Jake

The next morning...

{if trentProgress ==0}You woke up with a raging hardon and vague memories of a dream about Greek underwear models. While not typically a morning person, you were full of energy. After a great run, shower, and breakfast, you headed to class.

It was a great day, everything seemed lighter. The morning flew by, you managed to avoid any "pervert" encounters. For the first time in weeks, everything was going great. You grabbed a to-go lunch at the dining hall and ate it in the campus quad. Your first class of the afternoon was canceled, so you had some time before your late afternoon class. You decided to return to your dorm. {else}After a refreshing morning run and late morning class, you decided to return to your dorm.{endif} Jake was sitting in your room, listening to music. He was probably skipping class. You had to work so hard just to get a passing grade, but Jake cut class, barely studied, and always got top marks. He bragged that he was born brilliant. On the rare occasions when his intellect didn't carry him, Jake fell back on his good looks and poured on the charm. Professors extended deadlines when Jake flattered them. Additional points were added to essays after Jake attended office hours. He was snake-oil salesmen, he was selling himself, and everyone was buying.

Up until a few months ago, you were also a buyer; like everyone else, you thought Jake was an awesome guy. It wasn't until you saw his ugly side that you realize Jake used his intellect, charm, and good looks to exploit everyone. You hated how he treated you now, but at least you were no longer one of his toadies.

You opened your psychology textbook to get a jump on this week's reading assignment. Jake unplugged his headphone, and his terrible tasted in music flooded the room. You looked over at Jake; he didn't look up, but he did flip you the bird.

He is not going to ruin my day.

"Could you turn it down or put your headphones back on?"

Jake made the music louder. You opened your desk draw and pulled out your earbuds. When you placed them in your ear, you felt something wet and slimy. You pulled them out. The inside of both buds were coated with Vasoline or maybe lube.

Just another little cut; one of the many wounds that Jake inflicted upon you daily. One of the thousands of ways that he tried to break you down. Not today. You were having a great day and today was not going to be the day you broke.

You took your book and earbuds and left the room. You went to the bathroom to wash your ear and your earbuds, and then you walked down the hall to the study lounge. It was usually empty at this time, so you were surprised to see Mateo sitting at one of the cubicles. Mateo was one of the group that hung out with Jake. You didn't know much about Mateo except that he was practically Jake's shadow.

You sat down at a cubicle on the other side of the room. Mateo kept glancing over at you.

I really do not want a confrontation with one of Jake's lackeys today.

You focused on your reading. Mateo tapped you on the shoulder.

"Hey."

You turned and looked at Mateo. You did not say anything.

"I just wanted to say 'sorry.' The way we have treated you, the lies that we spread about you are unforgivable. I didn't know that they were lies, but I should never have gone along with the cruelty. So, again, sorry."

You were surprised. You thought that Mateo was Jake's best friend, so this olive branch was unexpected.

"Thanks."

"I am ashamed that I overlooked so much of what Jake did. Not anymore. I overhead Jake talking with Tiffany on the phone, she didn't know she was on speaker. She mentioned 'another' panty theft plan. Jake tried to cover when I asked him what she met, but I knew what I heard."

"Can I convince you to tell this to the RA?"

"I already did."

You stood up and pulled Mateo into an awkward hug. Mateo stiffly accepted. At just that moment, Jake walked into the lounge.

"Matty, since when have you been butt buddies with Adam, the residence hall's dirty old pervert?"

"Since I started seeking out better company, you piece of shit."

"Come on. You aren't still upset about that girl from last weekend? I told you already, she came onto me."

"Jocelyn is my friend."

"Well, your friend is a whore."

"She is NOT a whore. I asked you one thing, leave her alone."

"I didn't do anything she didn't want."

"You got her drunk, probably slipped her something. If I hadn't shown up when I did, you would have **** her."

"Can't **** a slut."

"Fuck you."

Mateo threw a punch at Jake, but Jake ducked under the swing and charged into Mateo. Mateo was knocked back, and his head connected with the corner of a desk. He slumped to the floor, and you could see a gash and blood on the side of his head. You hurried to Mateo's side as Jake chuckled and started to walk away. You reached out and grabbed Jake's arm.

"Help me get him up."

"Fuck both of you."

Mateo grabbed hold of Jake's arm just above your hand. Time seemed to stop, and you thought you heard a voice.

"Exact your price."

You were thinking about what an asshole Jake was and how you would make him pay when Mateo spoke.