“Rough night?” His smile spread across his face. He looked so happy. His nearly black eyes lit up when he smiled.
“Hmm could say that.” I knew I was frowning.
“You haven’t taken any of my classes lately?” His head tilted to one side and I gulped down another mouthful of wine.
“I’ve been really busy with uni classes.” He shoved my shoulder playfully and I smiled at him. It was a weak smile. I didn’t want to smile. I was furious.
“Well I’ve got a spare spot after my class on a Wednesday? Why don’t you have a dabble at teaching?” I raised my brow. Me? Teach? “Hey I watched you the other evening in Marie’s class, you’re great and people watch you.” I chuckled and shrugged.
“They don’t.” I sounded blunt and watched as he leant against the worktop.
“They do, have you read all of the comments on YouTube videos you're in for the choreographers? People love you.” I instantly felt awkward. I always forgot that people posted those things on social media. To me I was just dancing. Doing something I loved. Is that why my instagram following suddenly skyrocketed? I shook away the thought. I’m a normal girl.
“Well it would be great if you gave it a shot.” He raised his glass in my direction and I clinked it with his. I laughed as he winked at me. I could feel the warmth of the alcohol rising in my bloodstream and gulped another mouthful of wine back. I held the worktop to support myself. “I haven’t drank in over a month. I think this is hitting me a little bit.” I giggled to myself and gripped my glass.
“Don’t worry about it, we've all been there. Do you need a hand?” I shook my head as he supported my elbow.
“I’m okay thanks though.” Right let’s go and find Nancy… I needed to go home. I chuckled to myself. I glanced up towards the kitchen entrance and there he stood. There was a look in his eyes I’d never seen before. I gulped slowly and touched Jamane’s shoulder softly.
“Thanks for the chat, I’m just going to find my friend.” He nodded.
“Sure.” I was praying that Haz would have gone to find Natalie but he was standing glaring at me. He tilted his head to the right and gestured for me to follow him. My feet wouldn’t move. They were grounded for a few moments. My heart thudded loudly. So loudly I could hear it in my ears. My feet began to move closer towards him. I felt numb. Possibly from the amount of wine that flowed through my body that I’d put there in such a short space of time. I was trembling. I reached where he was standing. His eyes burned through me. I held my breath as he squeezed my arm and pulled me through people into a tiny room underneath the stairs. It was pitch black up in the room. I heard his low breathing and I closed my eyes.
“Do you like annoying me?” We were in a dark room. I couldn’t see him but I felt him. His hand ran over my chest and I bit down on my lip. “What the fuck was that with Jamane?” His voice was tinged with anger and I grimaced.
“No idea what you’re talking about.”
“For fuck sake Avaya. Him touching you and laughing together.” Was he jealous!? I frowned and placed my finger on his chest.
“He was being friendly,” I took a deep breath and shoved him hard “I didn’t realise I got under your skin so much.” I shoved him again and felt his grip on my hand. It hurt. I winced. “You’re a completely different fucking person.” My eyes were welling with tears. He was so cold. The bravery in my voice shocked me. His grip loosened on my wrist.
“I told you I was bad news.” He turned to walk away and I clutched his wrist between my fingers.
“You didn’t fucking tell me anything!” I was now shouting and I squeezed on his arm.
“I haven’t spoken to you because I knew I’d do something like this!” I shook my head and scoffed. “I’m an addict Avaya!” He boomed in the tiny cupboard and my chest tightened. “Addicts hurt people. Innocent people.” He went to touch my cheek and I moved my face away from his touch.
“Don’t.” I whispered. I’ve fallen in love with an addict. I could hear my heart thudding as I squeezed from his grip and ran upstairs. I didn’t know where I was running. Part of me wanted to scream and the other half of me wanted to break down in tears. Tears were winning. Jay caught my arm in his and I blinked away my tears.
“I’m gonna head home,” I tried my hardest to keep my voice level and strong and I didn’t know how well I was succeeding. None of this could be real. I needed to wake up.
“No you’re not, your staying here.” Fury filled his eyes as he laid them on Haz. He simply shook his head. I wiped away tears from my face. Why are you crying? He’s an arsehole. He’s an addict. He didn’t call you. I glanced towards where they were standing. They were clearly sharing stern words. Jay shoved him and shook his head. I didn’t want to watch anymore. I found myself seeking solace in my spare room. It had a few of my dresses hung up in the wardrobe. I plonked down on the bed and began to sob. You’re drunk, get a grip. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t get a grip. I screamed loudly into the
