Violence (Sequel to Have Faith In Me)

32: ribena

I was hidden behind Michael as we were huddled outside of an unfamiliar house, waiting to meet the guys of a band that I looked up to so much. These guys were also my big brother's friends, which is extremely hard for me to comprehend.

The doorbell had finished ringing and there was someone rustling to open the door from the inside of the house.

I clutched the bottom of Michael's red flannel shirt as the door opened. I rubbed the material between my thumb and forefinger for comfort. I used to do this to calm myself down when I was little, and I have no idea why the habit had only just resurfaced now.

"Howdy y'all!" Jack greeted goofily, wearing a tacky sombrero.

Everyone laughed, and my nervous laughter joined them all.

We were ushered inside and I took my shoes off. Ashton turned to me and saw that I was being courteous and he blushed slightly and did the same.

"You guys don't have to take your shoes off!" Someone howled from behind us.

I swivelled around to follow the voice, and it was Rian's.

He had his arms folded over his chest and his head was thrown back with laughter.

I smiled and chuckled quietly as his laugh was contagious.

Luke wrapped an arm around my shoulders and guided me inside the living room where everyone was gathered.

"Hey guys! And gal." Alex cheered. He leapt up and sauntered over to us.

"You must be Luke's favourite sister, Kayla!" He winked at me, pulling me in for a hug.

I was astounded as to how normal this all was, and I was beginning to freak out at the fact that I wasn't freaking out yet. That's a weird concept.

We both pulled away from the hug, and he looked at me expectantly for an answer.

"I'm his only sister." I said plainly, blushing at my basic and pathetic answer.

"Precisely." Alex elbowed me lightly, shuffling to stand beside me.

He put his hand on my shoulder and pointed to where he was sat before. "Go sit down kid. What do you wanna drink? Vodka?"

My eyes bulged at the coolness of his offer of alcohol. He burst out laughing at my reaction. "I'm only joking, but if you want some you can." He reiterated.

"No, she wants Ribena, right Kayla?" Jack chimed in, getting up from the sofa and walking off, into the kitchen I presume.

"I don't mind." I mumbled, my voice hardly audible.

Alex patted my shoulder. "It's okay, I'll sort it out. You go and sit down, and I'll stop Jack from spiking your drink."

He chuckled as he heard my uneasy giggle.

I did as I was told and sat where Alex was previously sitting before we intruded.

It was next to a small brunette girl.

"Hi!" She greeted.

I turned to her and smiled, "Hello."

"You're so polite, don't worry once you get used to this lot, you'll be comfortable in no time and show your true colours."

I smiled gratefully at her kind words, she somewhat understood. Unlike the boys I came here with, who had already cracked open a beer and began mingling and laughing at previous memories together.