“Like the two fence planks between garden and meadow, the letters L and I are the obstacles between B and V in the word oblivious, remove the planks and the letters and soon the things we didn‘t see

before become obvious to us”

“Hey, roll the dice don’t launch it!” Emma said sighing good naturedly as she hunted through the long grass outside the large, well established and flattened area of picnic patch, her bottom waggling in mid air facing her friends as she did so, thus revealing the waistband of her briefs to the world. The urge to laugh won over politeness not to, a combination of camaraderie and fun mixed with a few bottles of wine and beer left the only one option and they all burst out laughing, almost simultaneously.

“What!?” She asked, a little annoyed at their mirth, being left alone to search for a dice she had not thrown, and an awareness that the top of her pants would be on show. However, she continued to rummage amongst the grass and flowers, ignoring the giggles behind her. It was as if the dice had vanished, been eaten by the ground, or there was a field mouse somewhere with a stash of missing objects. “Grrr for Gawds’ sake this is not the Bermuda Triangle, I give up!” she announced and turned around adjusting her jeans as she did so.

She emerged from the tall grass, her curly blonde hair strewn across her face, some of it stuck temporarily by sweat to her forehead, there were seeds and the odd fly nestling among the strands of hair. Hot and annoyed she shook her head discharging any foreign bodies, and extracted wet hair from her face trying to replace it with as much dignity as she could muster to it’s rightful place on her head.

There was a brief pause in the giggling, whilst they watched her sort herself out and take a grateful glug of cider from her camping cup. Then they gave her with a big round of applause, “Nice undies Ems!” James said, “and there was me thinking the thongs in the utility room were yours”, he made a mental note to have the subject, ‘Thongs’ as his truth or dare question. He quickly glanced around at the other females present to see who blushed, they gave nothing away. Emma looked him straight in the eye with her bright green eyes flashing, then blushed a little before laughing, it set them all off laughing again, she could not stay annoyed for long. She reached into the game box and got another dice out, “ That’s the last one, we really need to keep them on the blankets guys”.

“Yes mum!” they all shouted in unison, and continued to play their game of, ‘Truth or Dare‘. They’d adapted the rules a little over the last two years, ‘Throw any even number except a 6, and answer truthfully a question asked by the last person to throw, produce an odd number, perform a task (also) set by last person to go, and a 6 gave the thrower a chance to miss a turn and pass the dice on.’ How everyone loved to roll those sixes.

They had been sat in the meadow just beyond the garden for hours, no-one knew exactly when they had traipsed along the path that lead to the gap in the fence, that linked garden to meadow, carefully avoiding Uncle Ewan’s beloved vegetable patch, and manicured lawns. Emma and Aggie jointly owned the house, as cousins they had inherited it from their grandmother, but knew they would let her precious garden fall into decline, so Uncle Ewan as well as being the family handyman and caretaker also had a lot of free land to plant his vegetables in.

Earlier they had left the house, crossed the decking, then the patio, stuck to the path on the beautiful lawn, ducked under the arch strewn with clematis and climbing roses, stayed on the crunchy gravel pathway between the vegetable patches, and lifted the large planks of wood that had come away at the bottom of the fence panel sideways, popped out one by one revealing a human ant-trail out on an adventure each taking essential items with them.

Essential items such as blankets and bed covers for ground cover or a wrap around as evening fell and the temperature cooled, cushions or pillows for lounging, torches, and a lantern (a large rusty article they’d found in the shed), a picnic, sweets, cakes, and of course copious supplies of drink.

The meadow was visited on dry days all year round, but mostly in the summer. It was used as an alfresco meeting place, a secret garden for big kids, whenever the mood took. Or was sometimes used a private spot for contemplation or just to escape from the house and other housemates. It was not always the same people, and was always spontaneous. Parties of all sizes could be catered for, so it also served overflowing house parties, but it was at it’s most special when the core group of housemates gathered there as they had done on this summers eve.

The sun was about to begin it’s slow descent for the day, it had taken on a pink and orange hue, and seemed to be floating on a lilac and burned yellow sea. The previous fierce heat giving way to a more comfortable balm, there was still hardly any breeze to speak of. Evening bird song was interrupted by cheerful chatter, the passing of food and drink, and much enjoyment of the thrown together fayre.

“Throw the dice Nick!” Aggie mumbled eating a mini Swiss roll, noticing it was the last one she wondered about going back to the kitchen for more as it looked like being a long night of merriment. Nick who was sat up against the tree trunk, didn’t hear, as he was looking closely at a tiny spider about to crawl on Jackie’s ankle that was casually crossing over his own feet as they sat at interlinked right angles to each other. He brushed the money spider aside carefully, his hand remained on her foot unconsciously.

“Nick!!” he came to, and with his right hand still on Jackie’s foot resting as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. He rolled the dice, with his left one, praying for an even number, he was too comfortable to perform a dare, and was not really in the mood for fun and games tonight, he wanted really just to relax and watch the sunset with good company.

First impressions of Nick might mislead a stranger to thinking he were a dark and broody young man, with his mop of auburn/brown hair, and it’s untameable wave, he had dark brown eyes where pupil almost merged with iris in a low light, or during a rare flash of temper. In future years he would have to watch his weight a little but for now he had youth and a lack of transport to keep him fit, he liked his food and as much as he disliked any exercise other than walking the short distance into town, or cycling.

He was oblivious to the watchful eyes of his friends, that he and Jackie in their ease with each other were already subject of hushed conversations and much speculation among theirs friends, who knew that as yet they were not an item, but acted like they had known each other a life time. Jackie unaware or uncaring about such gossip remained comfortable in his company, and their physical interaction other than the caressing of her foot this evening, and a few other rare occasions, was not exclusive, as they had all known each other since starting college and had sharing this house from their second year after the girls gran had died, this summer being their last full summer, as next year they sat their finals.

Of the 8 who shared the enormous old house, there had only been one romance, that of Jane and Mark, who now had an on off relationship that looked likely to pick up again once they left college.

Quite why it was taking Nick and Jackie so long to realise they were attracted to each other, no-one was clear. In their defence they were both studious and serious people grateful to their families for supporting their time at college, and neither had contemplated any relationships of a serious nature with anyone let alone someone living under the same roof as themselves. They would not want to upset a happy living arrangement. Whilst it was glaringly obvious to their observers that it would happen one day, they seemed blissfully unaware.

They had not experienced jealously when the other had dated or looked like they were about to embark on a romance, in fact they had welcomed the newcomer to their house warmly. When relationships had failed or were not working they had not interfered or posed as a threat. They were no more generous with their time with each other or exclusive in anyway, it was just odd moments like this which were on the increase, that gave little clues to unconscious feelings rising.

Jackie watched along with the others as the dice rolled along the blanket, landing beside a bottle of wine, still half full, ‘Chink’ sang the bottle as it made contact. “ OOOh it’s six, that‘s jammy!” Jane teased as she passed the dice to Simon who was looking less than relaxed, “ No we’re going left today”, he said, and had to stretch a little as he handed it to Jackie, “to you m’dear, will it be a kiss? Or the truth about who you‘d like to kiss?”, he said looking her in the eye intently.

He noticed how comfortable she looked almost snuggled up to Nick, not moving her foot away from his hand. Yet physically recoiling at the accidental touch of his own fingers in the palm of her hand as he had handed her the dice.

He smiled as she snatched her hand back, and did she wipe it on the rug after she threw the dice? He did not know why she had grown cold on him, there had been a time when they were such good friends, not close like her and Nick were tonight, but she had always hugged him and chatted with him as much as she did the others. Yet now she seemed to resent him being near her.

He could not remember clearly when and why, and nobody had spoken since of the drunken incident last Easter, when he had got drunk and tried to kiss her. His claim was he could not remember and had tried saying sorry. Her polite superficial acceptance of his apology marked a change in their relationship, whilst his attraction for her had not waned any.

Simon was not unattractive physically, he had short dark hair, and very fit. He had piercing blue eyes, with a light tan to his skin. Popular with the girls, whether they be fellow students or not, freshers or those in other years, he always girlfriends, though they never lasted long. There was talk of a serious relationship, that ended at the girl’s parents request, but it was for the most part a mystery. He felt his conquests were always so easy knowing his good looks and natural wit were his tools. Such conquests were fun and exciting, but he yearned for more solid and lasting affection, that seemed to elude him. The fact that Jackie spurned him made her all the more attractive. He was loud, sociable and confident, and generally liked by his housemates, who had overlooked his attempt at a fumble with Jackie as being a mistake. They had however noticed his attitude towards her change since, and could see how uncomfortable she was on occasions.

His own obvious pursuit of Jackie and annoyance at the lack of success in that, had not been as secret to anyone. Tonight was no exception and his discomfort at witnessing the closeness between Nick and her, had been noticed, and if drink were not involved they would have been more concerned. Drink seemed to increase such tensions and atmospheres, they each privately thought they would see how he was when sober again.

Jackie threw the dice, carefully into the middle of the blanket, much to Simon’s delight and relief it was a dare, she would have to move away from lover boy now. Emma nudged Jane and Mark who were either side of her and discretely nodded in the direction of Simon who for a second looked triumphant, his mouth bursting to smile but releasing what looked like a sneer. Mark rolled his eyes and raised his eyebrows, Jane grimaced and whispered something inaudible in Emma’s ear.

They looked towards Nick and Jackie, his hand removed from her foot as naturally as it had been placed there, was now up cupping his chin in thought, as he tried to conjure up a dare. To the left he had Simon almost serpent like with his chiselled grin, surely he wasn’t hoping he’d suggest she kissed him? Or did he want Nick to make her look stupid? He looked to the circle of friends, and back to Jackie, who smiled warmly at him, trusting him not to totally humiliate her in the name of fun. He didn’t want to be unkind, he took a swig of his beer, “I dare you to perform the birdie song for us all!” he proclaimed knowing she had had enough to drink to reduce any shyness, and she was among friends.

Only very slightly embarrassed, but grateful she would not have to kiss anyone, especially Simon. She remembered the times she had brushed him off a few times in the last month one way or another, but had not told her friends, he was usually drunk when he did so, and always apologised the next day. The apology would also include an offer of a date, with just the two of them, he seemed to accept her negative responses.

She carefully took to her feet. A few too many glasses of wine made this difficult, with her almost falling down again, only to be propped up by Nick and Aggie, this provided as much entertainment as her dare itself did, “Oooops,” she muttered, “hope those courgettes don’t get fallen on again on the way back indoors”. She performed her dare with a little grace and style, whilst the others provided the music by squawking the tune out sounding like Gremlins.

Aggie joined in, sending the bottles nearest to her, some opened, some empty, flying across the blanket, whereas Jackie had stepped into the hastily prepared space, Aggie had leaped up rather too enthusiastically. The pair having have wiggled, flapped their arms and giggled for the duration of the dare landed in a heap in roughly the same spot that Aggie had risen from. Jackie now seated next to Jane and Aggie next to Nick. Emerging from their heap and untangling arms and legs they acknowledged their audience with a bow of the head and roll of hand. Simon still looked intently at Jackie, then quickly to Nick to gauge his reaction at her no longer being by his side. The pair grinned at each other and Jackie mouthed, “Just you wait!” to Nick, both unaware of Simon’s scrutiny.

“Enough silliness”, Mark declared taking up his guitar, and offered Emma his Penny Whistle, he began to play skilfully, and nodded to Emma when she was to join in. She did so albeit with a few nerves at first, she was a reluctant but not unable musician. As she picked up the rhythm of the old folk song she relaxed. The others listened and either tapped fingers or toes to the beat. They played a few more tunes, some fast and whirling, some slow and melancholic, some of the group sang along when they could. Jane and James held hands, and had a discreet kiss as was the way with their on/off romance, and Aggie use the battered guitar case as a drum. Nick achieved more of a comedic affect than a musical one when he tried to blow a tune using a bottle, so gave up and chinked the side of it with a knife to better effect.

Jackie pulled her knees up to her chin, and closed her eyes as she listened to her friends playing, she smiled towards Jane and James and secretly wished she had someone she felt that way about. Her long dark hair fell forward and around her face, and spilled out down her back, she wished for curly hair like Emma’s or perfectly straight hair that didn’t need ‘ironing’ as she called it, like Aggie’s. Hers had a bit of kink that neither responded to straightness nor became a decent curl. Her hazel eyes that were almost oriental in their shape, were blessed with dark eyelashes that with a hint of mascara became spider like. She had a neat little face, that fitted her tiny and in her own unjust words, ‘boy’s body with a bosom’, at 5ft 2 she was the shortest female here.

The lantern was lit providing a little warmth, some huddled under jackets and blankets as the temperature dropped, “Oops need to pee!” , Jane declared for the third time that night, she was soon standing up with more skill than Jackie had previously exercised, “ Me too”, Emma sang putting down the Penny Whistle, also followed by Aggie and Mark who put his guitar back in it’s case and picked it up with a torch before proceeding to escort the ladies up to the house.

Mark’s firm and tall wiry frame, and long dirty blond hair could be seen wobbly slightly as he ducked under the gap in the fence. He looked like a drunken scarecrow. He swore as he caught a splinter, “Hurry up you dozy lasses I’ve got an injury here!” The girls could be heard grunting and giggling as they went under the planks of the fence panel that were being held up for them. “ Why Mark you are bleeding”, Aggie remarked with effected drama. “You don’t say”, he muttered as he shone the torch so they could see ahead along the path. Their almost eventful collisions with the vegetables on the journey back home could be heard right up to the patio, the house lights were turned on in the lounge, and conservatory so that those that followed would not have the same near misses.

Jackie who was half asleep and tittering to herself at the noise of her housemates, had previously been leaning against the now absent Aggie, she began to fall sideways as she drifted off into a deeper sleep. Nick was discussing James’s list of ’Truth or Dare’ questions, “I think you could be right the thongs are Aggie’s the birdie song revealed that, but I also... ooops a day”, he said gently as he was interrupted catching Jackie. He let her rest against his shoulder, “ I think someone’s had enough vino”, he said and naturally slipped his right arm around her holding her close. “She’s not the only one,” James yawned, “I’m pooped… ooh looks like Mark has returned and alone?”

Mark leaped through the fence hole and fell over. He got up looking more like a drunken scarecrow and ambled over to the blanket. He grinned “They are making coffee and raiding my secret cookie jars as we speak, how about we all go in before my double choc-chip and pecan specials get demolished?” He suggested, “you know these girls cannot handle their booze.” He said hardly managing to stay still himself.

They all agreed, except Simon who until had been stonily silent, for ages. He had been staring straight ahead vacantly whilst the music had been played, refusing to join in. He had tutted and muttered, “Oh tell everyone why don’t you”, when Jane had announced she needed the lavatory, and as he drank the dregs of the last bottle of wine turned his gaze toward Jackie who now lay tucked into Nick’s arm and shoulder. He flinched in annoyance.

Silently he stepped over to Jackie’s, at close sight, his eyes looked heavy and a little blood shot, “We should get her inside first”, he said, almost yanking her up and away from Nick, “James give us a hand”, he said not even looking at Nick who had already stood up to help. James shot Nick a look sensing the undertones in Simon’s voice. “C’mon let’s make a start with this”, Nick said with false cheer to Mark, then looking to James mouthed, “Watch him”. It looked Simon could be trouble tonight and the last thing they wanted was a fight because he was drunk again.

James nodded in reply supporting her left side, “Come on Jacks bed time, we‘re taking up to the house”, he said, “Where’s Nick gone?” she asked tiredly. Simon spat, “Careful don’t drop her mate! S‘alright Jackie we‘re taking you in,” she muttered some protest but Simon started off before she could argue. Mark and James looked on as the trio made their way back up.

The camp was packed up, by Nick and Mark. “I should have insisted I take her, ” Nick said as he rolled up a blanket, “he’s been giving me the evils all night, and that grin he gives her, it’s like a snake”, he added. Mark who was checking bottles for their content and putting the empties in a plastic bag replied, “She‘s with James too, and the girls will take over when she gets back,” he paused in thought , “we all know he’s fancied her for ages,” Nick picked up the last of the rubbish, and sighed, “Yeah can’t he take a hint it’s getting bad now, I‘m sure she knocks him back more than we know, have you ever noticed the atmosphere some days between them?”

Mark nodded and smiled, “Well it’s obvious who she’s more comfortable with, look she’ll be fine stop worrying, God the sooner you two get it on eh? Now let’s get back inside ourselves it’s getting nippy”.

Nick blushed a little, “Why ruin a beautiful friendship?” he quipped in his attempt a humour. Yet he found himself wondering if it actually would.

Somehow they did manage the trek home, negotiating the gap in the fence, sticking to the path whilst draping blankets over themselves, squeezing rolled up ground sheets under they arms so as not to let them fall, and carrying bin liners stuffed with rubbish, and cushions. “Don’t throw the bag with the cushions in away, by mistake”, Mark chirped and swearing he was a donkey in a past life made strange “braying” noises as he trotted along the path.

Nick looked thoughtful as he entered the conservatory. He was also hot and tired from lugging the party gear up the long garden path.

Emma and Jane were sat at the large old dining table, wading through a pile of buttered toast and chocolate spread, with two large cookie jars full to the brim, both girls were still somewhat drunk, “We’ll drink a pint of water then we won’t be ill like Agg’s”, Jane said wisely, patting Emma’s hand. Aggie could be heard being sick in the downstairs toilet, James was making another pile of toast. Simon was no-where to be seen, and Jackie was also missing.

Nick wanted to find Jackie, his instincts told him she was not entirely safe around a drunk and agitated Simon. Mark aware of what Nick was thinking asked, “Did the lads bring Jackie in alright?” as he handed back people their various blankets and pillows. “Yup”, came the simple reply from Aggie who emerged from the bathroom, brushing her teeth. “I put her to bed with James, well no, not with James, he helped, and he’s here, no I mean, oh you know what I mean,” she continued to brush her teeth as she walked back into the bathroom to spit.

“We should keep an eye on her, she might be sick herself”, Nick said, “is the bucket anywhere?” he asked and started hunting for it. “Oh she’s fine, we put the bucket by her bed, and I’m going to check her in a minute”, chirped Emma, about to negotiate a cookie.

“Where is Simon?” Nick asked as casually as he could. Emma thought and stopped eating for a moment sensing Nick was worried, “Oh He’s gone to bed himself, I sat with her ‘til he came upstairs himself and went to bed, I’ll go and check on her shall I, she was asleep.” As she spoke she waved her hand airily as if to reassure him he had nothing to worry about.

“No it’s alright I’ll go,” Nick said, “thanks.” As he headed up the stairs to the first floor, the others exchanged knowing looks, “I think Nick has started to realise his feelings for Jackie”, Aggie said, wondering whether to have a chocolate cookie so soon after being ill. The others nodded, “At last!” James said, and winked at Jane, who stuffed a piece of toast in his mouth, smearing the chocolate spread around his mouth at the same time. “Yeah about time!” Mark laughed.

Once up the stairs he made his way to her room, the door was shut, no light came out from underneath it. He listened for any noises and didn’t hear anything, no sounds of a struggle, or any other bedroom noises in the most unlikely outcome that she would have succumbed to Simon’s charms willingly. Nick opened the door swiftly. As he did so the light from the landing flew into the room lighting up half of it diagonally from the door to the window the bottom of the bed was clear, the patchwork quilt with it’s gold and bronze beaded squares danced in the light.

As the shadow from the doorway cut across the room, the top half of the bed appeared almost in black and white, in sharp contrast it’s brightly lit bottom half. As dark as it was, it was clear there were two bodies in the bed, Simon practically on his back with Jackie being the other on her side with her long black hair trailing down her back. The thick silence filled with fear, tension, and anticipation was broken only by the Jackie‘s gentle breathing, and a contended sigh from Simon who either slept with his eyes slightly open or was half awake and ignoring Simon, who now stood at the foot of the bed.

Simon’s breathing did not alter, he lay there still and calm. In the dark Nick would not have seen Simon’s body stiffen with anger, or his jaw set with annoyance. Simon did not avert his downward gaze from Jackie as she lay next to him in bed, her forehead and nose nestled against his nose and mouth. They both appeared to be naked, and her arm lay across his waist.

Disturbed she murmured in her sleep, “Nick,” and continued to slumber, wrapping her arm tighter around Simon’s waist.

“Ssssh,”Simon whispered barely opening his lips.

“I’m here”, Nick replied, “Get away from her now Simon!”

Like ice cracking violently Nick’s voice announced loudly and firmly to the eery scene that he was there in the room but not in the bed with to her. The slow dream state shattered the cry woke Jackie up, yet for a moment did nothing to distract Simon’s cold, steady yet adoring gaze. Simon smiled that serpent’s smile again and shut his eyes before opening them again widely lifting his head as he did so.

Mark hearing Nick’s voice from upstairs got to his feet and ran upstairs into Jackie’s room, within a moment he was at Simon’s side of the bed and was pulling him out of it, yanking his arms behind his back. Simon had his jeans still on, the fly zipper seemed to be done up. Simon tried to shake Mark off, he was glaring at Nick, but still he did not speak, he then regained his cold calm composure and stood still, no longer struggling as he looked down at Jackie who was now sat up, shocked and upset.

“W-What is going on, y-you weren’t in my bed were you Simon? You haven’t ?” She half screamed looking at him pleadingly, she checked for her clothes, and to her relief found she was still wearing them, then she sobbed. Nick was already beside her, he took her gently in his arms, “It’s o.k., it’s o.k., we’re here, you’re safe”, he soothed, by now all the others were upstairs. They had piled in the room, the light was on now illuminating the situation.

“We thought he had gone to his own room, Emma saw him go upstairs, she even waited, she saw his light go out!” Aggie spoke, half-crying herself now.

“Yes I saw him go upstairs after we put her to bed, I did!” Emma agreed, and flew at Simon, “What have you done to her? Oh God I didn‘t know he‘d try anything has he…?” . Emma didn’t know who she was more angry with, Simon for going to Jackie’s bed, or herself for not taking it seriously enough. She muttered “Sorry, oh sorry”, and stood there shaking.

James and Mark helped Simon out of the room, even now he made no protest of innocence he just grunted with each forced, heavily stumbled footstep onto the landing and down the stairs.

“Jackie, are you o.k. with Nick for a bit?” Jane asked as she ushered the others out of the room, by now comforting a distraught Emma. “I was asleep, I reached out and he was there, I thought he was Nick”, she explained still crying, “You all know I don’t like him”, she hung her head and stared into space.

After they all left, the chilled calm came. “Turn the light off Nick”, she could be heard to whisper.

She cried for what felt like a long time, each sob shaking her petite body, soaking her child like face. Nick’s own tears for her fell onto the top of her head silently.

“I don’ t think he touched me or hurt me, I mean there doesn’t seem to be any sign”, her voice trailed off, she was feeling very embarrassed and shaken as she returned to bedroom sometime later having taken a shower across the hall. Now dressed in her pyjamas and dressing gown she sat huddled in bed. Nick sat beside her, sensing he was a little scared to hurt or scare her himself she moved closer to him. “I know you would not hurt me”, she said and let him take the full weight of her as she leaned against him again for the second time that night. Allowing herself to be wrapped up tightly in his arms.

The quiet tap at the door broke their comfortable hush, “It‘s me, Aggie, I’ve got tea,” she said, she came in, and sat on the edge of the bed, “ he swears he did not touch you, he said he just wanted to hold you”, she offered by way of explanation and gave them their drinks. “He says it was the only way to get you alone, away from Nick”. She added “He’s gone now, to his friends for the night, he’ll collect his things tomorrow, Emma and I feel it’s best he moves out”.

Jackie sipped her tea gratefully, and gulped “I thought it was Nick cuddling me, you see, I was so sleepy,” she half laughed “ I even said is that you Nick? I even believed it was when he just murmured,”

Nick held her closer and kissed the top of her head.

Aggie smiled happy that her friend was safe and left the room.

“It is me now,” Nick said gently and held her whilst she fell asleep quite contentedly, “ better late than never”.

The end

Word count 5367