by Bruce Thomas
I liked the way Dakota talked to me. His voice was so happy and when he spoke to me he always had a smile on his face. I couldn't help by smiling bigger up at him.
"They've been great. I think I'm going to have a good semester. How about you?" I returned his question. "You liking your classes?"
Dakota walked beside me with his hands shoved into his pockets. "Yeah, I'm just finishing up some of my credits before graduation in May."
I know school
just started, but I felt my chest ache with the thought that some of the people that I knew here weren't going to be attending the college next fall.
"That's exciting," I said gripping my books closer to my chest trying to dull the ache. "Yeah, it is, but you know what would be more exciting--" He didn't wait for me to answer before he answered his own question. "The movies."
We stopped walking. I raised my eyebrows for him to continue. "There's a short film festival at the cinema tonight. We could do dinner then--"
I felt a strong arm drape over my shoulder and pull me in. "Oh Koty, I'm sure a movie date sounds nice and all but she and I have plans tonight, don't we Anna."
Fred's eyes pinned Dakota like a tiger watching his prey. I looked up at him startled and confused. There was a small innocent smile on his lips but I knew that Fred was everything but innocent. I tried pushing his arm off my shoulder but he grabbed the hand I was pushing with and laced our fingers together.
To a bystander, we looked like a couple sharing a cute little gesture but that was not the case here. I wanted to tell Dakota that a movie sounded fantastic but my mouth wouldn't shape the words. I was too shocked by Fred's fingers gripping mine. I could feel my face getting red. My hand was on fire in Fred's, sending electric shocks up my arm. I was so annoyed and angry that I could feel myself getting ready to burst. Was Fred not, thirty seconds ago, flirting with some chick right in front of me?!
Dakota looked at Fred's arm over my shoulder and our hands pressed
together. I struggled to disconnect his hand from mine but Fred's grip just tightened.
I tried forming more words but nothing came out. All I could do was look up at Dakota wide eyed like an idiot.
"Well," he said looking down at his feet. "Maybe another time."
"Yeah, another time," Fred answered for me, his voice dripping fake sympathy. I literally couldn't speak. I felt like bursting into tears under Freds strong hold. I should have spoken up and accepted Dakota kind gesture instead I stood pressed to the devil himself who treated me as nothing but a chess piece for whatever game he was conjuring up.
I gave Dakota a small wave as he walked away though his back was to me and didn't see it. With all the frustration I felt towards Fred, but mostly myself, I rammed my elbow into his stomach. He let go of my hand cursing and loosening his hold over me just enough that I could slip out from beneath his arm. I pushed my feet into the pavement as I tried to get as far away from the man as possible.
But his legs were much longer compared to mine and he caught up with ease.
"What was that for?" He asked holding his side. I stopped abruptly making our chest bumped together before I pushed him back with all my might. He barely moved. "What was that? What was that, Fred? You had no right to do that!" I turned on my heels to walk away. It wasn't everyday that someone asked me out on a date or really had the opposite sex pay much attention to me at all so yes, I was upset. I couldn't even stand breathing the same air as
him.
It almost scared me how fast I have come to dislike Fred in the short period of time I have known him.
He grabbed my elbow before I could take a single step. "What, you're telling me you actually wanted to spend time with that douchebag?"
"Don't call him that," I scolded yanking my arm out of his grip. His touch made my heart accelerate and my skin burn. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad.
Bad. It was definitely bad, Anna, my subconscious scolded me.
Fred reached for my wrist but I jumped back before he could it. Yes, he was extremely attractive but that was totally overruled by how much of a jerk he was.
"Why did you do that, Fred? Maybe I wanted to go." I crossed my arms over my chest so he couldn't grab my arm, wrist, hand, nothing. "No, you didn't," he scoffed shaking his head chuckling.
"Yes, I did."
"We have plans," he replied with a shrug, my outburst having no impact on him. It was as if he was telling someone he had to go to the bank.
"No, we don't. What would make you think I would go anywhere with you?" That stupid smirk appeared on his face again and that urge to hit something resurfaced.
I hated that he brought out this side of me. He made me feel like my emotions were all over the place which scared me considering we've only known each other for a week.
"We're using your raincheck from earlier this week." He was moving again expecting me to follow him. And like the lost soul I was, I did. "You couldn't have been serious about that." "Why wouldn't I be?" He stopped again making me bump into him lightly before I caught myself.
People passed by not acknowledging us. For all we knew it was just him and I arguing in our own little bubble. His face showed no emotion as my eyes searched his. "Y-You don't even like me," I stuttered, watching his reaction. Part of me wanted him to tell me that he did like me, that he had no reason not to. I wanted him to apologize for the mean things he has done to me to make me think he didn't like me.
To be completely honest, I wanted him to like me. I hated the thought of someone not taking a liking towards me. Fred's eyebrows skyrocketed and a deep laugh rumbled in his chest.
Rolling my eyes I stomped away, leaving him in the street surrounded by people.
=================
7
I sat in my room with my Bio book propped open on my bed. I could hear Janet and Anne talking excitedly in the living room. They had music blaring and even with my door closed I couldn't concentrate. It being Friday night, I figured they were working out their plans for the night.
I hopped off my bed, completely done with anything that involved Protista and Fungi. I headed out into the main room, plopping on the couch beside Janet who greeted me with a squeal. "So, what do you think about a club?" Janet patted my knee turning excitedly to me. "Like a nightclub?"
"Yes, a nightclub!" She was practically vibrating off the couch with excitement. "A nightclub with hot mysterious guys who we can dance with and just have fun. Doesn't that sound amazing?" I wasn't going to admit that I've never been to a nightclub before and I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. I always thought of nightclubs as a place for bachelorette parties and girls that looked like strippers. I really wasn't willing to show my body off in that way by wearing a short leopard print dress that Janet was dragging in from her closet.
"What about Elmer?" I asked. Janet stared blankly back at me. "I thought you guys were..." She seemed to catch on to my acquisition and patted my knee again. "Elmer doesn't date, sweetheart." Sounds like someone else I know.
"But that doesn't mean he doesn't have to know what he's missing
out on." Her and Anne giggled.
"Count me in," I said. This was something I would have never done back home but New York was full of so many possibilities. Maybe this new Annaanna would like clubbing.
Anne jumped up from the couch clapping her hands. "Okay, now that that is settled, what are we going to wear?"
"Why? You wanna look hot for Bruce?" Janet teased scooting behind me for protection as Anne's hand swung in her direction. I giggled as Anne's face turned tomato red and she stuttered her refusal.
* * * *
"The boys said they will meet us here," Janet said stepping out of the taxi.
"Boys?" I whined. "I thought this was a girls night?"
We crossed the street towards a building with neon lights that could be seen a block away. What happened to dancing with mysterious boys and having guys buy us drinks?
Music thumped through the cracks o
f the door that swung open every time someone was let in. Janet gabbed Anne and my hands and dragged us to the front of the line. What I have learned about Janet since I've met her is that she has big confidence that I would kill for and also connections up the wazoo. I was about to yank her back to the end of the line and wait like the rest of the underaged and legal people but she pushed on, focused on the door.
"Hello Ross," she cooed when we reached the bouncer.
"Ms. Johnson," was all he said as he retracted the velvet rope worshipping us through. I'm pretty sure my jaw fell to the ground in shock but I wasn't going to argue. Words
of protest from the people who were waiting in line could be heard until the door shut again.
The club was big enough for two stories. Bodies littered the floor and balconies, some sitting on leather couches and others rocking back and forth on the dance floor. The lights were dim except for the random flashes of light that came from the stage.
I was in complete awe. Never have I been somewhere like this. The music was so loud that I could feel it pump throughout my body with every drop of the bass.
"Let's go find somewhere to sit!" Anne shouted over the music. We linked our hands together and trudged through the crowd of people.
I jumped when I felt a hand pinch my backside. I turned to find a big guy with a buzz cut, wearing a shirt that he may as well not be wearing at all considering he only had the last couple of the buttons hooked. "Let me buy you a drink, sweetheart," he said moving close to my ear. Janet's hand yanked me away before I could slap him.
What was with people always touching me here! I never liked to be touch and people back home just knew that but here no one knew me therefore being unaware of my wishes. "Piss off, buster," Janet hissed. The man's face dropped at her greeting.
Shaking his head as if to say "your loss" he wove his way back towards the bar. I looked back at Janet and Anne who just looked at me with big eyes.
"Told you the dress was a good choice, Anna," Janet smiled. I could imagine she was mentally patting herself on the back for her taste in fashion.
She practically forced me into wearing a black metallic tight dress that, in my opinion, showed off too much of my legs and was too tight. I didn't have the money to buy a new outfit but I really didn't have a choice since ReJanet found that nothing in my closet was acceptable for a night on the town. I didn't fit into anything she or Anne owned so I didn't really have much of a choice. Thankfully, Janet and I were the same size shoe so I didn't have to spend money on heels. I wasn't a heel type of girl.
We fished our way past the dance floor and over to some couches in the corner where Elmer and some guys were already sitting.
"Hey, you made it!" Elmer shouted over the music. I expected Janet to dance over to him and sit on his lap like she did last weekend but she stayed firmly by our side.
"Of course we did," she said looking down at her nails instead of at him. Elmer frowned, shifting uncomfortably on the leather sofa. I could practically see the tension in the dark smoky air. I cleared my throat. "Does anyone want a drink?"
Elmer's face lit up at my suggestion.
"That's what I'm talking about, Iowa." I couldn't help but smile back at him from the little nickname. I felt Janet stiffen beside me. When I looked at her she was looking at her phone. "I'll be back," I said turning away from the group.
"Do you need help?" Janet asked, already moving my way.
I waved her off and eyed Elmer suggesting she get in there. She rolled her eyes at me, ruffling the ends of her burgundy dress while she turned to sit beside Anne on the couch.
I pushed my way through the crowd of sweaty bodies and over to the bar.
Some people were less than helpful, blocking me until I politely tapped them on the shoulder to let me through. When I finally made my way through the crowd and the bar became fully in view, it was to my delight to see that the bar was littered. The bartender was racing back and forth receiving money and mixing drinks. This was going to be a long wait.
"I think you need another three inches on those heels."
I turned to my left to see a pair of light blue eyes smiling at me. He was seated on a bar stool, a clear plastic cup in one hand and money in the other. "What?" I questioned looking down at my feet.
His smile grew. "To be seen. There's quite a line. I hope you're aggressive."
As soon as the bartender handed the people their drinks, he raced back to the machine to fill up more. He wiped a small white towel over his forehead, taking a swig of a orange concoction himself. I'm guessing beer.
I leaned defeated on the bar for a second. "I'll just come back when it's not so busy." I turned on my heels to head back to my friends.
"Here, I already have a drink. You can take it. I'll wait and buy another one." He pushed the plastic cup in my direction but I shook my head. People always think I'm older than I really am, which is probably why no one protested me getting the drinks. They figured I wouldn't get ID'd. He looked to be in his late twenties, maybe early thirties, still too old for me, no matter what his intentions were.
"I would need about ten more," I said over the music.
"That tough of a day, huh?" He asked scooting closer to
hear me speak. He took a sip from his drink.
"I'm here with my friends," I pointed out.
"Well then," the guy said pulling out another stool gesturing for me to sit. "You can drink this while you wait. You're gonna be here awhile."
My feet were aching already from the heels and I kept getting bumped into while standing so I accepting the stool. I looked down at the drink and pushed it back to him on the bar. "That's okay." "I insist. I really don't mind. I've been sitting here for most of the night. What's another hour or two?" The lines around his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me. I took the drink suddenly feeling dehydrated. The music seemed to have gotten louder and the temperature hotter since I've first arrived. The liquid was smooth going down my throat. I smiled back at him now feeling awkward because conversation would now have to be made.
"So what's your name? Is it Victoria? You look like a Victoria."
I laughed at that shaking my head. "It's Anna," I said taking another gulp of what was now my drink. It tasted strong of vodka with a hint of something fruity.
"I'm Kyle," he said. "You look familiar, have I seen you before?"
I laughed again. I knew what was coming next. Some cheesy pickup line I didn't want to have to endear. "No, I'm positive you haven't."
Kyle winked at me as he placed his elbows on the bar. "Let's try something." Leaning over he placed his fingers in his mouth. I jumped at the sharp sound that rang through the air over the music. The bartender flinched towards the noise, his head snapping in our direction.
"Hey, it worked!" I applauded. I was feeling giddy from the content of the drink that I had already more than halfway finished.
"Thought it might." He straightened the collar of his shirt and smoothed a hand over his short hair. He seemed highly pleased with himself. His touch skimmed over the inside of my elbow making me freeze and look up at him. I was not accustomed to touches from the opposite sex. What I thought was a kind gesture at the beginning was now feeling alarmingly strange.
I looked down at his fingers as they grazed over my uncovered skin. "Um--" I stuttered shifting uncomfortably on the stool.
"Thought you were getting drinks." My head snapped up to see Fred, out of all people in New York City, looking sweaty and dangerously handsome, glaring down at the man beside me. The feeling of uneasiness was now replaced with...relief? I was relieved Fred showed up when he did.
I should have known he would be here. They were his friends.
I jumped down off the stool in a panic, swaying on my feet at the too fast movement. Kyle's hands flew out to steady me. Another pair soon replaced his, pulling me close to their side.
Heat radiated off Fred's body like a fire. His skin felt like a radiator under my hands as I steadied myself further.
>
Fred glowered at the blue eyed man. Kyle didn't seem phased at the death glare Fred was shooting him. I did nothing but laugh at their exchange, looking back and forth between the two men. There was too much testosterone in this room and strangely it was directed at me. "Let's
go," Fred commanded studying me, obviously put off by me giggling like a school girl.
"But what about the drinks?" I looked back at the bar to see it was already out of sight, being barricaded by bodies as he dragged me through the packed room. "I just lost my spot." Very unlike me, I pouted, jutting out my bottom lip.
My feet came to halt in front of Fred where he stopped to set his intense eyes on me. I rested my hands on his shoulders so I wouldn't fall on him. What was with him and making me always fall around him? I felt like a child that was about to be reprimanded by the way he was looking at me but I didn't look away like I would have the first time I met him. I had a feeling he was used to people cracking under this cutting gaze, well, not me. I was stronger.
My mind, hazy from the drink, wandered over his face; first his eyes, that appeared hazel under the flashing lights, his straight nose, then to the indent in his chin that my finger itched to poke. Finally, my eyes shifted up to his lips. They looked so plump and soft. His tongue darted out wetting them. I snapped back up to meet his eyes. They were still harsh like they were seconds before but now peered down at me impeccably darker.
I felt my breathing accelerate. I've never seen anyone look at me this way.
Maybe it was the vodka in my system but I could have taken the look for lust.
"Dance with me," He commanded leaning closer to my ear, his voice low and husky. I closed my eyes at the feeling of his breath, hot and welcoming on my skin. He peered back at me, shifting his body away from
mine, watching my face.
He could see I was hesitant to his invitation. I don't dance. I don't even think I know how. He placed his hands back onto my hips and forced them to move side to side.
Around us, people were swaying and grinding their bodies against each other to the beat of the music. The room looked like a jumping bean through my vision. My heart beat quickly in my chest over the growing bass. Strobe lights hazed out the people around me then made them reappear in a different location over and over again until I blinked my eyes a couple times to get my bearings.