Like Real People Do - Jill Roord

I'm Not Listening To This

TW: alcohol consumption, mental health

Jill's POV

"So was my sister any good as a tour guide?" Alexia asked me.

"I was bloody brilliant," Hunter scoffed. 

"She was good," I nodded, smiling to the brunette on my left who seemed satisfied that I'd agreed with her.

We were already digging into the food, this was apparently Alexia and Hunter's favorite restaraunt and I could tell why; it was incredible.
I sat down one end with Hunter, Alexia, Lia and and Leah.

"Where'd you take them amor?" Mapi asked, I noticed since she'd joined the group, she hadn't taken her eyes off of Hunter, there seemed to be a knot constantly stuck in the back of her throat. 

"The aquarium and then tapas for lunch," Hunter shrugged.

"Nice," Mapi commented, "Did everyone enjoy it?"

"There were a few comments," Hunter sighed, "Didn't really bother me though."

"I thought it was lovely!" Lia chimed in, assuring her friend. 

Leah agreed, "I liked the sharks, they were very cool," then she continued to have a rant about all the sea creatures we saw, it was rather amusing to see this childish side of Leah. 

"Could I get another glass of wine please?" Hunter looked up and asked the waiter, who nodded.

Mapi scratched the back of her neck, leaning closer to Hunter before speaking quietly, "Don't you think you should slow down a little amor?"

Hunter seemed taken aback, "Why would I do that?" She asked simply, always on her own wavelength. 

Mapi gestured with her hand, telling Hunter to think.

"Maybe Mapi is right Hunts," Alexia suggested wearily, seeming to tread on egg shells around her sister. 

"Jeez guys," Hunter rolled her eyes, I think the wine was already getting to her head, "I've got like two days off, let me have fun."

"Alright," Mapi sighed, leaning back and knowing there was nothing else she could do. 

"One second," Hunter excused herself from the table and walked over to Beth, she was speaking rather loudly, I could still hear their conversation, "Bethy," she caught the blonde's attention in that playful manner. 

"Hunter," Beth continued, also dragging out her words. 

"You and me. Bar?"

I heard Beth chuckle, "I'm taking it easy tonight, but you have fun."

"Alright, but you know where to find me if you change your mind," Hunter warned.

"I know," Beth found it all humorous.

"Alright Bethy, have fun with Danielle," Hunter teased.

"Shove off before you get yourself in trouble," Beth laughed. 
I think Beth cared about Hunter, but she didn't exactly show it, almost as if she didn't want that constant disapproval from her peers and girlfriend.  

Hunter sauntered back to us, "No one wants to have any fun tonight," she groaned, "Why do I have such boring friends?" her head didn't seem exactly controlled as she looked around, I could tell the drinks were affecting her. 

"Oi!" Mapi warned, "Be nice before you regret something you say."

Hunter composed herself, "You're right, you're right. Thankyou Maps." 

They looked at one another and I knew the only two people who could get through to Hunter were Mapi and Alexia. I think they were the only two people in the world who truly knew the girl.