Thank you everyone for following and two people for reviewing! I'm gonna update daily so I don't keep anyone waiting. I have a few chapters previously written and I'll continue to do so in order for my updating schedule to work.
Thank you soooo much for all the support, I love you all
-Tia3
I had no intentions of speaking to her, let alone watching her leave or having the desire to run my fingers through her hair. I wanted to go out for a fag because the crowd was bothering me, and my new loud friend Cook was becoming a bit suffocating. I didn't expect to find her with the new mysterious brunette, or to feel myself grow jealous, but get excited when she accompanied me on the bench. So here I stand in this shitty little courtyard, confused and on the brink of tears. Crumbled apart, my shield broken. Only by one little redhead who captivates me and makes things resurface I've taken so long to burn. Bridges that are slowly being brought back again. I take a deep breath and leave the courtyard into a crowded hall.
"Where 'ya took off to Blondie?" Cook snakes his arms around my waist from behind as I rummage through my locker. His touch sends shock through me, causing a smile to break through my lips.
"Had a fag.. or two. Or five." I joke, shutting my locker and spinning around to face him. He doesn't need to know about Emily just yet.
"So Cookie, tell me about this party?" I ask as we walk down the emptying hall, which makes me think it's the end of college already. So much for that. Cook slips me a piece of paper.
"Party's at nine. Address is on that. Catch 'ya there." He jogs off after some girl, winking at me before he leaves.
I check my phone, the time 3:40. I've got plenty of time to turn attractive for tonight. I exit the school, little groups of people lingering around and smoking spliff. It's amazing how these directors really don't give a shit about the school, just as long as the board gives it a good rep. My eyes scan the groups, and I don't know why I find myself doing this in the first place, maybe Emily is invading my brain. I spot her immediately, maybe because she's right next to Katie looking bored and angry as Katie snobs off to a bunch of groupies. I want to go rescue her, maybe walk her home or something. But we're not necessarily friends, now are we? I trot down the stairs, unchaining my bike and walking to the curb.
"Naomi, innit?" I hear a deep voice from behind me, and turn around to face the fit lad I remember from Kieran's and orientation.
"The one and only." I respond, kick stopping my bike.
"I'm Freddie, you might remember. I was just wondering if you've seen my friend JJ? I can't find him anywhere and he just gets a bit locked on. I have to look after him. He's about 5'6" with this crazy bushy hair..." Freddie ruffles his own hair, looking at me with kind brown eyes.
"I'm sorry, mate. Haven't seen him. You should ask Cook." I respond, looking towards Cook huddled in a corner of about five beauty majors.
"Don't think he'd be much help, yeah?" Freddie looks to him, flicking his eyes back to mine. I awkwardly wait around for Freddie to maybe thank me anyway and leave, but he just kind of lingers there waiting.
"Um, is that it then?" I question, shoving my hand in my pocket. I hear a ruffling in a green bush beside us near the curb, and I swear I hear a few whispers before JJ comes tumbling out.
"Oi! Looks like I've found him..." Freddie cringes, running over to a shrub covered JJ and whispering something in his ear.
"Sorry! The bush was uncomfortable! How long does it take to ask a girl to a party anyway?" JJ grunts, getting up and dusting himself off. Freddie turns around to me, his cheeks a bit rosy. I can feel myself blush too, I've never had a lad go out of his way and do something as to fake losing his locked on friend just to ask me out.
"So, Cook's party..." I grin, watching Freddie make his way to me. Freddie laughs the cutest little chuckle humanly possible.
"I think we both know that you really want to ask Effy, mate." I exclaim, patting his very high shoulder considering his tall height.
"She seems a bit too invested in a certain redhead." Freddie gestures across the road at a giggling Emily and a grinning Effy. I can feel my heart's pace slow a bit, and my knees almost buckle underneath me.
That would make two of us, Effy.
I look back up at Freddie who seems to be eager for me to say yes.
"Naomi, both our minds seem to be on one person. So what's better than a useless date between two people who clearly want other people who want nothing to do with them? That's right! It's brilliant because there's nothing better. So what'd ya say? Would 'ya fancy being my date?" Freddie holds out his rather large hand in front of me.
"I'd love to be your date, Frederick." I bow down and take his warm hand in mine. He gently kisses my skin, his warm kiss lingering upon my hand.
"I'll pick you up at 8:30. Half hour early 'cuz I'm a gentlemen. Dress fit and will it kill 'ya to offer me some booze? Vodka perhaps?" He enchantingly smiles, releasing my hand.
"So slutty and vodka? Got it." I confirm, getting his mobile number and texting him my address before I ride off home. My mind is slightly excited for tonight, and dreadful of Emily and Effy.
"Hey mum!" I kiss her cheek as she sips on tea in the living room.
"Good day? You seem happy, love."
"Brill day." I help myself to some tea from the still warm kettle on the kitchen table. With my steamy mug, I join mum on the couch for some telly.
"Meet any fit lads?" She pesters, glancing at me. She can always fish out when I'm lying.
"I actually have a date tonight..." I smile, knowing she loves when I go on those.
"Is that so?! Where 'ya off to?"
"A lad named Cook in my form is throwing a party. Freddie asked me to go with him, y'know a break the ice sort of thing." I dip a garibaldi in my tea, biting into it's biscuit goodness.
"Seems fun, love. Make sure he drops you home in one piece, though. I'll give you until a little past midnight."
"Cheers."
After a little more talking with mum alongside some tea, it's about 6:30 and I need to start getting ready. I hop off the couch, running up to my room and staring into my wardrobe intently with no eye for anything that seems cute and sexy enough for not only Freddie's liking, but for everyone else's. I finally decide on a short cute sparkly dress with plain black heels. I think it'd impress but not attract too many lads' attention. I shower, using my favorite berry shampoo and bodywash. It almost reminds me of Freddie's sweet scent, and somehow I'm not too disappointed that he's my date, even though I am attending a party that is a shoe-in for seeing Emily and Effy most likely flirting. It doesn't really bother me too much, I should just try to fun and avoid her at all costs. I wash the soap from my body and hair, stepping out the shower leaving steam on my bathroom mirror. I mark the words 'dont forget' into my fogged mirror for reassurance tonight.
After getting completely dressed, applying some simple makeup and gloss, curling my short blonde locks, and spritzing on some of mum's fancy fragrance I think I'm finally ready. I check the clock once again, a bit excited for Freddie's arrival. 8:25. Perfect. My phone buzzes on my desk, and I leap carefully over a pile of clothing on my floor, careful not to trip.
1 message from Freddie: i'm waiting on the porch, love. don't forget the booze x
I chuckle at his little reminder as I grab a small black cardigan from my closet and trot downstairs. Mum is laughing with some of her friends from bookclub in the living area, sipping tea. I peek from the corner of the kitchen, careful not to disturb the peace while I sneak some vodka and a bottle of wine from the cubert. I throw them in my black purse, walking into the living area.
"I'll be on my way mum! Goodbye Celia, Rachel. Have a good meeting." I flash my best innocent smile. They don't know a damn thing.
"Yeah, yeah love. Ring me if you need anything. Have fun." Mum calls out to me as I shut the door behind me. Freddie isn't there when I step out. Maybe he waited down the street or something, I'll just text him to be sure.
"BOO!" A tall figure pops out from the bushes alongside the porch and I almost have a heart attack, falling on cement in a dress wouldn't be a good look right now.
"Christ Freddie! You nearly killed me, wanker." I chuckle, glancing over him. He's wearing sleek black jeans and a plain white tee with all white sneakers, and even though his outfit is very simple he still looks dashing, and the moonlight is illuminating his brilliant honey brown eyes, making him seem so much sweeter. He gives me a smug grin, holding out his arm.
"Let's go to this tosh party and get pissed, yeah?"
I link my arm into his, and we trot down the porch steps and into the night. My stomach churns and suddenly I feel way too nervous, I don't know if it's the fact Freddie's touch is making the hair on my arms stand up or if seeing Emily is making my brain fart.
"You alright, Nai? Lookin' a little too green there." Freddie asks, holding onto my arm a little tighter. I smile at his caring body language, something I don't think he notices.
"Fine. Could use some vodka, though. Thankfully I got some." I smirk, rummaging through my purse with my free arm. Freddie's face lights up as I screw off the top, swigging some back. The alcohol stings the back of my throat as it travels into my body, my eyes watering at the brutal contact. It hurts like a bitch going down, but the sensation afterwards will keep me drinking. Freddie takes a swig and grunts as it travels down his throat, but slowly sips it again.
"It's amazing how well the stuff works." He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, handing the open bottle back to me as I take another long swig with the idea of Emily scattering my brain. I nod, stashing the rest back in my purse.
"I forgot to mention, you look fucking ace tonight, Nai! Well done with my instructions." Freddie compliments me, his cheeks turning a bit rosy and his free hand running through his shaggy hair. I feel my eyes wandering down to our touching arms, and instantly a smile is spread across my face.
"I am the perfect date, aren't I? After all, could Effy do all this?" I ask, suddenly regretting bringing up Effy. We turn a corner, flashing lights and a shaky ground is introduced to us as we step onto the next street.
"You just might be the perfect date, yeah? But listen Nai, could we not hangout with her when we walk in there? Not looking for a pity party, I'm looking to get pissed and wake up completely gone." Freddie's asks as we reach the entrance of the address Cook gave me.
"You and me both, mate."
Freddie pulls me in for a hug, his long fingers brushing over my waist. I wrap my skinny arms around his back, pressing him into me. His embrace automatically reminds me of comfort and reassurance, which is why I like being with Freddie so much. Even if we aren't talking or doing anything. But just being in his presence kind of makes me think no matter what I'll be okay. He slowly lets me go, and I immediately miss his sweet light scent and warm grip.
"Let's go in then." I say, intertwining his fingers in mine and pulling him towards the door. He knocks loudly and the door cracks open with a beaming Cook on the other side of it.
"AW! MATES! You came! Now come inside and let's get fockin' mental!" Cook drags me and Freddie in the mysterious old flat, and I'm immediately swallowed in everything I'd hope for. Shitty strobe lights, a booming stereo, loads of spliff smoke, and the burning smell of alcohol attacking my nostrils.
"Perfect." I whisper, walking straight onto the dance floor, Freddie's hand still perfectly intact with mine.
He gently lets go when we get there, and I feel that same loss when he lets go, like I need his touch again.
Before I know it, his hands are snaked around my waist forcing me to sway my hips to the techno music pumping through the surround sound stereo. I instantly smile, letting the music move me and my hips wave through Freddie's eager hands. He moves closer to me, pressing his crotch into my backside and resting his chin into my neck. I close my eyes, absorbing everything around me, especially Freddie's warm touch that I never want to break from. I feel his hot breath send shivers up my neck as he presses his lips into my frigid skin.
"Nai, they're here." He moves his mouth to my ear. I have to ignore how cloudy dancing with Freddie has made my brain become to understand what he means, until I see a very familiar redhead bobbing through the crowd with a hot brunette on her heels.
"Shit." I whisper, my eyes flying open.