Yup. Don’t worry I’ll get him back later. He can watch while you and Cain fuck me. He won’t get anything, hehe. ;) Xx
Cain
I like the sound of that.
I raise my gaze from my phone screen. Mike's class is in full swing and my attention shifts to Mike, who is sitting at his desk. Just as I look at him, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.
Mike
Oh, shh. You’ll be begging for me… x
Me
Yeah. Yeah. We’ll see. Xx
Mine and Mike’s eyes meet, and he winks at me with a smile. I can't help but feel a flutter in my stomach. I put my phone away and focus on my coursework.
Rae turns to me and speaks softly, her voice barely audible above the chatter of the crowded college cafeteria, “What are you doing tonight for your birthday? I'm thinking drinks.” My stomach churns with guilt and I know I'm about to lie to her again.
“I'm going out for dinner with family,” I explain, trying to keep my tone casual and carefree.
“Oh, ok. Do you wanna go out this weekend and celebrate?” Rae's eyes light up with excitement and hope.
“I'll have to let you know, we have plans with family this weekend,” I reply, already feeling the weight of the lie bearing down on me.
“Tess, is everything ok? I never see you anymore outside of college.” Rae's expression is one of concern and I feel a pang of regret for avoiding her.
My heart sinks and I want to tell her the truth, but I can't. I hate lying to her. I knew the trio would never let me out of their sights.
“Yeah, everything is fine. I've just been super busy, that's all. We will do something soon. I promise.” I force a smile, hoping to appease Rae's concern and alleviate my guilt.
“I understand, babe,” she says, her voice gentle and understanding. “What if we go to the local bar at lunchtime? It can be my treat since it's your birthday, after all. I could invite Archie and his friends. He found me on social media and we have been talking since. He’s a nice guy.” I feel myself stuttering slightly as I try to respond. “Uh, sure,” I manage to say, my heart racing with nervous anticipation.
In a hurry, I quickly reach for my phone and start typing a message in our group chat, hoping Mike will notice it amidst the flurry of messages.
Me
Just to let you know, Rae wants to take me to the local bar at lunchtime as a birthday treat. She and Archie have been speaking on social media and she's going to invite him, too. x
Cain
Say you can’t go and you want to stay at college. Period.
Me
I can’t! I will get loads of questions! I’ve said yes now. It’s only lunch.
Nate
What time are you going? And where? x
Me
It will be at lunchtime, so in about an hour. The bar down the road from the college. x
Nate
I will be there. I’ll sit at another table. x
I glance up and my eyes fall on Mike. He is furiously typing away on his phone, sitting at his desk. His face is contorted with anger and frustration and his fingers seem to move unnaturally fast.
Mike
I will join Nate and be there too. x
Cain
Watch her, you two.
Me
Are you always going to be this protective over me?
Cain
Yup. Thought you would have established this by now.
Me
