Page 26 of Giving In

“Look,” he admits. “All I’m trying to say is; you’re great but I’m not looking for anything. My life is school, these stupid parties and making sure the twins stay in line and aren’t sent back into the system. I can promise you that’s all my energy goes to.”

“They don’t deserve you. Your life shouldn’t be all about them. Rose is cocky and rude, and Jake is full of himself and…” I hesitate for a second. The alcohol has gone to my head and I’m blurting out information. “…dark.” I conclude.

“He is,” he concedes after a few seconds. “They both are.”

“Why did you defend me against Jake if you’ve no interest in me? Why would you do this?” I ask annoyed. I know it doesn’t make sense. He defended me because he’s my friend and I’m the one being stupid, but I can’t help it.

Not every guy being nice to you is hitting on you, Jamie.

“Because Jake is not just fun and games. He’s got a shady past. I like you, you’re my friend, you’re a good person and I don’t want him to involve you in his life. He’s my best friend, fuck, he’s my brother, but you deserve better, Jamie. Don’t let him drag you down his fucked-up slope just because he’s haunted by demons he can’t handle”

I bite the inside of my cheek for a second, hesitating to tell him what I know. He cares for the twins, it shows, and they’re going behind his back, hiding things from him.

“What?” he asks worried. “What do you want to say?”

“Nothing,” I smile. Not only is this not my business but I’m not exactly looking to be on the wrong side of Jake right now.

Chris is anything but stupid though, and he senses something is up. His gaze alternates between both my eyes, dancing a sidestep as he tries to figure out what I’m thinking.

“Why did I have to intervene?” he asks.

“What?”

“In class, the way he was holding you. Not okay. But why was he doing it?”

“Uh…” I look for an excuse with an alcohol-slowed brain.

“Please, tell me,” he insists.

My silence makes him continue. “Are they in trouble? If you think it’s bad, just tell me, Jamie. Please.”

I take my cup on the table and down it in one go, giving myself more courage. I lock my eyes with his and finally let it out.

“Do you know who Samuel Thomas is?”

His expression shifts from empathetic to confused in a split second. “Where did you hear this name?”

“Monday, after school. When Jake and Rose were talking to him in the parking lot.”

“No, you must have gotten it wrong.”

“Tall, dark hair, British accent. They call him Sam. I know what I saw.”

He gets up from his chair with such force it falls back. The confusion has been replaced with fury. He points at me in a schooling way. “You. You stay away from this shit. You get me?”

“What? Why?”

He leaves the patio with a determined walk, not bothering to answer me. That’s when it hits me: he’s going to tell Jake.

Shit!

I jump from my seat and run after him but as soon as I’m back inside the crowd overtakes me. Chris is nowhere to be seen and the party has gone out of control. The music is loud and thumping in my ears, a couple are in their underwear against furniture, getting down to business in front of everyone. A guy is snorting coke from a girl’s belly on the dining table. People are dancing, crowded and sweaty, jumping to the beat.

I need to find Em. No, I need a drink. No, I need to pee first. I need a quiet place to gather my thoughts and calm down. I also really need to pee so bathroom it is.

I spot Jake on a sofa. Camila is straddling him, kissing his neck, and his hands are holding her ass tightly. A wave of jealousy overtakes me, and I feel sick to my stomach.

You knew that would happen, Jamie.

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