Escape || an LGBT+ story (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 5

I'm still feeling uncomfortable when we reach the bar, and I'm not sure whether that will disappear soon. Jake's arm is around my waist and he won't let go.

When Nick opens the door for us, Joshua, who has been quietly walking behind us, greets a black woman. 'Hi Sarah!'

Jake and Nick freeze. Jake glares at Joshua, while I blink in pure confusion.

'Nick told me you were at the hospital?' Joshua raises a brow.

'Me? At the hospital?'

'Yeah, someone important to you was hospitalized, a mother figure to you, right Nick?'

Sarah looks at Nick. 'Are you okay, honey?'

'Err...' Nick stammers.

Then, Jake speaks up. 'It's my fault. I tried to get everyone out of the flat to have some alone time with Jay.' he confesses, wrapping his arm around my shoulder tightly and smiling at me. I return the smile awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Did he ask me if I wanted to be alone with him?

Meanwhile, some men at the bar are whistling at me, which makes me even more uncomfortable. I wish I was wearing my favourite, wide and knee-long denim shorts and my oversized khaki shirt.

At least Joshua sees me now. Though he looks so incredibly grumpy that it scares me.

Well, I couldn't possible be more scared of Joshua than I am of Jake a few minutes later. We're sitting at a table in the corner, Jake, Joshua and me. Nick is bartending and has just brought us our drinks, alcohol for Jake and Coca Cola for Joshua and me. I'm in the corner, Jake is next to me, and Joshua sits across of me, quiet as always.

Jake moves closer to me, so I move away a bit. But apparently he does not get the hint, and just moves closer again until I can't move away any further and am stuck between the wall and Jake.

His hand lands on my knee, travelling upwards. My breaths are getting a little ragged, I'm really uncomfortable and suffocated. He moves his hand higher on my thigh, and I want to push him away. But I can't, I'm completely frozen.

Then, Joshua comes to the rescue. 'Eh Jake, how long are you planning on sandwiching Jay between you and the wall?'

Jake, now exposed, moves away with the speed of light, smiling at me. 'Sorry, Jay.'

Sorry for what? A few seconds later he's all over me again. He just can't seem to keep his hands to himself. Who told him this is okay? Running his hand over my back, my thighs... all I can say is I'm very grateful for Joshua, who saves me multiple times.

At some point, Jake calls over a barmaid -who is obviously flirting with him but now it turns out he is able to keep his hands to himself after all- and orders two shots of liquor and another Coca Cola.

Does Joshua drink too? Because if I'm right, Jamie once told me his alcohol tolerance is as good as non-existent.

But when the shots arrive, Jake puts one in front of me.

'Um Jake, I'm still a minor.' I point out.

'Oh, don't you worry. Nobody will ask for your ID, you don't look younger than 18.'

'That's not the problem, Jake. I-'

'Then drink it. It will make you feel good. Let's have some fun!'

I don't think we have the same definition of fun.

'I don't-'

Before I can finish my sentence, Joshua grabs the shot and chugs it down in one go, before slamming it on the table, startling both me and Jake.

'Joshua, you-' Jake stammers.

'Jay said she is a minor. She does not want to drink it.' Joshua says through gritted teeth, stressing every syllable.

Slightly intimidated, Jake finally stops bothering me. Until the music changes, and the bar changes into a dance floor.

'Can you dance?' asks Jake.

'A little bit.' I say. Jamie, who loves to dance, taught me some basic dance moves. Even a bit of ballroom, for fun. But with Jake...

'Then... will you join me?' He reaches out his hand, I hesitate.

'I want to dance with Jay.'

Jake and I look up in shock. Joshua is standing up, one hand nonchalantly in his pocket, the other hand offered to me. He stares at Jake, his gaze unwavering.

'Hold up a sec.' Jake says. 'I was the one who invited her!'

Joshua looks at me. 'Jay, with who do you want to dance?'

I look at him in confusion. Joshua asking me to dance with him? This is so unlike him. But he looks at me and raises his eyebrows, so I lay my hand in the hand he offers me.

He pulls me next to him right away and grins at Jake. 'Sorry bro, free choice. You'll have to find a new target.'

Jake hesitates, then shakes his head, sighs, and leaves in the crowd.

'So...' I say, looking at Joshua. I think I'm blushing.

He drags me by my hand to the exit.

Oh, we're not going to dance...

When we're out of there, which is actually quite refreshing, he lets go of my hand and paces off, without saying anything or even sparing me a glance. I try to keep up with him but my legs are short and he walks so fast. After we've been through three corners, he finally slows down. In confusion I walk next to him.

When we arrive at the flat, he walks to the door. I want to follow him, but he turns around and stops me. 'Don't come here anymore. Block Jake's number. It's not safe.'

He turns away and starts walking away, but then he halts and looks back again. 'Also, the khaki T-shirt and the denim shorts look better on you.'

He leaves me behind, completely dumbfounded.

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Word count: 977

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When will someone tell Jake that this isn't okay? Oofs