I have dressed up in provocative clothing, I kissed you, I came to school wearing no underwear in a low-cut dress. It looks like I’m flirting with the male student body. What did I expect?” Just hearing myself say the words causes tears to pickle my eyes.

  God, please don’t cry.

  The professor walks in and starts talking, and I try to ignore all the stares and whispers. It's school gossip. It will pass. I just have to roll with the punches. I can do this. I am stronger than this.

  So why do I feel like I want to cry?

  Once class is finished, I pack up my stuff and I’m just putting my jacket on when someone coughs the word slut and a few people giggle. I look behind me to see who said it, but I can’t tell exactly who it was.

  I start walking down the stairs, just wanting to get out, when I hear the comment again. This time, I turn around, seeing a guy with messy brown hair that looks like it hasn’t been washed in days smile at me.

  But it’s a smile that makes me feel dirty. He just screams sleazeball.

  “I don’t mind being your next victim, newbie. Wanna find a closet and I can show you a true welcome?” His eyes take me all in, and he licks his lips before smiling at me.

  Does he really think I’m just going to say, ‘Oh, yes. Let’s go.’?

  I push him, making him stumble back. He regains his balance, but I keep pushing him, people behind him moving away. I keep going until he hits the wall. When he catches himself, he stands straighter.

  “If you call me a slut again, I will hurt you so bad, you will wish you never said a single word to me,” I warn him.

  “I heard you like it rough. Rumors spread, saying you like to be in charge. And that you’re a screamer.” He takes a step towards me. “Don’t worry. You can scream all you like.” His fingers touch my jaw, heading to my breasts, when I grab hold of his hand, twisting his wrist and causing him to go down on his knees, groaning in pain.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you. Want to say that again?” I squeeze harder, and he yells out. People start surrounding us, watching.

  “You dumb bitch!” he spits.

  I press my knee on his back, and he cries out. “You are sick. I haven’t been anywhere near anyone, and I would never let you go anywhere near me. If you try and touch me, I will report you for sexual harassment.” I push him, he lands on his back, and I walk ar
ound the starers.

  “Yeah, you walk away. I will get you for this,” I hear him say behind me before he yells out in pain. I turn around to see Devon’s fist in the air and the boy on his knees, holding onto his nose.

  “You go near her, you hurt her in any way, I will make sure you don’t see the light of day again,” Devon growls at him. He walks over to Zeal and Benjamin who look like they want to hurt him some more. I walk over to them, giving them a warm smile.

  “Just because you had my back, doesn’t mean you’re in my good books,” I say. “But thank you.”

  “It looked like you had it covered, but you hurt his pride and his masculinity, so we needed to make sure he didn’t get his own back.” Devon shrugs.

  “Who knew you’re some kind of badass? Scared to cross you now,” Zeal jokes. It’s the first time in ages since I’ve seen his playful side.

  “Better be careful then. Don’t want to get on my wrong side.” We head out of class and the professor walks back in with a fresh cup of something, I look at him, wide-eyed, while I walk past. What if he was here when we did all that?

  “Stop overthinking.” Benjamin chuckles.

  Once we’re outside, Clarissa looks at me and then the guys. “Are you okay? I watched what you did. You can really look after yourself. The gossip has already changed to the new girl kicking Eckles’ ass.” She lifts her phone and there is a video of me and that asshole.

  “I’m good. Let’s hope no one else is brave enough to call me a slut.”

  “Yeah, they would be crazy if they did.” Zeal laughs. He lifts his arm and places it around my shoulder. “Come on, Supergirl, you can walk me to my next class as you’re a ninja,” he teases. We start to walk, but I grab Clarissa’s arm, linking mine with hers.

  I feel like I’m in the twilight zone and we’re back to where we were before we found out I was their new roommate.

  At lunch, I stagger to the cafeteria, wanting to get a drink, and then I’m going to head back to the library, but I will make sure nothing happens that shouldn’t happen this time. The guys are either up to something, or we have made some kind of non-verbal truce.

  I grab a can of Coke and I’m about to leave when I hear my name being called. Zeal jogs over, putting his arm over my shoulder, guiding me back to his table. Everyone waves and says hello, but I don’t take a seat.

  I’m confused as to why he brought me over. “Sit,” he tells me. I look at the spare seat and then to Devon and Benjamin who are watching me.

  Is this a trick?

  I pat the seat to make sure it's not superglued or wet or anything, but it seems fine. I slowly sit down, and Zeal gives me a warm smile before he starts talking about the track marathon that he’s taking part in.

  I grab my can, opening it up and taking a sip. I place my can down and Devon reaches over and takes a sip before placing it back. I don’t say anything, I just sit and listen, but I notice my roommates helping themselves to my drink. Benjamin reaches down for something on the floor and lifts a small box. He hands me a light blue cupcake and passes Devon and Zeal what I assume are brownies, and one for himself, then places the empty box down.

  I look at the cupcake, lifting it up, inspecting it. Have they put something in it?

  “Stop overthinking.” Benjamin leans forward, whispering to me.

  I look at him and back to the cake and take a hesitant bite, but it tastes normal. I take another bite and it’s really good. “Thank you,” I say to him. He winks at me and, before I know it, I’ve finished with it and I’m placing the wrapper on the table.

  Starting to feel comfortable, I nudge my chair in a little more, paying attention to what they’re saying, wanting to get involved when, from the corner of my eye, I see a brunette sit on Devon’s lap, a blonde on Benjamin’s, and a girl who looks similar to the first sit on Zeal’s.

  Each of them looks my way, but I look at their friends, paying attention to them. They must be used to this as they don’t stop what they’re talking about. I start playing with the wrapper when I feel someone poke my shoulder. I turn to face the pretty blonde, but she doesn’t look friendly. Her eyes are judging me, and she’s looking at me like I’m shit on her shoe.

  “Hey. You’re the new girl, right?” she says without giving me a chance to answer. “The one that’s whoring her way through campus.” She smiles at me sweetly, but it’s anything but.

  “I’m Jamie. It's nice to know you’ve heard of me.” I smile back at her. “I hope you're not jealous though. I did hear that you took that title… you know, whoring yourself around.” She looks at me in shock. I guess she isn’t used to people talking back at her.

  “Do you know who you’re talking to?” She yelps when she almost falls to the ground when Benjamin pushes his chair back and stands. “Baby, what are you doing? I could have fallen.”

  “You don’t get to speak to her like.” He points at her.

  “She said it back to me. Why are you even defending her? She an amazing fuck or something?” The other two girls giggle and the guys stand up, making them lose their balance before they stand straight again.

  “She is our roommate. Our friend. If you can’t respect her then you can take your bitch asses away,” Zeal tells them.

  The girls look at me, huffing and walking away, but they turn around and glare at me before reaching a different table full of guys.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” I say.

  They slowly take their seats again. “We’re the only ones allowed to make your life hell. Life would be boring if we let them have all the fun,” Devon jokes.

  Well, I hope he’s joking.

  “Oh, thanks. It shows you don’t have good judgment when it comes to girls. Pretty girls like that are normally grade A bitches. You need to go for ones that don’t care what they look like but have a heart of gold.”

  “Like you?” Zeal sits back in his seat, looking at me.

  I look around the table and everyone has stopped talking, watching our exchange. “Just a good person.” I grab my things from the floor. “I better get going. Thank you for inviting me for lunch.” I give them a wave and walk to the library.

  I have just reached the doors when Zeal calls out to me. “You forgot this.” He passes me my notebook; it must have fallen from my bag.

  “Thank you.” When our fingers touch, I feel an electric current shoot up my arm. I don’t pull away, and he doesn’t pull back his hand. Our eyes are on our fingers.

  “You were up early this morning.” He breaks the silence, retrieving his hand.

  “Yeah, I was an early bird today.” I hug my notebook to me.

  “I’ll see you later, Jamie.” He kisses my cheek, his lips lingering before he pulls back a little, his eyes connecting with mine then moving to my lips before he looks at the ground and steps back. He turns around and walks away. When he’s gone, I turn back around to see a shocked Clarissa, who is down the hall watching.

  “He kissed you,” she whispers yells at me.

  “He kissed my cheek, that’s it.” I walk inside, grabbing an empty table and placing my things in the chair next to me.

  “From where I was standing, he didn’t look like he wanted to pull away. Something has changed.” She sits opposite me.

  “I guess they’re just being friendlier. Maybe with the rumors, they’ve stopped. Devon did say before that only they are allowed to pull stunts and say things to me, and I don’t know if he was kidding or not.”

  “Well, I was looking for you to say that the guys’ doors are back up and their stuff is in their rooms.”

  “Thank you.”

  The rest of the day had less drama, and I could really go for a swim before going home. Quickly messaging Clarissa to tell her where I’m going. I get into my bikini, and when I reach the pool, I’m surprised to find the pool is empty.

  Walking down the steps, getting used to the temperature. I lay on my back just floating for a little while, keeping my eyes closed. I’m enjoying the peace and q
uiet when I feel hands around my waist. Startled, I kick out, splashing water around.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Zeal chuckles.

  I wipe my face. I move my arms to keep me afloat. “Is it normally this quiet?”

  “Not really. A few more people might come later.” He circles around me. “Feel like doing some laps with me?”

  “I’m not a fast swimmer.”

  “I saw you swim. You’re good. This will be just for fun. We will go slow.” He winks at me before he starts swimming. I join him, keeping a good amount of distance between us so we don’t splash at each other.

  We keep going, and I soon find myself in perfect rhythm. I lose time and my surroundings. I’ve just reached the end when I feel on my shoulders. I stop, looking at Zeal who is panting a little.

  “You are a demon when you get going. You would have kept swimming, wouldn’t you?” He shakes his head.

  “Yeah, I would have.” Now I’ve stopped, my legs feel like jelly. I know I’m going to walk like a freak when I get out. I look at the time, shocked to find we’ve been here for an hour and a half.

  “I’m still looking for a running buddy if you want to join me sometimes after school?”

  “Aren’t I your nemesis while I’m under the same roof as you guys?” I laugh. “You sure you’ll be okay fraternizing with the enemy?”

  He laughs. “I think we all proved our points and we know you aren’t going anywhere. It's impressive how much you stand up for yourself. Most girls would have caved.”

  I start swimming backward. “I’m not like most girls though. And no way was I going to be homeless because you three didn’t want to live with a girl.”

  He swims forwards. “You definitely aren’t like most girls. Well, I guess we are stuck with you, but you’re starting to grow on me.” He looks into my eyes. “I guess you’ve grown on Benjamin also.”

  I turn my head a little to the side. “What do you mean?”

  “I saw you this morning going to your room from Benjamin’s. I know nothing happened. We would have heard you.” That’s a freaky thought. “But the way he looked at you this morning, and offering you a lift. But he did like you from the get-go.”