the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

38

The three of us strolled into the club, feeling tipsy after our pre drinks we had at my house. Immediately after hearing the music play throughout the room, my body began to sway along with it. Mary cheered in delight, partly due to excitement as well as tipsiness.

"Straight to the bar!" Mary instructed, grabbing our hands and making a beeline. Debs and I allowed ourselves to be dragged through the sweaty bodies, giggling. "Yes, hello Mr. Barman. Can we get three triple vodka and cokes please?"

Our eyes widened; a triple?! If this is how the night was beginning, I knew I wouldn't remember it in the morning. That could be a good thing.

Mary handed over the coins and took the drinks, handing one to each of us.

"To the boys getting their big break!" She exclaimed.

"To us girls having a brilliant night!" I added.

"To me getting a shag!!" Debs concluded, toasting our glasses with a loud clink. My face screwed up at the potent taste of vodka making its way down my throat, instantly warming up my chest. We made our way to the dance floor, the catchy tune ringing through my ears. I was pretty drunk now, to the point where I didn't care what I looked like. I danced as if I was the only one in the room, not giving a shit if anyone was watching. Which they most definitely were; I looked like a fool.

I needed this; a night to let loose a bit, to have fun. It had been a long time since I had been apart from Rog, just spending time with the girls.

The dance floor was packed, giving me minimal space to actually dance, mostly keeping within a small box. Usually, I'd feel uncomfortable and anxious with so many people around, but I felt fine. I felt good.

I felt a hand snake around my waist, pulling me in to dance close to them. Thinking it was Mary, I did so, my hips swaying back and forth against hers. My drunken self soon quickly noticed Mary standing straight across from me,  currently grinding on my sister, neither of them even noticing the stranger behind me. I stepped out of the hold, snapping my head round to see who the mysterious person was.

It was a man, smirking at me. He was attractive, don't get me wrong, but most definitely not my type. Especially when I had Roger. No one compared to him.

"I'm Jack." He smouldered, an attempt to look sexy, I think.

"When did I ask?" I slurred loudly over the music, scowling. He looked taken aback, potentially not being used to rejection. Jack held up his hands in defeat.

"Woah, woah, no need to be frosty." He laughed.

"Well, Jack, I don't remember giving you permission to touch me without my consent, do you?"

Jack looked confused.

"Erm, no?"

"Exactly. Don't touch girls, or anyone for that matter, inappropriately without asking them first. It's not cool. Bye Jack!" I sang, tapping him lightly on the cheek twice, before grabbing the girls' hands and swanning off. Jack was left in the centre of the dance floor, seemingly in awe of the peculiar interaction with me.

"What happened back there?" asked Deborah once we had reached the outdoor smoking area. We had taken a quick trip to the bar first, getting yet another triple.

"Oh, I told someone off for touching my without asking first." I shrugged, lighting up my fag. Mary and Deborah shared a look. "What?"

"No, no, it's nothing bad. I'm really proud of you, Jules. You stood up for yourself." Debs said, rubbing my arm comfortingly. "I know it's been difficult since..." Her voice stopped.

I knew she was referring to the incidents with those men previously. To be honest, I had barely thought about them since I'd been with Roger. A part of my brain seemed to shut it off, keeping it hidden behind a range of other things ticking around day to day. Up until now, I hadn't realised that I'd become much stronger a person since. It had changed me for the better.

"Shit, yeah. I handled that amazingly, didn't I?" I almost bragged. Mary whooped,

"You certainly did, babes."

I took a deep inhale of the cigarette, the taste of nicotine extremely intoxicating whilst, well, intoxicated.

"I miss Freddie." Mary sighed, plonking herself on a bench. I nodded,

"I'd do anything to speak to Rog, you know. I wonder what they're doing."

"Ugh, you two sound like a broken record. 'Freddie' this and 'Roger' that." Deborah tolled her eyes. I punched her arm.

"You're just jealous, Debs. Anyway, I think Deacy might have a soft spot for you." I winked.

"John? Nah, nah. Don't be stupid." She laughed, although she was blushing.

"Fuck it! Let's surprise the boys tomorrow!" Mary suddenly said out of nowhere.

"What?!" I exclaimed, "Babe, it's not possible. I have work, you have work..." I trailed.

"Fuck work!" She exclaimed.

She had a point, even though she stated it in a pretty aggressive way. Work is work, i'm sure Angie would understand, especially after our chat today. I know Roger said it was fine that we wouldn't be there, but he did look slightly disappointed. Imagine his face if he saw Mary and I.

"You know what? You're right!"

"I'm always right."

"Let's do it!"

-

uni has been so difficult at the moment, i'm really sorry for the lack of updates ):