A Rough Start

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

“Beth!” Jaylen yells from across the cafeteria, and motions for me to sit at his table. I fake a smile and wave at him. I've missed him, really I have, but I'm just not ready to be back here. What if Ryan shows up? What if people start asking me a lot of questions? I don't know how well I can hide my pain and fear from everyone.

I reach Jaylen's table and the guys gawk at me. I blush and quickly sit down next to Jaylen.

I didn't feel like doing much this morning so I threw on some sweatpants and a tight, surprising very low cut, t-shirt. I've never brought myself to talk to any of Jaylen’s friends. I was always with Ryan.

At the thought of his name my breath catches in my throat, my heart begins to pound, and pressure builds behind my eyes.

I grab the end of Jaylen's shirt. He looks at me smiling, but his face turns worried when he sees tears in my eyes.

“Beth, what's wrong?” He asks, taking my hand in his.

“I don't think I can do this. I'm so scared of Ryan; it's messing with my mind. I'm scared to sleep, to be alone; to do anything. I'm supposed to be strong, and fearless, and care-free, but Jaylen I'm so scared.” I whisper and focus on keeping treacherous tears from cascading down my cheeks. He wraps his arms around my waist and whispers into my ear.

“It's going to be okay. He's not going to hurt you, I promise.”

“Who's trying to hurt her?” About ten male voices spoke up from the table. Jaylen clears his throat and I feel him shake his head, telling them to drop it.

“No, it’s okay.” I whisper to him. He looks at me hesitantly before telling them what they would never have guessed.

“Ryan, her boy—ex—boyfriend, is trying to kill her. He is the one that beat her up last week and put her in the hospital, and she's terrified.” He tells them the basics, all they need to know.

“Ryan? You mean the running back for the football team?” The guy across from me says. I look at him, and his face is hard and emotionless. I nod slowly, and anger fills his eyes. I jump and stifle a scream when he slams his fist into the table and abruptly leaves the table.

I look down at the table and try to calm my shaking body. Slowly, one by one, everyone tells me it’s okay and Jaylen launches into an explanation.

“Ryan and Darren have a bad history. Darren's sister went missing a few years ago, and everyone thought it was Ryan, but the police couldn't confirm it. Ever since then, Darren has been looking for his sister, but no one’s been able to find her.” I stare at Jaylen. Oh my goodness. I wish I wouldn't have said anything. Poor Darren, I wish I could help him find his sister.

“Do you think if I went back to Ryan, I could find out what happened to his sister?” I ask Jaylen. All talk at the table stops and everyone stares at me. Before Jaylen can say anything, another guy from the table speaks up.

“Sweetheart, everyone wants to help find Emily, Darren's sister, but putting yourself in harms way won't help at all. We'll just be looking for two bodies. Don't put yourself in that position Beth. You're all Jay talks about, don't let him go.” A tear falls down my face and turn towards Jaylen. He smiles awkwardly and looks down.

I throw my arms around his neck and plead with him, the only thing that's been on my mind.

“Jaylen, don't let him take me.” More tears fall as Jaylen wraps his arms tightly around my waist.

“Shh. He's not going to get anywhere near you Beth, I promise.” He says into my ear and I cry harder, letting all emotion go. I'm no longer able to keep up my tough girl act. Right now, I need to be held. I need to be loved. I need to be saved.

“I'm so scared Jaylen.” I tell him honestly.

“Don't be. Everyone at this table is here for you. They know that you are everything to me, and they won’t let anything happen to you.” I finally look away just to look around the table.

Every head is turned towards us, and one by one I see every guy nod their heads in agreement.

“We got you, Beth.” They guy that spoke up earlier, says.

I ditch the rest of the school day and sit at home with Jaylen and the guys.

* * * * *

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I reach out and smack the annoying sound.

“Ouch!” The annoying thing says. My eyes fly open. Annoying beeper things should not talk. I turn around and see Jaylen rubbing his head. My eyes widen even more. Why the hell is Jaylen in my house?

“Jaylen, I love you and all, but why are you in my house?” I ask confused. Jaylen returns my look of confusion before a small smile creeps onto his face.

“Hey guys! She doesn't remember!” Jaylen shouts into the quiet house. Oh my God, he's going to wake up my mom!

Suddenly, all the guys come running down the stairs laughing as if they just heard the funniest thing ever. I stare at everyone confused.

“Why are you guys in my house?” I ask them. This causes them to roar with laughter once again.

“You seriously don't remember anything?” Blake, one of the guys I've been talking to more, asks me. Blake is the guy who told me not to get involved with Ryan again. I shake my head, looking at each guy. Every one of them is trying to hide their laughs behind fake coughs and sneezes.

“Well, to put it simply, I will never let you have another bottle of wine.” Jaylen informs me. My eyes grow wide and my face turns solid red. Oh my goodness, what have I done?

“Why not? We even found out who she likes, what her favorite animal is, and that she thinks Darren is hotter than Ryan!” Blake shouts. His comment causes everyone to start laughing again and I bury my face in my hands.

For the love of God, I had to go and drink away my worries!

“Guys, shut up! You're embarrassing her even more than she did to herself last night!” Jaylen's serious tone turns humorous and soon he's laughing with the rest of them.

How do I get them to shut up? Suddenly, an idea pops into my head. Okay, I tell myself, fast and easy. Just do it.

I stand up and in one quick motion, take of my shirt. I have the perfect stomach, or so I've been told, and I'm wearing my favorite bra.

The talking stops and I feel every eye on me. I smirk at the jaws hitting the ground. I turn and smile sweetly to Jaylen.

“Can you show me where the bathroom is? I want to take a shower.” I tell him.

“I'll show her!” Ten male voices scream, and soon everyone is arguing over who's taking me to the bathroom.

I raise my eyebrows at Jaylen who is trying to focus on the guys. He finally snaps out of it and gives me a questioning glance before it dawns on him.

“Two can play at this game.” I tell him, and walk down the hall to the bathroom.

I walk slowly as I pass Darren. His eyes roam over my body and white hot desire runs through my body. My eyes try to close on their own and I hurry to the bathroom.