The meeting with the lawyer went surprisingly well. We managed to go over a variety of issues and what would happen during court. According to him, I should plead not guilty, as he was willing to be my defence. As a duty lawyer, he seemed extremely confident in clearing my name. He was aware of the situation and David's murder, also how it was an accident and nothing more. With the help of my auntie, I was able to prove the amount of wrong-doings I had suffered from him since the age of nine. He was very supportive and offered a great amount of help. It was a bloody tiring experience, but we went through a mass amount of documents as he explained the procedure of court. In all my life I never suspected I'd be the one having to undergo such a process, the thought was a little depressing. It was scary hearing of the penalties I may be imposed to if found guilty, which—according to him—wasn't very likely. He claimed I was extremely lucky that I was not in custody until my court appearance. I wouldn't even count myself as lucky at this point.
We soon left the office and I exhaled deeply.
"That was so long." Aunt Pauline nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry, soon it'll be all over." I lowered my head and thought of my mum. I would have to call her later on to see how she was doing. It was bad enough that I had left her all alone back in Manchester; I kept dreading that the worst would happen to her without me being there to assist. I mean, what if she went into labour and no-one was around to help? Unfortunately, this court case was important, so I had no choice but to leave. The worst thing was mum had no idea that I was the cause of her boyfriends murder, nor was she aware that I would be in court based on the matter. She was so clueless; she figured I came back to London to see a few friends and that was all. It was so disgusting having to lie to her like this, but I wouldn't want her to worry. Besides, too much stress was bad to the baby. Aunt Pauline took me to Starbucks and we relaxed by the window seats to drink our beverages. My whole mind was clouded with worry; I couldn't help but think of the consequences if I were to ever be found guilty.
What would I do then?
"Chin up, love." I glanced up from my White Chocolate Mocha to smile weakly at Aunt Pauline. She was mum's eldest sister; extremely vibrant and beautiful for someone her age. She and mum were very close, and fell pregnant around the same time with me and Jessica. Aunt Pauline lived in France for a while with her husband, but soon moved to London once they split up. I was thankful that she believed my story about David and allowed me to stay with her for as long as I wanted.
"Sorry. I was just thinking," I muttered. She gave a sincere, motherly smile.
"I know you're worrying. Best thing to do is think positive."
"Kinda hard to think positive when the odds are against me." Her forehead creased and she tilted her head slightly.
"If anything the odds are in your favour. You have a strong defence and people like me and Jessica who believe you no matter what happens." I nodded and stirred my straw around like a spoon.
"I just hope mum is okay. I dunna what I'd do if she ever found out about this."
Aunt Pauline took another sip of her Caramel Macchiato. "I'm not going to lie to you, Stace. It's likely that she'll find out sooner or later. You're lucky that I'm able to be in her place for this case. Usually a parent must accompany a minor to court."
"I know I know." I sighed. "I have a feeling that if she ever found out she would never talk to me again."
"Nonsense! She loves you dearly. If you explained the situation and how it was an accident, she'd definitely understand." I grunted in response and continued drinking. One thing Aunt Pauline was unaware of is how madly in love mum was with David. She literally worshipped the ground he walked on, despite his heavy drinking problems. They had been together for a while, her whole persona changed whenever she was around him. It was upsetting to see her so hurt and distraught during his funeral. As much as I didn't wanna be there, I had to act natural and support her in her time of need. I wouldn't be surprised if she created a shrine of him in our living-room. That was how much she adored the fucker.
"I should give her a ring later," I mused to myself. Aunt Pauline gave a brief nod and slid her cup over to me.
"Try abit, it's really nice." I eyed her fluffy beverage and used my straw to take a sip. It really was nice.
"Mind if I have the rest?" I questioned. Her eyebrows knitted together.
"Don't push it, Stace." I laughed and we continued talking. She managed to take my mind off the court case and I actually enjoyed myself. Soon we arrived back and I kicked off my boots. Jessica appeared at the top of the stairs with a wide smile.
"You're back! How did it go?" She asked.
"It was very...interesting," I murmured, resting my leather jacket on the hook. She frowned and gestured me to her room. I ascended the stairs and entered the room, flopping down on the mattress. Jessica crossed her legs on the bed and peered at me inquisitively.
"So? What did the lawyer say?" I groaned into the pillow and lay on my back to gaze at the ceiling.
"A whole bunch of shit. It's so long to go through. He said if I plead not guilty it will all work out."
"Then that's good, right?" I shrugged.
"I guess."
"When is the court case?"
"In a couple days." She nodded slowly.
"I'll be there to support you, don't worry." I glanced at her to see the earnest expression on her face. She was serious about this, after all I had gone through she was willing to aid me in clearing my name. I gave a warm smile.
"Thanks." She mirrored my smile in return and abruptly sat up.
"I need to get ready." I raised a brow at the sudden proposition.
"What for?" She got up off the bed and headed over to the side table.
"I'm going out tonight."
"With a guy?" I prompted with a smirk. I noticed the faint blush in her cheeks before she coyly turned away. She was a right cutie whenever she became shy.
"Maybe," she muttered, delving into her drawers. I sat up immediately.
"It is init?" I chuckled when she didn't reply. "I see how it is. Who's the lucky fella?"
"It isn't a date or anything," she grumbled, still not facing my way.
"You're such a liar." She finally faced me, now with hair-straighteners in one hand and a brush in the other.
"Whatever. Will you straighten my hair?" she questioned. I shrugged and she immediately took that as a yes. She handed both items to me then reached for her towel. "I'll be back, gonna shower." I gave a thumbs up and she left the room. Silence enthralled me straight after. I knew that when Jessica left the house I would be bored outta my skull. I guess I could use her laptop later on, but whatever. I wanted to take Aunt Pauline's advice and do anything that would distract me from this upcoming court case. I decided to retrieve my phone and text Rochelle. After all, she had no idea I was back in town. It would be a good idea to surprise her one day.
—Hey, how's it going? x
Immediately she replied;
—Stace! Long time no see.
Life's shit without ya mate, srsly. x
I smiled at that.
—Same here. Hopefully I'll see u around one day.
Wuu2?
—With Luke, he just tired me out so I'm resting XD
Wbu?
—Lol, filthy minx. I'm relaxing myself.
Wat u doing tmro then?
—I'll just be at home rly.
That was perfect. Since she'll be at home, I could easily go round there and surprise her. I could imagine her reaction already and laughed to myself. I decided I would go to see Rochelle in the afternoon, and already that was my day sorted. I continued to text her until Jessica entered the room again; a towel wrapped around her body and her hair damp from the precipitation of the shower. She sauntered over to her wardrobe. I watched as she got out her clothes for the evening and laid them out on the bed.
"It really is a date," I teased. "You're picking out your best clothes." She huffed.
"I just wanna look nice," she mumbled. I laughed and she began to dry herself with the towel. Jessica had a really nice figure. Although she was petite, she made up for it with her hair and beautiful hazel eyes. Her bust wasn't really big; maybe like a 36B, but I was jealous of her toned stomach and thighs. She was an athletic person, always lively and ready to exercise. I remembered my gym membership with Georgia, Tracy and Danielle back in Manchester. I also recalled that annoying prick, Scott, and how he was willing to become my personal trainer. After that I never went back to the gym, much to Scott's annoyance. That's what laziness does to you I guess. Jessica creamed her skin and sprayed herself. She wore her bra and a really small pair of frilly thongs. The sight caused me to sit up instantly.
"Hey, what's with the slutty underwear?" I queried. She laughed.
"It's not that bad..." she paused and looked down at herself. "Is it?"
"If you're looking to shag this guy then maybe it isn't." Her face became red. "But other than that, it's abit much."
"I'm not gonna shag him," she muttered. I lay back down again.
"If you say so." She got dressed in a matter of minutes into a tight fitted, low-cut blouse with and gray skinny jeans. She then turned to me, ready for me to do her hair. I nodded and got up. She took a seat at the edge of her bed and I plugged the straighteners in. As they warmed up, I brushed through Jessica's hair and admired it. She had curly brunette hair; very soft and bouncy. I envied her a little, her hair was quite long and the bangs framed her face. She didn't need to use curlers or anything like that.
"You really wanna straighten it?" I questioned, still brushing through the curly tresses.
"I'm sick of it. I just want it straight." I rolled my eyes and noticed the straighteners were beginning to emit some steam.
"Okay, if you're sure." I picked them up.
"I am. Having curly hair isn't fun; gets tangled easily. It's a right mess."
I began to straighten the first section of hair. "I disagree; it's easier to manage than straight hair."
She scoffed at that. "Try having my hair then come talk to me." I laughed.
"Same to you, mate." Her hair literally flattened once the straighteners were through. "These are powerful."
"Damn right. Ordered them online." I noticed how straight her hair had become, leaving a glossy shimmer in its wake.
"Might have to get myself a pair," I claimed. I moved onto the next section, clamping the straighteners onto her hair and running it through. Soon I was halfway through when I decided to ask, "So who is this guy?"
"Just a friend from school," she answered, peering at her nails. I remembered the day she started at my old school. I had showed her around the building along with Rochelle, Sarah and Chloe. That was quite a while ago now. It was good to know that she managed to settle in without me.
"Do Rochelle and the others know him?" She shrugged lightly.
"I think he's in Sarah's class." I nodded slowly, taking this all in.
"What's his name?"
"Harvey." I raised a brow. I don't recall a Harvey ever being in my year group.
"He must be new," I concluded.
She chuckled. "He is."
"Okay, so his name's Harvey...what's he like?"
"Kind, funny, and fit. Very fit." I laughed and continued with the next section of hair.
"Where are you two going?"
"Just out to eat. It was my idea." I nodded before proceeding. I was very happy for Jessica. She was beautiful and deserved to be with someone, even if was for a little awhile. It was time for her to experience what being with a boy was really like. Aside from being a virgin, she has always been single. I just hoped this Harvey bloke treated her well; otherwise I'd have to step in and teach him a lesson.
"It's obvious you like him. I had no idea you were together."
"Hey, I said he's just a friend!"
I tutted. "You're really gonna lie to me, Jess?"
"I'm not lying," I saw her roll her eyes in the mirror.
"Sure. Whatever you say. Just friends, huh?"
"Yes! But..." I used a clip to divide the hair and started on her fringe.
"But...?" I goaded.
"He may have fingered me...once."
"What?!" My hand slipped and the ceramic plate of the straightener branded her skin. She jolted instantly at the sudden burn.
"OW! Stace!" I moved the straighteners away and she flinched.
"Sorry sorry!" I inspected the burn near her eye. A red burn mark formed straight away. "Shit. Are you okay?"
"The hell do you think?" She touched the burn and cringed at the pain.
"What did you expect? You can't just say something like that and expect me not to react."
"So you burn people when you're shocked?" She turned to glare at me. I sighed and scratched my head.
"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" She shook her head and chuckled a little.
"Was it that much of a shock?"
"Yes!" She laughed and I continued with the fringe. "So...when did that happen?"
"A couple weeks ago."
"And you tell me this now?"
"You didn't ask."
"I didn't know he existed!"
She simply shrugged. "Once again, you didn't ask." I glowered at her and huffed.
"Whatever. How was it?"
"Well uncomfortable. It kinda just...happened. We were in the moment."
"But you're just friends?" Her hands clenched and she sighed deeply.
"I wanna be more, I dunno. I was hoping to talk to him about it today." I nodded slowly.
"Good luck with that." Eventually I finished and turned the straighteners off before standing back to admire. She faced away from the mirror to watch me. Her bouncy locks were no longer existent, instead her shiny brown hair cascaded her shoulders with a little kink. I smiled, impressed with my work.
"Perfect," I beamed. She fidgeted in her seat.
"The burn doesn't show, does it?"
"Erm..." Straight away I saw the fresh burn mark and hastily combed her fringe aside to cover it. "No, course not. It's fine."
She exhaled deeply. "Great. Thanks, Stace."
"Don't mention it. Does your mum know you're going out?"
"Yeah, she thinks I'm going to a friend’s house." She turned to me. "You'll back me up if she asks, right?" I nodded and lay back down in my original spot.
"You can count on me." She grinned.
"Yup." She put on a pair of gold dangle earrings and matching chain then sprayed some Britney Spears: Curious perfume on. She slipped on her blazer and favourite pair of ankle boots. She turned to me and buttoned up the blazer, I took the opportunity to examine her closely.
Simple, yet sexy.
"How do I look?" she questioned.
"Harvey's gonna have a hard time keeping his hands off you." I gave a wink and she laughed.
"Right, well I'm off. Gotta meet him at the bus stop in 15 minutes." I nodded and wished her luck. She said her goodbyes and soon left. As expected the house was silent once she was gone. I spent the rest of the evening with Aunt Pauline until she went upstairs to bed. I decided to follow suit and changed into my pj's before getting into bed. I text Javon to see what he was up to but he didn't reply. I cursed him mentally for ignoring me and soon drifted off into deep slumber.
The following day I appeared at Rochelle's doorstep unannounced. I expected her to overreact and go mental, but not to this extent. She held me tightly and practically squeezed the air out of my lungs, causing me to gasp and splutter.
"Chelle! Can't breathe," I rasped in panic. She released me and watched me with glassy eyes.
"I can't believe you're here! You're gonna make me cry you bitch!" I laughed and stepped in the house. Rochelle closed the door behind her with her foot before leaping towards me once again. This time I saw it coming and hugged her.
"It's been ages," I said. She sighed and analysed me.
"You look so different," she noted in wonderment. She then touched my hair and smiled. "I'm loving the purple." I laughed.
"Thanks mate. You look well different too." My eyes scanned over her midnight blue hair and fresh eyebrow piercing.
Yup, different indeed.
Rochelle was always the type to try out daring new piercings and tattoos. I was expecting a radical change. Out of nowhere she squealed and hugged me a third time. I laughed at her delayed reaction.
"I missed you so much! Things just weren’t the sameee!" I sighed and rubbed her back.
"I'm here now, aren't I?" She released me from her embrace and sniffed. It was then that I realised she had tears in her eyes.
"I didn't think I'd see you again." Seeing her close to tears made my chest tighten. I quickly turned away from her.
"Stop being all sappy, you're gonna make me cry." She giggled and wiped her eyes.
"Sorry. Just can't believe you're here."
"Me either." She led me upstairs to her room, claiming she was home alone. It felt good to be in such a familiar house. This building was literally my second home. Since Rochelle didn't live too far from me; I would pop round almost every day, and vice versa. After spending many months in Manchester it was nice to feel so at ease in Chelle's house. It pained me to think of going all the way back to Manchester in 3 weeks time once the trial is over...if I'm found innocent anyway. Although Rochelle's appearance changed, her room definitely hasn't. Her bed covers were pulled back, it was evident she had just gotten out of bed.
"You tramp. You're only just getting up?" She laughed.
"I was just resting." I rolled my eyes and perched comfortably on her bed. She sat opposite me and beamed merrily.
"So what's new?" I questioned.
"Nothing. School's shit." I laughed at the blunt answer.
"I miss school," I sighed. She noticed my expression.
"Why don't you come back?"
"No point; gotta go back to Manchester in a couple weeks." She huffed in annoyance and folded her arms.
"I thought you were staying abit."
"I'm only here for the trail." Her eyes bulged and suddenly she was aware of the situation that I had informed her on a few months back.
"Oh shit, that's right, the court case," she held her cheeks in worry. "I completely forgot."
I shrugged. "It's not something I'd want you to remember." She frowned.
"I wanna be there when they find you not guilty." That made me smile; just knowing that Rochelle and others like Aunt Pauline and Jessica had my back. I really can count on them, that much was clear.
"We'll see." She raised a brow.
"You don't seem confident."
"That's because I'm not." She groaned irritably.
"What more is there to it? You were abused by that man for eight fucking years! You have all the evidence you need."
"I guess," I grumbled. She sighed heavily.
"Cheer up, Stace. This is supposed to be a happy reunion." I realised how melancholy I was being and forced a smile.
"You're right. Sorry." She waved her hand dismissively.
"Don't worry about it. Tell me about Manchester, I wanna know everything!" I laughed and we caught up on literally...everything. I told her all there was to know about my journey while in Manchester. From reuniting with old friends, to getting a new job, to mum’s injury, to almost shagging Brian in my time of need, to joining the gym, to now. Rochelle gazed at me with bulbous eyes as I went through everything, not interrupting me once. She was genuinely interested in what had gone down since I left my hometown.
"Wow," she rasped. I smiled weakly.
"Very fucked up," I muttered.
She scratched her head. "Yup." I laughed and she told me what she got up to since my departure all those months ago. She hadn't done much but pierce her body and even managed to acquire a new tattoo. I analysed the eccentric patters by her hip with a gaping mouth. The patterns appeared to be flowers, and big ones at that.
"Did it hurt?" I questioned.
"Like a bitch!" I chuckled. "But it's fine now." She zipped up her jeans and I leaned back on the headboard.
"I bet Luke likes the tattoo alot," I beamed, giving her a knowing look. She smirked in return.
"Well sometimes he doesn't take the time to look if he's too busy eating me out." I choked and sputtered on my own saliva. I wasn't expecting her to come out with that!
"What the hell Rochelle!"
"It's true!" Urgh! What is it with people telling me shocking things when I least expect it? Jess and Chelle had a habit of saying weird shit with such straight facial expressions.
"Jesus." She laughed at my reaction.
"Calm down." I sighed and shook my head.
"By the way, is there someone called Harvey in the year group?" She nodded, now reaching over to the shelf to grab a bottle of hot pink nail polish.
"Yep. New guy; he's well fit."
"So I've been told." I laughed.
"Yeah, him and Jess have got so close. I'm jealous." She frowned as she began to apply the polish to the nail of her thumb. I realised what she had said and pouted.
"You have Luke."
"But still." I rolled my eyes. Rochelle was really something else.
"Well watch over her for me. He's her first boyfriend and I don't want him to upset her in any way." She nodded eagerly.
"Don't worry; I'll keep a close eye." The afternoon rolled on and time seemed to pass by. Rochelle had prepared some spaghetti with meatballs and we sat on the couch watching a recorded episode of Maury. We caught up and reminisced on old times, having a right laugh. It was good to forget all the negative things in life for a moment and just enjoy living in the moment. Rochelle always cheered me up no matter what, and I loved her for that! I glanced at the clock to see it was nearly 5pm. After saying my goodbyes and promising Chelle I'd ring her, I left. I didn't wanna depart so soon, but I had to see a certain someone before the day was over.
I rang the doorbell and tapped my foot patiently. It didn't take long to get here at all, roughly ten minutes. After a few seconds the door opened. Javon stood there in a gray vest and black Adidas tracksuit. On his hands were cut leather gloves with red print. I noticed they were the gloves he used when lifting weights. His bleary eyes gazed into mine as he panted heavily. Beads of sweat left his forehead and dripped down his face in intervals. His broad chest moved at a steady pace as he gulped in huge amounts of air. His usual work-outs were definitely beginning to show on his body. I found myself staring at his muscular arms and hardened abs through the thin vest. He smiled and pulled me inside. Once the door was shut he held me close and kissed my forehead.
"Long time no see," he said. I laughed, considering the fact I saw him a couple of days ago. That must not have counted then.
"Mmhm," I smiled. "I had to see you." He pulled away to peer at me.
"That's good, I was gonna tell you to come down." He slid off my coat and hung it on the banister. "Let's go upstairs," he suggested in a low tone. The provocative sentence caused me to raise a brow. Either he was still out of breath from the work out, or he was extremely turned on.
I gulped.
We entered his room and sure enough all the exercise equipment was out. I kicked the silver gym ball aside and sat on the bed. The window was left open and the stereo played soft R&B tunes. The ambience was peaceful and relaxing. I watched as he cleared away all the equipment. He placed the weights by the wall and I frowned.
"You didn't have to stop because of me." If anything, I'd like to see him work out so I could perv on him mentally. He gave a light shrug in return.
"Nah I was finished anyway." I nodded slowly and noticed that besides the blaring music coming from the stereo, the house was quiet.
"Home alone?" I questioned. He turned to me and nodded with a knowing grin. I laughed at his expression. "Whatever you're thinking, stop."
He pulled off his training gloves, gazing at me intently. "I'm thinking you should shower with me." My heart thumped loudly in my chest and my throat immediately became dry at the blunt order.
"But...I don't..."
"It wasn't a question." My eyes widened as he pulled off his sweaty vest, exposing his firm pectoral muscles and alluring abs. I swallowed hard and fell into some kind of trance, squeezing my thighs together to try and subdue the rushing hormones.
Oh God...
He noticed my staring and smirked. "C'mon, Stace."
Just like that, my legs began to move on their own accord. I found myself standing up from the bed and advancing towards him slowly with parted lips and an erratic heartbeat. Once I was close enough he picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bathroom. I stirred and felt giddy to be in his strong arms alone. It was clear I didn't need a shower, but the thought of my naked body close to Javon's as the hot water rushed over us made me squirm in delight. He placed me down gently and I noticed the shower was already running, creating immense steam to fill the entire room with a warm, inviting haze. He closed the door with his foot and smiled down at me.
"Let's get you out these clothes," he murmured with a craving look in his eye. I sighed as his dexterous hands slithered up my top instantly, gently caressing my skin.
"I'm already clean," I muttered. He watched me with half-lidded eyes and began to lift up my top.
"I wanna get you dirty," he whispered. He pecked me gently on the lips and discarded the top completely, throwing it aside without a care. I gulped and shivered once his bare hands ran over my arms and back, leaving goosebumps in its wake. His lips attached to mine again as he pulled at the zipper of my jeans. By now my heart was racing and my chest had tightened from sheer excitement and desire. Using my hand I pulled him closer to me in order to deepen the kiss. The winter-mint taste of his mouth pushed me to slide my tongue through and join with his. Javon was such an amazing kisser; I always got caught up in the moment. Just feeling his soft lips brush against mine was enough to make me orgasm.
Okay, not really, but still!
He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth as his hands continued to wander. I clutched onto him and felt my knees buckle in longing. By now his hard-on was prominent through his tracksuit and the bulge was showing. My other hand slipped down to the firm erection, cupping it and feeling the growing length in my palm. His hips bucked involuntarily and he smiled into the kiss. I ran my fingers over the shaft through the material, causing him to grunt in satisfaction. He pulled away and ground his hips into mine, breathing heavily as more steam arose.
"This is what you do to me," he hissed, almost as an accusation. Now all of a sudden it was my fault, when really all I had done was step through the front door. His lips shifted down to the crook of my neck, sucking and biting gently. I threw my head back and panted as the luxurious feeling enveloped me.
"Javon..."
"I've held back for so long now, Stace." He gazed at me with wanton green eyes, clouded with lust and yearning.
"I know," I sighed and he hooked his fingers into the waistband of my jeans, ready to pull them down. "Wait." I paused once I heard my ringtone from the other room. His teeth grazed the skin of my neck. He exhaled deeply, annoyed at the intrusion.
"What's that?" he asked.
"My phone...that could be my mum." I fixed my jeans and quickly left the steamy bathroom, heading back into Javon's room where my handbag was vibrating on his bed. I reached into it to retrieve my phone. I cursed when I saw a missed call from mum. I hadn't spoken to her in quite a while since I forgot to call her yesterday. She was probably ringing to see how I was. I attempted to call her back but she didn't answer. I sighed and threw my phone down, then something on the duvet caught my eye. I crawled further onto the bed to get nearer to the item that rested on the pillow, bundled up in a heap.
I grabbed it and lifted it up for closer inspection. "What the heck?"
My brows furrowed when I realised exactly what it was.
A pair of lacy red thongs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
I will forever be apart of #TeamJavon.