Ecstasy

Chapter 16
Anthony yawned and lay back on the grass, staring up at the bright blue sky above him. It had been quite a good day so far, Sculpture had been an interesting lecture with them exploring the more abstract materials people use for art, and now he had the afternoon off to do what he pleased. Secretly he was still on a high from last night with him and Alan, it had been a thrill for both of them and they’d lived to tell the tale. It had been wonderful to go down stairs with Alan and have Dawson looking at them in disbelief, finally Anthony had the upper hand.

“You look smug today?” Anthony’s eyes sprung open at the sound of a voice above him, he relaxed a little as he saw Craig’s face smiling down at him.

“Do I?” Anthony questioned cautiously as Craig sat down by the side of him, taking out his lunch and offering a chocolate bar. Anthony shook his head in refusal as he sipped at his water.

“Yeah, you do look smug but so you should be we know what you and Alan got up to last night?” Anthony looked across startled at Craig as he took a bite out of his sandwich.

“What did we do?” Craig laughed and shook his head at Anthony’s attempt to play dumb.

“Oh come on, you two we’re the to to come to bed, he slept in the samom aom and then this morning both of you are walking around with like mice with their cheese. I know what you two got up too.” Anthony shook his head in disbelief at this sudden rumor that he and Alan were doing it.

“Well sorry to ruin the idea of swapping partners but Alan and I didn’t do anything except keep each other company and shit ourselves over the noises coming from up stairs and on the landing.” Craig looked across at Anthony and swallowed hard.

“So you’re saying that the noises weren’t you two?” Anthony nodded in confirmation as Craig all but went a transparent colour at the sudden realization of something. “Shit, what day is it?” He breathed as he rummaged quickly through his bag looking for something.

“Tuesday, the 14th why?” Anthony inquired as Craig fell backwards onto the grass holding his head in his hands and mumbling over and over again to himself.

“I can’t believe we forgot, oh my god. We’re are in deep shit.” Craig stared fearfully at Anthony. Anthony shuddered he didn’t know what was going on, but by the look of death that Craig had adorned across his face it was serious. “We’ve got to find Alex.” He breathed again this time jumping to his feet and grabbing his back scanning the campus grounds behind them. Anthony was quickly at his side scanning the grounds also.

“Look you take the all the lecture theaters and the main areas and I’ll take her usual hang out places. What ever you do don’t go back to the house, try and round up everyone from the house and just tell them what day it is then we’ll meet everyone back here at 2:00 hopefully with our lives.” Anthony swallowed hard as Craig kissed him softly on the cheek. “Just remember find everyone and don’t go back to the house what so ever.” Craig smiled lightly before running off into the campus grounds. Anthony swallowed hard and turned to begin running into the canteen in an effort to find everyone.

It was quarter to two and Anthony had found Alan, Dawson and Josh but he’d not seen Alex what so ever. Alan was absolutely hysterical as they all ran to meet where Craig had specified but Josh was silent and pale. Both Dawson and Anthony were still clueless no one willing to explain what the fuck was going on and why everyone was shitting themselves. As they approached the meeting point Anthony saw Craig standing with Jake, Jason and thankfully Alex who everyone seemed to be crying out for.

“Did you find everyone?” Craig scanned the people behind Anthony making sure everyone was all right and here.

“Yeah, now can you tell me what’s going on?” Anthony questioned as Alex walked over to him running her hand down his arm, to link her fingers with his.

“Let’s sit for a few minutes while we decide how to patch up this rather major fuck up on all our parts.” Her voice was once again not much more than a whisper as they walked down the grassed embankment a little way before sitting down. Anthony sighed and shivered as he felt a small warm pulse travel from her hand to his. It was freaky because it was the only glimmer of warmth he’d ever felt on Alex’s skin. Deep down inside he felt extremely strange his stomach churning and his head spinning as the group finally quieted down after getting comfortable. Anthony was next to Alex and Craig was on the other side, with Jake next to him and then Jason, Dawson and Josh after him in a circular fashion with Alan joining the circle up next to Anthony.

“Now what are we going to do?” Craig stressed as he sighed and looked at Alex frightened himself at things to come.

“Look one thing at a time, contrary to popular belief some of us in this group are still hazy about why we’re all shitting bricks.” Alex glared at Craig who shrank back into his jacket, holding onto Alex’s hand tightly.

“Now, you’ve heard about all the deaths and murders that have happened over the years well today is the day that all of them seem to happen or something bad happens. Two years ago was the last time we’d had an actual death and unfortunately that was Craig’s girlfriend and I’m sure you’ve heard about that gruesome little tale. I guess what was failed to be told that at the point of the death I was locked up on suspicion of a murder previously done. Happily I was acquitted with lack of evidence and the fact I had an alibi. If you haven’t guessed I’m not a popular person around here because I tend to get blamed for things even though I didn’t know about them.” Alex paused and sighed smiling softly down at Anthony who was hanging on her every word.
“Alright get to the shit where we ran for our lives last year.” Josh snapped sharply hiding into Dawson’s shoulder.

“Hold your horses, I was getting to that.” Alex snapped back getting a little irritated altogether with people interrupting. “Well it seems that on this particular day every year weird shit starts to happen, and last year at about 11.55 things started to get thrown about and we literally were in the middle of it. Some these items included dismembered body parts that suddenly appeared from up stairs, knives from the kitchen and meat cleavers from up stairs again. Not to mention the various other unmentionables that were hurled at us by nasty pissed off spooks.” Anthony smiled and sighed halfheartedly as Alex played with his fingers, not looking up at the group as they questioned her silently. It was like she just didn’t want to be a part of it and just didn’t care.

“We’ve found that apple pie’s seem to keep them quiet, and usually around this time of year we’ve got a whole batch of them in the freezer but unfortunately we’ve kind of forgotten this year.” Craig whispered as he nuzzled into Alex’s shoulder.

“And I’m guessing that’s not good, considering that some of us might not survive the night.” Dawson questioned as he looked directly at Anthony who seemed to be suddenly captivated by Alex’s hands.

“That’s right, so we’re essentially running the gauntlet again for another year.” Alex sighed as everything went deadly silent, everyone aware of how their livouldould potentially come to an end tonight.

“So what’s happening then, are we just going to sit around waiting for it to happen?” Jake inquired gingerly as they all watched as Alex closed her eyes and smiled wickedly, her hands resting lightly in Anthony’s. Everyone could see that Anthony was flinching every so often under her touch but no one questioned it, for fear of what it might create.

“No we’re not going to sit around. Tonight there’s a party at one of the fraternity houses and we’re all going to be in attendance, including me.” They all nodded at that comment, picking up on the fact that it wasn’t optional to go to the party. Alex smiled at all of them individually as they smiled back at her as best they possibly could. “Now you all get little groups and at no time during the night to do you break away from your group. I don’t care if you’re your taking a leak to fucking a whore you picked up, your group is no more than two meters away from you at all times.” Alex glared at them all making sure her point go through to them loud and clear, the last thing she needed right now was to have dead friends.

“I’ll go with Josh and Dawson.” Alex looked across as Craig smiled at Dawson and Josh, who nodded in agreement.

“Fine, Anthony you’re coming with me. Alan you can go with Jake and Jason.” Alan looked sharply across at Alex who glared at him waiting for his acceptance. They all looked a little stunned at Alex’s comment and her willingness to take Anthony under her wing.

“Can’t I come with you guys instead?” Alan inquired in pro of of what Alex had proposed. Anthony wouldn’t have minded having Alan with them after all he always felt awkward with Alex on her own.

“If you want to, is that alright with you Anthony?” Alex looked down at Anthony who swallowed hard and nodded in agreement, before smiling at a relived Alan. “Good it’s settled then, now we’ll go back to the house and get ready, as long as we’re out of there by 7:30 and don’t go back until midday tomorrow we’ll be fine.” They all nodded in agreement before standing up and brushing themselves off, before they slowly made their way back to the house to get ready for the night ahead.

It was just after 4:30 when Anthony sighed and strolled out of the bathroom with the towel crudely wrapped around his waist. His hair was everywhere after he’d had a good wash and scrub just incase he didn’t last the night, he wanted to be clean for the coroners. He was to far away in his own little world to even notice Alex wandering up landing towards in just a dark pair of pin strip pants and a deep burgundy lace bra on. She was in search of an iron to press her blouse and waistcoat.

“Hi Anthony.” She whispered as she passed him smiling at him softly as he looked up and nodded still in his own little world. She had to smile he’d not even noticed her attire so he must have been deep in thought.

“Yeah Hi.” He mumbled back walking into his room. Then it suddenly hit him what he’d just past in the hall and all but leaped back out of the bedroom to get a look to see if he wasn’t dreaming. His mouth nearly hit the floor as he glanced over the railings of the stairwell to see Alex standing at the bottom in just a flimsy bra and pin stripe pants like his own. Alex was a woman and a half just by the way her breasts sat so neatly and perfect on her chest Anthony could tell she was well built. She had a beautifully tanned body and a totally flat stomach quite contrary to his own flabby little beer belly he’d gotten over the last year with him not rowing any more. There was a little tattoo she had on her breast it was like a little Celtic symbol he could also see another tattoo on her lower back just above her hip, it was a number like they used to have for the prisoners.appeappeared to be more like a brand than a tattoo but he dared not look any longer as she turned to come back up the stairs again after receiving the iron off Craig.
Anthony sighed and walked back into his room closing the door behind him so he could get changed. He dropped his towel after drying himself properly and stared at his figure in the mirror. Something was wrong deep inside himself, he could feel it but he didn’t know what it was. It was like he didn’t feel like what he was seeing in the mirror, like the mirror was lyabouabout his appearance. Strange as it would seem it had bugged him for a long time but he’d never said anything, only now it was getting to be a stronger feeling inside himself and he couldn’t distinguish what it was. He sighed heavily and ran his finger up his cock stopping at its tip and staring down at it. It hadn’t been used in a while and Anthony half expected to see cobwebs hanging off it. Alex had come to his attention on more than one occasion and he had this small feeling inside of himself that he liked her. jus just liked her as a person but actually longed for her like he’d known her all his life and was only just discovering that she was desirable. After all she was a perfect specimen of a female state, totally proportioned in all the right place. Any man would be over the moon to have a lover like her, but what Anthony felt was different to what he’d usually felt towards women. It was weird and a totally new sensation, he tingled all over every time she touched or was near him and yet she was still like an ice block to touch. He sighed again shaking his head and putting the thoughts out of his head, if he read into his feelings too much he’d be a wreck within himself and tonight was going to be hard enough without added stress.

“Well don’t you look sad and sorry standing there naked and alone.” Anthony spun around from the mirror grabbing his boxers and holding them over himself as a voice perked up from behind him. Dawson smiled coyly as Anthony realized who it was and gave him the finger looking at him with hatred before pulling his boxers on quickly hiding himself for Dawson as best as possible. “Oh come on Anty I’ve seen it all before.” Anthony spun around quickly after Dawson’s quick little comment.

“So you’re entitled to see in now, so fuck off you’re not welcome in here.” Anthony snapped sharply grabbing his black pants pulling them on and doing up the sip and buttons. Dawson sighed and leant against the frame of the adjoining doors to their rooms, looking at Anthony as he proceeded to get dressed. Anthony was becoming a little frustrated at having Dawson watch him like that, they’d not even spoken tow words to each other after that fateful night and now he had the gaul to stand and watch over him while he got dressed. “Didn’t I just say fuck off? Or are you deliberately ignoring my request to get the hell out of my room?” Anthony breatharsharshly pulling on his shirt after straightening out his belt.

“No, I’m just reminding myself of what I’ve lost.” Dawson breathed softly lowering his head to the floor as Anthony glared at him with hatred. “I’m sorry.” He breathed again waiting for the ultimate rejection he knew he was going to receive after all this was his fault.

“It’s to late for sorry, you should have thought about that before sleeping with Josh, and don’t look at me you’re the one who decided to play hide the sausage not me. Now get out.” Dawson nodded understandingly tears stinging his eyes as he turned to leave, avoiding eye contact with Anthony all together. It was so lonely without Anthony, sure Josh was a fuck but he wasn’t a best friend as well like Anthony used to be.

“I just wanted to know I was sorry, just incase we get chopped to little pieces in the hell hole that we landed in.” Anthony sighed and closed his eyes as he watched Dawson break down into tears. He’s seen the terror in Dawson’s eyes many a time over the years but right now it was the scariest and deepest he’d ever seen it on Dawson’s face. Like himself Dawson was confused, scared and alone with no hope in hell of realizing what was going on till it was too late. He couldn’t defend himself if he tried but not that any of them could defend themselves against the supposed supernatural anyway, however Dawson was a sitting duck, the lame sheep amongst the heard.

“Come here, you’re not going to die Dawson.” Anthony smiled as he walked quickly over to Dawson hugging him tightly in his arms as he continued to cry. It was all becoming too much for any of them. First the supposed murder, then the stories of chopped and diced bodies and now the fact that they would be targets for flying knifes and other nasty’s just because they were assigned to this shit of a dorm. Life had just taken an unexpected turn down hill, they’d not had to face this sort of crap in their lives and all of sudden they’d been thrown into it head first. As much as Anthony wanted to believe his own comforting statement to Dawson he felt deep down inside himself that their was small chance that one of them wouldn’t make it through the night, if what they’d all said was right. “Just consider you’re with Craig and Josh for the night, they’ll look after you and they know what to expect so you’ll be fine.” Dawson sniffled back a few tears as Anthony brushed the hair out of his face and put it back behind his ears for him.

“I hope you’re right Anthony, I don’t want to die yet.” Anthony shuddered as Dawson stared back at him straight in the eyes, as they stood in silence. Dawson took a deep breath and leaned forward closing his eyes as he brushed his lips against Anthony’s. Anthony swallowed hard and closed his eyes as Dawson kisses him softly on the lips. It was something so familiar that it only took a minute and Anthony let himself slip. He was still to hurt and angry to let this happen now. Dawson swallowed hard as Anthony pushed him forcefully away glaring at him with tears in his own eyes. He missed Dawson so much be he couldn’t let him back into his life just like that, it was just to painful to be so easy.

“Go, Get out now.” Anthony breathed turning his back on Dawson quickly as he felt himself begin to cry. Dawson sighed and backed out of the room into his own, closing the door softly behind him. He knew all to well what he’d lost and how badly he’d hurt Anthony it wasn’t going to be easy to get him back.
Anthony sighed heavily and wiped his ecleaclear of tears after he’d composed himself. He didn’t understand why it hurt so much still, after all he wasn’t to blame Dawson had left him. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror as he fixed himself up putting the finishing touches on his attire before grabbing his jacket, mobile phone, lighter, and packet of cigarette’s as well as a crucifix and dog tags on the gold chain his father had given him. Anthony was determined to be identifiable if he died tonight and his father would be at least half-proud of his queer son for dying under a cross. Anthony couldn’t help but laugh as he placed several condoms into his wallet before slipping it into his jacket pocket. Here he was facing danger and potentially loosing his life and all he could think about was safe sex, it was stupid but it made him relax a little. There would be heaps of drunken men and women at this party to go around so at least if he was going to die he’d have one last root before he’d go even if it had to be done with a audience of Alex and Alan. He smirked to himself as he strolled out of his room at the thought of having Alex watch him make love to some person he didn’t even know the name of. He could hear voices down stairs and made his way down the stairs towards them after taking a last look at all his thingat cat could possibly be not there if he ever returned to the room.

“Smoke?” Anthony smiled and nodded at Alex who offered him a smoke as he walked into the lounge room, where they were all beginning to gather. Craig, Jason and Alan were already down stairs all of them smoking a cigarette of some sort although Jason and Craig seemed to be smoking something a little stronger than just tobacco.

“Thanks.” Anthony breathed as he put his jacket on the back of the sofa before flopping down next to Alex who lit the cigarette for him. They all seemed a little detract from everything really, all of them in silence as they thought about their own lives and the future of them. Even Alex who was usually as emotionless and cold had warmness to her features all of a sudden as she stared into the crackling fire.

“So you got everything you want?” Craig inquired passing the joint back to Jason after taking a large drag and blowing smoke rings into the air.

“Yeah, everything that matter’s myself and stuff Dad gave to me before he turned me out of the house because I was queer.” Anthony huffed a little laugh as Alex and Alan smiled they’d succeeded in bringing Anthony down to earth a little and to the realization that everyone has flaws. He was more in tune with himself and aware of the other people around him, it made him a better person to be around than the cold young man that had first come into the house.

“Good, did you see anyone else coming down why you were up there?” Alan questioned curious to know what the other’s were doing up there.

“Yeah Dawson was just behind me, he went to see Josh though.” Everyone swallowed a little sharply at the sign that Anthony was still bitter over Josh and Dawson now being together as a couple. Alan smiled at Anthony as Anthony relaxed back in the sofa and closed his eyes letting the cigarette calm his nerves.

“Right I’ll go get them, we should get going might as well leave early than to late.” Craig took one more drag from the joint before getting up and making his way up the stairs to get everyone going. Jason smiled and held up the half smoked joint towards Anthony.

“You want some, does wonders for shaking hands.” Anthony blushed a little obviously Jason had picked up on the fact that his hands were shaking like shit as they held the cigarette firm.

“Nah, try and keep away from the stuff now days. Once I’ve tasted it again you’ll not stop me and I’d at least like to remember a little of night if I do happen to get through it unscathed.” Jason shrugged his shoulders before offering it to Alex and Alan whom both shook their heads, then he put it out in the ashtray. They all sat in silence for a few minutes before they heard the rest of the group coming down the stairs.

“We all ready then?” Craig inquired as they all stood up and grabbed their jackets and belongings.

“As ready as we’re going to be.” Josh breathed as Dawson snuggled into his shoulder, after buttoning up his jacket. Anthony couldn’t help but glance across at Dawson staring at him in ore as Dawson smiled softly at him from Josh’s shoulder. It hurt Anthony to see his ex lover on another man’s arm but he knew deep down inside that it was going to happen sooner or later at least if he died tonight he’d have known Dawson was happy on his own.

“Let’s get going then, we’ll go to Mas fos for dinner first and make our way over to the party at about 7:00pm.” Everyone nodded in agreement before they all filed out of the house before getting into little pairs as they walked towards the main entry of the campus grounds. Craig and Alex were in the lead, with Jason and Jake just behind them. Anthony and Alan strolled along at the end with Dawson and Josh in front of them. Anthony couldn’t help but sigh as he watched Josh and Dawson hold hands tightly as they all began to snuggle down in their jackets against the wind blowing up from the river. It was a perfectly clear night not a cloud in the sky and all the little tinkling stars so visible against the velvet background. Anthony could feel Alan glancing up at him every so often as they made their way down to the ferry terminal.

“You alright?” Alan inquired softly as he handed over the money to the ferry assistant, paying for both Anthony and himself. Anthony smiled and nodded softly walking at the side of Alan as they both headed out onto the back deck of the ferry. Everyone was inside the little cabin of the ferry, but Anthony needed air to calm his nerves, plus he wanted a smoke. The feeling he had down inside was growing stronger and he just didn’t know what it was. It seemed to be linked to everything that was happening but he couldn’t be sure, all he knew was that Alex was the source of everything and even that was a fact that he’d noen cen considered until only just know.

“Smoke?” Anthony offered as the ferry started it’s engines and began to pull away from the dock. Alan shook his head watching intently as Anthony carefully put the cigarette to his lips and made an attempt at lighting it with his lighter. He couldn’t believe how much Anthony was shaking as he tried several times in vain to light the cigarette. Finally Anthony took a deep breath in and gave up putting the cigarette back in the packet and both the lighter and packet back in his jacket. He’d not even considered the fact that Alan might have been watching the fiasco and when he glanced across to where Alan sat next to him he swallowed hard. Alan was staring at him sadly. The pair stared at one another for a few minutes as the little boat bobbed up and down towards the other side of the river. Anthony felt himself just disintegrate under Alan’s gaze, his deep brown eyes just causing him to freeze in his tracks. Alan had suddenly become a lifeline someone to trust and someone who seemed to care.

“I know something better to calm the nerves.” Alan whispered after a long pause between them, gazing directly into Anthony’s eyes. Anthony smiled and took a deep breath running his hand up Alan’s leg to sit on his upper thigh.
“Really?” Anthony whispered back. “So do I.” Alan smiled at Anthony’s declaration before closing his eyes and bringing his lips down to meet Anthony’s in a deeply sensuous kiss. It had been a major step forward for Anthony, he’d never been public about his affections and all of sudden he just didn’t care.
Alex smiled to herself as she caught a glimpse of Anthony and Alan out on the back part of the ferry. Well at least someone had changed dramatically during his stay at the house. As she turned back to face forwards inside, she saw that she wasn’t the only one who was witness to Alan and Anthony’s display. Dawson was just staring at them his face emotionless as they continued to kiss. Alex sighed heavily, Dawson was paying the ultimate price now and he knew it. Anthony couldn’t have gone on forever being alone and just like Dawson had done Anthony too had moved on. She brought herself back to reality as she felt the ferry slow down and come to a slow stop at the dock.

“You coming?” Craig held out a hand for Alex as he stood up, helping Alex to her feet as she smiled softly. They followed the rest of the group off the ferry then up and out onto the street before they all congregated together at the bus shelter at the top of the city mall.

“We all here safe and sound?” Jake inquired watching as Alan and Anthony walked a few steps into the group to hear what was being said above the city noise. He couldn’t help but notice the way Alan and Anthony were extremely close, Alan standing behind Anthony with his hands wrapped around his waist. Once he’d counted everyone twice he smiled and gestured for them all to head down towards the golden arches of their chosen restaurant.

“So you two all ready for tonight?” Anthony all but jumped out of his skin as Alex pulled up at the side of him and Alan as they began down the mall.

“Taking it a minute at a time, for now I’m concentrating on having my potentially last meal.” Alan joked as he held tightly onto Anthony’s hand as they continued down the mall ignoring all the looks they were receiving. Anthony was shitting himself all he could think of was how he’d been beaten up as a child for even suggesting he was queer and now he was technically telling everyone around him that he was. His pulse was absolutely racing as his eyes darted from one group of people to the next all of them staring at their little group. He prayed it wasn’t obvious on his face but he knew he must have been a ghostly white just by the way he was shaking and feeling light headed. He felt himself relax a little as they began down the stairs into the fast food restaurant away from the glare of the people in the mall. Although he was now aware of the other customers who were eating their dinners at the tables, suddenly turn their attention to him as they walked towards the counter. His heart fell away as he saw all the lines leading up to the counter all filled with people standing around with nothing better to do than make comments to him and Alan.

“You alright Anthony?” Alan stopped immediately as Anthony stopped dead staring blankly at the lines. Craig and everyone were already lining up smiling and laughing with one another, even Dawson and Josh were concerned by the people whispering behind their backs about their closeness. So why should he care but he couldn’t do it the memories of the hurt and the pain were all just there at once it was too much to handle.

“Anthony?” Alex inquired as she saw the look of terror sweep over Anthony’s face like a tidal wave of emotion. She already knew what was wrong and was quickly standing in front of him making Alan drop his hand so that she could take both of them in her hands and make him look at her. “Calm down or you’re going to give yourself a coronary.” She whispered pulling him out of the middle of the walkway so that people could get past.

“I can’t do this.” Anthony whispered trying his hardest to breathe properly as terror began to fiis bis body making him shake. Alex sighed and turned to Alan smiling comfortingly as Alan looked on devastated at the thought that he’d done something wrong to Anthony.

“We’ll go get a seat, just tell Craig to get my usual for both Anthony and I.” Alan nodded sadly as he watched Anthony shiver at Alex’s side holding onto her hands for dear life, still staring at the lines. “Now come on let’s go get a seat and calm down.” Alex turned Anthony around and began to walk him shakily back down the walkway. Heading over towards the block of seats near the wall that they’d past on the way in. Anthony closed his eyes and nuzzled into Alex’s side as they passed all the people eating their food that had stared at him on the way in.

“I’d wish they’d stop.” Anthony whispered as Alex sat him down on the bench before putting her bag down and sitting next to him, cuddling him tightly as he shook violently in her arms. She just didn’t know what it must be like having to face your fears like that. Anthony had been persecuted for his sexuality all his life by people to ignorant to accept the changing times, so much so that now he was just to afraid of everyone to show who he really was.

“They’ll stop when they realize you’re just the same as them except a little varied. You sleep, shit, eat, talk, and cry like everyone else does in this world it’s nothing to be ashamed of Anthony.” Anthony breathed out heavily still holding onto Alex for dear life as he glanced up at the people in the restaurant, most of them had gone back to what they were doing before apart from a few young people who were just having extended glances his way. Alex smiled as she watched him scan the room and relax as he realized everyone was back to how they were before. “See their just curious, you’re like a new toy to a child and once the child has play and looked at it for a while in wonderment it goes to the back of the cupboard like any other toy. Now take a deep breath and sit up straight who cares what other think, no ones going to touch you Anthony because like me you’ve got an air about you that scares the shit out of all of them.” Anthony laughed a little as Alex raised an eyebrow at him knowingly before kissing him softly on the forehead. To Anthony Alex seemed like the ultimate friend, she was more of a big sister than a friend because she knew far to much about him and he didn’t know why.

“Thanks, I lost it.” Anthony whispered back as he sat up and gingerly took of his jacket placing it across his lap still a little nervous about the other people in the restaurant.
“No don’t worry about it, I know it was hard but you go here unscathed and besides if I had a guy like Alan on my arm I certainly wouldn’t be hiding him.” Anthony blushed as Alex raised an eyebrow at him questioningly before they both began to giggle a little. Alex leaned in a little closer to Anthony so that she could whisper to him. “I mean you did see what I saw in the showers that day didn’t you? The guys hung like a horse.” Anthony covered his face with his hands to stop him bursting out laughing. Alan had said that she just didn’t both to notice things so that’s why he walked around naked in front of her, but what she’d just said then contradicted everything.

“What are you two giggling about?” Alex and Anthony both looked up as Craig and the others came over to the table carrying trays of food and drink.

“Nothing that you should hear, now chucks us some grub I’m starving. The last thing I want to do is drink on an empty stomach.” They all laughed and nodded in agreement as they got themselves comfy and handed out the food. Anthony smiled softly as Alan sat down next to him passing him what Alex had called her usual. He couldn’t help but smile, here in front of him was two cheeseburgers, a large coke, large fries, an apple pie and a chocolate sundae. If Alex could eat all this then she was one hell of a woman because Anthony was sure as hell he’d be stuffed after finishing the large coke.

“You alright, you had me scared for a minute back there.” Alan whispered as everyone got on with their own conversations and dinner. Anthony sighed and nodded as he leaned across and gave Alan a quick kiss on the lips.

“Yeah fine, just lost it with all these people, you’ll just have bear with me for a little while until I find my confidence that I used to have.” Alan nodded understandingly before taking hold of Anthony’s hand comfortingly under the table as they continued to eat, rejoining the conversation around the table. Anthony glanced up to see Dawson smiling at him softly. Obvious he’d picked up on the achievement that Anthony had done tonight even though they were a couple anymore Dawson was proud of him. It had taken 20 odd years but now he’d finally found his feet on his own, and the only way was up.

It took only half an hour for everyone to finish dinner some of them going back for seconds on which both Alex and Anthony had not even bothered. Surprisingly enough Anthony had eaten everything that had been put in front of him, including the large coke. They all sat and relaxed for a while, it would take only fifteen minutes to get to the party and it was only 6:15. Dawson yawned as he and Josh came back to sit down at the table after sneaking off for a toilet brake while they had the chance, it was be lin lining up for it at the party. As they sat down Alex glanced up to see a group of males all staring at Dawson and Alan who were extremely close. She kept an eye on them as they all continued to talk about things in general.

“Do we know who’s going to actually be at this party?” Jake inquired as he sipped from what was left of his giant coke. Everyone looked towards Alex and Craig he the top of the table, Craig looked across at Alex who was far away watching something behind them. She didn’t look to happy more concerned than anything but he didn’t both to turn around just incase it was too obvious to what ever she was looking at.

“Yeah people from Uni, I’m sure the KKK will be there but hey it’s better getting insults from them than getting skewered by a flying knife at our place right?” They all nodded in agreement falling silent just as a voice echoed in the restaurant.

“Oi, shouldn’t you lot be in the cln Men Melbourne street, you’ll not pick up you’re type here?” Anthony swallowed hard as everyone glanced around to the group of young males that was sitting on the other side of the restaurant staring at them and laughing. Craig turned back to Alex who was smiling and glaring at the group, she didn’t look to thrilled with that comment.

“I think we better go Alex.” Craig whispered as they all went to grab their coats and stand up.

“No, we’re still got a good half an hour I don’t want to be to early. Sit down it’s a free world, ignore them.” They all gingerly relaxed back down again all of them a little edgy at the fact that someone had just made a scene of their presence. The table was silent and Alex didn’t avert her deathly gaze from the group except to glance down at Dawson, Alan, Anthony and Josh who were all a little tense to say the least. She knew all to well that the last thing they needed was a confrontation after all she’d just told Anthony that the world wouldn’t hurt him. Most of it was true apart from that 1% of the population that they’d suddenly come across in the restaurant.

“I didn’t think they heard me lads, I said faggot’s like you won’t find what you’re looking for here.” Everyone fell silent as the leader of the group called to them again, by this time most of the people were moving out of the restaurant in light of what might eventuate. Most of the patrons were parents with children that just didn’t want to be in the middle of this. Craig watched as Alex laughed and nodded clapping her hands at the group.

“He’s true you know, I didn’t come in here looking for a bunch of pricks but I seem to have found some.” Alex’s voice was her usual calm self as she made a little comment loud enough for them to hear it. The group couldn’t help but smile at Alex’s comment hiding their faces a little so the group of males couldn’t see them laughing at Alex’s comment. Alex sighed and smiled to herself as the group across the way fell silent a little dumb founded by her smart arse remark back at them. “Come on let’s get going, I need a smoke.” They all nod in agreement all of them getting up to go grabbing their jackets. Alex kept an eye on the group as they began to walk towards the exit where they’d come in after putting the rubbish in the bin. Alex walked behind the group as they walked up the stairs heading out onto the mall. “Stupid cunts.” Alex breathed as they stopped in front of a closed store while they all got themselves fixed up and passed around lighters and packets of cigarettes. Anthony couldn’t help but smile at Alex, she was so good at ignoring people and making them shut up quickly with her poison tongue. Anthony was glad that he was friends with her for she could do him so damage if she wasn’t.
“Let’s start a slow walk then.” Craig gestured for everyone to start to walk back up the mall. The house were the party was being held was at the far end of the campus grounds on the river front so it was far away from their own residence so pretty safe. Alan kissed Anthony softly on the lips before taking hold of his hand as the walked next to Alex and Jake, behind Craig, Josh, Dawson and Jason in front.

“So what’s a girl like you doing with a bunch of faggots hey?” They all paused a little as they heard a voice calling to them from behind them. The group that had beuggiugging them in the restaurant had taken it upon themselves to follow them out into the mall.

“Ignore them.” Alex breathed as Anthony moved in closer to Alex at his side, holding on tightly to Alan’s hand. Craig slowed off a little to walk next to Alex just in case it took a nasty turn. However as long as they were in a fairly public place the gang wouldn’t do anything it was only when they made their way down to the ferry that something could go wrong.

“Are you stupid bitch, I’m talking to you. I said what’s a woman like you doing with a bunch of pansies?” Alex stopped sharply after one of the group members had referred to as a bitch. Craig knew all to well what Alex was like if she was personally insulted like that and that the men were sitting ducks if she lost her temper that was on a very short fuse.

“Leave them Alex, they’ll go away.” Alex breathed as he watched Alex turn around and smile at the group of me who at this point was pretty smug with themselves.

“Getting more than you arsehole.” Alex gave them the finger before turning back around and linking her arms with both Anthony and Craig in an effort to keep them walking as a group. She really was not in the mood to have pricks like this following them. Anthony was a little shaky in her arms as they continued to walk, glancing in the shop windows to see the group still following them.

“They’re still following us Alex.” Anthony whispered gingerly looking back over his shoulder to see the group smiling wickedly at them as they walked faster to try and get away.

“I know they are just relax nothing going to happen they’re to stupid to do anything.” Alex smiled at him softly as he took a deep breath and sighed as they came to the top of the stairs that lead down to the ferry terminal. “Just follow Craig down to the ferry and get on it, I’ll be with you in a bit.” Alex dropped her arm from Anthony and Craig’s gesturing for them all to go down the steps and get on the waiting ferry. They all did so without question, although Craig was a little apprehensive about leaving Alex on her own. Even though she was very capable of handing all of the group on her own if she need help he wanted to be close.

“Aren’t you coming?” Anthony inquired as Craig stopped at the bottom of the set of steps looking up at where Alex was standing at the top. He didn’t understand how or why Alex was going to defend herself against six fairly beefy blokes. Sure Alan had said that she had all this skill but it was risky.

“Yeah I just want to make sure she doesn’t fuck up, I’ve seen her do this before but I’m just never sure about it.” Craig smiled as Anthony nodded understandingly before turning to continue up the broad walk towards the ferry with Alan. As they reached the ferry they heard a blood curdling scream and everyone turned around quickly even those people already on the boat. It wasn’t Alex’s voice was much deeper more male than anything.

“Jesus, do you think she’s done him in?” Anthony breathed as he cuddled into Alan’s chest as they got quickly on the ferry. Jake was already half way up the boardwalk to go and investigate when both Craig and Alex ran back down towards him laughing hysterically to one another. They all watched as Alex came and sat down with their little group on the back of the ferry while Craig paid for both fares back across the river.

“What the hell did you do?” Jason inquired nervously as she composed herself and took hold of Anthony’s hand smiling at him happily.

“I just stood there a few steps down, they must have seen us disappeared and then begun to run after us to catch us up. Well not expecting to see anyone on the steps they all jumped down the first few only to come face to face with a pair of wickedly sparkling blue eyes in the dark. You should have seen their faces, he must have wet himself because I’ve never seen someone move as quickly as he did as he all but pounced back up the stairs and took off. Scared the living shit out of them.” They all began top laugh hysterically as Craig and Jake came back out to sit with them as the ferry pulled away back out into the river.

“You’re too good.” Jake breathed leaning over and kissing Alex softly on the cheek, quite happy that she’d not killed anyone as first thought.

“Now let’s get into the party spirit because I sure as hell are going to enjoy tonight if we all don’t die a horrible death. Just remember the groups and the rules as well as turn on your mobiles and we’ll be fine I hope.” Alex smiled at the group as they all turned on their mobiles and turning up their rings to full so they could hear the in the crowd and music of the party. Anthony smiled at Alex softly and she turned to him and winked at him knowingly. It was true they were scary people who could never be tod, ad, although Anthony was still discovering his own scariness he still felt it down inside. They all sat back and relaxed as the ferry bobbed up and down on the water. All of them contemplating what could happen tonight and if they’d all survive to see the light of day again.

TBC.............