Double History seemed to drain on forever and I felt so relieved when the bell went indicating it was the end of the day. Standing up I grabbed my bag and books and gave Nathan I quick look knowing that when he said I'll pay later, he meant it.

"Gretch you going tonight?" Tessa a girl in my class asked.

"Tonight?" I gave her a funny look.

"Yeah Vanessa's party?" She smiled "You forgot didn't you."

"Yeah..." I laughed a little. "I should be able to make it,"

"You know where she lives right?" Tessa smiled as she pulled her bag over her shoulder.

"I haven't forgotten that," I laughed as she laughed along with me.

"Dress nice!" She winked "and I call first dibs on having a shot with you."

"Your on!" I smirked, I loved Tessa she was always up for a laugh. Walking out the door Taylor and Grace joined me on either side of me.

"What was that all about?" Taylor asked.

"The party tonight, I totally forgot."

"Oh yeah! Vanessa's right?" Taylor smiled.

"Didn't you go junior school with her?" Grace asked.

"Yeah Nessie and I got on well," I smiled at the memories.

"She goes to the private school...so do you think they'll be people from her school going?" Taylor mumbled in thought.

"Probably, plus her house is huge." I shrugged.

"Great! See you all there at 8 then?" Taylor grinned.

"Sure," Grace and I laughed as we watched her skip off.

"I swear she's lost it!" Grace giggled.

"Nah she's just all loved up."

"Who's all loved up?" A pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I relaxed into his hold.

"Taylor is, I take it Kendall and Mason are going tonight?" I asked glancing up at Nathan.

"Yeah," Nathan replied nuzzling his face against my neck.

"Great because we're going too." I announced spinning around in his arms.

"See you at the party guys," Grace waved as she headed over to Andrew.

"We are?" He raised an eyebrow down at me.

"Yep, Vanessa was my best friend as a child and I have to do my match making." I smirked as I grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the doors.

*****

After spending the whole journey home convincing Nathan that we're going to the party, I was now wrapped in my towel contemplating what to wear. I ended up settling on a red dress that came mid thigh, it clung to all the right places and to be completely honest I totally forgot I had this dress. I put on some flat black shoes and curled my hair a little. I put on a little makeup and grabbed my black clutch bag and shoved some things in there along with my phone. I skipped downstairs and pulled out some bread from the bread bin, for once I was determined to not get drunk.

"Are you eating bread?" Bellamy asked as he came down the stairs in dark rinsed jeans and a button up crisp white shirt.

"Yes. Problem?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"No, just a little bit weird." He laughed.

"Breads the best thing to eat to soak up alcohol right?" I asked taking another bite.

"Yeah..."

"Then that's why I'm eating it." I shrugged. Bellamy was coming to the party too we both knew Vanessa and he knew a few others as well.

"So for once your not getting drunk?" He asked slightly amused.

"I can't get drunk Mum and Dad are coming tomorrow." I sighed.

"Good point..." Bellamy ran a hand through his hair.

"Nathan's here," I said standing up after glancing at my phone and quickly grabbing another slice of bread.

"You look lovely Gretch," Bellamy smiled as he came over and slung his arm round my shoulders.

"Thanks," I smiled as we headed for the door. I waited for Bellamy as he locked the front door and we walked to Nathan's car. "I'll go in the back."

"No it's fine you can go in the front," Bellamy said.

"No I'll go in the back." I argued. Bellamy glanced down at me and narrowed his eyes.

"You being awkward now."

"That's why you love me!" I skipped to the car and hopped in the back.

"Um?" Nathan looked at me using the rear-view mirror.

"She's being stubborn." Bellamy said as he slid into the car next to me.

"Says you that still gets into the back." I stared at him.

"Whatever." He rolled his eyes.

"Gretch...why are you eating bread?" Nathan asked looking amused.

"She's being an idiot, just ignore her." Bellamy answered before I had a chance to talk. I opened my mouth ready to say something but Bellamy held his hand up to stop me "Shut up and eat your bread." I took another bite whilst Nathan just laughed as he drove away from the house.

*****

We arrived within thirty minutes and the party was in full swing when we pulled up. We all got out of Nathan's range rover and headed into the house.

"Don't do anything stupid." Bellamy leant down to my ear to warn me.

"And you." I smiled sweetly at him as I kissed him on the cheek. I took hold of Nathan's hand as we moved into the dining room leaving Bellamy behind.

"I'll go get us a drink," Nathan said before disappearing into the crowd.

"Gretch!" Tessa screamed as she dragged a boy behind her.

"Hey girl!" I laughed as she nearly fell flat on her face. "You drunk already?"

"I think so, which I why you need to come down to my level," she laughed as she made all these crazy hand gestures.

"I can't, my parents are down tomorrow," I told her.

"Bummer." She smiled "Oh! Gretch this is Toby!" She gestured to the guy that had been standing silently beside her, he had light brown hair and brown eyes.

"Hi." I waved at him.

"Hey there." He smiled nodding.

"Oh! You kids stay here and talk and I'll go and get them shots!" Tessa exclaimed as she ran off. I shook my head smiling.

"I really worry about her sometimes," I told Toby.

"Is she always like this?" He asked.

"Lets just say when there's a party she's the first to the alcohol table," I laughed.

"So what else does she do? Just to pre-warn me," he chuckled.

"Um, well Tessa and I do some crazy shit, one time we stood on a dining room table screaming lyrics and then the next minute we're having a break down and become emotional wrecks." I laughed.

"You missed something," He smirked.

"I did?" I began to rack my brain.

"Max told me you and Tessa got practically naked before." He raised his eyebrows. All my nerves stood on edge at the mention of Max's name, he'd been talking about me and dragging up past.

"That was like one time."

"Any chance of it happening tonight?" He looked me up and down. I had this sudden urge to punch this guy straight in the face, it was like he was undressing me with his eyes.

"How about fuck off?" I rolled my eyes at him as I pushed past him but he caught my arm.

"Your exactly like what Max said you were like." He licked his lower lip.

"Well you can tell Max he's going to get a kick in the balls, and your heading in the same direction mate." I yanked my arm from his grip and walked away. If I see Max tonight he's a dead man.

"Tessa!" I caught her holding two full shot glasses.

"I got lost." She smiled.

"Listen to me, you stay away from that Toby okay? He's a total creep." I warned.

"Whatever you say boss." She saluted spilling some of the liquid from the shot glass. She handed me the full glass. "Bottoms up!" Something told me I was going to need this drink. I threw my head back and downed the drink, I handed the glass back to her.

"I'll see if I can find Vanessa and we'll try and find you." She smiled as she disappeared.

"Your such a loner." Someone whispered in my ear, I spun round slightly worried it would be Toby, but luckily it was only Bellamy.

"Whoa Gretch calm down it's only me!" Bellamy held his hands up.

"Sorry." I muttered running a hand through my hair.

"Why so jumpy?" He asked taking my elbow.

"No reason," I forced a smile.

"Where's lover boy?" Bellamy asked.

"He was getting us some drinks but I lost him."

"Well come on, I saw Vanessa over here." Bellamy took my hand and pulled me through the crowds of dancing people. Sure enough we found Vanessa with her tongue down some boys throat. I glanced up at Bellamy and mouthed the words 'awkward'. He smiled and cleared his throat loud enough for them to hear. Vanessa pulled away and took one look at us.

"The Rousso's!" She screamed as she slung and arm round each of us.

"Hi Nessie!" I giggled, I haven't seen this chick in ages.

"God I keep forgetting how alike you two look." She stood back and admired us. "How you been?"

"Not bad," Bellamy smiled glancing at me "and yourself?"

"Meh okay I guess, law studies are hard but I'm trudging on like a trooper." She laughed.

"How are you parents?" I asked. Her mother was like a second mother to me, well Nessie's mum was more of a mum than my own.

"They're great, you'll have to come round for dinner sometime she would love to see you both." She beamed.

"We'd love to," Bellamy smiled "Well we'll let you get back to your business..." Bellamy smirked glancing behind her at the boy who was waiting patiently for her.

"Thanks for inviting us," I smiled giving her another quick hug.

"Your welcome, I'll be in touch." She smiled as she turned round letting her long jet black hair swish behind her. Bellamy took my hand and dragged me away, to be honest I wanted to stop and talk more to her but she's a little occupied.

"Look, Taylor and Grace are over there." Bellamy led me to them.

"Gretch!" Taylor grinned "Girl you look hot!" She smiled looking at my dress.

"Thanks," I laughed.

"Hey Bellamy," Grace smiled.

"Hey girls" Bellamy smiled "I'll leave you ladies to it." He nodded giving my hand a squeeze before he left us.

"Have you spoke to Kendall?" Taylor asked getting straight to the point.

"I haven't even seen him yet, but don't worry I will." I smiled.

"They're over there," Grace pointed outside, through the double doors.

"Come on then," I nodded in their direction, dragging them behind me.

"Where did you go?" Nathan asked as he caught sight of me.

"I swear I've been dragged everywhere, sorry." I mumbled sighing.

"You don't have to apologise," he smiled as he hugged me tightly. I wasn't exactly in the party mood anymore, I just wanted to punch Max in the face and leave.

"Hey," I smiled at Mason and Kendall.

"Hey Gretch," Mason smiled taking a swig from his cup.

"Kendall can I speak to you quick?" I asked as I quickly glanced at Taylor.

"Sure," Kendall nodded, I smiled up at Nathan before following after Kendall. "What's up?"

"Its about Taylor," I started.

"Right," he nodded more interested.

"Basically I don't think I have to do anything, Taylor's like nuts for you everytime I mention your name she squeals like a school girl, so I think its down to you," I smiled.

"Really? Your being serious!" Kendall grinned.

"Yes!" I laughed.

"Thanks Gretch!" He hugged me.

"Your welcome," I smiled as we headed back over to the others.

"So where's Andrew?" Nathan asked Grace.

"He's ill but insisted I go to the party," Grace said with a guilty look on her face. I moved to Nathan's side and leaned my head on his chest.

"You okay?" Nathan asked resting his chin on top of my head.

"Just a little drained." I admitted.

"Do you want me to take you home?" He asked.

"What about Bellamy?"

"I can always come back if he calls me."

"I should stay a little longer, for Vanessa's sake," I nodded.

"Ok baby." He kissed my head. We were interrupted by his phone, pulling it out of his back pocket he took one glance at the number. "I've got to take this." He planted a firm kiss on my lips and handed me his drink before hurrying away and answering his phone.

"Do you guys know what that was all about?" I asked Mason and Kendall.

"He's been applying for a lot of jobs recently," Mason shrugged.

"Oh right," I nodded before taking a swig from Nathan's soft drink. Stretching my arms I scanned my eyes to see if Nessie was outside. Instead my eyes landed on Tessa...with her tongue down Toby's throat. I felt anger rise up in me as I watched them, I shook my head, its not my problem if she likes him then fine. I peeked at them again but now Tessa pulled away but Toby pulled her back, she refused and tried to walk away but he kept grabbing her.

"I'll be right back." I muttered as I stormed off towards them.

"Gretch?" Bellamy called as he caught sight of me. I totally blanked him and walked straight to Tessa. I grabbed her arm and tugged at her gently.

"Come on Tessa, come dance with me." I tried to keep my cool.

"She's with me." Toby glowered at me.

"I think you'll find she doesn't want to be here with you." I glared back.

"I want to dance with Gretchen." She spoke quietly.

"Well you can't because your with me." He lowered his voice trying to sound threatening.

"Are we having a double date here?" Max chimed in as he sauntered over. My anger levels rose and it literally felt like my skin was on fire.

"You and I are having fucking words." I growled at him. "and you can let her go right now."

"Gretch..." Tessa pleaded with her eyes, asking for help.

"Get off her or I'm kicking you in the balls. Last chance and trust me I don't usually offer last chances." I warned.

"Tessa and I were getting somewhere." He glowered.

"Fine." I shrugged as I took a step closer I grabbed his shoulders and kneed him in the balls, he grunted loudly and sank to the floor. "I warned you."

"That was uncalled for." Max added.

"What do you care." I rolled my eyes at him "Tessa head over to Grace, she'll look after you," I smiled at her.

"Thank you," she whispered as she shuffled her way over to the others.

"As for you, you shitbag!" I pointed to Max "Don't go round talking about me especially not to creepy ass strangers like your friend here that can no longer use his dick."

"I will talk about you how I like!" Max spat as he helped Toby up. My blood was beyond boiling point. How dare he. How dare he think he has some kind of hold over me or like a duty to keep tabs on me then go and broadcast it to whoever he meets, I'm not going to stand for it, not any more.

"Listen here you piece of shit!" I grabbed Max by the collar and pushed him up against the shed making a loud thud. "You do not control me, you do not own me and you have no right talking to other people about me in intimate ways!" I shouted in his face.

"Gretch!" Someone called, I heard several footsteps run towards me. "Gretch what are you doing?" Kendall asked.

"Teaching Max a lesson." I spoke through gritted teeth.

"Let him go Gretch," I heard Bellamy say.

"Yeah listen to your big bad brother Gretch!" Max mocked. I pulled him forward and slammed him into the shed again.

"If I hear one more peep out of you or if you set one foot wrong, I swear to God they'll be serious consequences." I glared at him "Your so lucky my boyfriend isn't here at the moment because he'd beat you to a pulp." I let go of his collar.

"Stupid bitch." Max muttered before he raised his hand to hit me but in one swift movement Bellamy grabbed his hand and I took the opportunity to punch him in the face. Yet again. Boy it felt good. Max slammed back into the shed and I clutched my knuckles biting back a yelp of pain. Bellamy grabbed Max's neck and held him still.

"You EVER try to hit my sister again, your a dead man." My brothers voice was low and menacing. Max sunk to the floor holding his bleeding nose, I turned away from him and started walking away.

"Gretchen!" Bellamy stoped me and held my face between his hands looking from one of my eyes to the other. "You okay?"

"Can we just go home?" I whispered.

"I'll call a cab." He nodded as he wrapped his arm round me and using the other to pull his phone out.

"Brilliant punch Gretch," Kendall smiled trying to lighten the mood. "The lessons are paying off."

"Thanks," I muttered. "Why don't you speak to Taylor? Hang with her for the rest of the evening."

"I will don't worry." He smiled.

"Can you tell Nathan what happened and that I'll call him in the morning?" I asked.

"Sure, I'll let him know your with your brother too." He smiled rubbing my arm.

"Thanks." I squeezed his shoulder.

"Thanks man." Bellamy nodded.

"Anytime." Kendall smiled as he saluted and backed away.

"The cab will be here in 10, lets get you home." Bellamy kissed my now pounding head.