Not Everyone Deserves a Second Chance

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I lay awake in my bed, envying James for what he did. He was the one who attacked my boyfriend, and he left without a scratch on him. I feel like going over to his house and give him a taste of my fist.

Before I could think of anything else, the phone called. It was James.

"What do you want." I demand. I don't know why I picked it up. I guess I just didn't want to hear that annoying ringing over and over and over.

"I want to apologize. I didn't mean to-"

"Yes you did James. You did mean to. If you didn't, you wouldn't have done it! Why did you really call."

"I just can't live without you Jess. I want you. And with that freak out of the way, you and me can live happily ever after. Wadd'ya say. Forgive me?"

"Oh my God. Forgive you!! You just broke my boyfriend's nose! No I do not forgive you. And Marcus is not a freak! I would never live happily ever after with you either! I would live like an over-worked mom when you're out somewhere getting another girl knocked up!"

"Jess. You know I would never do that. I-"

"James. You get close to me again, and you will never be able to stand up straight. Do you understand me?! You stay away from me James Mathews."

"Aw c'mon. You know you don't mean that. You love me. Admit it."

"I would, but my mother told me to never tell a lie."

"Since when have you ever listened to your mother?"

"Always! You're the one who never listens! I'm going to hang up right now, and if you call back, I will come and find you."

"Fine. C'ya Je-"

BEEEEEPPPP

All this stress is beginning to wear me down. When I hear the doorbell ring, I scream.

"What do you want!!!" It rings again.

I stomp to the door and throw it open. "What!"

The man in the doorway looks exactly like he did fourteen years ago. His beard is gray, hair down to his shoulders. His sweater is the same color as his pants, a deep blue. He looks me up and down with the gray eyes that I barely remember. He takes in my bloody dress that I was too lazy to change out of, my hair, that had come completely out of its bun, finally my shoes, which are all scuffed up from the fight.

I stare at his face and retain myself from slapping him straight across the cheek.

"Jessie." He whispers. "Sorry I'm late, I couldn't find a place to stay."

I stare at him in hatred. "Good to see you again, Dad."

The next day

Marcus isn't at school today. He was supposed to be back yesterday, but I'm pretty sure that his mom just wants to make sure he's okay.

James walks up behind me.

"Hey Norberts." He bellowed. I flip my arm backward and punch him in the face. I turn and stomp on his arm, which was already bending the wrong way. I push him down and yell,

"I thought I told you to stay away from me Mathews!"

He runs away, and the crowd that formed clapped. It felt good. I rock.