6

RORY’S POV

“You bitch! It’s three minutes past!” The screech was accompanied by the shocking feeling of cold liquid on my hair dripping down my face.

Leslie had obviously had enough.

I spluttered, the bitter, cold wine stinging my eyes and soaking my hair. It trickled down my face and neck, seeping into my clothes. The sweet, intoxicating kiss I’d just shared with Todd was abruptly replaced by an acrid smell.

“Leslie!” Todd’s voice which was usually so calm and measured, was now a low growl.

He pulled back from me, his eyes blazing as he glared at Leslie. His hands, which had been so tenderly cupping my face, clenched into fists at his sides. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with her?! Slut! You just used him! It was a dare!” Leslie said, her face contorted with pure fury.

I felt a fresh wave of humiliation wash over me, even deeper than my wine-drenched hair. My cheeks burned. I looked at Todd, who was about to take a step towards Leslie, his jaw tight.

“Todd, no! Please, don’t,” I whispered, grabbing his arm. My voice was shaky but I knew my plea was audible over the dramatic silence. Everyone had their eyes on us like they were watching a movie .

I tugged at Todd’s sleeve, my eyes begging him. I didn’t want him to get into a fight because of me, especially not with Leslie.

He hesitated, his gaze still fixed on Leslie, but then he looked down at me, his eyes softening instantly. All the anger seemed to drain from him, replaced by concern. He put a hand on my back, his fingers gently rubbing my soaked shirt.

“Let’s go, Candy,” he said, his voice now a soft murmur meant only for me. He instantly took of his shirt and wrapped it around me.

Then, started to guide me through the engrossed crowd, his arm around my shoulders, shielding me. I could feel their eyes on us, the whispers, but Todd just kept moving, leading me towards the exit.

“Wait up man!” Laurel said coming after us from behind.

Todd didn't say anything as we walked out into the cool night air. He pulled open the passenger door of his car, his movements quick and efficient.

“Get in,” he said gently, waiting for me to settle before closing the door. He walked around to the driver's side and got in, starting the engine. The familiar rumble of the car was strangely comforting.

“I’m so sorry, Todd,” I mumbled, feeling the shame crawl up my throat again. My head was starting to spin, the alcohol from earlier was hitting me harder than I expected.

He glanced at me, his expression unreadable in the dim light of the car. “Don’t be sorry, Rory. It’s not your fault.” His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

The drive was quiet. My eyelids felt heavy, and the spinning in my head intensified. The warmth of the car and the gentle motion lulled me. I leaned my head against the cool window, watching the blur of the streetlights. Todd drove carefully, not too fast, not too slow.

The last thing I remembered was his protective arm around me as he led me out, his voice soft, his smell so delicious……then the darkness swallowed me up.

—————————————————————————-

“Rory!” His soft tone called.

“Todd.” I replied.

I moaned deeply with a low groan feeling the wetness of his lips against mine.

“Rory!” The voice came again and this time it was louder, sharper and clearer. My eyes flew wide open and welcomed the sight of our brown Pomeranian, Nala licking my face happily with her tail wagging.

I sat up instantly and regretted it immediately as a jolt of pain struck me. I groaned as my fingers flew to massage my temple.

"Rory!" Came that voice again but this time it was obvious to me that it did not belong to Todd.

My sister Rosalie stood before me holding a packed cup of coffee.

"You got back home drunk on a Wednesday night, hung over and late on a Thursday morning.” Rosalie teased with an amused smirk on her face. “I never knew you had it in you, Aurora.”

I sighed deeply trying to find a balance for my thoughts as my eyes began to carefully scan my environment.

I am in my bed, in my room with no Todd. The events of last night crashed on me at once leaving me no chance to forget.

The Party! The Alcohol! The Game! The Kiss!

Oh!!! The kiss!!

Then my mind picked up on Rosalie’s words, ‘Hung over and late!”

“What’s the time?” I asked her slowly but with urgency.

“8.45 am.” Rosalie said casually with a shrug.

I gasped and threw myself out of bed ignoring the weariness that coursed through my body and the way Nala jumped too, obviously startled.

“What? Why did you let me sleep in?” I panicked hurrying to the bathroom.

I have never in my life been late to school. In fact, I have never in my life been late to anywhere at all.

I was racing to the bathroom with a towel slung over my shoulder carelessly when I heard Rosalie snorting and laughing.

“Oh come on bun! I was just kidding. The time is only seven.” She told me setting the coffee on my bedside table.

“Oh.” I said feeling slightly relieved then my eyes landed on the coffee. “Is that for me?” I asked her sheepishly.

“Yes. It’s for my darling sister who I didn’t know was going to come back home wasted after her first party.” She said with sarcasm.

I paid her no attention and grabbed the coffee. I sighed in content as I started to drink.

“Tell me what happened last night, I want to know everything!” Rosalie said pulling me to the bed while I protected my coffee from getting spilled.

I narrowed my eyes at her as the peak event of last night stormed my memory.

The kiss with Todd.

Thinking about it turned my insides out amd made the hair on my body stand.

I cleared my throat. “Nothing happened!” I said quickly.

Rosalie’s eyebrow quirked.

“Really?” She urged with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Again another flash came. This time, it gave me a chill as I remembered the feel of the cold wine Leslie had poured on me angrilly. That was what had broken up the kiss and served as major entertainment to the rest of the party.

I knew that I was going to have a very tough day in school today.

There was dealing with Todd which gave me butterflies in my tummy, dealing with Leslie which gave me the creeps and dealing with Jason which made me feel humiliated.

“I know something happened with Todd and you’re not telling me!” Rosalie accused with a snort.

I turned to her immediately wondering how on earth she knew. Did I moan out his name loudly?

Did Todd tell her anything when he brought me home last night?

“Wha- Who? Nothing happened.” I said trying my best not to stutter or sound nervous but Rosalie ended up chuckling in amusement.

“You look as red as a tomato.” She accused laughing.

I rolled my eyes.

“Tell me what happened now or I won’t tell you what Todd told me!” She said with a firmness.

Panic spread through my body.

Todd spoke to her? What did he tell her? Was he embarrassed about what happened? Did he regret it?

“What did he say?” I begged desperately but Rosalie stood up with her arms folded.

“Tell me what happened or I won’t say a word.” She said with a finality.

I sighed in defeat.

“Todd and I kissed.” I announced earning a very deep and excited gasp from Rosalie.

“It was only a dare. It didn’t mean anything.” I said quickly but Rosalie seemed too excited to care.

“Omg! Fill me in. How was it? Was it nice? Hot? Omg! I’m so happy.” She said clapping her hands like a little girl.

“It was just a dare Rosalie! We were playing a game of dare.” I explained again and this time Rosalie gave a smirk.

“A game of dare? Now who is this girl and what has she done to my sister!” She said with a nudge. “You hate risky games.”

“Well I was a little drunk.” I defended.

“A little? You were passed out and muttering.” She said to me with a giggle. “When Todd came with you, I was scared.” She said.

“I shouldn’t have taken that shot of alcohol.” I said with a sigh.

“So why did you?”

“Because I got angry when I saw Jason kissing some other girl.” I said with clenched teeth recalling the incident

Rosalie gasped and folded her arms.

“What? That motherfucker!!” She cursed

“It’s not like I still want to get back with him or anything but…”

Rosalie cut me short.

“He should respect you!” She insisted.

I shrugged. I thought so too.

“Well, I’m glad he was there to see you looking so hot and to see you kiss Todd.” She said smacking her lips and wriggling her eyebrows at me.

I felt my whole face heat up.

“So, what did he tell you?” I asked her preparing myself mentally.

But Rosalie had an annoying smile on her face.

“He didn’t tell me anything but he looked damned nervous this morning, I knew it was more than just being worried about your hangover.” She said with a smile that said she was impressed with herself.

My mouth fell open.

“What do you mean by this morning?”

“Todd is downstairs. He’s been here since 6am! And he got you the coffee.” She said.

I turned to see Rosalie’s eyes were glinting like she was enjoying a show.

“You had an eventful night and I trust you are going to have an eventful day as well.” She said. “We shall continue this later. I have to get to school early today. I love you.” Then she paused with a sly smirk. “I wish I could watch you see Todd this morning…. Ouuu how hot!”

Her cackles echoed as she walked away

Todd was downstairs, waiting for me…

I guess my eventful day has begun.