BRUISED PETALS

LET’S PARTY SHALL WE.

As we neared the party, my hands tightened on my lap, preparing myself for whatever awaited.

I stepped into the hall and instantly regretted it.

The lights were low, the music heavy, the air thick with laughter, alcohol and perfume. I could feel the stares before I even reached the center of the room. My fingers curled into the fabric at my sides.

I was so glad I wore a mask, draped delicately over my eyes.

Whispers rose around me. I heard my name once or twice. Everyone either looked confused, shocked or surprised or went through all of this emotions.

I felt eyes boring into me and I looked towards the right and I locked eyes with Jordan. He smirked and drank out of a glass. JMG;minus Steve who was beside me acting as a body guard, signaled for us to come over.

Steve locked hands with me almost immediately and dragged me through the puzzled crowd toward them. They did a quick JSMG handshake, meanwhile none of them could take their eyes off me especially Jordan.

"I was so wrong. You look amazing, if I didn't know you I would definitely pull you for a dance". Matthew voiced out. I smiled genuinely. "Well, Thankyou".

"I don't mind us being friends with benefit". Godfrey joked eyeing me up and down respectfully. I laughed at his jokes and turned towards Jordan waiting for him to say something. Probably, a compliment like the others. It never came, he only wouldn't look away from me. I tore my eyes from him a little disappointed . What was I expecting from him anyways. While, Godfrey started talking about how Arianna left his texts unanswered. I looked around for Gideon.

Then I saw him.

He was talking with his friends, casually sipping something from a glass, I wondered if he saw me walk in or he wasn't in the room.

And then… he looked up.

Right at me.

His brows lifted slightly, and then his mouth curled into that crooked smile I'd memorized from across the lecture hall.

He walked over, slow, eyes scanning me like he was solving a puzzle.

"You look…" he paused, glancing over me again, "breathtaking".

My heart slammed against my ribs. I gave him the tiniest smile. "Do I know you?" I teased, voice low.

He chuckled. "Might I remind you milady. May I have this dance?" He asked. I heard Steve huff but I ignored it.

It was the first time anyone had shown interest in me.

"I thought you would never ask". I replied almost immediately and placed my palm in his outstretched hand.

He smiled and lead me to the dancing floor while everyone looked.

"I'm not a good dancer". I added immediately I remembered.

"Don't worry. I'll guide you, just follow the rhythm". He said as the dj changed the music and his friends grabbed someone and joined him on the dance floor. Soon, everyone was dancing.

Gideon's hand slipped into mine after our dance, his smile soft but unreadable.

"Want to go somewhere quieter?" he asked, voice smooth.

I hesitated, glancing back towards where Steve stood stiffly against the wall, jaw clenched. His glare met mine, then flicked to Gideon.

He looked like he wanted to say something. But he didn't.

Instead, he turned and left the party, disappearing past the inner doors.

I followed Gideon down a corridor bathed in shadows, uncertain but trying not to show it. My heart beat a little too fast. "Where are we going?"

"Just around here," he said. "Common, don't be scared. I know you like me".

The air shifted.

He turned to face me, stepping closer. He was too close it felt uncomfortable. His hand brushed my cheek, then moved lower, too low. I stepped back.

"I think we should head back."

He didn't move.

His smile was gone. In its place was something darker, impatient. He reached for me again, this time firmer. I flinched, pushing his arm away. "I said no—" I was cutoff with his lips on mine. It felt so cold. It was nothing close to what I had imagined. I always thought he would be my first kiss but certainly not like this. I tried to push him away but he was too strong. He bit my bottom lips aggressively like he wanted more. The way his hands trailed all over my body reminded me of my abusive uncle. Suddenly, everywhere felt suffocating.

He pulled at the fabric of my dress. In the struggle, the stomach area tore with a loud rip, my scars suddenly exposed in the flickering hallway light. I froze, breath caught in my throat. I tried to scream but he placed his hands on my mouth immediately.

"Get away from her!"

A blur of movement.

Jordan.

He shoved Gideon off me with enough force to send him stumbling into the wall. Gideon barely had time to react before Jordan's fist connected with his jaw.

"Touch her again, and I swear—" He hit him over and over again only stopping when Gideon was almost out of breathe.

I couldn't breathe. Tears stung my eyes, not from fear, but from the shock. From the pain of the ripped fabric. From the shame I shouldn't have felt. I only wanted today to be amazing. Why does everyone treat me like an object. I should have listened to Steve. I shouldn't have come. What would have happened if Jordan didn't show up. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

Jordan stood between us, chest rising and falling. His voice, when he spoke again, was quieter.

"You okay?"

I nodded stiffly, hugging my torn dress around me.

"Let's get you out of here." I nodded and held the ripped part over my stomach covering up my scars as much as I could.

He kept his hand on my back as we walked, ready to shield me from the whispers and stares, from everything I didn't want to face.

And for the first time that night, I felt really safe.

Jordan's grip on my arm was firm but gentle as he pulled me away from the chaos of the party. The noise faded behind us, the laughter, the music, the flashing lights and suddenly it was just the two of us in the driveway.

"I've got you," he said barely above a whisper.

Jordan slipped off his leather jacket and gently draped it over my shoulders. The cool night air bit at my skin, but the jacket felt like a shield, warm and protective.

"Hold on tight," he said, leading me to his motorcycle parked just outside. He put his hermet on me locking eyes with me in the process. My cheeks started heating up and he looked away when someone cleared their through. Jordan stepped back from me immediately and the cool air hit my face.

"What happened man?" Matthew asked as he and Godfrey walked up to us.

Jordan looked over at me asif asking for permission and I nodded my head. They needed to know.

"Gideon tried to take advantage of her. I saw him isolating her and tried to follow him. Some girls stopped me trying to flirt with me. I tried to turn them down quickly and when I looked he was no longer in the passage way. I looked around for them and when I found them, he was all over her. He even ripped her clothes". He replied as they gasped.

"That fuckboy! I'll deal with him". Godfrey shouted angrily fist clenched.

"I already took care of it". Jordan added.

"Man, this is messed up. Trying to assault a girl is out of it. I hate men like that. How dare him lay his hands on our friend". Matthew added clearly annoyed. "I'll show him. Let's go scatter his f*****g party".

"You guys do what you need to and get out. I'll take her home". Jordan replied.

They nodded and turned back returning back to the party with rage. It felt good knowing they would fight for me or defend me. I hope they don't get into trouble.

Jordan looked at me and got onto his motorcycle urging me to do the same. I dragged my slit above my knee before getting on his bike.

"Hold me tightly. I'm not exactly slow on the road", he said immediately. I obeyed and put my two hand around him gripping unto him firmly.

My heart raced, I didn't know if it was because of him or because It was my first time on a bike. I hoped it was the latter. The rumble of the engine sent a thrill through me. As he revved the motorcycle and we took off, the world blurred around us, but I felt strangely alive, like I was finally breaking free from what happened a while ago.

Soon, we pulled up outside Steve's house. Jordan helped me off the bike, and I said a quick thankyou. He helped out so much today and I was beginning to see him in another light.

Steve was waiting at the door. I saw his face soften with relief and lingering worry in his eyes. He ran to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Matthew called, he told me what happened. I went home after texting Jordan to keep an eye on you, since he won't be busy with any girl". He replied shaking. "I had just gotten home very angry that you agreed to dance with him. I shouldn't have left you like that there. I failed you. I was rushing out to come get you when he told me Jordan was already bringing you home".

I was a little disappointed hearing that. Did Jordan only save me and was on a look out for me because Steve instructed him too. I thought he cared even a little bit, but I guess I was wrong.

"I'll be fine. It's not the first time anyway". I replied eyes wet.

"What does she mean it's not the first time?" I overheard Jordan ask but we both ignored him.

"I want to go in. I'm really cold. I just want to have a long shower". I replied and whispered into Steve's ears. "Please, don't tell Jordan anything about me". He looked at me and nodded.

He thanked Jordan and gave him a bro hug.

"Your eyes on the road man. Get home safely".

"Don't worry about me. Take care of her man". Jordan replied putting on his helmet. We watched him ride off before Steve guarded me into the house.

I went upstairs immediately avoiding further conversation with him. I met Elisa fast asleep. I wonder if she'll ever lend me her things again. The first time she does that I return with it torn. I didn't return Jordan's jacket I said quietly when I realized it was on me.

I picked on my phone and got his number from the group when I received a message from him. This was the first time he has texted me.

—Hey, I kinda just got home. I hope you feel better. Just checking in. It's Jordan btw.—

I smiled subconsciously at his text before sending a quick reply.

—I'll have your leather jacket washed and returned to you through Steve by Friday—*****Tessy

—You can keep it. Wdym returned through Steve by Friday though? Won't you be in school? Is there something I'm missing?— ******Jordan

I starred at his last message and dropped my phone. I don't think I should respond yet. I just quickly had my bath and climbed onto the bed gently so as not to wake or shake Elisa.