Bad For Me

AS I stood on the pavement with a takeaway box in my hand and phone in the other, calling Hugo, I watched the darkening sky in an attempt to hold back tears.

"Miss Ibrahim?" Hugo's deep voice asked without a hint of surprise.

"Hi, Hugo. Could you pick me up please, at the same location you dropped me."

"Of course Miss. I'll be there in ten minutes." He hung up but I kept the phone close to my ear.

"Are you sure it'll be ten minutes, Hugo?" I asked no-one, my voice thick. "Or will it be thirty minutes, leaving me here in the cold, alone because of an emergency at work?"

After half an hour of poking at my food, watching my phone and receiving looks from the staff, I decided to leave. As I stepped outside and approached the parking lot, my Dad seemed to remember me.

Dad: I'm sorry, yene fikir. There was an emergency at the office so they called me back, I'll make it up to you, anything you wish. We can go shopping this weekend, yes?

Dad: Fallon? Don't be angry, you know how it is.

Yene fikir. It meant 'my love' in Amharic, our native language. I could only dream those words would one day be translated into his actions, not only used as an endearing term.

One tear fell and I wiped it away whilst knowing more would follow. Hugo pulling up was a relief, as standing alone and weeping to myself was embarrassing enough. I entered the car and faced forward, ignoring Hugo's inquisitive gaze.

"He didn't come, Miss?" Hugo seemed to ignore my silence plea to not speak to me.

I wiped at my face once again, sniffing. "It seems that everyone but me is surprised."

My driver stayed silent, answering my plea. I didn't think there was anything he could say that would make me feel better.

Walking up the stairs to my room felt like an impossible task with the disappointment that weighed me down. I approached my mum's design room and stopped there. You would think it was empty, if not for the sound of the sewing machine. I considered knocking, but logic told me if I did I would be disappointed for a second time tonight.

Ignoring my journal that seemed to be calling my name, I sat on my bed and called Luca.

I thought the last thing I wanted was to go to LIncoln's party, but it was actually being alone.

"Hey, Fallon is that you?" Luca's booming voice filled my room, slightly overshadowed by music in the background.

"Yeah."

"How was dinner? You're back already?"

I kicked off my shoes. "My dad had an emergency at the office, so he had to go back."

"See, it's fate that you were meant to come to this party!" He cheered. "Everyone's going to be thrilled, you rarely come to these things."

"I'll make an effort to from now on," my voice was flat. "Are you able to pick me up?"

"I've been drinking, babe. Get your driver to, and don't forget to wear a bikini! I'll see you in a bit- chill out, I'm coming guys-" The line was abruptly cut.

I got ready as if on autopilot. The makeup was wiped off, hair freed and the second outfit of the night picked out. It was a simple black bikini with shorts and a cropped top, paired with black sandals to show off my pedicured feet.

Hugo dropped me off at LIncoln's house fifteen minutes later, and it took a moment for me to compose myself as I stared up at the mansion. Blasting music and shouts were coming from inside, tempting me to return to the silence of my home.

I stared at myself in the reflection of his glass statue in the front garden. "No one wants to be around you if you're mopey, alright? Forget about your dad and have a good time." I whispered to myself. Then out of sheer nervousness I ran a hand over my hair and applied lipgloss.

Let the performance begin.

Entering the house, I quickly squeezed past various classmates until I reached the kitchen where I found Luca. He stood tall, leaned against the counter in only black swimming trunks with his dark hair plastered to his face, courtesy of the pool. A crowd of five people were listening to his every word as he spoke with a relaxed smile.

Under the dim lights he looked as handsome as ever, but something was stopping me from joining him. And it wasn't the sight of Perdita at his side, attempting to become his conjoined twin.

Before I could consider turning back, his head turned in my direction and we made eye contact. Luca's smile widened and he raised a hand. "Fallon!"

Immediately at least ten pairs of eyes fell on me. I made my way towards him, trying my hardest to maintain that happy expression on my face, and slyly shoving Perdita away from him when I was close enough.

She stumbled back with a disgruntled expression and I feigned surprise whilst everyone else laughed. "Too much to drink?" I asked as Luca's arm slid around my waist.

"No." She snapped, looking flustered. "I thought you weren't coming."

"My plans changed."

"You mean your daddy ditched you again?" She offered a sympathetic pout but her eyes told another 온라인카지노게임. I froze and looked up at Luca whose expression was neutral. He told her?

"Our reservation was booked for tomorrow, actually. I just got the dates mixed up." I lied easily, hoping she would buy it.

"Sure." Her green eyes appraised my boyfriend. "Luca, could you make me another drink please?"

My eyes narrowed but I was saved from responding. "We're heading to the pool now, Perdita." Luca answered and she perked up, already prepared to take her sundress off.

"Cool, I'll come with-"

"I'd stay here and sober up if I was you." He interrupted with an easy smile. "Wouldn't want any incidents to happen."

"See you later." I cut in before their conversation could continue, grabbing Luca's arm to go to a quieter corner.

He stood before me without a care in the world as I glared up at him. "What?"

"Why'd you tell Perdita what happened tonight? You know how she is."

He waved a hand. "It came up in passing. I didn't purposely tell her so she could use it against you."

"Oh, so your riveting conversations revolve around me?"

Luca paused, watching me. His eyes narrowed and he leaned closer, making my breath hitch. "Listen, I know you're not in the best of moods. But if you're going to be moody all night, then why did you come?"

My fists clenched. "Maybe because I thought being around you would cheer me up!"

"I'm not your fucking cheerleader, Fallon, alright?" He laughed out, eyes not leaving my face. "What do you want me to do? Apologise that your dad is doing his job? You need to get over yourself, and loosen up. These last few days you haven't been acting like yourself."

You haven't been acting like yourself.

My shoulders dropped as the fight left my body. I looked up at him with watery eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry for picking fights lately, I think it's just the stress of a new school year."

Luca's eyes softened as he stepped forward. "I understand, you have a lot of responsibilities. You're bound to take out your stress on me here and there. Just forget about that tonight, hm? The party's been okay so far, but I know I'll have more fun now you're here."

With that his arms wrapped around me and my head rested against his warm chest. Yet, despite the embrace, I just felt numb.

Luca led me over to the pool which was on the other side of the house. The music was lower and the atmosphere calmer with fairy lights hanging from the deck, and only a few people milling about. I immediately spotted Tay, donning a red bikini piece and looking stunning as ever.

"Perdita is so irritating." Was my greeting as I sat down next to her at the pool, pulling my knees up to my chest. She looked over with an amused smile.

"Hello to you too."

"Has she been all over Luca like that all night?"

"No, only since he mentioned you were coming. That's when she attempted to stitch herself to him." Tay replied and I sighed.

"It usually doesn't bother you." She commented, watching me closely.

"What if it always has bothered me but I've never let it show?"

"Then I commend you for keeping your cool so well."

I smiled slightly, watching her dip her legs in the pool. "Why are you here by yourself?"

"As fun as conversations with drunk people- blackout drunk are, I needed a break." She responded, running a hand through her hair.

"Let me guess, everyone was pressuring you to try just one drink?"

She nodded and I chuckled. The joys of not drinking, everyone acted like it was the most bizarre thing in the world.

It was silent between us as we watched Luca and his teammates gather around the pool, all shouts and smiles. Their loud banter disrupted the previously serene atmosphere. Tay shifted to face me head on.

"Listen, I know we haven't always been the best of friends," She started. "But it's our last year at this school, and I don't want to spend it playing mind games. So..."

"Allies?" I finished with a smile, holding out my hand. She mirrored my expression and shook my hand. It was silent between us for a moment as I dipped my legs into the warm water. I was debating taking off my clothes when Tay spoke up.

"Since we're... Allies," She started. "I need your help with something."

I stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue. She did so with a nervous expression that was so unlike her.

"There's this guy," Tay started and I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling. Tay wasn't impressed with guys easily, choosing to keep things casual. "We kind of hooked up over the summer, it was a heat in the moment kind of thing. I didn't really think much of it, and he didn't seem to either, but lately whenever I look at him-" She cut herself off, her cheeks blossoming pink.

"Go on." I encouraged her, keeping my expression neutral. She sighed, tucking a silky black strand behind her ear.

"Basically, I think I've developed a crush. And, I want him to like me back. But I don't know what to do."

I shifted so I was closer to her and lowered my voice. "Tay, who is it?"

Her eyes automatically filtered to where Luca and his friends sat, to the far right. Then she looked back at me, her eyes serious. "Fallon, if you tell anyone, I swear-"

"Dude, I have better things to gossip about. Not that I gossip." Her expression went weary and I giggled, elbowing her. "We're officially friends, remember? You can trust me."

Tay sighed as if expelling all the energy from her body. "It's Lincoln."

I fell into the pool.

Perhaps it was the shock, disgust, disbelief or Tay shoving me a bit too hard because of the expression that overcame my features. But the next moment lukewarm water engulfed me and I swam to the surface, spluttering.

Tay sat innocently, her hands covering her mouth. "I'm so sorry, Fallon, it was a knee jerk reaction-"

"Babe, if you want to get into the pool, maybe take off your clothes first?" Luca called from across the water teasingly, encouraging a round of laughter.

Rolling my eyes, I lifted myself out of the water as gracefully as I could. I wasn't all surprised when a few wolf whistles sounded. Guess that jogging did pay off?

"Looking good, Fallon." A familiar voice shouted over the distance. I turned to see Abdi, one of the football guys I spoke to here and there, watching me with a mischievous expression. "Need help getting out of your wet clothes?"

I pointed my finger at him with a warning look, amused. "Don't make me come over there."

He rose up. "I'll come over to you instead."

Tay whistled. "Luca is not liking this. He's shooting lasers with his eyes right now."

Luca can suck it, I thought to myself as I watched Abdi approach me. "You're going to get yourself in trouble with your captain." I told him as he sat with me and Tay.

Abdi shrugged, running a hand over his buzz cut. His dark brown eyes spelled nothing but trouble. "I only want to practise my Ahmaric with you."

Abdi was half Ethiopian and half Syrian, so whilst his Arabic was great his Amharic could use some work. Part of the reason we got on so well was due to our similar heritage. It was always nice to befriend someone who reminded you of home.

We conversed for a few minutes in our language until my clothes sticking against me became too uncomfortable. I excused myself to the bathroom, removing the clothes and admiring my reflection. Closing the door behind me, I saw Luca leaning against the wall opposite and the breath left my body.

"You scared me," I breathed out, holding a hand to my chest. "Everything alright?"

He watched me for a moment, crossing his strong arms. Then he stepped forward, eyes dark and fixed on me intimidatingly.

"What are you playing at, Fallon?"

My heart skipped a beat at his tone. Luca was pissed off.

"What do you mean?" I asked, moving closer to him and placing my hand on his arm. He shrugged me off.

"Flirting with my teammate where everyone is? Is this some sort of payback for what happened with Perdita earlier?" Luca demanded to know.

I stayed quiet for a moment, processing his words and watching his every mood. When Luca got into a mood like this, it was similar to being transported to a minefield. One wrong step and everything would end up in flames.

"Luca," I started, looking into his eyes. "I wasn't flirting with Abdi. He was just practising his Ahmaric with me."

My boyfriend scoffed. "He, along with the others, were drooling over you when you got out of the pool."

My eyebrows raised. "Tay pushed me, did you want me to remain underwater?"

"Drop the attitude." He snapped. "You know I hate when guys look at you like that. Makes my skin crawl. And you don't discourage their behaviour either."

Luca's eyes narrowed when I remained quiet. He wasn't aware I was still gauging his emotions. I wasn't unused to his jealous outbursts, and they usually ended the same way. Him getting worked up, saying what was on his mind and me calming him down with resurrance and affection.

That's why when I looped my arms around Luca's neck and pulled him down for a kiss mid-sentence, the tension immediately eased from his body and he wrapped his arms around my waist. Once we pulled away I watched him earnestly. "I would never disrespect you by flirting with your friends, Luca. I am with you, and I am invested in our relationship, okay?"

Luca let out a deep breath, his warm gaze on me. "Okay."

I grinned and took a step back. "Okay. Now lighten up, alright? If you're going to be moody all night, then why did you come?"

Luca let out a short laugh of surprise at my jab, pinching my waist softly. "Brat." He mumbled with a smile as I squealed. He was leaning down for another kiss when a familiar voice interrupted us.

"Ah, my favourite lovebirds," Lincoln greeted with a wide grin, coming to stand in front of us. "How are you enjoying the party?" The question seemed to be directed at both of us, yet he was looking directly at me.

"I'm having a great time, Linc. The pool is really cool as well."

Our host visibly lit up at my compliment, his shoulders straightening and chest puffing out slightly. "Glad to hear it, Fallon. It's really good to see you." I didn't miss how he gave me a quick once-over, and Luca didn't either by the way his arm tightened around me.

"I bet," I murmured, flashing him a smile. "Are you coming to the pool?"

He shook his head, sending water droplets everywhere. "Just came from there. I need another drink."

"Seems like you might wanna chill with the drinks, man." Luca chipped in, eyeing his unsteady friend.

Lincoln grinned, and for a moment, I could see why Tay liked him. The smile lit up his face, and there was boyish excitement in his eyes. But the appeal was ruined by his next words. "I'm not a stick in the mud like your girl, Luca." His brown eyes turned to me. "You're really missing out, you know? Alcohol makes everything better."

I nodded, slowly and sarcastically. "I'm sure. We're going to head back to the pool, see you in a bit." And with that Luca and I set off.

He squeezed my shoulders as we walked. "Lincoln gets a bit mouthy when drunk, so thanks for putting up with him."

I smiled up at him. "Anything for you, Luca."

A genuine smile spread across his face, and he stopped me before we reached the pull, briefly holding my face. "I know this last week has been tough, but let's not argue anymore, hm? It's draining and takes the fun out of our relationship."

"Agreed. Just don't start any arguments and we'll be good." Luca rolled his eyes playfully at my response.

Despite the disappointing start to the evening, it ended on a good note. Tay and I had formed a real friendship, Luca and I settled our differences and Perdita was nowhere to be seen. As I stayed in the warm water of the pool, surrounded by friends and playful chatter, I could see this year looking up.

*