Banter || Hemmings

Ni Ju Hachi

A S H L Y N N

“Ashlynn,” I heard softly and a force shake me slightly. I rolled over and opened my eyes a little, “happy birthday baby,” she cooed quietly. 

“Thanks,” I said and rubbed my eyes as I sat up. 

“Come down stairs when you’re ready and you can open your presents,” she said before kissing my forehead then walked out. 

I stretched my arms out then threw back my covers. My fluffy socks masked the normal patter of my feet on the cold, wooden floor. I scratched the back of my neck before walking out to the top of my stairs. My fingertips lightly ran down the polished timber as I descended the staircase. I got a surprise when I saw Dan sitting at the bench. 

“Happy birthday baby,” he said, giving me a hug and kissing my temple. 

I sat on the stool next to Dan and opened my presents. I received a new pair of cherry red Dr. Martens, a news shirt, a necklace from Dan and some new phone cases. Dan explained to me that he was taking me to a party that night so I could finally celebrate being eighteen properly. And I knew what that meant, alcohol. I mean yes, I did drink underage but it was with friends, not at a party. I had no choice in the matter so Dan and I ended up watching movies until it was time to get ready. Dan had brought a spare change of clothes so he changed while I had a shower. 

When I walked back into my room I saw Dan was tying the laces to his Dr. Martens, the same colour as mine. I smiled to myself and sat at my vanity before doing my makeup. I just put on some foundation, gave myself some wings and put eyeliner on my bottom waterline. 

“You look hot babe,” Dan smiled as he stood behind me. 

I smiled up at him before running my fingers through my hair. I stood up and faced him before kissing him. his hands rested on my waist as one of my hands were on his chest and the other on his neck. 

“We should get going,” he said after he pulled back. 

I nod then grabbed my phone, “have fun,” mum called as we walked out. 

It was an hour drive to this “party”. The house was pretty close to Dan’s place so it made me feel less nervous. When he pulled up in the street it was already getting dark. When we got out I suddenly felt dizzy. I fell back and grabbed onto the roof of Dan’s car. 

“You ok babe?” he asked and rushed to my side. 

“Yeah, just a dizzy spell,” I replied then waited until it wore off before standing up properly. 

I gripped Dan’s hand as we walked inside, immediately being greeted by a few of his mates. We were directed to the kitchen and made to get drinks before we continued. The first hour was really boring due to nothing really going on. Dan had ditched me to go and talk to a few of his friends. I got sick of waiting by the wall so I went to grab another drink and looked around. I came to a small room filled with smoke and saw a bunch of guys sitting around a circular table, Dan being one of them. They appeared to be playing poker. 

“Who’s this cutie?” a girl asked, suddenly directing the attention to me. 

“That’s my girl. C’mere Ash,” Dan said with a girl and opened his arms for me to sit on his lap. 

I timidly took a seat on his lap and kept my eyes down, “she’s so innocent,” a guy piped up. 

“Oh trust me,” Dan said then looked at me, “she’s anything but innocent,” I felt my face heat up at his words. 

“What’s she like then?” another guy asked. 

“Please don’t,” I begged Dan quiet enough so that only he’d hear.