Before Me, Him

Chapter 31

     John drops us at the bowling place and as we enter we see that it was really packed up. The area was rather dark since it had no windows, only artificial light, and no matter where you looked you would see several different sparkling lights that marked the points of each player. As we were looking for the track where they were in I listen to Emily gasp. I turn my head around immediately and see the same guys from the beach. One of them was holding her wrist. I don't think they have seen me since I was a bit further away from her. Maybe that was the reason why they engaged.

     - I told you we'd meet again. – states the high schooler with his dark brown hair while grinning.

     - Get off me! – Emily says while I approach her as fast as I can. – Dean!

     She screams his name and the moment she does I throw a punch into the guy's face making his glasses fall onto the ground. His grip loosened so I just grabbed Emily's hand and ran away. I was most definitely not going to try to have a rational discussion with those types of fellas. It would just be a waste of my time and of my ability to speak.

     As we were walking at a fast pace I bump into Dean's chest. He looked alarmed and worried as if he had been looking for Emily. I assume he heard the scream and came to search for her just in case something was off.

     - Dean! – Emily says while hugging him tightly and a couple of tears drop from her eyes. – I hate this!

     And that was my queue to leave, so I start walking backward slowly. As I was going to lose them out of my sight I feel someone grabbing my wrist and pulling my hand upwards.

     - You should get this treated you know? –Jacob looks at me. – At least put some ice to avoid any further bruises and swelling.

     Shit. My hand did hurt but I just thought I could slowly leave and walk around a little bit. I try to shove his hand but his grip was too strong.

     - My hand is fine. It just hurts a little bit. – I stated.

     - You know that when you punch something harder than your hand it will make you be in pain causing it to get swollen and gain several bruises, right? – he frowns. Jacob was mad, really mad. – We're getting you some ice, right now.

     Jacob pushed me across the building until we reach the bar they had on the premises. He asked for some ice, napkins, and a plastic bag which was provided. He let go of my wrist and handed me the ice so I could place it on my hand. I end up letting out a sigh. I understand it, I understand him. If we inverted the situation I would have done the same but I guess sometimes I'm just too stubborn.

     - How did you know? – I question while Jacob takes me to the track where they were all playing in.

     - I went to the bathroom and was returning when I hear Emily scream. – the environment lightens and he lets out a chuckle. – I was going to help her but honestly, you beat me to it. I mean... - he stops walking and starts laughing. After a couple of minutes, I could see tears running down his face. – I never thought you'd punch the guy! I swear...

     He continued laughing and then started to complain about some pain in his cheeks and stomach.

     - It wasn't that funny! – I start getting embarrassed as my cheeks began to be hotter. I most likely was blushing. – You know it won't stop hurting if you don't stop laughing right?

     He nods and starts containing his laugh however, from time to time a small chuckle would manage a way out of him. Soon enough we reach the place where everyone was and I was surprised to see Luke there.

     - What happened to you!? – Luke questions as he comes storming at me. He tried to pick up my hand but I back straight away.

     - She punched a guy in the face. – Emily says while chuckling. – He was being rude and out of a sudden, his glasses were on the ground.

     Slowly she walks towards me and hugs me while I hear her whisper says "Thank you". I pet her head with my good hand and smile at her warmly.

     - I'll protect you in any way I can silly. – her embrace tightens as she places more strength in her arms.

     After a couple of minutes we sit down and they end up finishing the game they were playing. Polly was staring at me since I arrived and out of a sudden, a grin appears on her lips while she gets up.

     - So, how about another game everyone? – she asks with a warm but at the same time evil smile.

     Everyone agrees and Emily was especially excited since she wanted to try bowling for the first time. Of course, I would have to be out due to my right hand being hurt so, sadly, I wouldn't be able to experience bowling today but I was hoping to learn a couple of tips from watching other people. You never know when that might come in handy.

     - Well then, I'll be stating what the winners will receive! – her warm smile turns cold as if her evil master plan had worked perfectly, just the way she wanted to. – How about the winner gets a date with June?

     I was drinking some water at that moment and as I hear her words, I choke on it slightly. After a couple of seconds of coughing continuously, I look at them.

     - Listen I'm not a trophy besides who would want to... - I start saying but, once I look at Luke's sparkling eyes filled with hope, interest, and ambition to win I understood that I would just be denying myself. – Nevertheless, I'm not a trophy and I cannot compete! Look at the state of my hand.

     - Alright then to make it fair if Dean or Emily win we will do what you wish, however... - Polly gets close to me and places her hand on my chin, our lips were extremely close. – If I win, you're going on a date with me.

     - Sounds great! – states Luke getting all fired up.

     - I am not agreeing to it! – I let out a sigh knowing that no matter what I said Polly wouldn't hear me, in the end, she only cares about herself. That's how selfish this girl is.

     The winner, weirdly enough, was Phillip. Who knew that the bookworm knew how to play bowling? He did play well enough to beat everyone and, as I looked to Luke he looked hopeless as if he had lost a huge war. I can understand him though, I guess it would be his opportunity to have me to himself.

     The problem is that now I supposedly would have to go on a date with Phillip, something I really didn't want to. I let out a sigh and I look to Jacob while he tried to cheer Luke up. "Why do these things happen to me?" I think to myself.