the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

7

I inhaled the cigarette gently, praying not to make a fool of myself and choke. From my peripheral vision, I could see Rogers eyes on me.

"What?" I asked, tapping the excess ash from the fag. He shook his head, laughing quietly.

"You. You're beautiful."

I instantly blushed, scolding myself internally for being so awkward. Snapping myself out of it, and realising how drunk I still was, I took another drag, looked into his eyes, and exhaled.

"Thank you."

After another minute of silence, Roger sighed.

"Your friend is pissed. Isn't she your lift home?" He asked, concern laced in his groggy voice.

"Shit, yeah, I forgot about that," I said, furrowing my eyebrows, "I suppose I could call my dad? Although he's working away. My mum doesn't drive. How about walking? Do you think it would take very long? We could get a cab, but, Jesus, that would be expensive." I rambled, laughing at myself. I felt a slight pressure on my knee, and looked to see that Roger had put his palm on it, squeezing it gently.

"If you stop talking bollocks, then me and Bri will take you home." Roger offered. I couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable at the contact; not that it was him. I just couldn't help but have vague flashbacks to the week before. My leg stiffened up, along with my breath hitching in my throat. He noticed the change in me, and quickly removed his hand.

"Fuck! I'm so sorry, Jules. I didn't think." He exclaimed, forehead resting in his hand.  Guilt flooded my head.

"I'm an idiot. Just ignore me." I smiled, not completely meaning it. He looked up at me, his blue eyes still making me quiver.

Silence again. Stupid Julia; why did I have to become jittery and nervous? My warm body, full of Vodka, hesitantly leaned in to Roger, who was sat on the bench about a foot from me. I rested my head on his shoulder, fitting perfectly in the crook of his neck. I know that it had only been twice that I have met him, but I trusted him. I felt safe with him. I mean, see what he did to those men last week. Rogers heartbeat thumped against my back, which was brushing against his chest. Both of us had stubbed out our cigarettes. We were just enjoying the comfort. I closed my eyes, leaning into him more.

"What's going on here?" A voice said suddenly, causing both Roger and I to jump apart. In front of us stood Bri, Freddie, and Mary, Deborah in tow with the man she was talking to and Helen chasing after her. Roger and I shared a look, before he spoke to Brian.

"Just having a fag." Roger mumbled, shrugging and standing up quickly. My eyes went from him to the group, and I stood up after him.

"I was cold." I innocently said, repeating Rogers shrug. The group all gave us a look, one that showed that they did not believe us. Brian nudged Roger subtly, winking. I blushed, following them all to the car. Mary held back, linking arms with me.

"He's lush. I definitely wouldn't blame you." She murmured, elbowing me in the ribs. Brian then turned around from the front of the pack,

"Fred, you going with Mary?" He asked, and Freddie sheepishly nodded.

"Yes, if that is alright with you, darling?." He asked Mary, who nodded and blushed from beside me. Deborah, who was trailing behind, was sharing whispers with the mystery man. They were full on giggling, rubbing each others arms.

"You ready, Deborah?" I asked, watching her.

"I-erm..I'm going with..." She began, motioning to him to tell her his name.

"Peter." He said quietly, pinching her bum, to which she squealed in delight. I scoffed, bile making its way from my stomach.

"You're going to a strangers house?" I slurred, crossing my arms defensively.

"Peter isn't a stranger. Besides, I need him to get over Tim." She shrugged, clinging to his neck.

"So you're leaving me and getting in to a randomers bed, in the state you're in? Come on, Deb. This is low, even for you.". I could see her roll her eyes dramatically, and she smirked at me,

"Maybe you should try getting some, Julia. Then you won't be so uptight. Don't be jealous." She said bitterly.

That was the final straw. In my drunken state, I angrily stomped over to her.

"Jealous? Of you? Don't make me laugh, Deborah. You can't go one day without having a new man in your bed. You're desperate." I spat, shoving her chest lightly. She acted as if I had stabbed her, clutching her chest in agony.

"You hurt me!" She cried, then lurching forward and pushing me hard, into Mary. I stumbled back, before regaining my balance. Out of instinct, my hand connected with her face sharply, a distinct slapping sound being heard. Before she could slap me back, two strong arms grabbed around my waist, pulling me back quickly. My limbs still flailed at her - she was in Brian's arms. I noticed the reactions of the rest of the gang; Mary, who had her mouth covered in shock with both hands, Peter, who was looking confused, head tilted, Helen, slumped against the wall, eyes closed, and Freddie, who was laughing hysterically.

"YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN JEALOUS OF ME! I CAN'T HELP GETTING LOTS OF MEN!" She screamed at me, getting the attention of many other people in the car park. Roger still clung to me, arms right around me. There was no way that I was getting to Deborah, not in this trap. I softened, falling into Rogers arms. Scowling, I shook my head.

"Fuck. You." I whispered, turning on my heels and storming over to Brians car.

•

I fancied adding a bit of drama, haha.

Sorry that I haven't updated in awhile. I've had so many deadlines at college, but now that I've finally finished, I'll be updating lots more.