Best Friends

90 Jem

"in my house? Really? I cannot believe this. Lexi you are unbelievable."
"Mum it's not that big of a deal"
"She walked in on you two! How is that not a big deal? You two aren't even together!"
"That's the point! I didn't expect any judgement from you! Besides we were just kissing."
"I'm sorry I probably got the wrong idea" Jem said apologising and trying evidently to de-escalate the situation. I on the other hand was taking none of her shit
"Fuck off Jemima!"
"Do not speak to her like that!"
"If she wasn't a grass I'd have some respect"
"Listen to me!" Sam screamed slamming her hand on the kitchen counter "If you two can't respect me and these house rules then you will not stay here!"
"Jems not a kid anymore! And neither am I!"
"What if it had been Izzy!"
"Well at least she knows how to fucking knock!"
"Do not yell at me like that! There should be no secrets in this house!"
"Fuck off Samantha!" I screamed. She took a few steps back a little overwhelmed by the way I had spoken to her. And the fact I not only used her name but her full name "Good. Now you've shut up I'm going out."
"No you're not!" Justin boomed making me jump. I was more intimidated by him than mum. Not because he'd ever shown it to me. But because I knew what he'd done.
"You can't ground me Justin. I'm 21." I said trying to play it off
"It's my house and I'll punish you how I see fit!" It was hit turn to slam his fist off the table and this made Jem freak out. She backed up against the wall and looked like she was about to cry. I was just as scared but I knew it triggered her
"You're not my dad" he got right into my face making me panic even more
"You're pushing your luck young lady"
"What you gonna do? Beat me?" I knew it was way to far but I was too deep into the arguing. Tom grabbed me roughly by the arm
"Get the fuck out now" he scolded through gritted teeth before dragging me out to the back yard "What was that?" I shrugged "You wanna see me angry! Cus I can get fucking mad at you Lexi! You're pregnant! What if he hit you?"
"No" I said weakly looking up at him with doe eyes. He relaxed his tense shoulders "I'm sorry. He just waded over like he fucking owned me. And he scared me. And the only thing I could think of was when Dom told me what he used to do to mum." I wiped my face with his hoodie I had quickly thrown off before trying to beat Jem downstairs "I know I made it worse. And i made you mad. But can I have a cuddle?" He let go of my arm and I winced slightly because it hurt "I'm sorry" I whimpered as he pulled me into him. It didn't take long for me to calm down and when I did I pulled away from him
"What are you doing?"
"Can you go talk to Jem? She trusts you. And poor Izzy probably isn't much of good confidant since she's at school right now"
"Yeah. I can do that for you. Keep you and baby safe though. I'll be back when I can." He kissed my forehead "Go sit on the swing. Someone might come out and join you"
"Everyone in this house hates me."
"Mikey-"
"No. Don't send Mikey out. Or Adam."
"Okay. I won't. Just stay safe out here okay. Don't stress or overthink. I love you"
"You too. Just please make sure Jems okay."

Tom's POV
"Jem? Jemima it's me, Tom. Can I come in?"
"Yeah" her weak reply was enough for me to know she wasn't okay without even looking at her face. I opened the door and quickly closed it before turning to her
"Sorry you walked in."
"I literally meant it as a joke when I mentioned it. And then mum got mad. Which wound dad up and-"
"Hey." I said softly interrupting her "Calm down alright?" She nodded and took a deep breath as I approached her "Am I alright to sit down here?" I pointed to the spot on the bed beside her
"Yeah" I nodded and did just that being careful not to touch or disturb her. I sure as hell wouldn't like anyone bothering me after my ex did those things
"Lexi told me to check you were alright."
"I'm fine."
"Cmon darlin'. I know that's a lie."
"Why you calling me darlin'? You only call Lexi that."
"I do it because it makes her feel safe. Grounds her kinda. Why? Does it not work with you?"
"No. I like it. Reminds of when Dom used to keep me safe. Tell me not to worry"
"I know I'm not your brother but do you want a hug?" She looked up at me and we shared eye contact for a moment before she nodded "Ok. Come here then" she moved over slightly but then quickly shuffled back
"It's stupid. Forget it."
"Alright. Just an idea. And if you need me you can come get me. I'm not just here for Lexi Yknow. Besides I like ya. You're alright."
"I'm gonna take that as a compliment."
"You should. Do you want me to stay?"
"No. I'm leaving soon. I'll be with my mates. They're picking me up."
"I can wait with you?"
"It's not a bother?"
"No. It's fine. Besides I get to meet your friends. Embarrass you and that" she laughed
"Do not even think about it."
"Trust me." I said putting my arms crossed behind me head and leaning back "I already am"
"You won't get the chance"
"Wanna bet? Course I will. And once I'm done they're gonna think you're well weird. Hey do you remember that really embarrassing obsession you had with-"
"That's enough." She said laughing as she packed the few things she had left out away "Can you stay until I leave then? Please?"
"I offered first." She nodded and I got up helping her pack her stuff away before I felt her hug me tight "Woah kid. At least prepare me."
"Sorry" she said weakly as she loosened her grip. I wrapped my arms around her and smiled
"Don't apologise."
"Will you tell me what Dom did?" I took a deep breath thinking it over in my head even after she let go
"Yeah. But I'm going to tell you a completely honest account of what happened. And you probably won't like seeing your big brother like that"
"That's alright. I can take it."
"Okay. When you're done packing up I'll tell ya. But you do not tell Izzy under any circumstances you understand?" She nodded "good. Now cmon and pack the rest of your stuff."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Doesn't matter" she said shaking her head and occupying yourself one more
"You're welcome darlin'. Any time yeah. And you can call too"