innocence // jai brooks

chapter 6

The next morning, I wake up in a room I don't recognize and quickly remember I slept at Jai's. I jump out of the bed and notice that Jai isn't in the room. I sigh as the memory of what happened last night hits me. I walk over to the bathroom across the hall. The house is silent, the only sound I hear is the sound of my bare feet hitting the wooden floor. I walk in the bathroom and frown as I take in my appearance in the mirror. My eyes are swollen and my hair is a mess. I throw my hair up into a messy bun. I turn on the sink and splash some water into my face. I look at myself once more and decide to go find Jai.

As I walk down the carpeted stairs into the kitchen. I spot Jai sitting down at the table talking to his brother Luke in a hushed tone. I wonder what they are talking about?

"Uh, hi," I say quietly as I walk into the kitchen.

"Hey, Ariana. How are you?" Luke chirps and smiles at me.

I slightly smile at him and reply, "I'm okay, thanks,"

Luke nods his head at me and walks upstairs.

"I'm sorry," Are the only words I can think of. I don't even know why I'm apologizing.

"Sorry for what?" He looks in my direction, but not directly at me. He seems uninterested.

"For leading you on I guess," I stare at the mug he's holding to his mouth

"Okay?" His eyes wander around the room as I stand awkwardly in front of him. I could take all my clothes off right now and he still wouldn't even look at me.

"I guess I'm going to go then," I mutter and start to walk out the door.

He doesn't say a word. Not even an offer to take me home. I walk outside and call Josie. She answers on the third ring.

"How was it?" She rushes her words on the phone.

"Can you just pick me up?" I say through my phone and hold in my breath.

"Of course, text me the address. I'll be over as fast as I can," She quickly and hangs up. I don't even know what to do with myself. I feel awkward standing on their doorstep in boxers and his t-shirt. I pace around the doorstep and I hear the door creak open.

"What are you doing out here?" I hear from behind me. The voice was similar to Jai's, but not quite as raspy. I turn around to see Luke.

"I'm waiting for my ride," I shrug.

"Why are you waiting on our doorstep? Come inside,"

I never really talk to Luke, but I can tell he's a really genuine person. "No, it's okay. I don't really feel welcomed inside," I look down the street and hope to see Josie's car heading towards us, but to my disappointment, no cars are on the road. I slump down onto the step and sigh.

Luke shuts the door and sits next to me. "What did that dickhead do to you?" Luke slightly laughs and I force a smile at him. "He told me you annoyed him, but he didn't really say why, do you wanna tell me?" I shut my eyes for a second and then reopen them.

"It's kind of... personal, I guess," I shrug and Luke nods his head. He doesn't look amused by this at all, just simply worried.

"Well, whatever he did don't be so quick to forgive him. That kid is messed up. He's my brother and I love him, but be careful," Luke warns me. He stands up gives me a quick wave as Josie's car pulls into the driveway.

"See ya Luke," I smile at him and then make my way to Josie's car.

"Are you okay?" She nervously asks and then looks at my outfit. I guess I forgot to change back into my dress.

"I'm fine," I simply state as she starts to drive away.

"What happened? Did he hurt you?" She looks at me, her face pale. I'm sure Josie was thinking of a million reasons of what could have happnened to me on her drive here. She probably made up a huge story of what happened.

"No, nothing like that. God, no he didn't hurt me," I gush. I silently thank my best friend for being so protective over me.

"Did you guys... do it?"

I hold in my breath and I can barely move. I wish this was all just a bad dream. I want to wake up from this nightmare and never think about this again. "No, but that's why he's mad," I admit and look down at my feet.

"What do you mean?" Josie asks, oblivious to what I am trying to tell her. The last thing I wanted to do right now is explain to her what happened.