Dirty Dancing
Scarlett's POV
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"Open up, Scarlett!"
I gasp myself awake. The scorching sunlight evades my eyesight, and the lines are blurred to be seen or understood. The doors constant banging suddenly seems to make sense and even when yawning is the most useless thing to do. I involuntarily yawn and with noise. Unladylike. I stretch my muscles, raising my hands over my head. As the coldness in the room, travels along my legs. I pull up the blanket up till my chest. Then, glance down at myself and frown. I'm still in my bathrobe. Weird. The banging seems to halt. So I shift, placing my hands on a very rough and hard pillow. Feeling something long and progressive. What? Is that... a hand? He groans, when I pat it harshly. With a crease on my forehead, I whip my head to the left. Holy cow!
"I'll count to ten and if you don't open this door. I'm breaking it loose!"
So, that's how panic attack feels like. My breathing escalates and palms shiver. I could even sense the sweat dripping from my forehead. You ask why? There's a hot stranger, laying on his back to me on my bed and look at the wonder, just beside me. When I'm dressed inappropriately and there is a threat of breaking the door and five minutes to ruin my reputation. Curses! I'm freaking out!
Breathe, Scarlett. Breathe.
There's no time to relax! Time for some action. I take the pillow that was beneath my head and press it hard over his face. Oh God! I'm going to kill him! Jack groans, yet again. And I plead, "Don't wake. Don't wake. Please." Tsk, tsk. Don't be a murderer. So, I place it there and reach for the blanket to cover the gigantic body of this hunk. From his jeans hanging dangerously low, to his half ridden t-shirt up till his disheveled hair. I'm drooling. Oh, Lord! What in the world is wrong with me?
"Seven!"
"I'm coming!"
I shout not loud enough to wake him. And get up in a scruff, adjusting myself on the footsteps to the door. I know, my bathrobe which is more-like-a-bath-dress is decent enough.
When I reach the door, I look back just in case. Has he moved a muscle, to the weight I've placed on him? Nah. But how drunk was I, to let him sleep in the same bed as me? A jolting pain in my head, makes me recollect blurred images of last night. I wasn't drunk; I was afraid. I had been vulnerable again, and just as a magnet attracts metal. My vulnerability attracted him.
"That's it. Ten!"
I unlock the door, and instead of taking a swing at it. So, the horrible banger who disturbed my sleeping fest, gets it for the disturbance he created. I open it only for a peak. Ethan stands there with a very angry look on his face and behind him, there's pretty much company. "Are you okay? I've been banging this door for fifteen minutes straight. A second late, and I would have broken it loose." He rumbles, in a continuous notion of a single breath. Heavens!
"I'm fine," I mumble, annoyed. "What's with the commotion?" I further question.
"Commotion? Jeez, babe. Did you see the time?" He grunts. "It's 12:05. You're not only late for breakfast. You were going to miss lunch too." My inner self wakes up. Oh, they don't know. Of course they don't, my mind answers. Hazel continues from the back, "And for an early riser, that's unusual." Well, my night hasn't been less unusual. But, I don't really tell them that and to sound normal. So, that they stop peeking behind me, and me trying to stand tall. That they don't see the man in my bed. Please don't wake up, I mentally pray.
"I was just tired." I fake myself a yawn.
"We both were." Comes a husky voice, from behind me. Dread engulfing itself. I whip my head so swiftly, it might have discarded from my body. Jack groans, running a hand through his hair. Then, shuffles the bed sheets in order to sit. His hard frame clinging to the wooden back of the bed. And I wonder, definitely a sight for sore eyes. But, I swing my head back and blush embarrassed, now that I'm caught. Ethan pushes the door wide open, pushing my stiff body with it. I smile innocently to the rest of the company behind. Hazel looks shocked. Florence has a poker face. And Bree? She smirks and utters, further damage,
"Well that escalated quickly." I gulp.
"We had a great time last night," Jackson grins, to which Bree remarks, "I bet." I turn my head quickly in his direction to glare at him. Mouthing him a, what the hell? He just smirks harder, and asks, "Didn't we, baby?" He emphasizes, the "baby" so boldly, like he's teasing someone about it. Ethan, red in fury, advances towards him. Bree laughs, probably understanding the torture behind the tease. Ethan called me babe too, right?
"You bastard!" He pounces. Jackson gets up swiftly ready to charge back at him and instead of stopping them. I stand there gawking. He's such a hot mess. Shut up, hormones! Florence curses and screams,
"Ethan! Behave yourself," She pauses, trying to calm herself down to the nuisance that was just going to begin, "Jackson is a guest and you need to learn some manners. I will not promote such vile behavior under my roof," She scolds, shooting him daggers. "This will not happen again. Do I make myself clear?" Ethan grunts, as he clenches his jaw. He turns around, and after giving me a look he leaves. "I'll take that as a yes," Florence begins again.
"Now, you both. Can I get a reasonable explanation, instead of a created fuss of what actually happened; that you missed two meals together?"
I swallow the bile in my throat, regretting I would have to tell her my delusions again. Hazel speaks early, "We'll take our leave. See you three downstairs," She says, looking at our forms, "And dressed, hopefully." Then, drags snickering Bree out. Florence stands there with both her arms folded, demanding an excuse or explanation, as she said. I prepare myself for a trip down my memory lane again. But, Jackson interrupts me this time, "Scarlett had a horrible dream. Since I'm just across the room; I heard her and decided I could come over to check. I thought, we'll watch a movie, until she's alright to sleep again. Though, when she slept, it got so late. I didn't realize, when my eyes got droopy and I dozed off too." He pauses, taking a deep breath to sound as serious, as to answer a head mistress,
"Nothing other than that happened. I assure you."
My voice had silenced itself. My tongue not finding lilt and I was caught in the overthinking cloud again. He lied. He lied, because he didn't want me to sound delusional or he lied to protect me? Was he ashamed of me? Was I even sane to him? Whatever happened last night, was just something he wanted to forget? Was it really just a dream to him? Then, my thoughts accumulate and whisper the unspoken.
Did last night even happen?
Florence gives out a chuckle and apologizes to Jack again for Ethan's behavior and he smiles. Then, giving me a wink and soulful expression, promising mischievous details to know, she leaves me with him alone. Jack sighs, when the door closes and scruffs his hair and rubs the back of his neck yawning. I observe his every movement, thinking what he'll do next. So, I can understand what I can do next. He looks so comfortable, like the previous events of midnight were false. How emotionless? Fine. If that's how he wants to play.
"Scarlett, about yesterday –" I walk over and settle myself on the bed. He looks at how quickly, I've turned stone.
"Last night," I start, and he stares at me expectantly. "Was just a fragment of my imagination," He frowns. "Or merely just a dream." I get up again and his face shows signs of agitation, like I'm being difficult again. So I remark, "Please leave. I need to get dressed." He gives out a frustrated sigh, but does as he's told. Though at the door, he turns one last time. But before he can say something, "Thanks for such a great time," I exaggerate. "Bye, Jack." That said, I shut the door on his face. I sigh and realize, drowning in thoughts will not get me anywhere. So, turning my brain off. I pull open the closest door. That's when it hits me. I didn't call mom last night. Damn it!
I rush to get my cellphone. Fifteen missed calls, twenty one texts.
Lord, save me!
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About tonight.
Cold. Scratch that, it was freezing. The temperature of the weirdest place on earth, was just as weird as it was. Sitting on the bark of a tree, I rub my hands craving some warmth. I blow on them, then roast them over fire. The fire was uncontrollable seeking oxygen and exposing its brightness. The fumes were reaching afar. I stare right through the center. Trying to hide the fire within me. The anger, fury or just misery. One I was getting accustomed to. Last night wasn't the only miserable night, I've had here. But, her shrieks. Will they ever let me sleep again? But you slept well last night, my subconscious mocks. I swallow the bile in my throat and look up at the culprit. Jack grins, as he tells Florence another one of his heroic ventures. Amie whistles at something he just said, and I roll my eyes. The crowd, he has gathered, seems mesmerized by his tales of tomorrow.
They're having fun. For them, it's another bonfire night. Or something unusual, only to the point that Jackson was our guest. They are so impervious, to what I've seen and known. And just as it makes me content, that they are safer this way. It equally wounds me. My heart raptures with the thought of the tortures that this place has bared.
Ashley turns up the volume and Chainsmokers start blasting their way into the night.
Tony purposely bumps his shoulder to mine, I begin to lose focus of the tragedies. And pass him a pointed look. He stands up, balancing himself whilst doing the action. Just before, he's going to lose his footing. My arms reach his legs, to grab him. But, he being unusually careless, starts singing in his enclosed fist.
Hey!
I was doing just fine before I met you,
I drink too much and that's an issue,
But I'm okay.
He jumps back down on the ground, continuing the façade. Though, I don't want to smile, but he makes my insides happy. Hardly holding back a grin forming on my face. He disturbs the circle formed around the legendary Jack. Florence gives him a once over, for his unusual antics.
Hey,
You tell your friends it was nice to meet them,
But I hope I never see them again.
He choruses this part loud enough and points over to Bree who opens her mouth. Pretending to be mad. What a sham! I laugh so hard. He glances towards me, smiling to see me enjoying with him.
I know it breaks your heart, hands over his chest splitting a heart shape into two. Moved to the city in a broke down car,
And four years, no calls,
Now, you're looking pretty in a hotel bar, I twirl like a ballerina giggling at the part. My small punch of a hand, drawing towards my mouth. I join him, singing out loud too.
And I I I can't stop,
No, I can't stop!
Standing side by side to one another. He twirls me around, as we sing the rest of the clauses together.
So, baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover,
I finger him in the chest, as I murmur the lyrics out quick,
That I know you can't afford,
He grabs my shoulders and starts to sniff, air biting me. I chuckle.
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder,
I pull onto his collar, drawing his face near.
Pull the sheets right off the corner,
Of the mattress that you stole,
Winking at him. He pretends to die clenching the left side of his chest.
From your roommate back in Boulder,
Then, latched to one another with our backs to each other. We raise our fists in the air. Singing the loudest, because the screaming doesn't seem to halt.
WE AIN'T NEVER GETTING OLDER!
NO, WE AIN'T NEVER GETTING OLDER!
That's how it goes for the rest of the song. Dancing and jumping together. Arm in arm, we are unbeatable singing buddies. It's like our own karaoke. Besties liked it so much, that the couples joined us. Then we were all bumping, dancing and sweating together. I know, the last part was gross. But, even if it was the coldest of the nights. Jumping and shouting our lungs out. Our energies spread our own heat. Our own small dance floor. Our own disco. I don't remember the last time, I danced like this. The only thing, that made my sense alert, my moves cautious and my body attentive; was Jackson's gaze drilling into the tiny form of my body. I couldn't lose control, he was watching my every step. My every twerk and wiggle. My hands, how they touched my face. How I jumped forward, stopped a tiny bit to catch my breath. Twirling with Nista, learning to wiggle with Bree, laughing harder with Ethan, singing with Tony. Letting my hands in the air and Roman copying, what I did. Hazel picking me up, and both of us giggling, like we're tipsy. But, I had to say Amie and Eric were the hottest couple on the dance floor. We all even hooted, which is why Eric cowered his head down, embarrassed and ended up hitting Amie's forehead, after which she pushed him away for fun. These two, I wondered smiling. We were having so much fun.
"Despacito" started fading behind me, as I lowered my focus on him. Jack stood there, leaning his back to a tree, watching the show.
Is he mad?
Is he furious, that Tony and I stole his show?
Or is he content?
I could have given the world to know, what is going on in that gorgeous head of his?
Jeez, Scarlett. My inner self scowls.
I want to know so badly. Know why he is giving me that look? One of want. One of hunger? What his heavy eyelids and hooded gaze want? And why are they scanning me so. So... shamelessly? I almost felt bare. I had totally forgotten my dancing partner, but she reminds me of her negligence. As she whispers, rather shouts her way into my ear.
"He so wants you," I shake my head quickly, as my face flushes. Oh God, Bree! I'll kill you, if he hears you! And I said that out loud. Damn it! Bree chuckles, moving again to shout in my ear, but this time, I let her. She points her thumb at Tony dancing with his sister. "He had his fists clenched, when you danced with Tony buddy right there," I frown, so she adds more. "Jealousy, Scarlett! Don't you see?" I scowl, when she pushes me out of the dancing crowd and nudges me towards him. But, this time I don't give in to her little mischiefs. I get back, as I mouth her a loud NO. Now, it is her time to scowl. Ethan finding this annoying battle fun, starts dancing with me. Bree huffs glaring at him and shakes her head, like a mother disapproves of something a dad does, that she didn't want.
"Physical" makes its way into my ear drums and I squeal, like such a girl.
It's one of my favorites!
I give a thumbs up to Ash and she winks back, making her moves swifter for Edward to follow the upbeat of the song. Ethan grabs my hands, to start the steps together.
But, before Dua Lipa can make out her first clause.
He grabs my waist and pulls me hard towards him, twisting me out of Ethan's grasp. "I'm cutting in." Jack adds, to Ethan's fuming face.
That's not even a request!
Common love isn't for us,
We created something phenomenal,
His firm demand, doesn't even ask for permission.
Don't you agree?
Don't you agree?
I try to resist his touch, even when my insides are caving in. My body relaxes around him. Even if my neck hair stand, when his hands slowly circle my waist and pulls me closer. There is hardly an inch between us. Goosebumps follow my body and I gulp, as he breathes, next to my ear. My face might have turned a deep shade of red. Then my hands in his, he starts dancing. I stiffen, trying to send him a message, that he is forcing me to do this. But I guess, he doesn't get the signal or even if he does, he ignores it. Because on his face appears a mischievous grin. I push myself away, but unfortunately lose my footing and topple backwards. He catches me gracefully, before my fall. Making it seem like a dance move, rather than an attempt to get away. My best friends gather around me, hooting, squealing and applauding for us. He has a well-known smirk on his face. Oh how much the inner tigress, dwelling in me, wants to wipe it off. He pulls me against him with a sudden jolt. My face falls centimetres short from his. Our lips almost touching.
Damn, this devil!
He did that on purpose!
My mind is out cursing him and beating the hell out of him in a parallel universe. But right here, right now. His hand extends me far and I spin away like a rag doll. Dodging my eyes from others. Deeply indulged in my quest of glaring at this in-consonant man. He pulls me back again. But, this time he doesn't try to ease his way, near my face. His palms slide south. Roaming from my waist and catching hold of my behind. We dance and our bodies had their own movements to the rhythm of the beat.
All night, I'll riot with you,
I know you got my back and you know you I got you,
I try to draw myself out.
So come on,
Come on,
Let's get physical!
But, he holds me closer. If that was even possible.
Light's out, follow the noise,
Baby, keep on dancing like you ain't got choice,
His lips trace its way, over my temples, down till my jaw. He sniffs, and sighs with appreciation.
So, come on, come on,
Come on,
I gulp.
Let's get physical!
"Don't fight me, baby." He murmurs, his husky voice astoundingly audible in the uproar of pop. His lingering caresses make contact with the upper side of my neck. He kisses me there softly and my body goes rigid. He chuckles darkly, I can feel the waves rippling right off his body. "That's it, baby." He sniffs me again. "You smell so good," My pants escaping me. He kisses the edge of my jaw, next. "But, you taste even better." My heartbeat was running marathons. But, it skips a beat this time.
Who needs to go to sleep, when I got you next to me?
Gosh, my chest is going to explode!
All night, I'll riot with you,
I know you got my back and you know I got you,
So come on, come on, come on,
My heart hammers itself within, as my rib cage demands rest.
Let's get physical!
He suddenly twirls me around, and I feel like a child's spinning toy in a compass turn. When I reach back into his arms, he makes me bridge back and then pulls me back up. All the while, his rough hands make sweet lingering caresses.
Hold on just a little tighter,
Come on,
Hold on, tell me if you're ready,
Come on,
He throws me into an aerial. Where I fly in the air and he catches me, before my feet reach the ground. His fingers linger over my body, longer than their presumed time. Surprisingly though, I don't flinch from his touch.
Baby, keep on dancing,
Let's get physical!
Then, I twist around to walk away and he pulls me back to him. I've tuned out the song, now. His rough breaths, on the base of my neck, leaves my mind in a haze. That's all I hear. My heavy gasps and my chest heaving, like it's had it with the fight. He circles his arms around me, caging me, and enclosing his own hands over my stomach.
What song? My brain wonders.
We dance like water, feeling not a single bone in our body. I breathe deeper. This may be called dry humping, but my heart seems to care less now. I think, his tricks have worked on me. When he twists me yet again. This time making me face him. I've definitely zoned out. My eyes and his battle each other. He glances down and grabs both my hands and pecks one after the other. And this time, when his maple brown circles look up at me. I'm done for. He has taken my breath away. And there breaks the last straw. My heart screams, Screw it! To all my restraints. And that's the moment, where I fall. And I fall deeper and deeper. I place my hands on his shoulders and he locates them to my waist, the hundredth time. He has captivated me now. Both physically and emotionally. His spells make me see an angel of love and desire, instead of his usual pursuit of a cold, heartless devil. My brain puzzled beyond limits, questions my heart.
Who have I fallen for?
A devil with a face of an angel?
Or an angel disguised as the devil?
With that thought, he lets me go. And that's when my senses nauseate me all of a sudden and I register my surroundings. The song has come to an abrupt end. I look around, to see that everyone is applauding. Ethan storms off and Bree after hooting for us, runs to catch up with him. Tony is nowhere in sight. Florence squeals, grinning so wide. I bow down, along with the courteous Jackson Wyatt. Then, give everyone a polite smile. My head still a little dizzy, questions.
What just happened?
************************************************************