Take a Breath(44)

Michael nudged at Tom and then looked sheepishly towards me. “Sorry, Ana. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just you’re a very popular girl and certainly had a choice of a few people, but you never seemed to be interested.”

I glare at Tom. “So because I never looked in their direction, people naturally assumed I was gay? Typical male, chauvinistic, prick thinking.”

Michael coward. “Tom, you shouldn’t have gone there buddy.”

I was fuming inside. I thought keeping my head down and getting on with things curtailed any gossip going around. It would seem that me being the ‘fridge,’ Tom was making me out to be was what spurred the gossip about me in the first place. I can’t win. If I were shagging everyone in the station, I would earn a reputation as a slut. But because I wasn’t sleeping around, I must now be gay.

“So does everyone think I’m gay now just because I wouldn’t sleep with a few people?”

Tom winces. I think he is beginning to really regret what he said now.

“No, of course not. I just thought that maybe… look, just forget what I said. I’m sorry, Ana. Please don’t be upset with me.”

I take a deep breath and try and calm down a bit. “Okay, Tom whatever. I think I have more important things to be worrying about at the moment anyway. And just so you know, I’m not gay and this thing with Jake and I is in its infancy at the moment. All you need to know is that it’s happened, I’m happy, and once this jerk is caught, everyone can get on with their lives and I won’t have to constantly look over my shoulder.”

They both slouch further into the sofa as the tension eases a bit.

“I must say you do look radiant. I’m happy for you both.”

I smile at them. “Nicely saved there, Tom. Still doesn’t mean you’re not a prick.”

They both start laughing as Jake enters the room again. He has a very serious expression on his face and I can see he is gauging my reaction. It must be because I’m now smiling up at him. He’s probably wondering why I’m suddenly so composed. I really don’t want this asshole to get to me. I’m tired of being the victim and I don’t want to be any part of this sick fuck’s game anymore.

Jake sits beside me and holds my hand. I can see Michael and Tom watching our every move. I bet they’re loving this.

“I have managed to sort out some protection for the evening, so the house is watched. I doubt very much he will do anything if their presence is known.”

I look longingly into Jake’s eyes. I know he will protect me and keep me safe. Just being next to him makes me feel as if I’m wrapped up in the finest, softest cotton wool known to man.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight from now on.”

His piercing green eyed gaze is back on me and I suddenly realise how embarrassing this little encounter must be for Michael and Tom.

I grab Jake’s hand and say, “Listen, I know I seem to be the pawn in this little game the sadistic prick wants to play, and I realise I have to watch my back everywhere I go, but I can’t be watched 24/7, Jake. I can’t ask that of you. You have a job and everyday life events to take care of. You can’t be with me every minute of every day.”

“You just watch me,” Jake said, defiantly. “I’m not given that sick fucker the time of day. He’s made it personal now and I refuse to give him the satisfaction of thinking he can just take what he likes, whenever he likes. He will have to get past me first.”

I felt like laughing and calling him my caveman, but now was not really the appropriate time. He cares for my welfare and is very serious about the whole thing. I won’t argue with him on this. There really is no point. I sigh in defeat.

I look over at Michael and Tom, who seem to have been enjoying a good round of Jake and Ana Table Tennis. I feel exhausted and just want to go to bed and have Jake’s arms wrapped around me all day and all night. I’m overwhelmed and I can feel many eyes upon me. I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. There are many men and women in and out of the house and I just want them all to go away. I know why they’re staring at me. It’s the same reason all the men like to have a sneak peak in an interview room at a rape victim. They want to see what all the fuss is about. It is sick I know, but it’s true. When a woman is raped, they want to see if she is worth raping. Disgusting, but it’s the mentality of people like that at times, and I know they are doing the exact same thing with me now. I bury my head in my hands. I just want this all to go away.

Sensing my frustration, Jake pulls at one of my arms. “Look, maybe it is best that you go to my room until this is all over. I’ll take you up and come back down and hurry things on a bit so you can get some breathing space, ok?”