Chapter 21
Drug Deal Gone Wrong. Way Wrong.
I wake up with a terrible headache and even worse backache.
My freaking period has hit me with a vengeance.
I have NO pads whatsoever, and neither does Sasha.
She only uses tampons. I know you can be a virgin and use them, but I'm weird about it, so I don't. I'm too embarrassed to buy my lady "stuff" on campus, so I take the bus down the street to the local Target.
I debated on whether to ask Jake to take me or not but finally decided against it.
Sasha is with Dallas getting something to eat, and Jake and the other three are playing video games.
I opted for alone time while they were playing.
I had planned on catching a long nap before we had dinner tonight, but Mother Nature decided against that.
Insert giant eye roll here. I'm already grumpy!
The bus stops, and I get off quickly. The following bus to the campus comes in about fifteen minutes.
If I miss it, I'll have to wait an hour for another one.
I'm not about that life, so I run into Target like I've got something to prove.
I almost stop in front of the M this only proves it.
I nod my head at him in recognition. If I speak to him, he'll know I saw something.
If I ignore him like I usually would, maybe he won't realize I saw the whole drug deal go down.
He smirks at me and whispers something to Jeffery.
Jeffery pulls a knife out of his pocket and stares at me while he acts like he's trimming his nails.
I'm scared to death, but hopefully, my face gives nothing away.
I roll my eyes because that's what I would’ve done before witnessing the deal.
I've listened to enough crime podcasts to know I can't show any fear.
I roll my eyes again for good measure at them both.
I call Jake. I don't know what else to do but he doesn't answer. Of course! He always answers, and the one time he doesn't, I witnessed a drug deal. I text him instead.
Baby, please meet me at the bus stop near your house. I'm okay, but I need you! I'll be there in about 10 minutes.
We all load up on the bus, and I still have no answer from Jake.
I decide to send a group text to all my new friends.
It may be Jake's turn to play the video game so he won't be looking at his phone if that’s the case. They sit across the aisle from me and I want to hyperventilate, but I don’t.
Fake it until I make it, right?! I shoot off the group text.
Help! Please! I'm not okay. I don't know what I'll do if someone doesn't meet me at the bus stop near the football house. I’m beyond freaked! I'll be there in a few minutes.
My phone starts vibrating. It's Jake. Thank GOD! "Hey, baby!"
"What's going on, Dani?! Are you okay? I'm almost there. Where are you, baby?" He's panicked.
I feel terrible for making him feel that way, but I'm scared. I have a fake smile on my face continuing to play the part. "Baby, I can't wait to see you. I have all the snacks from Target! I got everything on the list as promised for our movie night."
"Okay. I have no idea what's going on, Dani. I'll need an explanation when you get here. Are you okay?"
"I don't know."
"Do I need to kick anybody's ass?"
"The jury's still out."
"How much longer until you get here? I'm losing my shit, baby.”
"I know, Jake. The bus is rounding the corner. Do you see it yet?"
"Yes."
I see him and my eyes tear up so I turn my head so they don’t notice.
I don't want them to see my face. If I say another word, I'll start balling.
I hang up my phone as the bus comes to a complete stop and patiently wait my turn, then I jet to the front.
They are behind me and I don't have any nerves left to lose.
I throw my bags down and jump into my lover's arms. I know the exact moment Jake sees them, his body stiffens. I wipe my face, and he picks the bags up. He tries to say something in the process. I whisper, "just a sec."
Jake surprisingly stays quiet. We jump in the truck, and he starts the engine. He's gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white. "What happened?"
"Can we please go back to your house first? I promise I'll tell you." Now that I'm out of danger, surprisingly, I'm eerily calm. I don't want him to find out until we are far enough away from them. There is no telling what he might do when he finds out.
Benji and Jeffery are still standing there, watching the truck.
After a moment's hesitation, he drives off.
The guys are all waiting outside the house when we get there.
Jake grabs my bags, and I calmly get out of the car.
Once my legs touch the ground, I'm gone.
I run into the house, and they all follow.
Jake grabs my hand, and I start shaking. "I just saw Benji and that other guy from Bio do a drug deal. I'm pretty sure they know I saw it. I'm scared. That creepy Jeffery guy pulled a knife out trying to intimidate me."
Jake pulls me into a tight embrace. "Who the fuck is Jeffery, Jaxon?"
Jaxon jumps up and starts pacing, rattled by what I just said. "I'm gonna beat his ass! I told you about him, Jake. He's Benji's new bestie in our Biology class. He also meets up with him sometimes after football practice. You remember, the one I told you that constantly stares at her."
Jake pinches the bridge of his nose. When he speaks, his voice is low and even. He's trying not to lose his shit. "Nothing is going to happen to you, Dani. Tell us everything that went down."
He leads me to the couch, and I explain the scene from minutes before. When I finish, all anyone can say is, "fuck!"
Jake is quiet. His skin is ghastly pale.
It takes him a minute to start talking. "I'm so sorry.
I know it's bad, but don't worry. We’ll protect you.
We've suspected he was selling drugs for a while now.
We've been trying to catch him in the act but keep coming up empty-handed. Baby, I should have warned you!"
"Why did y'all suspect him of being a drug dealer?"
Jake sighs. "He almost got me kicked off the team last year.
He put weed in my locker before the locker check.
Then, certain drugs started showing up at some of the parties.
Mollie was among them. We knew something was up, and when we got some of the other guys to ask around, the rumors all said Benji was the asshat. "
"Do you think he will hurt me?"
"No. Benji won't get close to you! Do you hear me? You're going to be fine. I won't allow him to get even two feet near you. None of us will. You're safe. You did everything right today, Dani. That was smart."
He brings me in for another hug and kisses my trembling lips. "Let's go to my room. I want to hold you, baby. I was so scared when they showed me your text. I need to make sure you're okay." I don't protest. I'm still in shock. I need Jake's warm embrace. He makes me feel safe and loved.