Right There with You

by R. J. Sable

  “Jelly,” Jake scolded. “Don't be rude.”

  “Sorry,” I mumbled as Duff released me, looking rather pleased with himself.

  I gave Mark a quick hug but avoided making eye contact. I pulled out my magnetic key card and opened the door, letting the others in. I opened the door to my room and they walked in before me. Jake dumped his bag on my desk and sat down in the chair. Duff and Mark both sat on my bed.

  “Kind of small, isn't it?” Mark pointed out.

  “It's bigger than my bedroom,” I said quietly.

  “True,” Jake said as he fiddled with all the papers on my desk, looking through them all with a vague disinterest.

  “How many of you in the flat?” Duff asked.

  “Six.”

  “How many girls?” He grinned,

  “Three, if you include me,” I mumbled.

  “Are the other two fit?” Jake asked, his interest peaking.

  “How would I know?” I rolled my eyes at him.

  He glared at me and I lowered my gaze again. I sank down to the floor and listened to them make plans for the evening. I really am not looking forward to this. At around half past eight, Jake pulled off his t-shirt and started rooting around in his duffel bag. I noticed a large plaster on his right shoulder.

  “Did you get a new tattoo?” I asked curiously.

  “Yep, got it yesterday,” he grinned.

  “Can I see?”

  “Nah, I'll show you tomorrow,” he shook his head. “Don't mention it to Ian, I haven't told him yet,” he warned.

  That was not going to go down well. Ian liked to know these things before they happened so he could make threats about their consequences.

  “How come?” I asked, wondering why he'd want to provoke Ian like that.

  “Because he'd have said no, not that it's any of your business,” he scolded.

  Duff laughed and kicked his shoes off so that he could lie down on my bed.

  “Come here, Jelly,” he demanded, patting the bed next to where he was lying.

  I shook my head, quite contented with sitting on the floor as far away from him as possible.

  “Jelly...” Jake warned, “I don't want any shit from you tonight. Do as your told and we'll have a good night.”

  I doubt it. I sighed inwardly and stood up and sat on the bed next to Duff, my back to him.

  “Don't want to sit with me?” Duff said with a feigned frown on his face.

  I could tell he was loving messing with me. He grabbed the end of my ponytail and pulled down on it hard so that I fell backwards and was lying on my back, over his stomach, with my head pulled down towards the bed on his other side.

  “Ow, Duff, please!” I begged.

  He loosened his grip somewhat but held my head firmly in place. This was not exactly a comfortable lying position. He rested his other hand flat across my stomach and I squirmed uncomfortably under his touch. He tugged on my hair once more and I stilled.

  “I like you much better when you shut up and keep still, Jelly,” Duff grinned as he slipped his hand under my jumper and placed it back over my stomach, his skin against mine. I felt nauseous with his hands on me. I wanted to push him off and get as far away from him as possible, but he was still holding my hair. Besides, the last thing I needed was Jake complaining to Ian about my behaviour when we arrived home.

  “That makes two of us,” Jake grunted as he pulled on a clean shirt and buttoned it up.

  “Come on, Jelly, get ready,” Jake ordered.

  This thankfully gave cause for Duff to release me and I scuttled to my feet as soon as I felt his hands relax. I opened my chest of drawers and rifled through. I pulled out a white dress with a golden butterfly motif and set it aside. I grabbed a fresh pair of white underwear and a matching bra and folded them inside of the dress and turned to face Jake expectantly.

  “Point us to the kitchen,” Jake grumbled, seeing that I wanted my privacy to change.

  I got changed quickly, pulling my hair out of the dishevelled ponytail and running my fingers through it quickly. I put it back up into a tight pony, wishing I had time to ask Sarah to help me do something with it, but dismissing the idea just as quickly. I was only going out with Jake and his friends, there was no need to go out of my way to look nice. I quickly applied some mascara and headed towards the kitchen to find the boys.

  “Ooh, you look nice!” Emma grinned as I entered the kitchen. I smiled at her as I walked over to where Jake and the others were sitting.

  “No fucking way,” Jake half-shouted as he looked over at me with disgust. “You are not wearing that.”

  I glanced down at my skirt, it came to just above my knees and flared out. It wasn’t skin tight or even revealing. It had a deep cut halter neck but my breasts were so small that you couldn’t see anything.

  “What's wrong with it?” Emma jumped to my defence, looking a little shocked at his outburst.

  Jake ignored her, keeping his eyes on me. “Jelly, it's far too slaggy.”

  “She looks good, mate,” Mark chimed in, clapping Jake on his shoulder.

  “That's exactly the problem,” Jake grumbled. “I don't want have to keep beating off assholes like you all night.”

  Mark laughed and took a sip from his beer.

  “Aw, it's so cute that you want to look after your little sister,” Emma swooned, fluttering her eyelashes at Jake.

  Jake winked at her before turning to look at Duff and Mark. “Fine, but you jackasses had better keep an eye on her as well,” he threatened, before returning to glaring at me.

  “You can count on us,” Duff grinned, clinking his beer can against Jake's.

  Chapter 19

  Friday, October 12th 2012

  “Let's see some ID,” the bouncer demanded as I moved to follow Jake inside. Jake turned back to stand with me as I fished my purse out of my bag. He wrapped his arm round my shoulders possessively once we'd been allowed in and the guys found us a table.

  “Stay here with Duff,” Jake ordered, “Me and Mark'll get the first round.”

  He didn't wait for me to answer. I slouched into my seat miserably and refused to acknowledge Duff's presence. I wish Jason was here. I took my phone out of my purse and decided to send him a quick text.

  I missed my goodbye kiss :(

  This is rubbish. Wish you were

  here :( :( xxx JL

  I put my phone away and sighed.

  “Who you texting?” Duff asked, a wicked grin on his face.

  “None of your business,” I answered grumpily.

  “Now, now,” he cautioned. “That's not very nice is it?” He pulled his chair closer to mine and put his arm around the back of my chair.

  “Back off, Duff,” I warned, leaning forwards in my chair so that his arm wasn't touching me.

  “Still a stubborn little bitch, I see,” he said, shaking his head. “Why don't you try playing nice for once?”

  “Please, Duff,” I pleaded. “Please leave me alone tonight.” I knew it was pointless begging, if anything it would probably only encourage him, but I could live in hope.

  He grabbed the side of my neck with his hand and pulled the side of my face close to his. “Not a chance,” he whispered in my ear, so close that his breath tickled unpleasantly.

  “I hate you,” I whined as I pulled away from him.

  “No you don't,” he grinned, leaning back into his chair. “You love it.”

  Yeah right. I wanted to burst into tears right there. I knew he was only going to become more of an ass as the night went on, especially once he had a few beers in him. I couldn't believe how quickly he'd fallen back into the routine we'd had as kids. It's only one night, I reassured myself, praying that Jake would come back soon.

  My prayers were answered as Jake sat down on the other side of me and placed a bottle filled with cloudy liquid in front of me.

  “Thanks,” I grinned up at him.

  “Drink it slowly,” he cautioned.

  I nodded and tasted my
alcopop. Lemony. I could never decide whether I actually liked the taste of alcohol or not. The guys chatted excitedly about their courses. They were all in their third year now, Jake's course was four years long but the others were both in their final year. I listened quietly to their banter. It was nice to see Jake so animated and happy. He was usually kind of quiet at home. Well, not so much quiet as quieter. He was probably the smallest of all my brothers, which I guess was saying something because he was still in better shape than most of the guys at the club tonight.

  I was only half way through my drink when Duff fetched a second round for the guys.

  “I can't believe Craig said you could come tomorrow,” Jake said to me, shaking his head.

  “I know, it's really nice of him,” I nodded. I was still in shock about it myself.

  “How's it going for Craig?” Mark asked.

  “Fine, I guess,” Jake shrugged.

  “Haven't you talked to him?” I asked, surprised. I'd talked to Craig a few times since I'd left for university.

  “No, why would I?” Jake shrugged grumpily.

  “'Cause he's your brother,” I replied incredulously.

  “You haven't called me,” he pointed out.

  He was right, come to think of it I hadn't actually called any of them unless I was calling to apologise for messing up. I'm an awful sister. I groaned inwardly as I realised how ungrateful I must seem.

  “Sorry,” I pouted. “I should have called.”

  Jake shrugged and carried on drinking his beer. Mark and Duff were looking around 'scouting the talent' as they so eloquently put it. They made to get up but Jake shook his head.

  “Nu'uh, Duff you're on Jelly duty,” he grinned, pointing to the seat next to me.

  “No!” I protested. “I'll be fine, I'll sit here and keep the table.”

  “Yeah come on, man, those girls are off-the-scales fit,” Duff moaned.

  “Which is why I should go over. You don't stand a chance,” Jake winked and followed after Mark.

  Duff grumbled and sat down next to me whilst we watched Jake and Mark chatting up two girls. They were both dressed in tiny scraps of fabric and appeared to be absolutely wasted, despite the fact it was only half past ten.

  The guys came back with the two girls in tow, both carrying sickly looking pink cocktails. The blonde one giggled as Jake pulled her onto his lap. The brunette was reluctant to sit on Mark's lap, despite his insistence. Duff decided to resolve this by offering her his chair. That was sweet. I was caught off-guard by his act of chivalry. At least I was until he grabbed me under my arms from behind and lifted me out of my chair. Or not. I sighed inwardly as he sat down in my chair and pulled me into his lap.

  “I'd rather stand,” I said through clenched teeth.

  He just grinned and locked his left arm around my waist and placed his right one over my legs, effectively locking me in place. Jake and Mark were absorbed in giggly conversations with their respective bimbos.

  Watching my big brother grope a random girl was not on the top of my list of fun things to do on a Friday night. I tried to shift my body away from them but Duff tightened his grip on me.

  “Duff!” I protested. “Please, I don't want to have to watch that.” I pointed to Jake.

  Duff shifted his chair around so that I was facing the dance floor. He took his hand off my side and grabbed my drink from the table, passed it to me, then grabbed his.

  “Better?” He grinned.

  I nodded grumpily and took a rather large swig of my drink. I was really pissed with Jake for sticking me with Duff. He knew I really didn’t like him, but it just seemed to amuse him. If any other guy was treating me the way Duff was, Jake would have already floored and beaten the crap out of him. I sighed inwardly and knocked the rest of my drink back.

  “Another one?” Duff grinned as he squeezed my thigh.

  I shook my head and tried to push his hand off my leg with my spare hand. He gripped my leg tighter and moved his hand further up so that it was half hidden under my dress.

  “Stop it!” I yelled at him, glancing up at Jake and hoping he would rescue me.

  Jake was far too busy with his tongue down his bimbo's throat. I put my bottle down on the table and used both my hands to pry Duff's hand from my leg, digging my fingernails in a little. He scowled at me and pinched the underside of my thigh, hard.

  “Ow!” I cried.

  “Serves you right,” he scowled at me. “Come on, I want another drink.”

  He hopped up from his chair, practically sending me flying. He grabbed my wrist and held it tightly, taking me with him to the bar. While he was trying to get the barman's attention, I pulled my phone out to see that Jason had replied over an hour ago.

  I missed it too :(

  I'm gonna be in town

  Later with Josh & Grayson.

  Want me to come rescue

  you? Jason xxx

  Much as I would have loved for Jason to come and rescue me, it would not have been a good idea. I didn't think Jason would appreciate Duff's hands on me. I definitely didn't appreciate it, but I could handle it for a couple more hours. I doubted Jason would be able to maintain his friends-only persona if he was here.

  I wish you could.

  Only a few more hours

  left. I'll be ok though.

  Have fun. xxx

  Duff handed me another bottle and threw his arm around my shoulder and we made our way back to the table. He pulled me back into his lap as he sat down and this time I didn’t protest because I knew it wasn’t worth the effort.

  Jake stood up, his arm hooked around blonde bimbo's waist. He turned his head and winked at Duff as he followed her away from us.

  “Looks like somebody's getting lucky,” Duff mumbled before taking a swig of his beer.

  “Gross,” I frowned.

  Mark was extremely engaged in his brunette and barely batted an eyelid in our direction. I realised that Jake's seat was free now and made to get up from Duff's lap.

  “What are you doing?” He asked, amused.

  “Sitting there,” I motioned to the spare seat.

  “Nope,” he shook his head and tightened his grip.

  “Duff, we're not kids any more,” I complained. “You can't treat me like this!”

  “Watch me.”

  “Don't be such a dick,” I said, exasperated.

  “What did you call me?” He growled.

  “You heard me. Let me go, Duff!” I struggled against him.

  He pinched me again and I squealed. I balled my hands into fists and pushed against his chest. He grabbed both my wrists in one of his much larger hands and held them tight against his chest. I squirmed violently as his other hand travelled back up my thigh.

  “Duff! Stop it!” I yelled. “Just let me go!”

  Mark looked up from between his brunette's cleavage.

  “Come on, Duff, give her a break,” he laughed as he returned to his giggling companion.

  He let go of my wrists, but put his hand back on my hip. I argued with him for a good five minutes. Insults were thrown back and forth and I was sure I was going to have pretty large bruises on my thighs. In the end, I just gave up and tried to sit as still as possible in his lap. I sipped at my drink and sulked, trying to ignore Duff's hand on my thigh. This tactic worked fine until he started to stroke me with his thumb, edging a little higher up. His hand was now completely hidden by my dress. I grabbed his hand with both of mine and pulled it away once more.

  “Duff, I don't like that,” I pleaded.

  “You shouldn't tell lies, Jelly,” he said smugly.

  “I don't! Stop it or I'll tell Jake,” I threatened.

  “We both know you won't do that,” he sneered.

  I frowned. Just because I didn't mention the attempted kiss catastrophe three years ago, did not mean I was going to let the groping slide. Jake would be pissed... wouldn't he? He'd not said anything earlier when Duff had his hand up my shirt. Ugh! This is so frustrating.


  “Just, stop it,” I pleaded, pathetically.

  He grinned and pulled his hand away from mine and put it back on my thigh.

  “Can I at least go the bathroom?” I begged. I hated having to beg him but what else could I do?

  He looked at me for a few seconds, but eventually he let me go and grabbed his beer from the table. I sighed with relief and headed towards the toilets.

  I made it halfway to the bathroom when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I span around quickly, half-expecting Duff to have followed me.

  “Jason?” I said, completely shocked to see him.

  “What's going on, Jamie?” He said, his face close to my ear so I could hear him over the music. He sounded pissed and guided me towards the bathrooms where it was quieter. “What are you doing with that guy?” He asked, a definite edge to his voice. He was frowning and I could see the anger in his eyes.

  “Nothing!” I protested. “That's Jake's best friend.”

  “Looks like you two are more than friends,” he spat.

  He stood very close to me, my back against the wall. How could he think that? I was really hurt that Jason thought that there was something between me and Duff, and even more hurt that he thought I would cheat on him.

  “I can't stand him, Jason,” I tried to explain. “Please, believe me. I kept trying to get off him but he wouldn't let me.”

  For the first time I noticed Josh and Grayson hovering a few steps behind us. Grayson looked nervous.

  “You expect me to believe that?” He growled, putting his arms on the wall on either side of me. I was effectively trapped between him and the wall. I could feel the familiar heat of his body against mine. I lowered my gaze and focussed on the buttons on his shirt.

  “Yes, it's the truth,” I said quietly, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

  “What the fuck's going on?” Jake demanded as he emerged from the disabled toilet with the giggly blonde. Her tiny dress looked slightly wonky and her hair was a mess. She glanced at Jake before tottering away on her impossibly high heels.

  Jason took a step back from me and looked from me to Jake and back again.

  “I was just making sure Jamie was okay after your mate pretty much mauled her,” Jason snarled. I'd never seen him look angry before.