Bullied by The Sidemen

Chapter 17

The look on his face is one I wasn't expecting. His expression is painted, radiating remorse and regret. JJ isn't often apologetic, but he knows when he should be.

I study the bruises peppering his face like Josh's; evidently the two didn't go very easy on each other last night.

I warily take a step back, uncomfortable being this close to JJ. I feel an arm snake around my waist and glance back to see Josh with a supportive smile on his face. I can't express how safe he makes me feel, I don't know what I'd do without him by my side.

"Ava..." JJ begins his voice cracking. I can hear the anguish layering his words; he knows what he's done has fucked everything up.

The thought of it swims frantically around my mind, making me nauseous. It's funny how in one night, one person can turn everything upside down. Where are we going to go from here?

I want to tell myself that nothing is going to happen to the group, but I know shit is going to go down.

It's going to tear us apart. I can feel it deep down. Nothing is going to be the same.

"Stop JJ. Just stop. I don't want to hear this." Josh's sharp tone jolts me out of my spiralling thoughts. "I don't think either of us can speak to you right now, let alone accept an apology." He says a little more calmly.

JJ's face drops at Josh's words; something I didn't think was possible with his already miserable expression.

He makes a strangled noise, and begins to shuffle away.

I feel Josh tug on my arm to pull me inside his room, but I can't help stay and watch JJ walk dejectedly away. I feel my heart breaking more and more with each step he takes. After everything we've been through, it hurts to lose the close bond we had.

I finally let Josh lead me inside.

"I'm going to get a drink." He says quietly, walking away. It's almost as if he knew I needed a second to myself. It's weird; people don't usually understand me like that, knowing what I need and when I need it.

I make my way out to the balcony, longing for a breath of fresh air. Feeling numb, I sit down on the cold ground and bring my knees up to my chin.

After a while I notice Josh sit down beside me, and we sit in silence. It's not awkward, even after all that's gone on.

Even though I know that inevitably friendships will fall apart and the group will separate, but I feel like Josh is always going to be a constant in my life. Along with Simon, I mean.

I glance over at him, and am a little surprised to see that, instead of taking in the view, he's looking at me. I give him a weak smile, and in turn his face lights up a little with a small grin, matching my own. I can't help but feel my smile broaden at the content expression on his bruised face.

I feel him grab my hand encouragingly, and I start to feel my anxiety and numbness fade away a little. We sit like that for god knows how long, until I hear Josh take in a long, deep breath, as if something's bothering him.

His grip on my hand tightens, and I wait expectantly as he opens his mouth to start talking about whatever's on his mind.

"AVA? ARE YOU HERE?" I hear a familiar voice shout, drowning out Josh's quiet mumble.

"Simon, we're out on the balcony." I reply.

As if something drastic has just happened, Josh quickly yanks his hand out of mine, and his content expression turns to one of torment.

"Josh, what's your problem?" I ask, confused at his sudden change of mood.

He doesn't bother to reply, instead shaking his head sadly as he stands up and walks back inside, just as Simon walks out.

"Ava, thank god you're okay," he breathes, pulling me up and wrapping me in a tight hug. Feeling his strong arms around me, the results of last night finally start sinking in; the tears of shock and betrayal rolling down my face.

Simon rubs my back affectionately as I sob into his shoulder. I don't even know what I'm crying about , there's just too much to take in.

We stand on that balcony together until I can't cry anymore, and he takes my hand leading me off the balcony to the sofa.

"Lie down for a minute; you look like you need it." He says, giving me a tired smile before walking back out onto the balcony.

Before long I feel my eyelids drooping and I completely drift off to sleep.

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AN HOUR LATER

I wake up to a mixture of voices shouting, and something tells me to keep my eyes closed and listen. I realise that the voices are Simon and Josh, having a pretty heated conversation.

About me.

"Where were you all last night then? She needed you but you were off doing god knows what; you're unbelievable!" I hear Josh shout angrily.

"You think you're so fucking perfect Josh. Just because you took a few punches, doesn't mean you're better for her than I am. Trust me; she'll never, ever pick you over me," Simon replies with a sneer.

As if they've suddenly realised I'm here, the voices get quieter and further away. I open my eyes and sit up slowly; glancing around to make sure they've actually left.

I'm just about to try and follow the boys when I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I take it out, surprised when I see the caller is the last person I thought I'd hear from right now.