06: Judge Me Not

❝ All the crazy shit I did tonight, those will be the best memories, I just wanna let it go for the night, that would be the best therapy for me ❞

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I struggled to free my hand from the vicious, iron-like grip of Stefan but he wouldn't budge and held me ever so tightly.

He dragged me to his car, opened the door and sat me down on the passenger seat, slamming the door shut. Walking across the other end, he seated himself in the driver's seat before cursing heavily.

"What's wrong with you?" I was extremely annoyed at the way he literally dragged me out along with him in front of everyone.

"I could ask you the same!" He snapped, turning his head to look at me. "Who told you to hang out with them? I mean I knew you were stupid, but I really didn't know you would stoop down this low."

What?

"Excuse me? It's none of your business with whom I hang out and whom I don't. I never once question and demand of you with whom you should be seen and with whom you shouldn't, so what makes you think you have the right to question me?" I slapped my hands on the dashboard, frustrated at his childish behavior.

"Atleast my friends don't go around killing people!" He scoffed.

"Oh atleast Ray and his friends don't go around man whoring like your friends do." And with this, I knew I had won the debate because Stefan's face fell.

"Whatever," he cleared his throat, "but why would you want to hang out with them? Don't you have Katie? I mean, they aren't the best people to casually eat meals with." His fingers tapped the steering wheel as he looked at me intently. I used to find this habit of his hot, but today the tapping sound seemed to irritate me.

"They aren't bad. And you don't get to control me." No one was going to tell me how to behave and with whom to talk to. I had enough of that. Sure, I wasn't the most popular or known person around in school, but that didn't mean I didn't know who were good and who weren't. This newfound confidence inside of me surprised me but it felt wonderful.

I could clearly see the shock on Stefan's face because he had always thought that I could never stand up to him.

"You've changed. Fine, do whatever you want. Go be a slut with them and do illegal stuff if that's what you love to do!" He spat, rolling his eyes.

He seemed to not notice the kind of shit that fell from his mouth because whatever he said was extremely degrading.

"You would want to take it back." I prodded, shock and hurt evident in my eyes. I didn't always argue with him, but whenever I did, he would never go this far. Today, he had crossed all the lines. He remained silent for a good two minutes, clearly indicating that whatever he had said, he meant it and wasn't regretting it one bit.

Opening the car door and slamming it shut as loudly as I could, I ran out of the school gates, wiping my tears which seemed to ooze out of nowhere.

I was hurt because I had been called a slut. Why? Just because I talked to them? Why wouldn't people understand that they weren't bad?

As I passed the parking lot, I noticed their group leaning across the walls and laughing over something. I immediately wanted to hide away but Simon saw me and everyone's eyes turned to me.

I tried to stop my tears from falling but they wouldn't.

"June, why are you crying?" Olivia caught me and walked over. Everyone eventually formed a circle around me.

"Nothing... I had an argument with Stefan, that's it." I didn't want to go into the details for I knew they would instantly pick up a fight. Maybe because of me. Or maybe beacause they needed a reason to beat Stefan up. Either way, I didn't want that.

Ray's eyes roamed over my face and I saw him clenching his jaw. He had this certain confusion and anger in his eyes which I couldn't define. He stayed silent though.

"Doesn't seem just an argument." Stated Simon, his face blank.

"You could tell us, we'll deal with him." Assured Jason, as Jack and Simon nodded their heads almost instantly.

"No no, it's okay. Actually I'll head back, though I'll see you guys at Simon's house." I wanted to get out of here. I knew I was just on the verge of sobbing.

Olivia nodded understandingly and smiled at me. Others waved me a goodbye.

As I walked past Ray, his hand gripped mine and he made me turn so that I was facing him.

His brown irises bore into mine and I forgot that the others were looking at us. It was just me and him. I was swimming in his eyes as he swam in mine, both peeping and looking at each other's vulnerabilities, because our eyes always gave it away.

I knew he knew that I was lying because we both seemed to always understand what went through each other's minds. We knew what was going on internally inside of us.

My hand wanted to loose his grip from my wrist and instead, lace his long, veiny fingers with mine. My body wanted to step closer and absorb all that warmth which was radiating from him. My lips tingled to join with his soft, pink ones. My mouth longed to mold with his and fall into the deep, wet reverie along with the constant laps of our tongues.

I wanted to let go of my sanity just for Ray.

"Are you okay?" His soft, almost whisper-like voice fetched me back from the alternate universe I had been visiting and made my heart beat faster.

He said it so softly and in a hushed manner as if it was just a secret between us, as if he didn't want anyone else hearing that.

I just continued looking at him, hoping that he could see what my eyes wanted to convey to him, because my mouth would only be able to recite lies, lies which I was always told to tell since my childhood. I was always supposed to be strong.

"I'm okay." I lied, and his eyes once again dug deep into mine. I could see something shift in them and I knew that he wasn't convinced.

"I don't think so." His voice was blunt but coated with a thin layer of what I was hoping it to be—concern.

Sending him a small smile, I just looked down to our attached hands, loving the way it felt. My body was still sending jolts down my spine and my heart was still not able to calm down.

"Did he hurt you?" He questioned, his voice clearly over the edge now.

"No." I catched relief in his eyes and I wondered, when did he start caring for me? Nevertheless I was glad, because I cared for him too.

"What are you guys talking about?" Jack asked, as Ray quickly detached his hand from mine. It felt cold and I longed for the warmth. "Nothing." Stated Ray, his cold demeanor back again.

"I'll get going." I said, smiling a little.

"Take care!" They all said in turns, except for Ray who just spared me a glance and turned back to staring off into the void.

××

"Darling, are you home?" My mom must've heard the front door closing as she came out of the kitchen. I smiled at her as I removed my shoes.

"Has something happened June? You look very forlorn." Mom's always knew. It must be the telepathy of being nine months in their wombs, but mom always knew.

"No mom, I'm just very tired, I had a hard day at school." I hugged her, which instantly calmed me a little. She patted my back as she held me lightly, weaving her soft, aged hands through my hair.

"Don't worry, why don't you go and have some rest?" She pulled back and gave me a wide smile.

"Yes, I'll do that." I almost climbed up the stairs when I remembered I had to tell her about hanging out with Olivia and the others today.

"Mom", I shouted from top of the stairs as she looked up, "I'm going to hang out at a friend's at 5, so I'll probably be back home late." I informed.

She nodded and said that she would put away some dinner for me just in case. I ran to my bedroom, pulling off my clothes and slipping beneath the sheets, a huge sigh leaving my mouth.

I set my alarm for 4:15 and closed my eyes, trying to get some sleep.

××

Pulling outside Simon's house, it was nothing like I expected it to be. I had thought that it would be some gigantic mansion but it was a simple, homey two storeyed house with a sweet smelling lawn in the front.

Olivia ushered me in and I instantly heard the loud shouts of the boys laughing over something.

"Get used to it, they always wake up the whole neighborhood." Chuckled Olivia, pulling me into what seemed like the living room.

Simon's house was plain but very modern in whatever it had. His family seemed big enthusiasts of plants because there were loads of trees planted in the garden and many were kept as show pieces in the house. It was very lovely. The walls were decorated with his family photos and I came to know that Simon had a big brother who studied in Georgia, as Olivia told me.

"June you're here!" Shouted Jason, motioning me to join them.

I went and sat in midst of Jack and Jason on the couch while Simon and Olivia took to the floor and Ray simply sat on a rocking chair. They seemed to be playing video games.

"I hope you won't get bored, because we are huge enthusiasts of video games." Chimed in Simon.

"Oh not at all, in fact I love video games. I had a cousin brother over for summer last year who taught me games and I haven't stopped since then." I filled them in.

"That's great, so let's play by teams. Since we have six people now, we won't have an odd one. Jack and Jason, I and Simon and June with Ray. That's perfect!" Olivia formed the teams.

"Why do I get her? She probably doesn't even know Call Of Duty," seethed Ray as he looked at me. "What did you play with your cousin—Mario?" He sniggered.

This rude brat had to be taught a lesson.

"At the end of the game, you'll be thankful you had me in your team. Wanna bet?" I challenged him, raising my brows.

He smirked and rubbed his hands, "Game's on Williams!" Smirking, he pulled the controller. I huffed and made my way to sit beside him on the floor as Simon handed me the other controller.

"You know how to choose your weapons or do I need to teach you?" Ray whispered in my ear. I pinched his thighs as he yelped in pain, his eyes darting to mine. "You little-"

But before he could finish, Jason interrupted him, "Could you both stop flirting and just play?" He stated, as everyone laughed. Ray huffed and just continued to proceed with the game when realisation hit me.

His thighs.

They were so hard beneath my fingers, not going to lie.

Rushes of heat crossed my body as my hands sweat a little. I pushed aside those dirty thoughts away and focused on the game.

××

"Ha! I told you you'd be glad that I was in your team!" I smirked as all five of them continued to stare at me, their mouths hung wide open.

"How—How the hell did you do that?" Screamed Simon, pulling out his hair. I and Ray had just beat them all—meaning I did the winning while Ray followed me like a dog follows it's owner.

I just smiled while Ray continued to stare at me, surprise evident in his eyes.

"Ray doesn't even skim the level of what June is on, and we thought Ray was the best amongst us!" Whined Jason, bowing to me. "I didn't believe in God until now. Could you show me how you pull this game off so easily, God?"

Everyone laughed and I promised that I would teach him.

"So, what do you have to say now?" I whispered to Ray as the others went to pick up the pizza delivery.

"I—fine! You're good!" He gave in, groaning. I heartily laughed as he continued to look at me with an amused expression on his face.

"Please do not judge me this quickly, you never know what a person is like." I said, smirking at him.

"I could say the same to you." His voice fell, and it was barely a whisper. I could sense the vulnerability that he radiated right now.

"I would never be here if I judged you Ray." I said calmly, shrugging my shoulders and sending a half-smile his way.

"I know and that is why I'm shocked and surprised to see a person who isn't running away from me and my friends." There was a touch of sadness in his voice and I remembered the way they all wanted to know why was I keen on being friends with them.

"I don't know why you all are the way you are, but I definitely know that you all are kind, loving and passionate on the inside. The way you all have kept your group together and the way you all keep supporting each other is so beautiful. I don't care what people think!" He looked at me intently and gave me a small smile before nodding his head.

"Thank you, and surely one day, I'll tell you why we are the way we are." He looked at me again and his expression turned blank.

"Are you dating Stefan?"

"Yes, for about 3 years. Why?"

He just shook his head, "Didn't look like you were in a relationship. He was being very possessive, no offense." He stated, folding his hands.

It was true though.

"Don't worry about it, I won't let him control me."

He just chuckled, "Why would I worry about you? It's none of my business."

His words hurt, but nevertheless I was happy because this was the longest and the most stable conversation I had with Ray.

"Guys, come on, get up!" Olivia pulled me to my feet and dragged us out of the house, throwing us into the backseat.

"What the—Olivia, where are we going?" I was extremely confused as to what was going on.

"You'll find out baby." Winked Simon as he pulled out of the garage. Olivia sat in the passenger seat, I was in the back with Ray and Jason while Jack would be driving his motorbike.

"Drop it, they won't tell you, just relax," advised Jason, as he craned his neck to look over to me, because Ray was sitting between us.

I huffed and let my head fall on the window pane, letting the cold but refreshing air make my strands fly. I closed my eyes and at this moment, I felt so alive.

××

The car pulled to a stop as I could just make out a few trees in the dark. They led me up; it almost seemed like a mountain trek but they all assured me that I would love what awaited me.

After what seemed like half an hour, we walked around a clearing. Jack, being in the front, sided some bushes and made a way to move forwards.

As I crossed them, my mouth hung wide open at sight in front of me.

Our town, Moordale, lay in front of us as we stood above it. The whole sky was lit up by the lights in the city and it seemed like I was watching a thousand candles.

"Love it?" Olivia asked, smiling at me.

"Absofuckinutely!" I replied, as they all laughed at my response. "How did you guys come across this spot?" It was so beautiful. How wasn't this a tourist spot yet?

"Well Ray found it on one of his excursions and brought us all here. We've been coming here for the past year now." Informed Jack.

"Its beautiful." I whispered, walking a little further towards the edge, too dazed by the view.

Ray's hand suddenly gtipped mine and pulled me back. "Be careful." He grunted but his eyes showed concern. I was loving it how he was being so open with me today.

"Let's eat!" Screeched Simon, pulling out pizzas and drinks from his backpack.

"Wow, pizzas with a beautiful view to watch; what else could I need in life." I rubbed my hands in enthusiasm.

They all chuckled and started distributing the pizzas and drinks. I wanted cheese with onions and found out that Ray liked the same, so we ended up sharing it. Ray was quite gentlemanly as he let me have the last slice to which Simon pouted saying Ray never shared his food with others.

I looked at all of them; the way they were so carefree and happy with what they had, in spite of all the things being spoken about them in school. I could never be that, I always cared what people thought about me.

Their laughs were contagious and I joined them too, as they recited the story of how they all met and the funny incidents they encountered at school.

They were so misunderstood and I was so glad that I had found friends like them who accepted me for who I was.

Tonight was a bliss.

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Click on the attached image to get an idea of the view they saw from the cliff! Remember to vote, only if you find the chapter good, and comment to let me know your thoughts <3