Priceless

Study hall came and I greeted it with a nap on the lawn of the Arts building basking in the shade of the great oak tree. J.P. was sitting against the tree bark typing a paper that was probably due in two weeks’ time since he likes to get things done early. Usually his restlessness in getting the job done is the pun of sex jokes. Like, “Did you finish before her?” or “Now, now don’t rush it,” and it usually makes Donny and me laugh like idiots, J.P. on the other hand remains quiet. I sometimes wonder if he is even a virgin.

“J.P.” I called.

“Hmm,” he continued typing, “what is it?”

I rolled over to look at him, “Are you a virgin?”

His typing ceased as he peered over the screen, “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. I wanna know if you fucked with anyone yet.”

His attention returned to the screen as his typing resumed, “Afraid I’d lose it before you?” Wow that’s a first. He doesn’t usually make sexual referenced humor.

I huffed and army crawled to him so I could lean on the tree too, “It’s not that. It’s just I was thinking.”

“About my sex life? Can you really afford to think of that? As we speak the house is being prepared for your father’s return home. My attention would be on that, and not who I have or have not fucked with.”

I looked at him a little surprised at how he was going about the conversation, and dodging giving me a direction answer.

“I know dad’s coming home tonight, and I don’t want to dwell on that so I’m making conversation.”

“And does the topic have to be about my virginity?” he looked at me and I shrugged.

“I was just thinking about those promises friends make with each other,” He looked confused, “you know like the ones friends make about if they aren’t married in so many years they will get married to each other. So what if we did one? It will be that if we don’t lose it in the next three years we’ll just do each other.”

He looked taken aback, “won’t it seem weird? I mean we’ve known each other forever. Hell we used to take baths together!”

I sighed, “you know people in the movies never made this much ruckus when asked this question. And they’re talking about marriage, a lifelong thing where as I am asking for one fuck night.”

He raised a brow, “On the account of sounding conceded I highly doubt you can handle me.”

I felt tightness in my stomach as well as my face heat up, DAMN, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think you just turned me on.” I could feel my heart race and I grabbed his hand and put it to my chest, “Can you feel how fast my heart is beating?”

“Um…the only thing I can feel is your breast,” I followed his gaze to where he was groping me and we awkwardly moved apart.

I played with the dirt as we sat in silence letting the atmosphere gain the weight of our awkwardness. I could hear him pull grass and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Usually guys would take a girl to dinner, and give a first kiss before running to second base,” I smiled and looked at him noticing his rosy cheeks. “I guess being childhood friends means we go about thing a little differently.”

“Yeah, like promising possible sex in three years,” He said slowly and then shook his head, “I must be out of my mind.”

I jumped up and sat in front of him, “So you agree?” he nodded and I couldn’t help but squeal and pull him into a hug. I know promising to have sex with your best friend isn’t something someone usually is happy about, but I’m not an ordinary person, and neither is J.P. I stood up and spun around feeling the breeze blow my hair around and playing a smile on my lips. “You know what’s funny about this?” he shook his head, “You have bad ass lawyer blood flowing through you, so that means I’ll get seriously screwed.” He laughed revealing his pearly whites.

“What’s all the laughing and smiling about?” Donny said jumping on my back, “let me in.”

I looked at J.P. who seemed to give off a, ‘don’t tell him,’ vibe. Like he knew that Donny would either tell us to break the promise, or beg to be involved in it and I am not the kind of girl up for a three-some. One dick is enough and two is just asking for things to get dirty and very slutty. Granted I bet sometime in the future I probably wouldn’t have a problem with it, but for my first time I’d like to keep it a one on one private matter. Also there is the matter of J.P.’s…conceded comment he made.

J.P. snapped his laptop shut just as Bandit came skipping towards us arm-in-arm with Roderick, who look less than amused at the moment. She broke away from him and jumped on me at the same time swishing Donny away. Funny it was always Donny she fought with when it came to clinging to me. Giving me a smile she planted her lips on me and then pulled away licking her lips.

“Yummy as always,” she planted her feet to the ground and then tugged on Roderick’s shirt, “I brought him.”

I looked at her confused because I know for sure I didn’t tell Bandit to bring Roderick to me, and with the tracking device I always know where he is. Still she smiled at me widely waiting for a reward of some sort thinking she did well. Caving into her I wrapped my arms around her waist and brought her close for a smooth and fulfilling kiss that I give to her when she does what I want. I could feel her anxiety bubble through her as her knees were buckling with pleasure and desire. The taste of her strawberry lip gloss slipped into my mouth and I couldn’t help but smirk at her choice of gloss that happened to be my favorite. I pulled us apart and she slowly opened her eyes and smiled widely.

“Okay I have to have a talk with him so I’ll meet up with you next period,” she nodded and then skipped away leaving the four of us alone.

“What does she mean you called for him?” J.P. sounded confused, “you’ve been with me.”

I looked at Donny who only shrugged, “I don’t know anything.”

This didn’t make sense at all to me. After the incident earlier this morning with Zeke I parted ways with Roderick. He went to his class and I went to mine after I told him not to go near Zeke since he was pissed. Questions poured from him like a river about ‘who was Zeke,” and “what the hell was he particularly mad about?” of course I didn’t answer him. Who could tell a person they hardly know that the guy they just saw making out was the person you might marry some day? No one I would think…unless that person was very trust worthy. As for me it takes a lot for a person to gain my trust, but then again there are people out there who would want me dead so I have to be really strict in whom I choose to keep close to me.

Zeke is somewhat close to me but that’s only because we grew up together knowing we’d probably be forced onto each other. Derek is very close to me and I trust him with my life seeing as he saved it many times. Donny and J.P. are also people I trust with my life, and then there is Bandit…ah Bandit…I trust he, but she fears intense pain so letting her know about my life style may scare her. So I protect her and not the other way around. Then there are the people in my group that I call a family and then that’s it. So far I don’t classify Roderick as someone who would take a bullet for me; then again I don’t think my dad will find out about him. Cause then all hell would break loose.

I glance at Roderick who looked upset as he crossed his arms, “can you tell me why I was scared shitless and pulled out of the urinal by a girl that didn’t seemed at all fazed by the boys’ bathroom?”

Bandit pulled him out of the bathroom while he was peeing? God, I need to give her something, “I don’t know why. She thinks I told her to get you even though I haven’t spoken with her yet today.”

Something’s fishy about this…smells like someone is messing with me. I don’t like tricks and being messed with. A lot of people in this school know that and keep their distances like I was a dangerous animal of something. You know, poke the sleeping lion and you’re bound to get bitten, and that how people viewed me. I’m a sleeping lioness and so far the only guy to ‘poke’ me is the one that is now my dog. I could wrap my head around the idea of someone standing up to me. It’s something that is too ludicrous to even contemplate at the moment. The bell rang and we –including Roderick-made our way to the Art building for class. I take filmography with Donny and as it turns out Roderick and J.P. are in the same photography class.

When you open the doors colored walls and graffiti stairways fill your line of vision. I stretched and yawned feeling my sleepiness still linger inside me. My eyes scanned the lobby and fell on the vending machine and I walked over to it and fed it some money. Pressing for a Coke it spat out a plastic bottle with a red wrapping. “Thank God, I need caffeine.” I took a huge gulp and offered some to Donny and J.P.

J.P. passed and Donny reached for the bottle when Roderick scuffed. I gave him a look and he narrowed his blue eyes, “You really like to pass around your saliva don’t cha?”

Well isn’t that something straight out of left field, “what the hell are you talking about?”

“What you did with that girl earlier, kissing me yesterday, and letting him take a sip from your drink.” He shook his head, “I don’t like it.”

I stepped up to him and put a finger to his chest jabbing him, “well nobody gives a fuck about what you think.” I hissed, “And forget about yesterday’s lip lock. I means shit to me, so it should mean the same to you.”

He smirked down at me, “kissing is just a reflex to you isn’t it? Makes me question how many guys you ‘ve tongue wrestled with,” he bent down closer towards me; “let me guess. The numbers go into the double digits.”

I stared at him closely and let the corner of my mouth curve into devilish smile, “bad pets get put down by their owners remember. Don’t think you’re untouchable and take for granted my generosity. Piss me off and I swear what I’ll do to you isn’t going to be something I’ll lose sleep over.”

His expression changed a little but he held his ground, “You know I’ll fight back on this matter.”

I blinked a few times feeling confused, “which matter are you talking about?” he smirked and started to walk away making me mad. “Roderick!” he turned around and I flicked him off, “Kiss my ass.”

“I think enough people do that already,” and then he left. Ooh he’s going to be a handful, or at least that’s what my boiling blood is telling me. I huffed and looked at the two dumbfounded friends at my side. Donny looked like he wanted to laugh and J.P. just smiled only making me ticked more.

“I think he’ll fit in,” J.P. said looking at me.

“Yeah,” Donny chimed in, “I think you’ve met your match.”

I scowled and walked to the stairs to head towards the classroom on the third floor. If Roderick was match to anyone it would be a five-year old school girl that still wets the bed, or that bitch Tiffany. I on the other hand am a force to be reckoned with and I pity my future spouse. Whoever I marry has to run the family business, with a few conditions of course to prevent any conflicts between people. Then there is also the information that only my mother, father, Derek, and I know that the candidates have no idea about. I pity them as well.

In class Donny. and I sat in the middle as Mr. Hannah turned the lights off for the movie. We watch Sunset Boulevard, and yes it’s in black and white. Times went quickly and it hit me that in this class it always seems there isn’t enough time. I guess watching a movie makes you want more time in the day. I walked from the room and bypassed Bandit and J.P. who were at the door waiting for me and Donny. I flew down the stairs and headed towards the door when I heard a guy mutter something as I passed him.

I stopped in my tracks and gave him a pissed look. “What the hell did you say to me?”

Taking a step closer he looked down at me, “I called you bitch, bitch.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

His blue eyes looked at me menacingly, “You should watch yourself murderess bitch.”

I could feel my anger rise, “Watch your words.” I growled.

“Do tell me what to do,” he grabbed my hair and yanked it up in the air. “I don’t treat trash so kindly.”

I grabbed his arm and lifted myself kicking him in the chest and face. He released my hair and stumbled back, face red, fists clenched. His nostrils we’re flaring like a maddening bull as he eyed me. I dropped my bag and loosened my tie and top two buttons. “I hope you didn’t have plans to have children.”

He scuoffed, “As if you’d care,” he tossed his blazer to the floor and took a step towards me and then he suddenly fell to the floor. “What the hell?” he yelled when a blade went to his throat.

“Don’t threaten her,” Donny said his voice sounding dark. He sat on the guys back holding him down like a predator on its prey. “So you’re the one I was told to look out for,” Donny scuffed in the guy’s face, “Damn cop kid.” He is the son of a cop? “Oh wait, your parents are dead. Living with aunt and uncle now right?”

“Asshole,” the guy hissed.

I watched Donny smile like a mad man when Lindsey came up to Donny, “Get off of him!” she yelled. Donny looked at her and his friendly smile came back.

“Oh hey sweetheart.” Clearly he dismissed what she yelled at him.

“What are you doing to him? Get off my brother!” she screamed and Donny withdrew his swiss army knife. He rolled off of him and jumped up to place his knife in his back pocket like nothing happened. “Are you okay Taylor?” she helped him up as he nodded and then shot a look at Donny. “what were you doing to him? I thought you were nice.”

“He started it,” I gained her attention.

“What? That’s a lie he doesn’t start fights.”

I shook my head, “He called me bitch, trash, and other things. Not to mention he pulled my hair,” I pointed to my messed up locks, “Donny was only protecting me.”

She looked taken aback and then her attention went to Taylor, “you attack her? She is the only person to stand up for me and you go after her? What the hell is wrong with you?”

He reached out to her and tugged on the silver necklace Donny had given her, “they aren’t our friends. They’re killers and criminals. Not our friends,” he tugged on the chain ripping it off her neck. “Mom and dad must be rolling in their graves knowing you befriended a mafia girl.”

“Mom and dad said as long as they are a good person, nice, and I liked them I could be friends. They said that then and I’m going to continue with that now.” She walked over to me, “They are nice to me, and she is a good person. So I’ll be damned if you try to chase her away only because of what you say her background is.”

Taylor seemed to look as if she slapped him, “but having connections with her may put you in danger one day. She may have you killed Lindsey!”

“Then either accept them and stand by me so you can protect me, or stay the hell out of my business.” Her voice was rising as she stood up to him.

Taylor’s expression softened, “you don’t mean that.”

“I’m not kidding, Taylor. I’ve never had more than one friend before, and in tough times they always abandoned me. She helped me out and is kind so do you really think I’ll let go of my only friend just because you say so?”

He looked pissed again, “Fine,” he snapped and then stomped away. Lindsey sighed and then looked at me sadly.

“I’m sorry for his behavior,” she frowned and I kissed her on her forehead.

“I’ve had worse things done to me. So don’t worry about it,” I looked down at her and smiled, “Though I must admit I surprised you raised your voice and got angry at someone.” She giggled and I decided to give her a reward, but not the ones I give to Bandit. “Hey do you want to go to a party?”

She looked surprised as did J.P. and Donny, “You don’t mean his party do you?” Donny asked and I nodded.

“She’ll have to dress up,” J.P. noted her uniform, “I doubt she carries a evening gown in her locker.”

I gave him a harsh glare to shut the hell up, and he did. I turned my attention back to her and looked at her short dark brown hair, and her blues eyes that hid behind her glasses. With the right dress and stylist she could be a knock out all she needs is the right person for the job, and here I am. “I have something at home that will make her look drop dead gorgeous.” I took her arm in arm.

“Really?” her voice dripped with excitement.

“I will make you look so fine men would go into battle for you,” she smiled as we left the building headed for the parking lot. She skipped as we approached the car and I pulled out the keys to unlock it.

“Your car is so cool,” she squealed and jumped in. Technically it’s Derek’s, but who am I to turn down a compliment.

“Thanks,” I said and then felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I looked at Donny and J.P., “what?”

“Should we bring Roderick to the party too?” J.P. asked and I shook my head, “well I think we should.”

“Why?” I whispered.

“Think about it Andy. Everyone’s going to be there to greet him, and when he hears that you added a new member and didn’t introduce them he’ll suspect something.”

“Not to mention he’ll feel insulted,” Donny added, “I rather have you bring him then risking both of you if he gets angry.”

I sighed, feeling defeated, “fine then. Bring him, but make sure he is properly dressed for my dad to see and approve of. Oh and don’t take him straight to the party,” I opened my door, “bring him to my room first. I want to appear with him so I can introduce him to everybody.” I will not leave him alone to make a jackass of himself and me. They both nodded and went to their cars as I got in mine. I put the keys in the ignition and waited to hear Donny’s and J.P.’s cars to start.

“So what’s this party all about?” Lindsey asked as the roar of two cars cued me to back out.

“It’s a welcome home party,” I said as I reversed the car and then put it drive.

Lindsey looked out the window, “do they always follow you?” She was referring to the expensive cars following me.

“Yeah,” I smirked to myself, “getting rid of them is a fun thing to do.”

We both laughed as we left the campus we the guys behind us. We talked for a while and then it turned into a singing contest. I somehow lost the game and she was giddy at the impressive win. You wouldn’t know by looking at her, but she has an amazing voice that she could be on American Idol. We reached the house and the gate open making me guess that Derek saw us coming up on the security camera. I drove in and parked near the garage do to the large amount of cars that will be showing up later tonight and J.P. and Donny did the same. I put the car into the garage and shut the car off when someone knocked on my window. Jack peered at me smiling while his eyes hid behind his messy brown hair. I opened the door and gave him a hug as he flashed his pearly whites.

“I saw that the wealth was gone this morning,” he pulled apart and then nudged me, “where’d you stash him?”

I lightly punched him, “he’s my dog now Jack. He’ll be here tonight to meet mom and dad so be nice to him.”

“I won’t bite him,” his eyes moved over me, “but I can’t say the same about that lamb.” I turned around and remembered Lindsey. She stood next to the car holding her bag looking awkward and out of place.

I put a hand on his chest and slightly pushed him back, “she’s a friend,” I said sounding a little defensive, “hands off.”

He looked down at me and winked, “as long as she don’t trigger the beast all is well,” I hit him in the chest and he laughed. We sauntered to Lindsey and I slipped my arm around her waist to make sure Jack wouldn’t drag her into the black hole that is his horny-ness. He took her hand in his and kissed it causing Lindsey to turn red, “Hello cutie.” He lifted his head and smiled at her, “what’s your name?”

“Lin-Lindsey,” she stuttered.

Jack released her hand, “I’m Jack as well a Jack of all trades.”

“More like Jack ass,” I snapped and dragged Lindsey away.

“Lindsey,” Jack called out and we both turned around, “save me a dance.” He winked at her and I knew I was going to watch Lindsey the whole night. I walked Lindsey to the house and was about to open the door when it opened revealing Derek who held his hand out to me.

“Keys. Now.” I dropped them into his hand and he stormed past me, “be back later!” he called and then stopped in his tracks, “he isn’t home now so quickly get ready.” Then he ran to the garage. I watched him drive away leaving a trail of dust in his wake before entering the house that was thrown into chaos. People were running everywhere, cleaning, tables were being brought in along with chairs and oh yeah half of the men living in my house are running around half naked.

“Um…welcome to my home?” I said gesturing her in when I felt weight on my shoulders’.

“Damn,” Donny said looking at the same chaos I was, “God I hope they stay out of my room.”

Lindsey looked at Donny, “you live here too?” she sounded surprised and he just nodded happily. “Why?”

“Cause little Miss, Miss,” he sounded playful and it bothered me a bit. Though I attribute that to my nervousness for the introduction I’m going to have to do, “my dad’s Max’s right-hand man. So that makes me hers and I need to be close in case something happens.” I could hear the smile in his voice as Jerry came up to us.

“Listen misfits we need room and you’re in the way,” he said to us, “and you two,” he pointed to J.P. and Donny. “If you aren’t going to freshen up and get presentable you can lend us muscle.”

I suddenly felt lighter as Donny moved in front of me heading towards the stairs, “I think I have your tux here,” and then he made his exit.

J.P. sighed and followed him up the stairs leaving me and Lindsey with Jerry.

“That was your que too honey,” he pointed up the stairs and I smiled. “Don’t flash me a smile, move, move.” He swished at us like a fly and I escorted Lindsey to my room. I closed the door behind me and threw my bag on the floor.

“Sit anywhere and feel free to make yourself comfy,” I gestured to my chair and bed. She sat on the bed and looked around at the messy floor. I wondered to my closet and moved through the clothing looking for something to make her looking smashing. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed her hair. Oh hell no. I walk up to her and touched it feeling some weird film on it, “What’s going on with your hair?”

“Ah, yeah,” she played with a strand, “I had a little run in today with a questionable liquid substance.” I cringed and then walked away to grabbed my robe and tossed it at her.

“Shower’s through there.” I pointed to my bathroom, “Freshen up as I find you something killer.” She took the robe in hand and walked in leaving me to my clothes and thoughts. First of all who the hell poured something on her? If I find out who it was they are dead, as in I’ll beat them up that they’ll look shit face. But until then I have to find her something lovely, yet not so ‘come fuck me up’. Cause in that case I’ll have to sedate and stash Jack away somewhere because he won’t be able to handle his libido. Moving clothes aside my hand brushed against a Nordstrom bag that seem to cover a dress. I pick up the hanger and brought it to my bed and removed the bag. Ah this is perfect! A strapless silver dress that went down to above the knees a tad bit and it also had a nice design that it was perfect for her. Laying it on the bag I ran back to the closet and search for shoes that I knew I had that went with the dress.

I found the box and pulled out black boot wedges that would be easier for her to walk in if she wasn’t comfortable in heels. I tossed them beside the bed and went to my jewelry box to find some hanging earring to make her short hair pop. I found some silver ones along with a heart charm bracelet and one silver bangle. Oh God I’m getting excited to play dress up with her like a six year old. I heard the shower stop and the door open showing a drenched Lindsey with her short clinging to her.

“I found the perfect outfit for you!” I jumped up and down. She smiled and then it slowly dismissed, “what’s wrong?”

“I was thinking about what underwear did I wear?” she ask sheepishly and I went to my drawer to fish something out.

“Here,” I held out a black panty and an old black strapless, “These should fit.” She took them nervously and looked at them. Probably due to the fact they were product of Victoria Secrets and I doubt she owns anything from there. “Okay so I’m going to hit the shower and Mary will come in to fix you up.” Technology Mary is supposed to help me, but what’s helping one more person? I grabbed a towel and made my way into the bathroom and turned the water on. Stripping I left my clothes on the floor and stepped into the water. As I shampooed I wondered if I’ll see Zeke tonight, and if I do will he start drama cause Roderick’s there. Ugh I don’t like drama. The water rinsed the shampoo out of my hair and I quickly finished my shower feeling like time was escaping me.

I stepped out and wrapped myself in the towel and walked into my room where Mary was styling Lindsey’s hair. She was giving it a wispy look as if she was walking down the runway with a breeze. Her eyes were smoky and beautiful that I felt the urge to jump her and pull her into a hug, but I held back. Making my way to my dresser I heard Mary clear her throat.

“Andrea I didn’t know you were bringing a friend to the party,” she looked at me, “you should have warned me.”

I glanced at her and mouthed a ‘sorry,’ and she nodded before returning to work on Lindsey’s hair. Looking through my drawer I pulled out a black a laced with a matching strapless bra that would make any guy eat his heart out. Still wearing the towel I slipped my underwear on and then walked to my closet and put my bra on. Picking out my red dress I hung it on the door and pulled out my black heels placing them under the dress. I turned around to find my lotion when I noticed Mary and Lindsey and watching me.

“What? Is it wrong that I own sexy underwear?” they just both looked at me and then Lindsey got off the chair and Mary motioned for me. I walked over and sat in front of the mirror as she played with my hair making it look wavy and flow-y. In the reflection I could see Lindsey put on the dress and it looked great on her that I was somewhat proud of myself for choosing it. Mary worked her magic and pulled out the hair dryer and moose making my hair look the way I love.

With a hug and a thank you she left the room leaving me to dawn on my dress and accessories. Slipping on the red dress and shoes I told Lindsey about the earring and pulled them out for her to put on. She loved them and I felt happy as I pulled my black ones out and put them on. I passed her the bracelets and as she put those on I dawned on mine with a silver ring. Ah now that I think of it I should probably take of Zeke’s ring for the night.

I reached behind my neck and undid the clasp letting it drip as I took it off. I placed with the rest of the jewelry and put on a different necklace. Glancing at Lindsey I notice I didn’t have a necklace to complete here look and felt a bit sad. Granted we looked great, but I felt that her look wasn’t complete.

“Ladies,” Donny said from the other side of my door, “dressed yet?”

I rolled my eyes, “Come in, it’s open!” I called and the door open and he walked in. “Why don’t you look dashing.”

“The name’s bond, Donny Bond,” Lindsey laughed and I smiled at him as I heard music drift into the room from the ball room. Yes, my house is big enough for a ball room…what can I say? I live in a mansion. “So are we all done sprucing up?”

“Well if I can find her a necklace,” I put a hand on my hip.

“No problem,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver necklace Taylor ripped off Lindsey. “Got this little baby repaired so if you’ll please?” he gestured for her to turned around and she did. He placed the necklace on her giving the look a final touch that it needed. “Darling you look to die for,” Donny laughed and she blushed. I guess she isn’t used to guy humor…or something is developing. “Oh,” he snapped his fingers, “J.P. has him for you downstairs.”

Roderick’s here already? “Okay we’ll go now since we’re done,” I looked at Lindsey. “Ready to make a scene?” she nodded and Donny offered us his arms.

We this offer and he smiled, “I’m a lucky guy to have hot girls on him.” We laughed as we walked down the hall and stairs to the front door where Roderick and J.P. were standing. Both were wearing tuxes and looked sharp. Roderick watched me come down the stairs and I couldn’t help but feel his eyes burn through me.

“Like what you see?” I asked coming up to Roderick and he looked away.

“Roderick?” Lindsey said questionably and his head snapped to look at her.

“Lindsey?” he was shocked, “what are you doing here?”

“I was invited by Andy as a friend. What are you doing here?”

He looked at me, “How do you know my cousin?”

“She’s related to you?” I was surprised.

“Um…Andy,” Donny touched my hand the moment I saw a shadow come over me.

“What are you doing over here Andrea?” that deep recognizable voice asked me.

I turned around slowly and looked at the towering man, “Welcome home dad.”