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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 12:06:11 GMT -5
One minute she was being held tightly against a warm body that alcohol had made her want and next minute she was stuffed into the passenger seat of a rather expensive car. The overdose of drink slurring in her brain, she turned and grabbed for the door handle only to hear the dissatisfying click as the lock was pressed down. Mr P’s hand hovered over a button that had done the task.
‘None of your business. Take me back,’ she ordered, fighting with her seatbelt like she were wrestling with a wild snake. He didn’t say anything, ignoring her as she managed to free herself and sat up on her knees. Leaning over him, Grace tried to cover his view but was easily pushed back out of the way. She lunged a second time, drunkenly getting close in his face and grinning, catching his eye for a moment, the moment that the car swerved. Reaching out, Grace caught his chin and turned him to face her, the car went into the opposite lane earning some angry honks from over drivers.
‘Grace, sit down,’ he didn’t shout, but the tone in his voice was strict and pissed off. She slunk back, annoyed.
‘I’ll scream,’ she finally threatened, batting his hand away as he tried to clip her seatbelt back on.
‘No you won’t,’ he sighed, turning a corner, the indicators flashing and momentarily distracting her.
‘I’ll sing,’ the woman pressed on, clearing her throat to show she meant it. The road they next turned down was surprisingly empty, spare a few cars that flew by at random. ’Okay, I warned you.’ sitting up straight, she prepared herself before belting out a childish tune. ’Old McDonald had a farm!,…. And on that farm he had a -’ that first few lines did enough for the man and he quickly pulled into a junction , the woman flying forward in her seat, missing the window screen by inches.
Roland turned to glare at her with such annoyance that she looked away, like a frightened puppy when it had done bad. ‘Christ sake, get out then,’ he muttered, the doors clicked open but Grace stay seated for a few more seconds before complying. Instead of driving off, he watched her through the open door, frowning as she knelt against the curb and retched out hours worth of alcohol she had happily consumed. Leaving the car running, Roland clambered out of his side and joined her, bending to her side and rubbing her back awkwardly. She didn’t flinch and shake him off, whether that was due to exhaustion or that she didn’t care, he didn’t know. Neither said anything as he helped her to her feet and led her back to the car, they still didn’t say anything as the car pulled away and Grace finally fell asleep.
-
She felt as though she’d downed the whole pub, but the soft sheets that smelt of expensive washing powder hit her nose and she gave a small sigh. Grace rolled over in the bed, enjoying the scent and the warmth that surrounded her, legs kicked out happily and her head sunk deeper into the pillows as though that would hide the killer hangover that was soon to greet her. Banging could be heard from the opposite room and for a moment she thought it to be her brother, but then again she’d never smelt that smell before and she’d never felt these sheets before. Bleary eyes opened, she was in a pale room with soft furnishings and a large bed. Pictures hung on the wall, of old films from the 50’s and their pretty little actresses.
Bare feet finding the floor, Grace glanced at her dress strewn across an armchair but ignored it for the moment, entering another room, also pale, full of chrome accessories. Roland stood lent over one of the counters attacking a coffee machine, he himself was dressed in a work suit and muttering something under his breath because the machine wouldn’t work. Turning, he gave an awkward smile towards her but she looked away, expecting her own attire. She stood in a blue shirt which definitely wasn’t her own.
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 13:59:40 GMT -5
Roland sighed, frustrated at the stupid coffee machine once again. He really needed to invest in a new one, but his teaching salary wouldn’t stretch that far until next month. He growled, yanking the plug for it out the wall. He put his hands on his hips, before turning and seeing Grace. He gave her a small flustered smile. ‘If you want coffee, you’ll have to go down the Starbucks,’ he told her. ‘The machine broke.’ He looked at what she was wearing. ‘Do you want me to drive you home so you can freshen up? I didn’t want to drive you home and leave you there in case you hurt yourself or something.’
He ran a hand over his face, looking at the floor. ‘I’m sorry, okay? About everything that’s happened, but… Marlo Stanfield isn’t a good person. I used to be police, I know his case. It’s hard enough trying to stop my students from working for him, let alone my teaching assistant. I need you with me, okay, Grace? Stay away from him.’
Prezbo finished his rant, meeting her eye. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said again, reaching over to grab his car keys. He grabbed a second set and handed them to her. ‘There’s a Peugeot on the drive. It was my sisters. You can take that home,’ he said.
--
Luna woke, stretched and rolled onto her side, peering over at Luke, who was asleep at her side. She rubbed her face, sighing softly. Shit, she'd slept with him? She rolled ont her bed, before climbing out of bed. She shouldn't have she didn't even know him that well. What had it been, a week? She padded across the room to the window and peered out at the street below. Cars passed, people walked below. Luna moved away from the window and picked up her shirt off the floor, pulling it over her head.
She glanced at Luke as he woke, giving him a small if nervous smile. 'Morning,' she said softly, straightening up. She tucked her hair behind her ear. 'Do you want a coffee?' she asked, wanting to break the silence. She felt a little self-conscious, stood there in her t-shirt and underwear under the intensity of his gaze. She wrapped her arms around her middle, blushing faintly. Her thoughts went to Snoop; she hoped she was okay, hoped she wasn't in too much pain. She felt slightly guilty that she'd left her at the apartment with a gunshot wound. But, after being with Luke for the night... an involuntary grin tugged at her lips.
--
Marlo sat in the car, staring up at the house. It was in the suberbs, nice, big, with a porch and gardens. 'You sure this is the place?' he asked. Chris Partlow nodded.
'This here be where he lives,' he replied, glancing down at the note in his hand which read 'R. Pryzbylewski'. He looked up again.
'Get some soldiers down here,' he said. 'I'm going to pay a visit to our friend. How's the other thing?'
Partlow shrugged. 'No sign of Snoop, or that Luna girl.' Marlo sighed in slight annoyance, before nodding.
'Drive.'
--
Dukie sat at the desk, doodling on a scrap of paper. He was trying to draw a car, but it wasn't working. He sighed, erasing it out with his rubber. Suddenly the paper was taken out from under his hand and Namond held it in the air. 'What the fuck is this, yo?' he laughed. Dukie tried to snatch it back, but Namond held it out higher. He glanced at Mike, pleadingly, but at that moment, Mr P walked in, followed by Miss Grace.
'Morning!' Namond grinned, dropping the paper and turing to grin at Grace, raising a suggestive eyebrow.
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 16:03:49 GMT -5
Grace watched him for a moment, his hands were placed on his hips and she continued to stare, unwillingly she smiled at his awkwardness. The coffee machine went discarded and he turned to her, her smile vanished, she looked sheepish.
Did she need a coffee? She needed about five and that’d only just get her through until dinner time. She wasn’t that much of a drinker, spare special occasions and on dates she would take one when offered and brought. Shit. What had happened to Marlo last night? She didn’t want to worry about it now, she’d think about it later, that was if she remembered, because the way things were going she didn’t remember a lot.
Listening to what he said, she instead focused her eyes on anything else that wasn’t him, or within ten centimetres of him. For a good two minutes she stared at the kettle, as if wanting to make it brew, and then at the toaster, the top littered with crumbs from breakfast not long ago.
Her stomach rumbled but Grace dismissed it like everything else, only looking up when keys were rattled. A pair of car keys were offered to her and she took them, feeling the cold metal against her hand before watching him go. So that was it? Waiting until his car had gone out of the drive, Grace turned back, grabbed her dress and left also.
-
He could feel her moving, Luna clambered out of bed but he didn’t look at her just yet. The bed was so warm and inviting and he wanted to stay in there forever, with her, but she had left and so must he. Opening his eye a crack he watched her bend, underwear clad, and gather her clothes.
He followed every curve and every flaw, not that she had many, if none. Sadly she covered up her skin, the beauty he had touched and kissed and caressed last night vanished from sight. He stretched more fully now, catching her attention, noting how she blushed, how she bent to hide herself.
He didn’t think it had been rushed, he’d dragged it out for a whole damn week and if it were up to him he’d a had her on the first day. She was so beautiful and he had had her, and she him, and yet she seemed embarrassed. Then she grinned, offering coffee.
‘No, I’ll get it,’ no matter how inviting the idea of coffee in bed with a gorgeous girl sounded, he felt he should stand in case he fell back asleep again and missed this. Or possibly wake, because the night before had been so blissful it was impossible.
Standing, in blue boxers, he moved over towards her and caught her hip, steering her into the lounge with him. Without a word, he stopped and kissed her, grinning against her mouth, her scent that had only just left him but yet he missed when gone.
Things were strangely quiet, but if Grace wasn’t there, that didn’t bother him, he could do whatever he wanted, whoever he wanted and whenever he wanted. Which was now. Letting her go, he continued to grin, moving into the kitchen. The curtains had never been drawn and so orange painted the laminate, dancing in pretty swirls as the morning sun slowly rose.
-
Michael watched as Dukie happily drew, only to be interrupted by Namond who snatched it and taunted the boy. For the moment, Michael watched, knowing if he stood and protested it would only spur his friend on to mess around more.
Randy as sat a few seats back, carving something into the wood of his desk, nothing important, listening to the chatter before him as the boys fought over a doodle. Then much to Dukie’s pleasure, the teachers came and his picture was returned. Randy instantly stopped scratching the surface and covered his form of art with his book.
‘Morning, Namond.’ Grace replied, somewhat cheerily, now filled with two coffee’s and fully dressed. The chatter elsewhere however didn’t cease but she left them be as she took a seat besides Roland’s desk. Crossing her jean clad legs Grace fell back, yawning.
‘Tired, miss?’ Randy called, smirking. ‘Prez keep you up all night?’
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 16:58:32 GMT -5
No, I‘ll get it. Luna smiled, as Luke pulled himself out of bed. Her gaze dropped to the contours of his stomach muscle, his tightened abs to the hair that spiralled into his boxers. She looked up at his face, dark eyes meeting his. He came forward and she leaned back with a laugh to look up into his face. His hand fell to her hip, tingles racing over her skin. Luke kissed her and her hand came up to touch the back of his neck, fingers curling in the dark hair on his head as she kissed him back just as forceful and wanting as him. She let her hand drop, running down his arm to squeeze his hand. ‘Come on, coffee,’ she laughed, eyes bright and all thoughts of Snoop gone. She allowed Luke to lead her through into the kitchen. ‘Do you think Grace got home okay?’ she asked, a slight frown turning the corners of her lips down. ‘Maybe I should give her a quick call? I’ll be one moment.’ She left the room, going back into his bedroom. She found her jeans and rooted in the pockets for her mobile. She dialled Grace’s number, but it went to answer machine. ‘Hey, it’s Luna. Just thought I’d call, make sure everything is alright. So, er, call me, yeah?’ She hung up and returned the mobile to her pocket. Moving back into the kitchen, she leaned against the counter, watching Luke as he moved over to the coffee machine. She smiled to herself, remembering every detail of last night. And he hadn’t ran away yet, so that had to mean something, right? - ‘Randy, get out,’ Roland snapped, slamming his briefcase on the desk. All the class turned their eyes on him, in surprise, some catcalling and saying ‘Ooooo!’ loudly. ‘Now, Randy. I will not have comments like that in my class.’ He stood, refusing any kind of protest. Turning, Roland picked up the chalk and started to write that lesson’s plan on the board and refusing to look at Grace the whole while. ‘Namond, sit down,’ he demanded, back still turned. Namond sat, scowling, folding his arms across his chest. ‘I don’t even want to be here’ he complained loudly, but said nothing else after that. Mr P turned back to them and took a pile of sheets from his briefcase. ‘Michael, can you hand these out please?’ he asked, holding them out. ‘One each. You have half an hour to complete it. There’s two sides, start when you get it.
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 17:19:37 GMT -5
Savouring her lips for those few extra seconds, Luke finally resigned to the kitchen where he started on the coffee’s, the machine gurgling as it functioned awkwardly, slowly. ‘Do what you like, but she’ll only come back and ruin things,’ he joked, shaking his head as she went off to find her phone. The smile never leaving his lips, he grabbed some mugs before turning and leaning against the counter. He could hear her leaving a message, that didn’t worry him though, she was probably in school or at Marlo’s-
No, she was at school. Definitely.
Luna came back a few moments later, the coffee brewed and was already in cups, without a word he handed one too her, still leaning against the counter with his own cup. Pausing for a moment, he mulled over his ideas of just taking her right there, dumping his drink and leading her back to the bedroom. The idea overpowered him, the urge strong in his mind, his stomach. The cup was placed down and Luke moved towards her in somewhat stealth, like an animal prowling.
Grabbing her own drink, he placed it on the coffee table, quickly hooking his hands under her legs he picked her up, grinning against her lips as she complied, wrapping herself around him. Moulding them together. Bumping into the back wall, he pressed himself against her, trailing his lips over hers, her jaw, her stomach. Shifting her shirt off her shoulder, he kissed Luna’s soft skin, bit her collarbone, growled as he began to want more.
Then all too suddenly a knock came to the door, a wriggle of keys, a cheery voice, a wide smile. A blonde stood in the doorway, dressed in clothes too high fashion for a street like this. Her hair hung in two pigtails, cheeks rosy, eyes bright. The two battling with kisses mistook her for Grace and so Luke mistakenly continued.
‘Luke?’ this was a high, disbelieving shriek. The two instantly pulled away, like children caught by parents. Luke stared at the woman before them with such a look of horror that you would have believed him to have seen a ghost.
'Chloe.'
-
Grace, like the rest of the class jumped when Roland decided to yell, usually such a remark would go with a light warning but instead caused an uproar and the exit of the perpetrator. Giving Randy a small smile, Grace couldn’t help but feel for the boy as he grabbed his bag and left with a fair few swear words and a slam of the door.
The class all made their little jokes but Roland continued, writing something on the board that she didn’t dare look at it. She knew too well he was trying to ignore her and the break out had been because of her so she wasn’t going to press.
Michael came and collected the papers and they were handed out, although he took gave a suggested look towards Grace which she found herself turning away from. The atmosphere had gone from welcoming to something she decidedly found irksome and worrying.
She no longer felt safe in this school and couldn’t wait for the time she could go home and relax in an hour long bath. ‘If any of you need pens or scrap paper just raise your hand and I’ll come to you.’ standing, Grace decided she couldn’t take the silence and so moved to get equipment, moving to the children as they asked.
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 18:08:40 GMT -5
Luna reached out, taking the coffee mug out of his hand when he handed it to her. She wrapped her hands around it and blew lightly on the top, noting the way he was still looking at her. She laughed, shaking her head at him. ‘I have to go to work at some point today,’ she grinned as he set his mug down and advanced. She let him take her mug from her hands, the coffee sloshing over the side of the cup when he set it a little too hard on the table.
Luna wrapped her arms around his shoulders, kissing him as his hands gripped her thighs and lifting her up. The wall was cool when she pressed him up against it. Her eyes fell shut and she kissed him deeply, without a care in the world. He was already tugging her shirt from her shoulder, revealing smooth dark skin and his teeth nipped their way across her collarbone and over her shoulder. Luna’s squeezed his sides with her legs, drawing him closer. Her hand dropped, pressing against his warm, solid chest, thumb tracing over the skin.
Luna grinned against his mouth, hearing the door open, but not minding if Grace saw before Luke tasted good and his body was warm, pressed against hers. Until… Luke? Luna pulled her face away from his at the unrecognized voice, eyes on some blonde in the doorway, hair up in pigtails and for a moment, Luna could do nothing but gape.
Chloe. Luna froze, legs still wrapped around his middle as they both looked across at the woman in the doorway. Luna pushed away, getting down him. She looked between them. She gave a small, unsure laugh which died quickly. ‘Luke?’ she questioned, really wishing she’d put on more clothes. ‘Who is this?’
-
The hour passed slowly, as did the next lesson until lunch came. Mr Prezbo let the class go and he sat down at his desk, watching as Grace collected up work sheets and snapped pencils. He covered his face with his hands, squeezing his eyes shut. He still have a few hours to go, but he’d have liked nothing more than to go home then.
There was a knock on the door. He looked up. Randy stood there. ‘You wanted to see me, sir?’ he asked, though he looked cautious, not happy with being shouted at before.
‘I wanted to apologise about earlier,’ he said. ‘I shouldn’t have yelled. I’ve been a little stressed lately, but that’s no reason for me to take it out on you guys. I’m sorry, Randy.’
He let the younger boy go, before sitting in silence. Finally, he looked at Grace. ‘Im not good at this,’ he began. ‘Last year… last year my wife left me. After six years together, Stacey just got up and left. I haven’t heard from her since. And now… with you.’ He sighed. ‘I want… I don’t know what I want, okay? I don’t want to get hurt, that’s all. And I don’t want you to go off with Marlo, I don’t want you to get hurt either. I just want to protect you.’
He knew he sounded stupid, knew he should shut up soon before he started to sound like some kind of obsessed jerk, but she had to know. He had to let her know, he wanted to make things right between them.
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 18:28:41 GMT -5
Luke didn’t want her to be here, he wanted to be half way to the bedroom by now, with her still wrapped around him, with his lips still against hers. But here they stood, scared and frozen and in silence. Both girls gaped at one another, but Luke only had worried eyes for one, the blonde in the doorway that he knew oh so well. She was jangling keys, looking annoyed, flustered, jealous.
‘Chloe, what are - er, - what are you doing here?’ he sighed, shifting uneasily. Taking his eyes off her for a second, he moved towards a fresh pile of washing and grabbed some jeans, slipping them on, he looked back towards Luna, indicating it was best if she leave. Ignoring her first question. ‘Luna, go get changed, alright?’ at this, Chloe watched the girl like a hawk, weighing her every move, before she was gone.
She turned on Luke, eyes flaming. ‘Who the hell is she?’
‘What are you doing ‘ere-’
‘What? I’m sorry for thinking that as your girlfriend I’m allowed here, you even gave me a key,’ she waved the jangling item at him, full of multicoloured key rings.
‘Chloe, we broke up,’ he frowned, stretching and scratching his head irritably. Moving off he went in search for a belt, a leather one rested against the armchair and he laced it through.
‘No, we had an argument, we never broke up. I say when we break up,’
Chloe had been Luke’s girlfriend after he had bedded her during a drunken night and never managed to get rid of her. ‘Fuck sake,’ he shook his head, giving a surprising laugh and just wanting for Luna to now be back in the room so he could flaunt off his knew love. Wait, did he just say love? Did he love Luna? Shit, that word didn’t come up very often in his vocabulary. He hardly even knew the girl.
‘You said you never wanted to see me again - how long have you had my keys? I’d like them back,’ he wasn’t going to mess around. To his right, Luna reappeared as though reading his mind. Chloe turned to her, tightening her hands around the keys.
‘What are you doing with my boyfriend?’ she hissed, looking he girl up and down like she was something foul on legs.
-
Collecting the papers and bits of debris such as pencils and pens, Grace busied herself with then straightening tables and chairs. Never before had she seen a classroom look so messy, it was like a bomb had hit it and everyone had fled, taking no caution and just knocking items that got in their way of exit. She hadn’t spoken to Roland and she didn’t know why.
But the air was so thick you could slice it, thick with tension and everything else she didn’t like to feel. Maybe it was something about him that worried her so, the way he watched her and sighed, the way he moved. It didn’t bother her if she was in the staff room with the other teachers who watched her and laughed with her, but with Roland she felt like she had to weigh up everything he did, watch his reaction, hope for something good.
There was a knock at the door but she didn’t turn, only listening as she lazily looked over the carvings in one of the children’s desk. Grace listened attentively as Roland apologised and sent the boy on his way. It was then that he finally spoke to her, cautiously Grace turned.
'I'm not good at this.’ she lent against one of the desks, trying to act calm but really running through all the words he could say in his head. It sounded like a break up speech, the start to a shitty one that she didn’t want to hear the end to. Then again, there was nothing to break up, unless she was being fired.
Her hand slipped on the desk and she steadied herself. ‘At what?’ she pressed lightly, the man went on.
At the mention of a wife she felt her stomach clench uneasily. She didn’t like the sound of him being married, it wouldn’t suit him. The wife had left? She knew how it felt to be let down after so long, she could feel for him, although she didn’t know if she’d say it aloud. Then Marlo’s name cropped up, an image of last night cropped up in her head, it bugged her like a repetitive song. She was yet to see him, what the hell was she going to say?
‘I don’t need you to protect me,’ she sighed, although she was slightly glad to know he was looking out for her. She felt a surge of safety.
‘My boyfriend, no, fiancé left me after god knows how many years together. I spent most of my life trying to make things right for us, to make us have the perfect relationship and he seemed to do everything wrong just to irk me. I wanted the perfect life, and sometimes we don’t get that. I’m sorry about your wife, fuck I am,’ her stomach panged again.
‘But.. That doesn’t give you the right to guard me. I’m your assistant and not your girlfriend, so you don’t need to look after me,’ maybe saying this would make it easier for the both of them. If she said she didn’t need him, then he wouldn’t get hurt and life would be simpler. It’d just be work and nothing more. ‘I’m glad you tried to protect me, you’re better than most of those twats out there, but no thanks.’
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Post by kittypatter on Jan 22, 2010 19:49:24 GMT -5
Luna looked at the girl, looking her up and down with distaste colouring her features. She was holding keys, and Luna wondered when she’d gotten them. Were they friends? Lovers? Was he married? She felt a little light-headed at the thought.
Luna flushed, slight annoyance rising at the fact that he wouldn’t answer her question. She was half tempted to walk out of there with at least some shred of dignity. She turned, stalking out the room with her head held high, but inside her stomach tightened painfully. Luke hadn’t even looked at her! Luna got to the bedroom and began to redress, biting her bottom lip to try and held in her overwhelming feelings.
She could hear them arguing from where she redressed; so, this Chloe girl was his ex, then? Why hadnt he let her stay? Why hadn’t he sent Chloe out the room? She pulled her hoody over her head and moved back through, combing her hair back. She stood in the doorway, her arms folded over her chest. What are you doing with my boyfriend? ‘Your boyfriend?’ Luna questioned, looking at Luke, her eyes flashing angrily.
He’d.. after… A girlfriend?! Luna glared back at Chloe, watching as the other girl turned on her. Luna came forward, shoving her back. ‘Get out my way,’ she hissed, grabbing her handbag from the side. ’Have fun with your girlfriend, Luke,’ she called over her shoulder, before walking out and being sure to slam the door shut behind her.
--
He waited, anxiously for her to say something, ave any form of reaction to his words because even e wasn; sure of them, wasn’t sure exactly what they meant. Just that they meant something, hopefully to the both them. But, he’d needed to say something about Marlo before it was too late.
‘Are you telling me you didn’t feel anything when we…’ Prezbo glanced around, making sure no students or teachers were lurking in the doorway. ‘When we kissed? There was nothing there?’ He watched her intently, meeting her gaze and holding it as she leaned against the desk. ‘Just because you’re not my girlfriend, doesn’t mean I don’t want to look out for you. You’re still a friend… if that. And most definitely a colleague.’
I’m glad you tried to protect me, you’re better than most of those twats out there, but no thanks. ‘This is Baltimore,’ Roland insisted. ‘It’s rougher than the places you’ve lived. Its dangerous, every corner you turn there’s something there wanting to hurt people like you. I’ve seen it, okay? I’ve witnessed it with my own fucking eyes.’ He got to his feet, scraping his chair away from his desk. ‘I won’t give up, Grace. Even if you’re too stubborn to realize that now.’ He shut his briefcase and picked it up.
He moved away from her, but stopped in the doorway, shoulders slumped. ‘I’ll take you home,’ he offered. ‘No funny business. I promise?’ He glanced over his shoulder at her, just wanting to calm the anger and disageement that had seemed to generate between them over the past couple of days.
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Post by kittypatter on Feb 2, 2010 10:57:57 GMT -5
( Ive no frickin' clue if this is still going, but I bored, so, whatever. )
Luke watched with a look of apprehension as Luna came back to the scene, both females looking about as angry as the other. He didn’t know what to do, he wanted for Chloe to be back outside and for him to have Luna back against the wall, but he knew there was no way that could continue after this. Her once beautiful, now flaming eyes shot at him, and deep inside those orbs he knew there lay hurt. ‘I-I-’ was all he managed to get out. He wasn’t worried to the fact he was half naked, and he certainly wasn’t bothered that she had just been, and was seen so by Chloe. But he was worried about her, how he was going to explain this, if her let her that was.
He watched, powerless as she grabbed her bag and left, when he did try to go, he was only stopped by a manicured hand wrapping around his wrist, Chloe’s eyes now glinting with lust. The next thing she said however was what made him pull away fully, wincing as the door slammed, strangely painful to his ears. Glaring accusingly at the blonde who only seemed to pout in unawareness. ‘What the fuck was that for?’ he finally managed, grabbing the keys back, not caring as she flinched away at his forceful hand. ‘What are you doing here? I told you to go, and yet you haven‘t. Thanks for fucking things up for me, Chloe, that’s just what I need right now,’ there was a short hesitation in which he took a deep breath. ‘I liked her as well, but I bet that chance has-’
‘What about me!?’ she protested in a shrill squeak.
Luke only shook his head, laughing mirthlessly. ‘I’ve never bloody liked you, Chloe,’ he ran a hand through his hair, causing it to stick up on end in his frustration. ‘I probably did then, for that one night, but I was dunk, what did you expect? That we were going to get married and live happily ever after?’ something flashed across her face and he stared, disbelieving.
‘You fucking did, didn’t you?’ he didn’t hide the shock from his voice. ‘I like Luna now, I… I like her so much it hurts, and that’s scaring me, and I’m worried I’m going to fuck it up. I don’t need you helping me with that - ah, look!’ he sighed in exasperation, a hand went through his hair again. ‘Just leave, now.’ the anger had seeped from his voice, although not from his eyes. Eyes which didn’t meet hers, not that it seemed to matter.
With a dignified sniff, Chloe turned and left, shutting the door with ease, instead of another unfriendly slam.
-
Grace hated the new awkwardness that had decided to absorb the atmosphere of the room, the awkwardness that had slipped into her brain and suddenly made her not know not now how to act, as she twisted her hands, crossed them and uncrossed them, watching as he tried to speak. Then the drunken kiss arose and she had to stand straight, not finding support in the wooden desk anymore. For a moment, she didn’t say anything, annoyed as she looked up, catching his gaze at it lingered all the while she thought. ‘I don’t know,’ she muttered pathetically. ‘I… I can’t remember.. we’d both had too much to drink…’
They were friends? She wasn’t sure how she saw them, she didn’t know what they were classed as… colleagues had been the simple word to use, it was safe and didn’t have any strings, where as friends, girlfriends or just lovers did. Then again, she found herself turning to him at times she didn’t know why. But then, what was Marlo? Did she trust Marlo as a friend or a lover… or a boyfriend? She didn’t know if she’d turn to him for help, she didn’t even know if he would help. Would he? Whereas… last night, Roland had helped her.
‘It’s rougher than the places you’ve lived. Its dangerous, every corner you turn there’s something there wanting to hurt people like you.’
‘People like me?’ she asked, sounding truly offended. People like her? How was she different from him. If he thought that she, Grace, had lived a cushy life then he could think again. What did he think her to be, some spoilt brat that couldn’t cope? Her lip curled unkindly. Then he stood, her scowl dropped almost immediately. Watching as he prepared to leave, Grace thought over something to shout at him so she could have the last word. But he hadn’t finished. Glancing over his shoulder at her, she busied herself with grabbing her own bag containing money for the cafeteria.
‘No funny business?’ she repeated, as though reminding him of his words. She was tired, and her head did still hurt. A walk home wouldn’t do her any good, and she didn’t have a car because this morning she had decided to walk for the fresh air and left his borrowed car at home. ‘Alright,’ she resigned, glancing in her bag to see her phone with a missed call from the previous night.
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