Re: Freshmen Dorms

[Tiger-Lily]

Evelyn glanced up at the floor indicator, wishing it'd just get to fifth already. She shuffled her feet and Nova's growls finally stopped since she had leaned away from Jake further.

Awkward silence again. She really wasn't sure what the hell to say. Did she have to say anything? No.

But god damn it, it was awkward!

"Are you doing anything in spring break?" she blurted out, figuring if anything it'd get hsi mind off of his problem.

[Guest]

"I don't know yet somewhere maybe, Seth wants to go. But we'll see, how about you?" Jake asked glad for the topic change.

[Tiger-Lily]

Evelyn looked up at him with a shrug. "I'm still debating. I have a shitload of assignments due after spring break, so...but on the other hand, if I go with Ash and Luke, then it gets me and Nova out of the way-too-silent dorm. Which, of course, is not a problem you'd have," she added.

The elevator made a soft ding! Evelyn exhaled in relief as the doors slid open.

[Guest]

Jacob watched the elevator doors open, and walked off the lift. As he went he stopped and turned back to Evelyn. "I know I'm saying this kind of late but...thanks. If it hadn't been for you yesterday I would have gotten fired. So thank you."

Jake felt bad for not even saying it because it was one of the main reasons that saved his job.

[Tiger-Lily]

Evelyn paused in her step and simply said, "No problem -"

Nova growled in her bag. She blew out a breath and turned away, walking toward her dorm room.

[Guest]

[[FF to Thursday evening, Luke, Ashlee, James and Evelyn in the lounge]]


Ashlee and Luke had decided since the four of them are leaving for Ash Creek tomorrow that they would meet in the lounge and talk with Evelyn and James. Given that since Seth's party neither of them were speaking to the other anymore. Ashlee wanted to make sure along with Luke that when they went back to Ash Creek, that James and Evelyn wouldn't fight with the other.

Because honestly, Ashlee and Luke both had been looking forward to going home and actually enjoying their visits back without having to worry about Evelyn and James bickering like children the entire time there.

[Tiger-Lily]

Right now, Evelyn was seated on one end of the long, three-seater couch, legs crossed stiffly, her whole posture screaming aggravation as she played aorund on her iPhone, not looking up. She'd left Nova back upstairs, since he obviously wasn't allowed in here, and was now tuning out everything James might be saying.

After her run-in with Jake earlier, Nova had been strangely anxious, and kept growling at her window every time he passed it. So she'd locked it for now, figuring whatever kept vexing him wasn't about to enter without tipping her off. Now she was out of her running clothes and in [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and a long, short-sleeved shirt, a jacket thrown over it because the lobby was freezing. But she wasn't planning to go out anywhere seeing as they all had their flights tomorrow, so shorts were comfy.

And because she was sitting with two huge boys, she wasn't earning many leering gazes either, so she was definitely taking advantage of James' and Luke's presence here.

Luke, on one of the two single-seater sofas nearby, glanced impatiently at James and then blew out a breath. "So, what's the first thing you guys will do when you get back to Ash Creek?" he asked hopefully, wanting some conversation.

***

Seth had returned to his suite to find a bruised Jake. After inquiring about what had happened, and Jake not recalling anything, Seth was now checking on their flight details. While Ashton and Antonio packed their bags, Seth was barely started his, and had paused to update Ashlee.

So when r we meetin in AC? R we havin J/E meet up on their own somehow?

[Guest]

James shrugged turning away from Evelyn and looking to Luke, "I don't know, probably hang out with my aunt and Hales for a bit, maybe go back to school and check things out see the coach and stuff."

Honestly after the whole boat thing, James didn't really wanna be anywhere near Evelyn. Sure when they went to Ash Creek he wouldn't talk to her so at least things stayed peaceful between them. And he wouldn't go out of his way to talk and be nice either, she didn't want to be here in the lounge well he really didn't want to be here either.


Ashlee pulled her phone out of her [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]. Reading Seth's message and she replied.

AC is small they would probably run into each other if we say sent them to the same place you know? But not sure yet maybe at the park or something.

***

Jacob had been bored sitting up in his room, and sure he hadn't packed yet for Ash Creek, but not that he really cared he'd just throw some clothes in a carry on and call it a day. He wasn't one to sit there and care what he wore.

So since Seth was busy packing and doing last minute stuff, the twins were packing. Jake decided to head downstairs to lounge maybe see if anyone was there or just hang out. He had looked in the mirror and looked at his arms wrapped in gauze and snorted. "I look like a fucking mummy." Jacob wondered when he could take the damn gauze off, he felt oddly restrained in it.

Maybe he'd rip it off before he left tomorrow, Jake grabbed his phone and key and headed downstairs, he opted for the stairs since he was too impatient for the elevator as he walked down he felt a dizzy spell and grabbed onto the handrail. "Ow." Jake muttered. Jake stopped for a moment and his head tipped slightly back, his eyes fluttered and then when he tried to stable himself by standing up right his head jerked again to the side, like someone had punched him.

There that's better. Let the games begin.

Jacob stood tall and continued his descent down the stairs, he spotted a boy holding a pile of books in his hands making his way up. "Here let me help you." Jake offered, the kid was going to hand Jacob some books when Jake decided to knock them out of his hand. "There you go." He grinned mischievously, and laughed as he came through the lobby and into the lounge.

Jacob entered in, and scanned the area when he spotted a pair of long legs that he recognized from a mile away. His eyes followed up and of course Luke and James were nearby as always. Not that, that would have stopped him. Jake strutted over and sat on the pool table behind James' seat, the kid looked tense.

Jake slammed his hands down on James' shoulder and shook him hard. "Hola James."

James jumped in his seat and pushed Jacob's arms off his shoulders. Jesus, the guy had a tight grip. "Uh hey Jake."

"Yeah yeah, hey there Red. Showing off some leg I see, you must have known I was coming." Jacob smirked at her.

[Tiger-Lily]

Luke glanced up in surprise, wondering if Jake had had too much Red Bull that day. Luke glanced over at Evelyn in some amusement. Last he'd heard, they were in yet another fight.

Evelyn's face, however, twitched uncertainly as she glanced up from her phone and gave Jake a studying onceover. Then she relaxed slightly and said in her usual friendly way, "Oh yeah, the cheese police was makin' the rounds, seems like you've been shortlisted." Her eyes returned to her phone and she tapped one foot against the coffeetable.

***

Seth responded: We're newbies! Where do we go day one? We're gona rach AC by nine PM tho on Friday night (AC time). So we'll stay in and hit park next day?

[Guest]

Jacob hadn't heard Evelyn because right now he was focused on making James squirm a bit. "Hey James you can agree with me here, Red has great legs. I mean I would know since I've been between them how about you?"

James' eyes widened and he looked back at Jake who was just sitting on the pool table smiling at him.

[Tiger-Lily]

Luke's head whipped around and he straightened in his seat. "Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you?" he snapped, considering the cons of throwing a pool cue at Jake's face and maybe taking out an eye.

But that was beyond cruel. Even during Jake and Evelyn's recent fight before Seth's birthday, Jake had never, as far as Luke had heard, said anything that cruel.

And it was a sign of exactly how badly Evelyn took it that she paled, eyes wide, and then silently got up with her phone in hand and walked. Luke gave her props because she wasn't running, but striding with her head held high, toward the exit.

***

Evelyn really didn't know what to say. Sure, that very morning Jake had told her he didn't remember this part of him at all, and he hadn't acted like himself when he'd tried to force himself on her out on the quad. Because Jake would never say that to her. He'd call her a slut or something if he was pissed, but never make a cruel joke about something that still hurt her every time she recalled New Year's Eve.

Her eyes grew hot and her vision blurred as she headed for the lounge doors, away from what was currently Jake, but not really acting like him. She sidestepped a couple boys in the doorway, and pushed past them hastily, not wanting this crueler Jake to see he'd gotten to her with one comment. It was pathetic, but it hurt so badly.

She's give anything if she could take back New Year's Eve and her virginity. And this thought just made Jake's words hurt so much more. She wasn't proud of having given it up, even if she wasn't all that drunk.

[Guest]

James sat there, as far as Jake was concerned. He knew Evelyn wasn't a virgin, and that her and Jake had gone all the way. But even when they had fought he had never gone that far. James was speechless he wasn't sure what to say.

Jacob flicked his eyes to Luke and snorted. "Don't get your boxers tied in a knot there string bean? You jealous because not only did I nail Red, but Seth managed to nail your ex girlfriend as well? I can see where you'd be upset, since both Seth and I managed to steal both your girls from you once they came to this city."

Ashlee's eyes grew wide, and she stared at Jacob in disbelief. What the fuck was wrong with him!? Where did he get off saying crap like that! First he had majorly hurt Evelyn, and now he was insulting her when she had done absolutely nothing to him!

James grit his teeth standing up to stare Jake in the eye, his eyes were blazing and Jacob's smug face was pissing him off. "Fuck off."

"Aw, did I hurt your feelings?" Jake said condescendingly standing up to look down at James. "Did I make the pretty boy cry? Is that it? Boo hoo, "I worked three years of my life trying to get the girl of my dreams and she gave it up to the first guy she met in New York City." Jacob mocked James. "No wonder she picked me, you may have been some big shot in your small town, but you're nothing here."

[Tiger-Lily]

Luke rolled his eyes, not all that phased by the comment toward Ashlee because really, he didn't care who she hooked up with. She had her own thing to do and that was fine with him. But it was the slant at James that made his teeth clench.

"Funny, Ev didn't look all that thrilled about the sex reference. You must be a pretty shitty lay if even an inexperienced virgin isn't pleased," Luke said calmly.

[Guest]

Jacob wasn't listening to Luke now, because his main goal was James. "Come on James, I can see it. The envy in your eyes, is that why you approached Evelyn so many times? Because I got farther than you in a few months, than you did in the couple of years you've known her? Is that it? I can tell you one thing, your friend is wrong about me being a shitty lay. Cause well it sure as hell felt good."

Jake circled James, "Her kiss, her touch... hey she even said. I love you." He stopped and faced James.

James was clenching his jaw, and his fists he couldn't even look at Jacob right now, what was up with him? Seriously what gave him the audacity to come up to him and say all of this.

"Ahhh, you're mad aren't you?" Jake frowned, patting James' shoulder. "I mean I would be mad too, but in this situation I'm the winner. I can feel it you wanna hit me don't you? Just punch me right in the face to get me to shut up. Not that I'd stop talking but you can try."

Jake stood still arms down by his side. "Come on James, hit me with your best shot." Jacob challenged him.

James drew his fist back and just hit Jake across the face. Jacob's head jerked, to the side again and he just laughed. "Really that's it?" He rubbed his jaw and grabbed James head with both hands and slamming his knee into James' nose.

"FUCK!" James heard a crack in his nose and was sure Jake had broke it, as blood poured from his nose. A few people gasped that were in the lounge as James put his hands down by his side as he went to attack Jacob.

Jacob licked his lips, and just shook his head. Stupid fool, thinks he could take him on. Jacob grabbed James' arm and wrapped it around his head getting him in a fierce choke hold, "Hmm trying to go up against me weren't you aware of the previous times I had beat you up before? You ended up getting that pretty face of yours smashed."

James grit his teeth, trying to get out of Jake's hold but it was iron tight, he squirmed and moved around and stomped on Jake's foot. Jacob winced loosening his grip on James, which allowed James to escape and punch Jacob across the head.

"Ah!" Jake yelled out, he narrowed his eyes into a murderous glare and like he had a couple of nights ago he grabbed James' arm again wrapping the left one behind his back and pinning it down with his knee, Jacob had his arm wrapped around James' neck again, and his left hand had James' right arm pulled back in a painful twist. "If you want... I can dislocate your arm, I had done it to some guy on my way home a couple nights ago. You really want that to happen? It won't be good for your basketball career. "

[Tiger-Lily]

Evelyn had passed Seth on her way down the hall, right when she stepped out the lift. "Yo, you seen Jake?" he called to her.

Evelyn's response was to flip him off and continue walking, heading for her suite. She entered in a blind rush before Seth could see her eyes were full and ready to shed a torrent if she didn't get out of public soon.

She entered her dorm room to see Nova snoozing in his basket. Evelyn crossed to the locked window, hating her stifling room, and honestly kind of hating New York right then. She slid up the window and leaned out, letting her gaze drop to the pavement.

That familiar heady feeling came instantly, but for once, it didn't make her pull back. She liked that for the moment, Jake wasn't the biggest thing on her mind, him and his bizarre tendencies. Right now, all she focused on was the prickles of dizzy fear rushing through her head as her acrophobia kicked in, as she toyed the line between a rush and terror.

***

Luke interrupted the fight at this point by grabbing a chair and slamming it hard on the back of Jake's head, a spot where he was fairly certain caused unconsciousness or severe injury (not to mention brain damage).

But really, he'd had enough. What was with the douchebags in the City thinking themselves so high and mighty? "Fuck off, city scum!" he announced.

[Guest]

Jacob hadn't expected Luke to intervene at all, and when he hit him with that chair. He had quickly released James and reeled back, his head throbbing like it was going to explode and he felt like he was going to pass out again, just then he closed his eyes and the flew open to him gasping holding onto his head.

What... how? Where??

When did Jake get here? Why was he on the ground? Why was James bleeding?! Why were people looking at him again?

His head was hurting so bad, he looked up and saw James' nose was bleeding and he was standing near Luke glaring at him, who was holding a... chair? Had Luke hit him with a chair? WHY DID LUKE HIT HIM WITH A CHAIR!??

"Ah.. what the fuck... what's going on?" Jake groaned, grabbing a hold of the pool table to lift himself up off the ground slowly.

[Tiger-Lily]

In answer, Luke lifted the chair again, ready to hit him. But seriously? He didn't pass out? Jake must be tougher than he looked.

"You were about to get brain damage?" Luke said to him. The people around them were looking horrified.

Security was probably gonna be here...real soon. Luke slowly lowered the chair. He didn't want to lose his damn living quarters over this idiot!

Yo, please tell me Jake wasnt w/Red Seth sent to Ashlee just then, taking the stairs down. Just saw her pass by all T_T.

[Guest]

Yeah because your bastard friend said some mean shit to her! Srsly, don't even think of coming to AC. I dont want him anywhere near her! Ashlee sent back, she was just as pissed as Luke was about what Jacob had said.

Jacob closed his eyes, and groaned feeling like something on the inside was scratching out to get out. His eyes flew open, James looked down and noticed that Jake's eyes went completely black!

James shook his head, and looked at Jake again and his eyes had returned to their normal color. What the hell was that about?

"What? What are you doing? Why are you hitting me with a chair?" Jake asked, he was so unaware of what had just went down.

"Don't play stupid, you probably broke my nose, and you almost dislocated my arm you fuck!" James yelled back at him.

Jake's eyes widened in horror. "I what?!" Jacob had again no recollection of this! "Are you serious? I don't even remember... the last thing I remember was walking downstairs. I don't even remember walking in here!" Jake replied to James and Luke, like they were going to believe him. Even his own roommates didn't seem to believe him.

[Tiger-Lily]

Luke shot Jake a disgusted look and then the don on duty was rushing in.

"Hey!" he shouted. "What's going on?!"

"Nothing, it's all good," Luke said, grinding his teeth. He shot Jake a murderous look as the don examined them suspiciously.

"All right, keep it down," he said warningly, and Luek figured he'd probably missed the fight.

The don walked out with a warning glare and Luke looked down at Jake, saying lowly, "You're pathetic, I'm not surprised the only reason Evelyn got with you was because she was so trashed she couldn't see you don't even deserve the dirt beneath her feet. But I'm glad she'll see it after tonight."

He turned and headed out of the lounge. "Thank God we're getting away from you and Seth."

***

Nova had joined Evelyn at the window and she held him in her arms as she stared down at the busy street, lost in thought. Some part of her felt sick, almost wanted to vomit when she reflected back on that scene in the lounge. She didn't know how she was ever going to face James again after that.

God, what was wrong with Jake? Had she made that big of a false judgment call picking him? Thank God she - and he - had decided to end it!

***

Seth was so shocked, he actually stopped on his way downstairs, gaping at Ashlee's text.

He flicked to her number and called her instead.

[Guest]

Ashlee had followed Luke and James out of the lounge, she decided to give Evelyn her space. She couldn't believe she had even considered trying to get Jake and Evelyn back together or talking or whatever. How stupid could she have been!

Ashlee saw Seth calling and she picked up the phone. "I'm serious, I don't wanna see you or him there."

***

James just shot Jake a dirty look, shaking his head. And followed Luke out, "That fucking bastard, I can't believe him. "He pressed a light finger against his nose and winced. "God damn it, I think its broken. Um I'm gonna go get this fixed, I'll see you later." James said frustrated that he had to go home with a possibly broken nose.

Jake just gaped at Luke and James and watched them leave, why had Luke mentioned Evelyn? Evelyn wasn't even here! How did it become about her and him when she wasn't even here. Jake had broken James' nose?? And nearly dislocated his arm! When? When had this all happened.

Jacob slowly made his way out of the lounge keeping his head down, he didn't want to look at people because they were all giving him that disgusted look and whispering. What was going on with him!?

[Tiger-Lily]

Seth opened his mouth and then froze, for once not sure what to say. He was too out of the loop to understand, clearly.

"Wait, Ashlee," he said, stopping on the first floor landing and leaning on the stair railing. "Hold up. Explain - what just happened?!"

"See you at home," Luke murmured as James left. Luke pushed the elevator button, noticing Jake taking the stairs. Luke turned to Ashlee, glowering at Jake's back. He didn't lower his voice, not caring if Jake heard as he passed them.

"What a nutjob, seriously! He has balls claiming to be naive after all of that! I can't believe he said that shit to James and Ev! I thought he liked her!"

[Guest]

"Lucas shut up I'm on the phone!" Ashlee yelled back at him and then went on to say. "Your fucking friend had the nerve to come down here and say to James if he liked Ev's legs, and then say he wouldn't know since Jake had been between them. Then he went on to antagonize James, and he broke James' nose,and nearly dislocated his arm! Evelyn got up and left and is no doubt really upset because of your dick of a friend. I'm serious you, and Jake stay away from me, Ev,Luke and James." Ashlee yelled hanging up the phone on Seth.

Jacob froze when he heard Luke, and then felt like someone had stabbed him in his heart when he heard what Ashlee had said out loud on the phone. Had he really said that to Evelyn? Is that why she wasn't there? Jacob would have never said something like that to her, especially when he knew how she was still dealing with the fact of losing her virginity.

Jake opened his mouth he wanted to defend himself, but what was the point? Ashlee and Luke weren't going to believe him, not after what he did, and apparently had said. Even if he didn't remember doing or saying any of it. So he acted like he hadn't heard them, and went on opening the door to the stair well.

[Tiger-Lily]

Seth would have argued - but he was stunned into silence for a moment. And then Ashlee had hung up.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Jake?" he wondered aloud, baffled. Jake would never say that about Evelyn. Sure, like any of the guys, he'd bragged about his conquests but never about her! In fact, Jake hated any sex talk relating to her! He was almost a prude about it! Seth and the guys had teased him about it many times.

Seth heard the stairwell door bang shut beneath him on the ground floor and sighed, wondering where Jake had gone. He bit his lip and turned to leave and then doubled back, catching sight of dark hair below.

The figure was clear. "Jake?" he called.

***

Luke shut up instantly in the fact of Ashlee's wrath, and simply punched the seventh floor button on the control panel. After a moment, he asked, "So....um, you gonna talk to Ev before we get to Ash Creek?"

[Guest]

Jake heard his name being called and he looked up seeing blond hair. "Seth?" He called back, dragging himself up the stairs, he was so exhausted and his head was hurting so much from Luke bashing his brain with the chair. He dropped down on the landing and sat against the wall for a minute to catch his breath.

***

Ashlee sighed, sticking her phone back in her purse so she wouldn't have to answer anymore calls from Seth. As far as Seth was concerned Ashlee was no longer helping Jake win back Evelyn.

She looked back to Luke and waved at him, before she turned to leave the dorms.

[Tiger-Lily]

Luke headed up to the seventh floor to pack up.

***

Nova's soft bark snapped Evelyn awake. He was no longer in her arms. When had she set him down? She was leaning against the open window, her shoulder against its frame and she had evidently zoned out, dozing off to the sounds of droning traffic below. She rubbed her eyes, stifling a yawn, and looked down at Nova, who was curled up at her feet again, big brown eyes watching her.

Evelyn reached up and felt her cheeks. They were dry. Good.

She turned away from the open window, a cool breeze lifting her hair as she crossed to her bed and grabbed a textbook along the way. She curled up on top of her duvet, kicked off her sandals and brought her bare knees up to her stomach, pushing herself to start reading for her upcoming exams. Her eyes fluttered every so often, though. She wasn't sure why she was worn out. Exam and Jake stress, possibly. And Ash Creek brought the added James worry.

She wondered what had happened downstairs. Hopefully Jake had left.

Was he really out of control again? Like he'd said, did he really not remember that at all if, and when, he "woke up"?

She wanted to believe it. She really did. Because the Jake she knew would never say something like that to her.

At least, she didn't think so. But how well did she even know Jake, maybe six months?

She couldn't wait to go to Ash Creek and get away from him.

***

Seth stared down silently at Jake and took a moment to let the Spaniard breathe before saying, "Why would you say that fucked-up shit to her, dude? And you - you nearly broke James' arm! He's a basketball player. I mean, I know you have shit with him but that's just low."

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