After spending the day at the beach and arcades Ally took them all to the pub to wait on Dylan, he was finishing soon. He would be with her soon. A new girl and Billy were working today and as soon as he saw her Billy pranced over and gave her his ritual sloppy kiss.
"Chick, it's the pub quiz today." He told her and Ally immediately signed them up. She loved a good old quiz. Shortly after their first drink, Lacey, Grant and Beth walked in. Megan clapped in excitement, Beth was fast becoming her best friend.
During the quiz Ollie pulled Ally into his side and left his arm resting around her shoulders.
"You seem happy." He whispered in her ear and kissed her temple.
"I am." She promised him and kissed his check back, he needed to shave. They sat like this for the rest of the quiz. When they won Billy brought them over their prize, a bottle of champagne. He popped it open and winked at her as he took a glass for himself before he went back to work. Giving her another kiss to the head, Ollie left for the bathroom. Megan took his seat and Ally reached over to hold her hand.
"I like you're friends." Megan flustered, looking at Ollie walking away and Tom sitting opposite. Even for a fourteen year old girl her friends were eye candy.
A tight grip grasped her arm and for a split second she thought Dylan had got off early but the grip tightened and pain shot through her. Dylan wouldn't hurt her. She was pulled from her chair to meet the burning glaze of Arthur. His eyes blood shot from the alcohol and dirt was smeared across his face. She tried to squirm from his grip but he held on tighter and dug his nails into her skin.
"You're coming with me." He spat in her face and jerked her forward causing her to loose her balance. She dug her heels into the ground and pulled back. He was scaring her. Arthur never drank, never dreamed of being violent. He had always treasured her. This was all new to her and she didn't know how to calm him down. His nails pierced her skin and she let out a small cry. She was pushed back as a hand landed on her chest just before a fist flew at Arthur's face. His head snapped back and he stumbled backwards. Ollie stepped between them, blocking her view of him. He raised his arm and caught Arthur's punch before it contacted his face.
"Move the fuck away and let me speak to her." Arthur screamed at him.
Ollie remained calm, which confused Ally. She was terrified. "Yeah, you're not going anywhere near her."
Arthur continued to shout curses and occasionally threw in the odd punch, which was easily blocked by Ollie. Ally's body was shaking and her heart was pounding in her chest. She heard Billy on the phone, he was calling Vince. A moment of relief swept through her, coming from the army, Vince would be able to stop Arthur in a heartbeat.
She looked behind her and if it were any other circumstance she would take the time to appreciate the fierce love her friends shared. Lacey had pulled Megan next to Beth and stood them behind her, shielding them from view. Grant was guarding Lacey, one hand of whose was on his hips, the other holding Beth's hand behind her. She watched Grant's face, he looked torn between staying near Lacey or helping Ollie defend her. Tom stood to the side of Sarah, slightly in front, his arm wrapped tight around her waist and Ally wasn't sure if he was protecting her or holding her back from Arthur. She looked ready to murder. Ally smiled briefly, her friend was tougher than most guys she knew. She was a born fighter.
Tom's phone began to ring and he pulled it from his pocket. Sarah and him looked at the screen and both let out a laugh.
"Right on time." Tom said.
"Don't fucking answer it." Arthur scowled from behind Ollie but it was too late, Tom had the phone to his ear.
"Hi Amy...You can't find him still?...That's strange because it just so happens his standing here in front of me."
