Him

09: He Brings Up My Past

About 8 months ago...

"Isa, love, come on we're running late!"

I laugh, putting on my heels.

"Babe, how can we be late for a college party? I'm waiting for the rest of the group."

He narrows his eyes and I take that as a sign to kiss his cheek.

"He's coming, isn't he?"

"Did I mention how much I love you and how amazing you are?"

I give him my biggest grin and he shakes his head.

"Come on Isabella, why does he have to go everywhere with us?"

I was getting tired of having this same conversation. I honestly didn't know if he thought I would change my response every time he asked.

"Theo is my best friend. Why would I want to go places with Hazel, Mona, and Isaiah and not my best friend? James, I don't understand the problem."

He paces around our small living room, and I look at him concerned.

"What did Theo say something to piss you off? Last year, all of us were fine and now it seems like you know something about him that I don't."

He glances at me, about to speak when someone knocks on our door.

"We'll talk about it later", he opens the door and it's Mona.

"Sorry we took so long; it took a little minute to get the two lovebirds together. Ready?"

I nod, following Mona as James shuts the door behind us.

The party we were going to was at some studio apartment, hosted by one of the people on the basketball team.

I heard about him vaguely, Dean Clarke.

He was always too drunk at these events to have proper conversations with him.

We were celebrating that the boys' basketball team won 8 times in a row this Spring. The most they've won in a row in 2 years.

"Congratulations Isaiah! It would seem that you've led our team to victory."

I tell him, getting into the car.

Isaiah is the new captain of our team and I know he was nervous about the whole thing, but the coach picked him based on skill and leadership.

"Thanks! It wasn't all me though, your boyfriend came through for us in the 4th quarter."

I hold onto James' hand, and he squeezes mine. I can tell something is still bothering him, but I look ahead as Hazel starts the car.

♡

Theo is somewhere in the crowd when we get there, and I leave James so he can find his team.

"Isabella! Isa!"

I look over the sweaty bodies and I see his curly brown hair in the distance.

I push my way through, and someone bumps into me.

I look up and smile to see it's Theo.

"You're drunk already, aren't you?"

He grins, nodding and I laugh at him.

Theo never really liked these parties but ever since James takes me with him, he comes too.

I think he likes pissing off James for whatever issues the both of them have.

"Where's the lovely James tonight?"

I wave my hand about, "Somewhere around here with friends."