Hate is a strong word

Chapter 24

I woke up to the sound of hushed voices, coming from the other side of the room. I recognized them as Jessi and James and listened to their conversation. 

"So, what happened again?" James asked. Apparently, he talked too loud, because Jessi shushed him.

"She's just had a rough day. Let her sleep." I realized that they thought I was still asleep, so I quickly closed my eyes and continued to listen. 

"You know, she doesn't deserve him. He's just a dirty liar." Jessi giggled.

"Someone's got a crush on Rebecca, don't they?"

It was quiet for a few moments. 

"Yeah, I guess I do. But she wouldn't be interested in me. She just caught her boyfriend cheating on her! Now just isn't the right time."

I decided to end this conversation. 

I did the best I could and pretended to wake up and rub my 'sleepy' eyes. 

"Isn't the right time for what?" I asked in the best 'sleepy' voice I could muster. James' eyes grew wide and he looked at Jessi.

"Nothing!" 

I nodded and reached over to grab my phone. I checked the time, 2:36. 

"How long was I asleep?"

Jessi counted on her fingers but failed so she just described the trip back. Apparently, I fell asleep in the taxi, right before we got to the airport. The taxi driver helped her carry me into the airport and a 'hot airport guy' carried me onto the plane. We flew home, and James met us at the airport and carried me to the car and then to my room. 

"How you slept through all of that, I have no idea." She said, taking a deep breath and relaxing into the chair. 

I laughed, imagining Jessi go through all of these situations. 

"Thank you, Jessi. I know that you went through a lot to get me home, but thank you." I started to tear up again, just thinking about all the trouble she went through. 

"Oh! Don't cry! It's fine. I just wish that this didn't happen to you. I'm so sorry." She came over and hugged me, and I hugged her back. We sat like that for a while, until James cleared his throat. 

"Excuse me, but this uncomfortable to watch. I'm gonna order a pizza." Jessi and I laughed a little bit, watching as he got up to order the pizza. 

We ended up watching a movie in my living room, eating the pizza and a lot of ice cream. After talking for hours, Jessi and James left. They promised to come back first thing in the morning, and with donuts. 

I laid on my bed and thought about the day's events. I got to know James a lot more, and I didn't realize how funny he was. Now that I think about it, James is a really nice guy. And pretty cute...

Wait, snap out of it Rebecca! 

I can't be thinking like this! What if James breaks my heart, just like Shawn? I don't know if I can take another heartbreak. It's too soon. My goal is to forget about Shawn forever, but I know that won't happen. He's a scar that will never go away, and I don't want to use James to cover it up. James deserves much more, but I don't know if it's with me. 

What are you doing to yourself, Rebbeca?

I sighed, rolling onto my side and staring at my wall. My life is messed up and crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't have met Jessi and James. 

I decided to restart.

I would try again, but this time without Shawn. I'm going to demand a rematch, and this time, I'm going to win.