Laura Sawyer

Chapter Four: The Party

I walk to the edge of the room trying to convince myself that I wasn't hurt. I felt weak knowing this boy I barely knew had the power to hurt me yet. But it wasn't a broken heartedness, it was a bitter acceptance. I didn't truly like Brad, I liked the thought of not being alone.

I grab a beer and head outside pulling my jacket around me before slumping down on a log near a fire pit that was currently uninhabited. I didn't really have a way to get home, I definitely wasn't going back with Brad, Lizz was in the city, and Ann doesn't drive. I rub my face, I need more friends.

"What's wrong sunshine?" I jump slightly at the voice that startled me out of my thoughts. Miles' mossy eyes were staring at me, his face laced with concern.

I punch him, "You scared me asshole." He smirked at me and sat down besides me on the log, a cup casually in his hands. He was wearing straight leg jeans with an open gray and red flannel with a white undershirt underneath.

He bumps his shoulder into mine, "What are you doing out here alone?"

I shrug as a response but when he continued to look at me I gave in, "The night hasn't gone as planned." I look back into the fire as it jumped and danced over the logs and licked the coals.

"Want me to take you home?" He asks and I immediately perk up at this.

"Would you? I mean if you wouldn't mind leaving. I understand if you want to stay at the party..." I stop when he places a hand on my shoulder.

"I wouldn't mind at all," he stands up and offers me his hand, "Come on let's go." I take his offered hand and enjoy the warmth that shoots up my arm as I do.

"Do you mind if I just go in and let Brad know I'm leaving? I don't want him to worry," I state and Miles scoffs but nods his head towards the house. I know it's stupid giving the way that he ditched me but I still wouldn't want him looking all around for me when he was leaving. He did indicate that he would drive me home later, I believed he was a dick, not a total douche that would leave me.

I walked back into the house that more or less reminded me of a can of sardines. Skimming around the edge of the room I searched for Brad, he wasn't in the kitchen or dining room. Which meant he must be on the makeshift dance floor in the living room. I push my way in and stood on my toes to look for his face when I caught that familiar blonde swooshed hair in the middle of the floor. I made my way to him, completely and utterly surprised by how wasted he got within thte short period of time I saw him last. I mean come on, he was dancing on his tippy toes like a ballerina with nobody near him.

I tapped him on the shoulder from behind and he spun around to see me. He closed his eyes and leaned in as if he was going to kiss me, his entire being smelling like a bar. I took a wide step back.

"I just came to let you know that I'm leaving!" I shouted over the music and when his face didn't respond at all to my words I shrugged and turned around. At least I tried. His hand quickly comes out and grabs my wrist.

"Come on baby, let's have some fun," He says in a falsely deep voice. That's rich, now he doesn't mind being seen with me. He pulls me closer and even though he's drunk he's a lot stronger than I am.

"No, let go Brad," I say trying to rip my arm out but he pulls me closer and plants a wet kiss on my cheek, "Stop, you're hurting me." I struggled in his grasp with no doubt in my mind both of my wrists will have bruises on them tomorrow. Suddenly my right arm is pulled out of his grip with a force that hurt more then Brad did. Bob is standing there, now in hold of my arm.

"The lady said let go." In another moment Jase pulls out my left arm and they both stand protectively in front of me.

"Why don't you back off asshole?" He states.