Make Me Learn

12 - Security

I had no fucking idea where I was. Heavy bassline pounded inside my skull. Bodies undulated around me, bumping me side to side on the dancefloor. I let myself go in whichever direction I was moved. I didn't care. I took another glug of whatever drink was in my hand, spilling half of it over my chin as I did.

Flashing blue light illuminated Lester and Sophie, pressed far too close to me as they ground on each other. They fell into each other for a messy snog. Lester's hands slid down to her arse. I swivelled to look away. A couple of girls around my age beckoned me into the little circle they'd carved out from the sea of bodies.

"What's your name?" one of them shouted into my ear.

"Damon," I shouted back. I attempted to finish my drink, tipped most of it onto the sticky floor, then dropped the cup.

"My friend thinks you're fit," she shouted.

"Who?" I could only see girls.

She pointed to a short girl with curly blonde hair.

Oh dear. "I'm gay," I shouted.

She turned to her friend. "He's gay," she yelled.

The blonde girl looked at me and shrugged. "You're boyfriend's a lucky guy!"

Who did she mean? Orion or Louis? 

"What's with the black eye?" the first girl asked.

"Beat someone up," I shouted.

"Did you now?" A male voice.

My vision teetered, swinging around to the side. A burly guy stood over me.

"You hitting on my girlfriend?" he said.

"What?" I said.

"Don't worry Tommy, he's gay," she said.

Tommy expanded, all up in my face. "That's what they all say." He placed a hand on my chest. "You wanna leave her alone, man?"

Red hot. I shoved his hand away. "I'm not fucking interested in pussy," I snarled.

I slammed backwards, into the metal bar surrounding the dance floor. "Stay away, you little creep," he said. All his words mushed together. Was he slurring or was I absolutely hammered? "Or I'll give you another black eye."

"Fucking try it," I spat. 

"Tommy, leave it," the girl said.

Tommy didn't listen. He swung at me. I didn't dodge in time, but he didn't hit me anyway. I took the opening and slammed a fist into his stomach. Hands grabbed my shoulders. Lights flew. I lost my footing as I was dragged backwards. My head swam. Cold air smacked me in the face. I stumbled onto concrete.

"Get the fuck out of here," said the bouncer. 

I stared at the road. Streetlights spotlit clusters of people, wandering between clubs. Where did Lester go?

My fist smarted. I didn't need him. I'd have a good time without him eating Sophie's face. I stumbled along the pavement. A different club would have me. Somewhere I wouldn't get fucking started on randomly.

Voices bubbled from a group of smokers huddled in front of a club further down. I steadied myself to read the sign. Lace. Wasn't this the gay club?

I shambled up to the bouncer and waved my ID at him.

"You look like you've been fighting," he said, nodding to my bruised face.

"Got mugged a couple days ago," I said, conjuring up the best sober impression I could.

He squinted at my ID. "Fair enough." He stepped aside.