Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 9

As Friday came around the buzz and the rumours surrounding me and Vic had died down. Luckily for me it didn't take long for people to get bored, especially since there really wasn't anything to be interested in. I didn't get any more snide comments from Henry or any more random glares from wounded groupies. All in all, uni had become enjoyable again. 

I hadn't seen Vic since Veggie Flares. I was trying to tell myself that she wasn't worth it, that the grief I got from merely having a conversation with her wasn't worth it, but I was finding it hard to believe my words. It was like I was saying something without really hearing it. 

I kinda wanted to see her, and I was looking forward to our next random meeting whenever it occurred. But I was still trying to play it cool, and I wasn't going to let anyone know I was excited.

My friends were already suspicious. And yes, friends in the plural sense, surprisingly. My random collection of people I'd met in freshers week had all gelled together well and formed a reasonably large group, which were currently being rowdy and occupying a large space in the cafeteria. It was funny how some things were easy and just worked out, whilst other things took a load of effort and calculation to get. Vic being one of them. 

Wow I really needed to stop thinking about her.  

Hmm...maybe I'd start that resolution next week. I was hoping the next time I would see her would be tomorrow. It was meant to be a sunny Saturday and we were all planning to hit the beach where, I'd been told not so subtly by Rachel, Vic and her friends sometimes hung out. 

I was excited but nervous at the same time, especially if the fan club showed up. I really didn't want to endure another session of unwanted gossip. 

A loud burst of laughter from the group pulled me out of my reverie. I couldn't help but grin with them. We were playing a game Jared had came up with called 'Impressions', where we each had to pick a name out of a bowl of someone sitting around the table and imitate them. 

Almost immediately the game became a source of teasing and insults, and it was cool to see that no one was getting offended. People who took themselves too seriously got on my nerves. 

The bowl got passed to Drake who was sitting next to me, which meant that it was my turn afterwards. As he took a name out he grinned and pulled down his shirt as if to show off an imaginary cleavage, before turning towards me. 

"Jack! Jack! Logan! Come watch me do my TikTok dance I promise you'll enjoy it!" 

Molly punched Drake hard in the arm as everyone started laughing again. "I wasn't like that at all! It was completely innocent!" 

"Whatever you say," Drake smirked at her, looking pleased with himself for creating her angry reaction. Although I couldn't help but notice a sense of annoyance that flashed in his eyes, and I wondered if he didn't like the idea of Molly flirting with other guys. Hmm...interesting. 

I definitely shipped them: they would be a very cute couple. Drake was a butch African-American with massive biceps and Molly had the cute, girl next door vibe going on with her long blonde hair, blue eyes and dimples. I kinda wanted to play matchmaker but I probably should just keep my nose out of it, although I was definitely gonna ask Drake if he fancied her. I wanted to prove myself right. 

It was my turn to pull out a name and I got Jared. He was all drugged up when we went to Flares so I did an impression of him looking high and crazy. "Please let in...Please. We're only...a drunk." 

He laughed at himself and shook his head. "I was not that bad." 

Jess, one of Molly's friends from her History course, picked next and did a great display of Rachel's nearly paralytic episode a couple nights back at her flat. We'd all come to learn quickly that Rach was a lightweight but had absolutely no idea of her limits, which was a really bad mixture of drinking habits. It usually resulted in her collapsing, throwing up or just being downright ridiculous. But I was slightly worried she could end up in hospital at some point, in all seriousness. She was awful with her drink. 

Adam, one of Logan's mates from back home, then did a hilarious mocking of Logan's rigid dance moves; and I nearly fell off my seat from laughter when he went bright red again. Oh dear. He really did not help himself when he blushed like that. 

But I probably should've restrained myself slightly as it was Logan's turn next, and my name was the only one which had not been called. He looked up at me and smirked evilly when he pulled the paper out, and I couldn't help but cringe as I knew karma was coming to get me. 

"Victoria," he started, putting on a phoney British accent which made me sound posh and strangely creepy at the same time. "Would you like a spot of tea before I take off all your clothes and ravish you in-" 

"Okay, okay we get it," I said, holding my hands up to interrupt him as everyone around the table chuckled and made goo-goo eyes at me. I gave an embarrassed grin but inside I was kind of mortified, as well as trying not to think about Vic and clothes in the same sentence. 

I hoped Logan's impression wasn't as apt as everyone else's. I didn't really sound like that, did I?