4. Escape Plan?

*Thanku to those who commented on the previous chapter :) I hope this is okay for you and I thiiiink the next post is going to be the last chapter but if you guys want me to continue, I might make it a bit longer. Just let me know if/when you leave a comment.*

Laying under his sheets together, they were both running through their own separate thoughts. She knew things were moving at a fast pace but this all felt so right to her. The same went for him too. He'd never experienced this type of connection with any other girl before. She was different. They'd been seeing one another for almost five weeks now and nobody in Nicki's community was aware of her activities outside the site. Except for Taylor that is.

Letting her know what was going through his mind he leant down and let his lips graze the skin on her neck. They were still wearing their underwear, things hadn't got that far yet but they both wanted it to happen soon. Neither one of them knew how exactly to initiate it though. She didn't want to seem like an eager virgin and he didn't want to be the douche that pressured her into doing something she wasn't comfortable with.

"Don't mess up my neck. I'm not wearin' a scarf all week like last time." She laughed and moved so she was laying on top of him.

"So you'd rather miss out on that feelin' and not wear a scarf?"

"No, but if anyone notices then I'm in deep shit."

"Do I not get a say in this?"

"Nope." Moving in on him she fixed his sulky face when she kissed him slowly. His hands automatically took their rightful place on her lower back area but they didn't stop there for long as he deepened the kiss and moved his palms down to her ass. He squeezed at her gently and upon receiving a moan in return he did it again but more firmly. She hadn't even noticed that her body had fallen into a natural grinding rhythm as she moved on top of him. His actions had instigated something neither of them wanted to stop. This became even more evident when she could feel how excited he was. Her centre was rubbing over his boxers, causing a kind of friction that he didn't want to disturb.

"Mm, wait." He pulled away slowly and touched her cheek. "Are you sure about this?"

"Of course. Are you?"

"I've never been more sure about anythin' in my life." He kissed her again only this time she pulled away and broke the contact.

"You have a condom?"

"Top drawer in my dresser." He licked his lips and watched her get off of him. Her body was seriously a work of art. He could have sat and admired her curves forever. He felt like he shouldn't even blink in case he missed anything. That thought was reinforced when she reached her hand up behind herself and unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor as she made her way back over to him with the gold packet. She had no idea where this new bout of confidence was coming from but she liked it. That feeling only grew stronger when she clocked his eyes which were fixed to her naked chest as she climbed back on top of him. She was more than grateful for Taylor's "older sister" talk she'd given her only days ago. Otherwise she wouldn't have had the faintest idea about what she was doing.

"You want me to put it on?" Her whispered words sent shivers down his spine, her mouth only millimeteres away from his ear before she tugged at his lobe with her teeth. He didn't even get chance to answer before he felt her hand rubbing at his member through his underwear. She removed them in seconds. Her long nails raking them down his legs before she became acquainted with what she could only describe as a God given gift. Rolling the condom on gently, she once again resumed her position on top of him but the tables turned when he flipped her on to her back in one fluid movement. From then on he was in control, kissing all over her as she allowed herself to enjoy this new feeling.

He tore his lips away from her breast for only a second to talk. "You look amazing."

She merely moaned in response before his mouth was on her skin again. She'd never felt so connected to another person the way she was to him. Continuing to breathe heavily, she shifted her legs as he spread them apart. Watching in anticipation as he slid her underwear down slowly.

"Oh my God." Throwing her head back the instant his mouth was on her, she immediately ran her hands through his short curls. "Uh, Aubrey, that feels so good." She licked her lips, her eyes shut as she moved slowly against his tongue. He left no area untouched. Gliding the thick muscle in his mouth across her folds every which way before he dipped it in without warning. Thankfully the house was empty since his Mom was working a night shift so Nicki's loud moans of pleasure were for his ears only.

He continued to please her the way he was until the pleasure built up and came to a head. He'll never forget how perfect she looked as she climaxed, his actions gradually leading her to an unmatched feeling of ecstasy as she experience her first orgasm. And that was just the start of their introductory sexual encounter.

"Are you sure you're ready? Y'know, I don't mind waitin'?" He was resting above her, ready to penetrate but he wanted to be sure first.

"I'm positive." She nodded nervously and rubbed his chest before smoothing her hands back to his ribs. "I'm ready."

"It's gonna hurt, y'know?"

"I know." Her breath was jittery as she exhaled. "But I'm sure this is what I want."

She didn't need to say anymore before she could feel him at her opening, the pressure was immensely painful as he eased himself in slowly. His eyes were fixed on her face, waiting for some sort of indication that she was in pain. And there it was. Her face wrinkled up and she shut her eyes tightly causing him to slow down his movement straight away. Kissing her face and neck sympathetically he came to a complete stop. Her skin was damp and he knew she was crying but they were almost there. Slowly restarting his movement he didn't stop again until she'd taken in nearly every inch of him. He figured stopping and starting might just prolong the pain. That very same pain slowly diminished and was soon replaced by pleasure as he began stroking in and out of her gently. She wasn't really feeling it at first, he could tell by the way she stayed rigid but after a few soft strokes she started to enjoy it. Her hips moved naturally with the rhythm he'd initiated, he never sped up the act. Just keeping it slow and sensual as he guided her to her first penetrative climax.

***

"You're the only girl that's ever made me feel this way, I hope you know that." His voice sent vibrations through her head as he spoke with his chin resting on her hair. Her mind was still stuck on their earlier encounter.

"Do you really mean that? Or are you just sayin' it?" She pulled out of his arms gently and sat upright to look him in the eye. Everything about him was perfect.

"I mean every word, Onika."

"We're just wary of you non-travellers. You might be takin' advantage."

"You really think I'd do that?"

"Not anymore." She bit her lip nervously. "I mean, I did wonder at first but I-"

"You still agreed to meet me anyway, why?"

She remained silent for a few seconds. "I was curious."

"Anyone ever tell you about the cat that got too curious?" He smirked when her face turned into a worried frown.

"No, what happened to it?"

He laughed. "It's just a sayin'."

"Oh, right." Blushing intensely she looked down and played with fray on her denim shorts. They'd got dressed as soon as they heard his Mom return home from work.

"Hey, don't be embarrassed." He pulled her chin up gently as he moved closer to her. "It's a dumb story anyway." He finished his sentence with a kiss. "You bring a jacket with you? It's cold outside."

"No, why? Where are we goin'?" She watched him stand up and grab his phone.

"I'm starvin', you wanna go get some food?"

"At midnight? Where are we gonna go eat at midnight?" She laughed before hopping off of the bed too.

"I know a few good places, c'mon we'll go eat and then I'll walk you home. Put this on." He tossed a hoody her way and waited for her to put it on before leading her outside.

"Is it a long walk?" She quickened her pace to keep up with him as she reached out for his hand. It felt so big and warm in comparison to hers.

"No, just a couple minutes. You warm enough?"

He stared down at her as she nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

It was just the little things she did that had him thinking about her twenty-four-seven. Her smile. Her dimples. Her laugh. Her everything pretty much. He was head over heels and he'd only just realised.

"What?" She smiled nervously, noticing he kept looking at her as they walked.

"Nothin'." He laughed and pulled her closer to himself. He never wanted to let go.



He wasn't lying when he said the food place was close by. It was an Italian pizza place that was open pretty much all night and all day. Apart from an older looking man, they were the only people sat inside.

"You chosen what you want yet?"

"Uhm, no. Not yet." The panic was undetectable in her voice but she was freaking out. The words on the menu were all jumping out at her and she had no idea what any of them meant. The only thing she could actually read was Pizza and that wasn't so helpful at the moment. "What are you havin'?

"Maybe I'll just have a Margarita pizza." He folded his lips as he thought. "Yeah, I'm decided." Folding his menu closed he set it down and looked at her. "You see anythin' you like?"

"I'll just have the same as you."

"You like all the toppin's on that one?"

"What's on it?"

"I can't remember exactly." He frowned. "Check the menu, it's on the far left of the page."

He watched her as she struggled to pinpoint the word Margarita on the list of words in front of her.

"You want some help findin' it?"

"Please." She handed it over to him. This was so embarrassing.

"Here, it's got tomatoes, basil and mozeralla. You like all of them?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"No worries." He smiled and folded her menu before going to order their food. He'd recognised her obvious struggle with reading many times before but didn't want to draw attention to it.

***

"I wish I could see you more often than twice a week."

"Me too." She admitted.

"And it's not like you even live that far away. Not in person anyway." He kept on walking, they were almost back at her site.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, in reality you live so close but I feel like we live in two separate worlds. Everythin' is so different for you." They stopped walking once reaching the crack in the fence. It was slowly becoming the shabby entrance to the life she'd rather be living.

"I know. It's crazy but there's nothin' we can do about it." She looked down sadly as he rested his hands on her waist. She was playing with a button on his shirt but stopped when she looked up at him.

"It doesn't have to be this way though."

"What are you sayin'?" Her eyebrows scrunched together curiously.

"If I move out you could come with me, nobody even would have to know."

"Aubrey." She pulled away and looked down. "I can't just run away, that's not gon' fix anythin'."

"Who said anythin' 'bout fixin' things. I wanna be with you, properly. Not just some late night sneakin' out shit." He stopped to catch his breath in the cold air. "I love you, Nicki."

Those three words had her frozen on the spot. She didn't even know what to say back. Her heart was screaming the words back at him through her chest but her mouth refused them to be spoken.

"Nicki?" The raspy voice snatched her attention his way. It was Jason. "I knew it." He shook his head, a sick smile creeping across his face. "All along I knew you was foolin' around with this nigga."

"The fuck you talkin' to?" Drake stepped forward as Nicki tried to pull him back. She already knew this was going to end badly.

"You better watch your fuckin' mouth."

"Or what?" He smirked before squaring up to him. "Go back inside, Nic."

"I'm not going anywhere, Aubrey-"

"Please, just do as I say."

"Listen to your boy, Onika. We wouldn't want you to see him get his ass beat now would we?"

"Aubrey." She blocked Jason's twisted words out as she stared pleadingly at Drake. "You don't know what he's like. What he's capable of. Please, for me would you just leave it?"

"No. Somebody needs to teach his cocky ass a lesson, Nic."

"Well, let someone else do it!"

"Please just go inside? I'll see you later." He kissed her softly and turned his attention back to Jason as her temper reached boiling point. He was too stubborn and she knew he wouldn't back down. Snatching his hoody off of her frame she threw it down by his feet and stepped back.

"Don't say I didn't warn you." She shook her head tearfully and pushed her way back through the fence.

What happened next was more than a wake up call. She should have listened to her conscience instead of silencing it. Jason's friends were out there too, lurking about just waiting for trouble. Stopping dead in her tracks she hovered on the spot as she pondered whether or not to go back to him. She could definitely hear a scuffle going on but what could she possibly do about it? The Gypsy boys were all accustomed to bare-knuckle brawls. It was part of their upbringing. The way they were raised. There's no way they'd show Drake any mercy. Moving forward slowly she bit her lip. She felt so torn but hearing what sounded like fists making contact with his body she took a huge gamble.

She felt like she'd never run so fast in her life, pelting up the steps to her brother's trailer and knocking continuously on his door. She just hoped he'd help.

***

"He put up good fight, that's for sure." Jelani's voiced boomed through his aching head. He didn't remember what happened or even where he was but he could feel her hand clutching his.

"So, he's okay?" She sniffled.

"For now. I'ont know what'll happen when Dad finds out about him." Sitting down at the table he rested his chin on his fists. She and Taylor could tell he was sitting on his anger. "The fuck do you think you're plain' at, Nic? How long has this been goin' on?" His nostrils flared.

"Look, Lani, maybe we should just leave this to Carol and Robert? She doesn't need the grief from you too." She rubbed his shoulder soothingly in an attempt to calm him.

"I thought you were smarter than this, Nic. I really did." Looking down disappointedly he stood and took himself back to their room, slamming the door behind him. Her tears only started pouring when she knew he was gone.

"Go on, you can say it. I know you want to."

"Say what?" Taylor asked as she took Jelani's seat.

"I told you so."

"I'm not gonna say it, Nicki." She rubbed her arm. "I'm just sorry things turned out this way."

"I can't keep doin' this." Shaking her head miserably she kept hold of Drake's fingers and wiped at her tears with her free hand. "I'm so sick of living my life the way everyone else wants me to live it. I'm not doin' it no more."

"Don't talk like that." The pitiful look she gave her was another reason for her to leave.

"I'm bein' serious Tay. I'm done."

"So, what? You're just gonna leave?" She laughed a little before turning more serious. "Oh my God, you are aren't you?"

"Well, what am I bein' offered here? Really?"

"Nicki, your family loves you-"

"Good. So they'll understand why I'm doin' this."

"I'm not gonna keep this secret for you, Nicki." She looked her dead in the eye. "If you leave, I'm gon' let your brother know and we all know he ain't gon' keep that from you parents."

"I don't even care anymore. Doesn't that tell you somethin'?" She sniffled again. "Tell them, tell everyone. But I promise you my mind won't be changed."

Taylor didn't get chance to interrupt again as Drake started coming to. He'd been out of it for almost forty minutes. Even though he was knocked unconscious, he'd been drifting in and out. Catching parts of their conversation.


...

*Thanku so those who commented on the previous chapter and I really hope this was okay for you guys!*

3. Increasing Defiance

* I've just realised I never explained the whole gorger and gypsy thing. A few people know already so please, if I'm wrong could you correct me? :) For those who don't know, gypsies are very set in their ways and have a lot of traditions. So in this fic, for Nicki to be associating with Drake is like she's going against her family's values/wishes/beliefs. I think someone asked if Drake was seen as a peasant, no he's not but typically speaking (this is not my opinion!) where I'm from Gypsies/travelers are often looked down on. So in a nutshell, Drake is actually the hotshot guy going after a less well-off person, being Nicki. I hope this is alright and thanku for all the previous comments :)*

Over the next few weeks Drake's visits were what she looked forward to the most, it was usually the same time everyday in the same place when she was taking the laundry back in. The last few times however had been notes left balancing in between the fence boards. She was growing increasingly frustrated because schooling wasn't one of her main priorities and reading was something she found difficult. Luckily for her she knew someone who could read well.

"What does it say, Taylor?"

"Would you please be patient?"

"I told you, I haven't got all day! Ma's waitin' in the trailer, they got some shit to discuss with me." She rolled her eyes as she spoke.

"Nic, how long you plannin' to keep this up? I'm not happy 'bout lyin' to Lani like this. It ain't right." Clutching tightly on to Drake's note Taylor waited for a verbal response from her.

"I know, I promise this'll be the last time. I just need to ask one more favor." Smiling widely she sat down at the table and pleaded with her eyes.

"One more and that's it!"

"I promise."

"Okay, so what is this favor?"

"I need for you to write a note back for me. To Drake."

"Whattya want it to say?" She asked inquisitively as she unfolded the little piece of paper.

"Firstly, I want him to stop leavin' notes and secondly tell him to meet me outside the fence late tonight."

"Nicki-"

"I know! I know this is wrong but I wanna taste of what the life outside this community is like. Haven't you ever wondered?"

"Wonderin' and doin' are two very different things, Nicki."

"Exactly. The only way for me to really see is to go out and do!" Her upbeat and excited behaviour was making Taylor feel anxious. Nicki should be happy with the way her life is now, not yearning for a glimpse of the non-traveler way of life.

"Y'know, your Father will have your head on a plate if he finds out?"

"I know, but he won't. I'm being careful."

"Good. 'Cause you're riskin' my life too in your mess." She shook her head angrily, not believing she was about to do this. "'Kay, your little note says pretty much the same as what you wanted to say to him."

"What?"

"He wants to meet up tonight."

"Really?"

"Yeah." she paused and looked at the excited teen. "You're really sure about this?"

"I'm positive, write something back."

Although what they were doing was beyond wrong, Taylor couldn't actually remember the last time Nicki was this happy.

"I've said you'll meet him at 11, same place he stands to talk to you."

"Thank you." She smiled gratefully and took the paper from her. "You won't tell a soul, right? Not even Lani?"

"My lips are sealed but you promise me you'll be careful? Non-traveler folk are on another level of deceit, you know that right?" At this point Nicki had arisen from her seat but soon found herself planted firmly back on her chair. Worry filling her mind.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sayin' that your boy is up to no good....But, you gotta be careful, Nic."

"You mean...He'll take advantage?" The hurt look on her face was painful for Taylor to see but this was something she should have already considered.

"I don't know that for sure, I mean I'ont even know him but if he's assuming you're naive because you're a traveler then you gotta have your wits about you." She half smiled and stood up. "So, I'll do this favour for you if you promise me you'll be back by 1am? I gotta heap of papers to go through so I'mma be up late. Everyone else will be sleepin' and I can keep a watch out for you."

"I promise. 1am I'll be back here." She nodded violently as she stood. She'd never been so desperate to meet up with anyone before. Usually she'd be in a group. A group of girls for that matter but there was something about Drake. She felt like she'd known him forever and the connection they had was extraordinary to her.

"M'kay." She smirked sweetly and handed the note to her. "Go hang my laundry out and you can plant your lil' love letter inconspicuously."

"I owe you big time, Tay."

"Don't worry about it, I got a whole load of jobs lined up for you in the morning." She laughed at Nicki's wrinkled up face. "Now go, get outta here. I got shit to do." Nicki's innocent and fluttery heart felt as though it was doing summersaults as she left her brother's caravan. Heading straight for the fence.

The day seemed to go by so slow because she was counting down every minute to her little "date". She'd never been on a date before. Suddenly realising she hadn't thought about what she could wear she started mentally running through her wardrobe. What would a non-traveler girl wear? Her facial expression was visibly panicked before she was interrupted by her Mother.

"Onika?" She huffed frustratedly. "Girl, I wish you would get your head outta the damn clouds sometimes! I asked you to lay the table!"

"Sorry, Ma." Moving over to the cutlery she started setting the eating area. Floating back into dreamland, where she felt as though she was constantly living these days.

"Who's got my baby smilin' so big?" Her Mother's voice softened considerably. Sometimes she felt she was overworking her daughter, after all she was still young herself and having her run around all day was pretty brutal. She needed to live a little as well.

"Who said it was a person?" She smiled and handed Carol the place-mats to lay down.

"I know that look all too well, Nika. I think you're forgetting I was young too once. That smile was put on your face by a boy." Carol's smile faded when she saw her daughter's frame stoop sadly whilst she sighed. 

"Too bad it can never work out."

"Nika, I honestly have no idea where you get this lack of faith and confidence from. You and Jason get along just fine. In fact, I was speaking with his Mother yesterday. You didn't tell me you let him grab you?" As soon as those words left her Mother's mouth she shot her a look of pure anger.

"I didn't let him grab me! Is that what he's tellin' people?"

"Excuse me?"

"Ma, he's lyin'!"

"Look, I don't know why you refuse to let things unravel between you both, who else are you going to meet? Just let it happen."

"How am I supposed to know?! In total I only know five boys, four of which are already married. Jason isn't a choice Ma, he's a last resort that I'm being forced to take!" Slamming the forks down she pushed past her Mother and headed for the door.

"Onika! Don't you dare walk away from me!" The last of her sentence was cut short by the door slamming. She hadn't realised Jelani was in the other room.

"Just leave her. She'll come 'round eventually." Picking up where Nicki left off he continued laying the table. Men weren't usually the ones to be doing house chores but he could see something was playing on Carol's mind.

"I don't know what's going on with her at the moment. We used to be so close."

"She's a sixteen year old girl, there's a lot going on with her." He smirked and sat down once he was finished with the cutlery. "This whole Jason thing though, maybe you should just lay off a little."

"Lani, I know you only mean well but time is ticking. You know? Soon enough somebody else could snap Jason up."

"Well Ma, maybe that's a good thing." He looked at her hopefully as she just gave him a confused look back.

"Why would it be good?"

"'Cause I honestly don't think she's the slightest bit interested in him. Let her get to know him first."

"You mean like the occasional date or something?"

"Yeah, just step back and let do it herself. She's not gon' end up lonely, she'll meet someone eventually." Walking over to her he kissed her cheek. "I gotta go talk to Tay, I'll see you later. Remember what I said." Giving her one last smile he left her to her thoughts. Some of the things he'd said made a lot of sense.

Back outside it was beginning to get dark, the street lights were starting to flick on one by one down the street and the distant sound of evening traffic filling the air. This is why Nicki lived for the summer months, but she had a feeling this summer was going to be miserable. Especially if her life started going the way her parents wanted it to. Slipping into deep thought she soon jumped as Jelani approached the swing set she was swaying on.

"Lemme guess, she sent you over here?"

"What, can't I come hang out with my baby sis no more?" He grinned and took the swing next to her. "She means well y'know?"

"Does she? 'Cause that ain't what it seems like Jay. It's like they're tryin' to be run every single aspect of my life. I'm being controlled."

"It's the way it is." He looked over at her miserable face in the ever-dimming light. "It's how they raised me and how they'll raise you and Cai."

"Well I've had enough."

"Don't be like that. If it's about this whole Jason thing, I've told her to lay off a little. Things'll happen with time. They just freakin' out 'cause you're sixteen and not even close to bein' wed."

"That's just it though! I'ont want things to happen between us, he's a complete dick." She pushed herself with her feet on the swing as he sighed.

"I'ont know what else to say, Nika. Just don't give them a reason to be disappointed in you." Moving off the swing he kissed her head and stepped back. "You deserve the respect of this community, you're bright and a good kid. Don't ever believe any different, 'kay?" Raising his brows he looked down at her, only just making out the tears threatening to fall. He knew she wouldn't let them go though.

"Thanks Lani."

"Don't mention it." He nodded. "I'll talk to later, don't stay out too long."

"I won't." She looked away as soon as he'd left, making sure her note was still in place before heading inside. The excitement was now turning into anxiety, she still had every intention to meet up with Drake. Even more so since the cage created by her parents seemed to decrease in size. She wanted to be free.

*It's not super long because this one isn't very popular but I hope it was alright and I'm gonna update Sweet Dreams hopefully tonight as well :) and I HATE asking but since I'm back at uni I'm gonna please ask for 8 comments before I post again,  I won't leave it as long next time. Next chapter could be the last as well.*

2. Persistence

Feeling the air being squeezed from her body she shut her eyes tightly and fought back as best she could. It was no use though, his whole body pressed up against hers was too strong a force.

"Jason you're really hurting me!" She stopped moving enough to let her words be audible.

"Lemme kiss you and I'll stop." His words echoing in her ears made her shiver. Not in a good way either.

"I already told you no twice! Now get off of me!"

"Aight, you want it the hard way." He pressed into her more forcefully before looking around. Nobody could see or hear them and the street was empty. Or so he thought.

"Jason, please! Please let go!" Her yells had now turned to pleas as he gripped her arm tightly and pulled it up further behind her back. Continuing to ignore her cries of pain.

"Let me grab you properly and I'll let'chu go, Nicki. It ain't that difficult." She could hear in his voice that he was breathing in short pants, the result of his body trying to keep her still against the wall. The bricks were grazing into the skin on her chest, neck and face as she kept on struggling. "You gon' let me?"

"Not in a mil-" She couldn't complete her stilted sentence before the pressure was released. Turning around instantly she leant against the wall in fear. Her eyes followed his body as he was thrown to floor.

"Get away from her!" The stranger's voice made her look at him instantly and from then on she couldn't pull her gaze from his frame.

"The fuck you think you're doing?!" Jason spat his words out fiercely but the guy stood before him did nothing but laugh. "You think this is funny?!" Charging at him speedily, Nicki gasped once again as the mysterious figure restrained him.

"I'm not playin'. Now get outta here." With one forceful shove Jason hit the ground again and scrambled to his feet quickly.

"Y'ain't heard the last of this." His shouting made Nicki flinch before he turned back to her. "And you! I'll have your hand whether you like it or not! Just watch." Smirking with a sickening look on his face he gave them both a stern look before walking away. His pride was damaged, it was obvious.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." She shrugged her shawl back up over her shoulders and remained where she was. "Thank you, for makin' him leave." He nodded politely as a way of saying You're welcome and stepped closer towards her. Only stopping when he saw her body tense up. "Look, I really have to go." She frowned  and glimpsed at the ground for a quick second before turning away.

"Wait! I ain't even catch your name." He held her forearm lightly as he spoke but she quickly snatched away from him. "I'm not gonna hurt you y'know?"

"I know. I just don't know where your hands have been." Her face only became more harsh when he laughed, thinking she was joking.

"Oh, you're not kidding?"

"No." She kept her face straight with each word being said. "Thanks for chasin' him off but I gotta go. He ain't gonna get in shit for what he did, but me? I'mma get my name dragged through the mud for talkin' to someone like you." She shook her head. "Goodbye, stranger."

"Woah, wait!" Stopping her again he furrowed his brow and pointed to his chest. "Someone like me? The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Y'know? A Gorger? Non-traveler folk?" She shook her head. "You're gonna get me in a lotta trouble, sir."

"So you're a traveler?" He kept on following her as she walked.

"Yup."

"You live on the site 'round the corner?"

"That's none of your business."

"I'mma take that as a yes then. I'll walk you home."

"No you won't. I already got a ride."

"Seriously? You drove here from like, ten minutes down the road?"

"It's my brother's weddin'. We all came in cars, dumbass."

"My bad." He chuckled softly at her attitude. "You look really nice by the way. Your boyfriend obviously has no idea how lucky he is."

"Boyfriend?" She scoffed lightly, trying to hide her smile as he continued to trail behind her. "Jason is not my boyfriend! I'd sooner cut off my own arm than marry him."

"So you're single?" His question had barely left his mouth when she turned around quickly.

"Look, I said thank you and acted nice with you but I really need to go." She stared him dead in the eye before taking a step back and turning to walk away.

He stood there and watched her disappear around the corner, mentally kicking himself for not getting her name. His first encounter hadn't been completely useless however, he did know where she lived. He smiled to himself and started walking back in the direction he came from, planning for his next run-in with this mystery girl.

***

"You have any idea how humiliating this is?" Her Mother's words were so sharp they almost penetrated her ears.

"I already told you! He was just helping me out, Ma!"

"I don't care what he was doing! Do you not think we've been through enough? And all of that has finally blown over and now here you are causing more trouble for us!"

"You're. Not. Listening." She swept her hair away from her face and exhaled steadily. "He thought Jason was hurting me, he was passing by and helped me! Thank God he did."

"You're not to leave this caravan park without mine or your Father's permission. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am." She lowered her voice, knowing she wasn't going to win the argument. It had been burning on for almost an hour now.

"Good and when you're finished sulking the washing needs putting out and you can dress your brother." Her Mother didn't stick around for a response as she ripped her washing up gloves off and put them on the drainer before laving the caravan. She knew Jason would have returned home telling tales about her. She hated that. Nobody seemed to care about the bruises she'd sustained during his little attack last night, yet she exchanged a few words with a stranger and she's the bad guy. As she continued to think on it she felt the anger coming out in how she marched over to the washing line and pegged up the clothes roughly, scowling at everyone and everything.

"Nika? Mommy said you had to-"

"One minute Cai. Can't you see I'm busy?" She huffed and carried on with her duty, leaving her younger brother to sit down quietly on an upturned washing basket with his clothes clutched in his tiny hands. As soon as she was done she turned to look at him. His eyes were fixed to the ground miserably, instantly making her feel bad. "C'mon, we'll get you sorted in Lani's trailer." Holding her hand out for him he eagerly latched on and trailed along side her. "Where you goin' anyhow?"

"Daddy's takin' us to a Gypsy fair." He increased the volume of his voice as he climbed the steps to Jelani's caravan and entered ahead of Nicki.

"Who else is goin'?" Her brow wrinkled in thought as she picked him up and sat him on the kitchen counter before proceeding to undress him.

"Mama, Lani, Tay and Daddy." He listed them off one by one on his fingers. "And everyone else."

"Everyone?"

"Yeah but it's okay Nika I'm bringin' a present home for you." His eyes fixed on to hers momentarily before he snatched his attention down to his feet whilst she started putting his socks on.

"Did Daddy say I wasn't allowed to go?"

"Mhm." He nodded sadly and stuck his thumb in his mouth.

"Stop doin' that, you're gon' end up lookin' like a rabbit." Pulling at his wrist firmly he let his hand rest by his side again.

"He said you were doing bad things." He widened his eyes as she picked him up and placed him down again.

"Did he now?"

"Yeah, I said you weren't though." She smiled at him and watched him step steadily down the stairs of the caravan whilst she locked up.

"You better get over there then, before they leave without you." His worried little face made her giggle, his legs carrying him as fast as he could towards their trailer. The outfit he was wearing made her cringe, why'd they have to dress him like that? It was completely beyond her, she was just thankful she wasn't made to dress like that anymore.

***

"Done." Sighing aloud she crossed off her last chore from the list her parents left her and sat back in the kitchen chair. It was almost five and nearly everyone in her community was still at the fair. Probably all having a good time without her. Stealing a glance out of the window she let a profanity escape her lips when she caught sight of the washing thrashing about in the wind. She thought she'd have learnt by now, but every time she would forget about it. She reached the laundry just in time as she began to feel tiny specks of rain landing on her skin.

"Need a hand?"

"What the?!" She jumped back and shut her eyes slowly, trying to regain her composure. "You scared the shit outta me!"

"My bad." His smirk became more visible as he neared the crack in the fencing. Watching her intently. She'd speeded up in movement, snatching each piece of clothing roughly from the pegs and dumping them in the basket. She could fold them inside and away from this creepy stranger.

"You shouldn't be here. You already got me in shit because of yesterday." She spoke angrily.

"What I do?"

"I'm not s'posed to be associatin' with you. Now could you please leave?" She finished attacking the laundry and had it all piled in the basket with it skilfully balanced on her hip. Her face softened when she turned to meet his gaze. He was the definition of perfect. Aside from the fact that he was a Gorger.

"I just wanna know your name, is that so wrong?"

"Yes."

"It's the least you could do in return." She'd started walking away at that point but stopped suddenly and turned to face him again.

"Excuse me?"

"I pulled that nigga off of you yesterday. Saved ya life." Nodding cockily he smiled at her growing frustration.

"Yeah and I thanked you for that already." There was silence as he tried to think of a clever retort. But he couldn't.

"I'm Drake by the way." The outstretched hand reaching through the fence remained motionless, waiting for her to shake it.

"And I'm not interested." She lied with her back now facing him as she started walking away but his shouting was still very much audible.

"Well I'll be here tomorrow! And the day after! And then the day after-"

"It's Onika! Now will you leave me the fuck alone?!" Her angry words were finalised by the slamming of their caravan door. The smile creeping across his face displayed his accomplishment. He'd never seen or met anyone like her before. She was different but in a good way. Leaning away from the fence he walked away, happy with today's achievements.

...

*Okay, I reeeeaaaally, reeeeeaaaally hated this whole chapter but oh well. I think I already stated that this will only be about 3 or 4 chapters long, so it's almost finished anyway lol Thanku to those who commented on the first chapter :) I hope this was okay for you though and once again, I'm not a gypsy expert so there will be tonnes of errors and stuff! Also I'm gonna ask extremely kindly for 8 comments before I continue? Uni is starting next week and having an indication as to when I should post makes things easier for me :)*

OH and Sweet Dreams should be updated tomorrow, hopefully :/ haha

1. A Sheltered Beginning

The word ridiculous would be the expression most people would use for the sight before Onika at this very moment. Her soon to be sister-in-law buried beneath layers upon layers of pink puffy fabric as they stood in the changing room.

"Well, how does it look?" The excitement was all too obvious in her voice as Nicki walked over to her in awe.

"You look amazing Tay, he's gonna love it!"

"You really think so?"

"Girl, I know so." She never once let her eyes leave the overly-sized wedding dress. Although she must admit Taylor looked beyond stunning in such an over the top garment, the road to marriage was one she had a hint of fear for. The outer world had so much to offer someone her age yet the only thing she was taught to focus on was marriage, house duties and children. Having just turned sixteen her Father had brought up marriage every night at the dinner table for the last two weeks. It was doing her head in.

"I hope this all works out okay." Pulling her bottom lip between her teeth Taylor made eye contact with Nicki through the glass of the mirror nervously.

"Of course it will, why would you even say that?"

"I know people look down on your brother and I know what he did was wrong but I want for this to be a new start for him. For us. Y'know?" She continued to fix up creases in her dress as Nicki thought back on her brother's mistakes. He'd undoubtedly shamed the family but Taylor was right, everybody made mistakes and this could be his way of gaining back the respect of their community. Besides, it wasn't as if any of the other travellers in their tribe hadn't done much worse, because Nicki knew for a fact that they had.

Only a few more adjustments needed to be made on Taylor's dress, time was limited but things looked promising. Meeting the rest of the girls out the front they proceeded to fit the bridesmaids dresses. The stark contrast between the bride's dress and what her bridesmaids would be wearing was extremely vast. In fact, Nicki was more than certain that her dress was a shirt labelled as a dress. Frowning harshly at her reflection she tugged at the sides as they clung desperately to her curves. If she'd been paid for every time she walked down the aisle as a bridesmaid she was adamant that she could have paid for her own damn wedding by now. Marriage was a key focus for Gypsies. Every Gypsy was to marry, it was an inevitable part of their future.

***

"Onika, where are you going?"

"I told you already Ma, I gotta go with the rest of the girls to pick up the dresses. They finished alterin' them." She halted outside of the caravan trailer, also known as her home. Resting back on her foot she rolled her eyes irritably.

"As long as you stay with the girls."

"Yes."

"And come straight back."

"Yes." She huffed once more before continuing on down the gravelly path. Her skirt was riding up with each stride annoyingly. Hearing a loud whistle to her left she whipped her head around to see Jason and his goofy ass friends ogling her, instead of responding she stopped in her tracks and stared him down. He actually believed he stood a chance. She knew she had to marry within her community but Jason? No. The fact that her Father even wanted that to happen made her both angry and sick to her stomach.

"Fiesty."

"Fuck you, Jason." Her quip received a few "Ooh's" as they all hit on his arms playfully. His face was a picture right now. Popping her gum with a raised brow she kept on with her journey to her brother's trailer. She knew their family was slightly tainted now so there was even more pressure on her to find a man, marry him and move out of her family trailer but there was always an itch she felt to venture into the world outside of her Gypsy community. An itch that would soon be scratched. Her mind was drifting until she was quickly yanked back into reality by Jelani's voice.

"Aye, I ain't know you was bein' called at by him." He nodded in Jason's direction.

"Ugh, Jay don't even go there. Please." She punched his arm and continued up the steps. "Taylor ready yet?"

"She already left, said she called 'round for you but-"

"I was still sleep." She sighed angrily.

"Yeah, too bad Nic." He laughed knowing she was now stuck here for the day. Another rule she hated. Girls were forbidden to wander alone, people assumed they were up to no good and if something bad is said about them it'd be their word against the alleged witness. Never a good thing. Too many girls had fallen victim to that "crime" and she wasn't about to be one of them.

"Need anythin' doin'?" She asked as she continued to chew her gum hard and leant against the trailer hand rail.

"We always got stuff that needs doin'." He winked and led her inside. "Tay didn't have time this morning so all the cleanin's gotta be done. I'll leave ya to it." He grinned and handed her the trailer key. "Lock up when you're done." Curling her lip slightly she caught herself in the mirror, if anyone could see how she was behaving she'd be reprimanded immediately. Allowing her eyes to trail over her outfit she stared intently at herself. It was no wonder Gypsy girls were frowned upon, the way they dressed was just asking to be judged. Her denim crop top pushed her boobs up immensely at the same time as revealing her whole mid-section and her modesty only covered by a tiny skirt running the length of her hip to her mid-thigh. Her legs made to look tower tall in her wedges. The makeup was what threw most people though. Harsh, dark lashes with the eye-shadow and lipstick colour of her choice, usually it was pink. Continuing to study herself she ran her taloned hands through the ends of her hair, flattening it over her shoulders. The darkness of her long, straight locks only emphasised the rich tone of her skin even more. The makeup and dress wasn't necessarily a rule but every other girl did it so she felt out of place if she accessorised any differently. Gypsies were wrongly depicted though and that was what made her proud to be a traveller, nobody had any sort of insight about their lives but she wanted to change peoples minds.

***

"Everyone's so proud of you Lani." Nicki rested her head on his upper arm as she stood close to him. The wedding had definitely lived up to everyone's expectations and now came the time for him to start afresh. Wash away his "sins". Almost four years ago, he'd married a non-gypsy girl. The ultimate no-no but to make it even worse he divorced her less than a year into their marriage, another absolute no-no. The shame brought upon them was insane but this could repent him. Or so they all prayed.

"Thanks Nic, let's just hope this one has a happy endin' right?" He knocked her chin gently with his knuckle.

"I have faith in you both. You're gonna make the best husband and wife, I just know it." She smiled sweetly even though her dress was suffocating her. Feeling him pull away she grabbed back on to him. "Where you goin'?"

"Nicki, this is my weddin'!" He laughed. "I can't sit with you on the balcony all night, I gotta go dance with Tay before she gets angry." The fear building up within her only increased as he kissed her cheek and walked away. She was petrified for the events to happen after the party and she knew Jason was stalking about, looking for her. Waiting for her.

More than an hour passed before her Mother found her sat alone in the breeze.

"Onika? What're you doin' out here alone? The party's practically over."

"Sorry, I just needed some air." She rolled her lips together and blinked slowly. "We leavin' now?"

"You feelin' okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine, I just need to go home."

"Mmkay, well we're heading back now but all you bridesmaids are travelling together." She smiled at how beautiful her daughter looked sat before her. Imagining how her wedding day would be when it came. "I'll see you back home, be safe." Kissing her forehead she left the balcony and exited the venue arm-in-arm with her husband, Nicki's Father.

At this moment Nicki felt completely on edge, afraid to make her way outside for fear of being "grabbed". Grabbing was a sort of courting ritual, which she happened to find absolutely barbaric. The title pretty much explained what it was, a guy sees a girl he likes and therefore he grabs her. Not just an innocent little pinch but a full on tackle was usually the case. Jason had already done it to her twice but she'd managed to push him off of her, mostly out of terror but this time she dreaded making the walk to their car. The other girls were loitering opposite a group of boys, actually waiting to be grabbed. As her brow wrinkled thinking about why they would want to fall victim to this animalistic form of courting she was quickly pulled from her thoughts when she felt herself being rammed against the brick wall of a nearby building. Her arm twisted behind her back and her front pressed firmly against the bricks whilst she cried out.

...

*I was gonna keep this short and pretty simple just to see how people liked it but let me know what you thought. I'm not sure how much people know about Gypsies but I'm just going off of what I know about them from my home country. Once again this is FICTION so it doesn't have to be true. Anyway thanks for reading :))*

Introduction

Yup, I'm starting another one BUT this will only be like a three or four part story so I'll post once in a while here and then it'll be done :)

Usually I just start posting straight away but I wanted to state some things first. This FICTIONAL story is exactly that. Fiction. Therefore I control what is happening and what is true or false. I've had this idea ticking over in my mind for a while now but never started it because of certain reasons, which will be clear to some when I post the first chapter. However, it's just a story. Nothing has to be exactly as it is in everyday life so I'm going to go ahead and do it.

I might post later on, I've got some other fics to update first :3

Carlee x