Sleeping with a Bully

At Peace

I leaned against the wall, a bottle of beer in hand. Scanning the crowd, I let out a controlled sigh and lifted the bottle to my lips. I took a long pull. The bitter taste made me grimace and I licked my lips, frowning at it intently. I never liked drinking this kind of crap. But I hoped it would help pull me out of my somber mood and help me forget even just for a short while that my life was f****d up.

That my own mother hated me.

That my brother took amusement in my miserable plight.

That my Dad was too busy to notice everything that was going on in my life.

He may be a kind father but business always came first, Haru and our mother second and me, last.

The acute pain on the hip I landed on earlier began to pulsate. I shifted my weight to ease it. It was becoming an irritant and it made my disposition sour even more. The throbbing on my cheek, though, was gone. But the damage it caused inside my soul still lingered. Makeup may have covered the ugly bruise but I could still picture it there and it was making my mind a riot of emotions.

With another sigh, I finished my drink in one long swallow.

"Want another one?"

I slid my gaze to my right to see Iris, a part-time maid of ours and a close friend, staring at me. She slid her glasses up her nose and tilted her head to the side as she waited for an answer. I pursed my lips.

Angry at my mother and Haru for coming back, angry at myself for still being the pathetic little girl I was years ago, I decided to get out of the house. I didn't know where I was going and I didn't care. I just needed out. Knowing my mother was inside, I didn't want to stay, trembling with cowardly fear at the thought of her finding me alone again. Having caught me sneaking out of the house while she was leaving for home, Iris took one good look at my face and decided to bring me along to a party. She didn't ask, she just knew.

She always knew.

Iris was petite, with short, curly brown hair and brown eyes. She was quiet, unobtrusive, and had the ability to come into a room and leave without notice, a perfect household help. To say I was surprised when I discovered she went to parties when I thought all she did after leaving my house was study and take care of her siblings was an understatement.

"No, thanks," I finally answered. Glancing at the bottle in her hand, I went on, "I didn't know you liked going to these kinds of parties, Iris."

"Drunk girls are fun to watch," she answered with a shrug. "Actually, you look like you need some form of entertainment, young miss. You've been scowling all night."

"I'm not scowling," I muttered.

She scoffed. "Yes, you are. Look, miss. You can't just stand here and continue to wallow in self-pity. I brought you here for a reason. To forget your problems and enjoy. Alcohol and a smorgasbord of hot guys, they can help you do both of those things."

I wrinkled my nose at her. Whenever I was with her I could relax and shed the armor I always wore. "Must you be so crude, Iris?" And don't call me young miss. We're not at home."

"But you are my young miss," she replied with a cheeky grin. Then her grin died and she continued in a serious tone, "Well, until I leave for college tomorrow anyway."

The reminder blackened my mood even further.

"I'll miss you." Iris bumped my side gently. "You take care of yourself, you hear?"

I gave her a smile. "I'll probably miss you more. You also take care of yourself there, Iris."

She smirked. "I went to West Public High, miss. It's the most notorious delinquent school in the city, remember? If I can take care of myself there, I definitely can take care of myself in college."

I couldn't argue with that. There were a lot of things I still didn't know about Iris, but only because it was deemed unseemly to openly befriend the household servants and chat familiarly with them. We only managed to be close because she was assigned to me. And sometimes, when it was just too hard, she'd rest my head on her lap while I cried brokenly.

But that was back then. I rarely cry now because what good would crying do? Nothing. It wouldn't change my life, it wouldn't help me be happy. But I'll definitely miss her comforting companionship. She was my only ally in the hellhole I called home. And she was going to leave.

I was going to miss her so much.

Iris suddenly turned her head to the front. I followed her gaze, only to see a blonde girl wearing a short red dress looking at me in drunken awe.

"Wow, your hair is so pretty," she whispered, her eyes going round.

My brows lifted in surprise and she grinned.

"Thank you," I murmured politely.

Her grin widened and she leaned into my left side heavily, hooking her arm around mine. I could only blink. Iris pressed her lips together in amusement and looked away.

"I wish I can rock black hair like you do," the unknown girl told me wistfully and Iris started laughing.

Another girl appeared and pulled on her arm. "Hey, stop it."

"What?" she asked grumpily, refusing to budge from my space. "What's the matter with you?"

"You're being racist," the other girl informed matter-of-factly.

The blonde scrunched her nose in confusion. "Calling her hair pretty is racist now?"

"Can't you tell?" Her friend leaned in to whisper. "She's Chinese."

A gasp, then, "Like Mulan?"

"Uh-huh."

The two girls burst into giggles and I gave Iris a glare when she wouldn't quit laughing.

"I told you drunk girls are fun," Iris murmured.

"Yeah, but they're having fun at my expense," I gritted out.

"You're cool," the blonde told me, slurring her words as she spoke. "She's cool, Iris."

How the heck does she know Iris?

Iris must have noticed my wide-eyed expression because she smirked at me.

"Yes, she is," Iris told her, nodding sagely. "Hey, why don't you all hang out and show her how people from our school party?"

The blonde's friend clapped her hands together. "That's a great idea."

"Iris..." I murmured in a warning tone.

"Give us a minute, guys," Iris told the girls before whisking me to a corner.

Shaking my head, I began to tell her, "Iris, I don't think—"

"That's exactly what you're here for," she said in a low voice, cutting me off. "To not think. To have fun."

"But with them?"

"What?" Her brows rose. "You don't want to hang out with them because they're not rich? Because they're not from an upper-class family or go to an elite school like you do?"

My eyes narrowed into slits. "You know that's not what I meant, Iris."

She surprised me by laughing, drawing curious stares. "I know you're not like that, miss. Everyone in your family are snobs just because you're all terribly rich but not you." She squeezed my fingers and her smile turned gentle. "Never you."

I sighed, then forced a smile. "I'm just worried I'd do something crazy with them. They're really... energetic," I ended wryly.

Iris chuckled. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't do anything crazy."

"And don't call me miss or young miss. If people heard..."

"They'd probably mob you and try to hustle you some money," she joked. "But fine. I won't. Terry. As long as you stop scowling and try to enjoy yourself tonight."

I pressed my lips together and thought about it. I didn't want to get in trouble with people I didn't know.

But I was already breaking a lot of rules, coming here.

I was breaking a lot of rules, taking part in underage drinking and being with people my family deemed to be beneath me. I'd always been careful not to sully my reputation. I never crossed a line, never broke a rule, never did anything that could bring trouble to me or to my family.

But things were turning unexpectedly fun. And I was already in trouble with my mother. She didn't have to know about this. None of them would if I was careful enough.

Iris was looking expectantly at me, waiting for me to decide. I exhaled a long breath and forced another smile on my face.

"Alright," I told her. "Let's do this."

"Your lack of enthusiasm is painfully obvious," she remarked. "Think of all the wonderful adventures you'll have tonight."

"You know, you sort of remind me of Hannah," I told her suspiciously. "Have you been hanging out with her?"

"Oh, don't change the subject. Let's just go."

Despite the apprehension I was feeling, excitement bubbled inside of me. I followed her back to the girls, who shrieked in delight as soon as we joined them.

**********

"You seemed to be in a bad mood."

John looked up from his cell phone when Rohan, another friend of his, sat next to him on the couch. Rohan's eyes flitted to his phone then slid away. John watched him for a moment, wondering what the hell went into Skull's mind when he invited the kid.

"What makes you think so?" John asked him.

"You've been glaring at your phone all night. Is Leon really not coming?"

He sighed. "No," he replied, tucking his phone inside his leather jacket. "He's not."

And yes, it still pissed him off that his best friend wasn't coming.

Then his gaze dropped to the bottle in Rohan's hand and his brows lifted.

"That better be your last bottle for the night," he told him.

Rohan rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

"You're still in middle school."

"No, I'm not. I'm in high school now."

Amused, John ruffled Rohan's dark blond hair, saying, "School year hasn't started yet, kid."

Rohan swatted his hand away. "Don't call me kid."

He chuckled. "I'll call you whatever I want, kid."

Rohan let out an exasperated sigh. "Why don't you go f**k someone upstairs instead of just sitting here and be pissy at me?"

"I'm not being pissy at you."

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

The knowing smile on Rohan's lips began to annoy him. He scowled. Though they'd been hanging out for over a year now to consider them as good friends, he never really liked the kid. He was too smart for his own good, too mouthy and his cockiness had gotten him into trouble far too many times.

"You know what? Now I'm really in a pissy mood," John declared irritably.

Rohan barked out a laugh. "Why do I feel like you're blaming me?"

"Careful, kid. I might just pluck those stupid piercings from your lip if you keep f*****g with me."

"No, you won't. Leon's the violent one. You're merely the smooth talking bastard."

But his action contradicted his beliefs when he lifted a hand to cover his mouth. John smirked. There were still so many things the kid didn't know about him so he was right to be careful around him. Admittedly, John liked his company. He was funny when he was not dissing him specifically. They even shared the same birthday.

"Excuse me."

Hearing Skull's voice, John turned his head and immediately found him. Skull was talking to a chick a few feet away from them, a wide grin in place.

"What is it?" the chick asked, twirling a strand of her hair.

"You see, I'm looking for something and I need your help"

Puzzled, the girl continued to ask, "What are you looking for?"

"I'm looking... for your number," Skull said, giving her a wink. "It needs to be here. In my phone."

John winced.

And f**k him if it didn't work.

The girl giggled and reached inside her purse. While she did so, Skull gave them a glance and lifted his hand to give them a thumbs-up. Rohan snorted.

"It's your turn now, John," Skull called out as he approached, reminding him of their bet on who gets the most phone numbers from random girls in the party.

"This is stupid," John grumbled.

"So I win?"

"No. I'm saying you and this game you just made up is f*****g stupid, Christopher."

Skull scowled at him, then took a seat beside Rohan. He sat back, crossing his thick arms across his massive chest.

"Don't call me that. Call me Skull."

"Why?" Rohan asked. "I thought you didn't like us calling you numbskull?"

"I don't. But you call me Skull from now on," he declared.

"Again, why?"

His grin flashed in the semi-darkness. "It makes me sound tough and manly."

John rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Christopher."

The three friends drew stares and glances as they sat side by side on the couch. John couldn't fault them, they were too different from each other appearance-wise.

John was dark-haired, which was closely shaven to his scalp, and had green eyes. He was built on the lean side and had silver rings on his fingers. One of his eyebrow was pierced, both ears too. He was rumored to play around with girls, which was true, and was usually in a cheerful disposition.

Rohan had messy dark blond hair and hazel blue eyes. He had a beautiful face, almost girl-like. John felt it was the reason why the kid went and got spider bite piercings on the left side of his mouth and filled both his ears with piercings. Rohan too drew girls to his side and while John wasn't sure if Rohan ever did sleep with them, he was certain that Rohan liked toying with them, knowing his weird sense of humor.

Skull had short, spiky brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. He also had the dubious distinction of being able to send girls running for cover. Because he was so muscular in chest, shoulders and thighs, his size alone was enough to intimidate everyone he met. At times it amused Skull to no end, but at times it irritated him. This was the reason why he preferred hanging out with girls from West Public High because according to him, all the girls in their school were little misses who didn't know how to party.

"I just told you not to call me by my name," Skull muttered threateningly, drawing John out of his musings. "Don't make me hurt you, John."

"Oh, don't mind him," Rohan cut-in. "He's still miffed Leon isn't here."

Skull raised a brow. "What do you mean milfed? I thought you were the one who liked older women, not John?"

"Jesus, Skull," John murmured through a smile.

"What?"

Rohan was laughing when he said, "Miffed. I said miffed. I meant he's still pissed – f**k, it's no surprise you failed all of your classes last school year."

"Then why didn't you just say pissed, smartass?" Skull snapped.

"You know, if you fail everything again this year, we might start calling you brain-dead," he countered. "We can shorten it and call you Dead if you want."

Skull glowered at him. "Laugh all you want. At least my real name isn't weird like yours."

John felt the shift in Rohan's mood before he saw it. Rohan's face had closed off and his hands had become fists on his lap. He certainly wasn't laughing anymore.

"Who the f**k calls their son Rohan?" Skull continued on with a chuckle, completely oblivious.

"Shut it, Skull," John growled and Skull grinned.

"What? His name is weird."

"My father."

Skull and John looked at Rohan.

"It was my biological father who named me," he intoned, his features darkening with every word. "And I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd stop making fun of my f*****g name."

Skull looked stunned when Rohan rose to his feet and stormed out of the crowded room. John wasn't even surprised. Belatedly realizing what he had just done, Skull drew his brows together and cursed under his breath.

"s**t," he mumbled. "What do I do now?"

"Don't ask me," John interjected. "It's your fault. You know how touchy he is about his real Dad. Go find him before he does something reckless again."

Skull muttered another curse. Then he went to find him.

John frowned as he stared at his retreating back. Skull really shouldn't have brought the kid here. He had serious issues and reminded John of Leon. He didn't need another Leon in his life. His hands were already full with his best friend and he didn't need another sullen, moody kid to look after.

Shaking his head, he lifted the bottle Rohan left behind. But it was already empty. His frown deepened. Then he stood up to get a drink.

**********

Someone said drinking beer was like pouring a smile into your face.

Whoever said that was right.

So right.

Sheena, Sheila or whatever her name was pushed a shot into my hand. I didn't know what it was but it made me feel fuzzier. Not a bad fuzzier but a good fuzzier.

Iris gave me a concerned look and opened her lips to speak but I waved her off. She clearly needed a drink by the look of that frown so I took another shot and handed it to her.

"Drink up, Iris!"

"I think you're drunk, mi— Terry," she said with a sigh. Taking the shot, she put it back on the table and went on, "We should go."

I shook my head. "No. Not yet."

She regarded me silently for a moment.

"But you're already drunk," she repeated softly.

I was drunk.

I knew I was drunk.

But I didn't give a damn.

Tonight was all about not giving a damn.

"It's your turn, Terry!"

Taking the cue stick that was handed to me, I bent over the pool table and lined up my shot. A memory started to nag me but I forced my mind to think only of the white ball and my target.

I made short work of the remaining balls, sinking every one last them. The girls cheered loudly as I did. When the last ball went in the pocket, I straightened triumphantly with a smirk.

"How come you're so good at pool?" one of the girls said accusingly. "I thought you didn't play?"

"I said it's been a long time since I played," I answered coolly.

"Oh, don't be a sore loser, Mimi," Sheena/Sheila intervened. "I'm fed up with pool anyway. Let's dance!"

Mimi brightened up. "Sure. Come on!"

Iris was shaking her head, telling me not to go but I just laughed and went with the girls. I was in a happy daze. My new friends made me smile, made me laugh and joked around until my mind wasn't saturated with hurt, with ugly thoughts.

Nothing mattered but the next song as we danced. My new friends sang along loudly and badly to the songs they knew. I could honestly say that being with them was the most fun I'd had in weeks because somehow, I could be myself.

Somehow, I could just be another regular girl living a normal teenage life.

Ah, I loved this relaxing feeling.

There was an edging sense of peace sliding over me as I danced and I wanted it. Peace was welcomed. Peace was great. I liked peace. Who wouldn't like it?

I opened my eyes, letting the same sweet, peaceful feeling steal over me.

Then I saw him.

**********

What. The. f**k.

John gritted his teeth, his eyes focused on the girl in front of him.

He knew who it was the moment his eyes hit her.

Knew that black hair. Knew that slim figure.

Knew that face. Those slanted brown eyes. That mouth.

Fuck.

What the f**k was Terry Evans doing here?

She was dancing, her hips moving to the beat. Her long, shining hair floated around her body as she tossed her head side to side. She wasn't dressed scantily like the other girls. She was wearing a long button down and jeans but f**k if he still didn't find her sexy. Maybe because she had popped the first three buttons of her shirt open, revealing the edges of a lacy black bra underneath it.

John felt his body respond to the very alluring sight and he groaned quietly.

Her lips tipped up into a dazzling smile when a girl leaned into her, saying something he couldn't hear. It had been too long, too f*****g long since he last saw her smile and he felt his chest start to burn.

They'd been friends. Childhood friends. But things changed and now they weren't talking anymore. He still saw her around campus and sometimes in parties his parents managed to make him attend. But only from afar. He didn't dare approach. And neither did she. After what he'd done he wasn't surprised she wouldn't. It was killing him but this was better for the both of them.

He watched her turn slowly, lithely, and gracefully. Her eyes were closed, a small smile playing on her lips.

Even as a child, she had always been graceful. Even when she had gone through the dreaded pubescent years. Everything about her movements looked like a beautiful dance, even when she was fidgeting. He would have been satisfied to stare at her the whole night but his mind was still mulling over the fact that she was, of all places, here.

How the hell did she got here anyway?

John didn't have a good feeling about this. She shouldn't be here. And normally, his feelings were right on target.

"Hey, John." A white arm snaked around his neck but he refused to remove his sight from her. "Want to dance with me?" the breathy voice whispered in his ear.

"No."

"Come on, baby. You're not with anyone tonight, aren't you?"

The guys hanging around the edges of her group were watching her with interest. John tensed and he gritted his teeth. Her group mostly kept to themselves but some of them were starting to eye the guys. He knew it wouldn't take the guys long before they make their approach.

They'd better stay away if they didn't want to die tonight, John thought with rising anger. Heads will roll if anyone of them touches her.

"Do you want to go upstairs with me?" the voice continued, insistent this time. "Let me give you a good time."

"No," he muttered again, refusing to be distracted. "I'm not in the mood."

"I'll help you get in the mood."

A low, impatient growl escaped his lips. He untangled the arms from his neck none too gently and shoved them aside. The voice whelped in surprise and cursed at him. He slowly twisted his neck to look at this insolence. The girl under his gaze blanched at whatever she was seeing on his face.

"Leave me alone," he said in a low, chilling voice.

The girl nodded shakily and quickly turned on her heels.

John closed his eyes tight as she went and he took a deep breath to calm himself.

Shit, he had to get a hold of himself.

Shit.

He opened them and returned his gaze back to the girl who was giving him conflicted feelings.

And found her looking back at him.