Page 28 of Almost Ours

“Jess.”

“Jess?” He adjusts her arm over his shoulders and bends slightly so he can see her face. “Can you hear me?” She doesn't answer, her head lolling against his shoulder. "Jess." He gives her arm a gentle squeeze. "Have you been sick tonight?"

She screws her face up in concentration. "...Maybe."

He glances at me briefly before looking back at her. "Maybe?"

"Can't remember."

"Okay. Have you taken anything tonight? Anything other than alcohol?"

She shakes her head before suddenly frowning. "A blue VK."

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself pointing out that's also alcohol.

"Right," Josh mutters evenly. "Anything else?"

"Tequila." She pulls a face. "Don't think I'm a fan."

"Fair enough." He looks over at me. "Do you know where she lives?"

"No. I only met her about five minutes ago."

"Right." He looks at her. "What accommodation are you in?"

She stares at him for several long seconds. "...The one with... doors."

"Oh yeah," he tersely replies. "That narrows it down."

"Josh," I chide, despite the laugh threatening to escape me.

“Sorry.” He gives me an apologetic smile before glancing down the now much quieter corridor. "We can't leave her here."

“My halls are only a couple of minutes away,” I offer, then glance at Josh, suddenly feeling sheepish. “She can sleep it off there… if that’s alright with you?”

"Are you sure?"

I nod. "I'd rather that than wander around campus trying to figure out where she lives."

He thinks about it for a second before nodding. "Yeah, alright."

We head back towards the main part of the Student Union, the music growing louder with every step until Josh gets us up the stairs, past the bouncers, and out into the cool night air. We barely make it ten metres away before Jess abruptly slams her feet on the path.

Josh looks down at her, concern wafting from him. "Everything alright?"

She lifts her head from his shoulder with obvious effort. "I think..." Her face twists, making both of us lean away. "...I'm going to be sick."

Josh and I exchange a truly horrified look.

I raise my hands, begging. “Please don’t do that. I’m a sympathy puker. I’ll chunder everywhere.”

“Oh, fucking hell.” Josh groans. “Jess, do you reckon you can give us a bit of warning if that changes from think to know?"

Jess considers this very seriously before nodding. "Yeah."

"Brilliant."

She stays perfectly still for another few seconds, swallowing hard enough that I can see it from where I'm standing, before eventually mumbling, "I think I'm alright."