I Hate James Cooper

Chapter 2: James Cooper

“J-J-James Cooper?” Alexis stuttered with the utmost confusion.

Alexis Reed was, without a doubt head over heels just-let-me-be-yours-and-marry-me-already in love with James Cooper.

But there was one problem, James Cooper found Alexis to be incredibly annoying. Ever since Alexis could remember, James Cooper lived right next door from her. That is, until he moved away last summer. Both their parents were extremely close. They saw each other for every birthday, holiday and family party. By the time Alexis was 6, she knew she wanted to marry James Cooper. He was always the boy next door that she looked up to. They were childhood best friends. But, growing up James somehow became responsible for everything Alexis did. When Alexis got in trouble, so did James. If Alexis needed to go some where, it became James’ job to take her or to accompany her. He was always pressured to watch over Alexis and take care of her. By their freshmen year in high school, James had grown sick and tired of his bodyguard duties and one day, he just completely decided to ignore Alexis’ existence.

“I thought he moved away last summer. Why is he here?” Jennifer questioned.

Alexis didn’t know what to do or say. Why was James even at her party?

Her gaze was focused on James. He looked so much older than she remembered. More mature and much more handsome. His jet black hair fell perfectly around his fair-skinned face and his mysterious brown eyes seemed more captivating then ever. Then there was his smile, arguably his most charming feature. Dimples sat playfully on both sides of his cheeks as he flashed his irresistible smile around.

Then it happened. They made eye contact. Alexis could feel her heart beating faster. Was he  looking at her? Should she say something? Should she walk over there? Did he come here to look for her? Then suddenly James Cooper looked away as if Alexis was nothing more than a fly on the wall. The three girls stood in shock as they watched two sophomores ogle over James. Flirting with him and touching his hair. Normally, James wouldn’t respond to such affection, but tonight he did. He flirted back with the girls, making them laugh and giving them the attention they were looking for. Alexis couldn’t believe her eyes.

The girls retreated to a bedroom upstairs to discuss the incomprehensible situation.

Samantha and Jennifer sat on the bed and watched as Alexis paced herself back and forth across the room.

“Did you see him look at me then ignore me as if he didn’t even know me!?” Alexis said angrily.

“He obviously knew you were going to be here, it’s your house.” Jennifer replied.

“Maybe you should talk to him. Do you really think he’d come all the way here just to ignore you?” added Samantha.

“He’s James Cooper!” Jennifer and Alexis said in unison.

“He did ignore her and plus he was flirting with those two skanks!” Jennifer said, with an extra emphasize on the skank part.

Alexis’ buzz was going away and now she was being attacked by her own emotions. She looked at her two best friends, she didn’t know what to say but her facial expression was begging for help. Jennifer and Samantha knew exactly how Alexis felt about James. When he moved away last summer without even saying goodbye, Alexis was completely heart broken. It was hard enough to see him at school everyday and not talk to him, but it was even harder not having him around.

“I’ll take care of this.” Jennifer stated as she got up and began marching downstairs. Jennifer knew she had to do something.

Alexis tugged on her arm and pulled her back “It’s okay Jenn, don’t do anything. I’ll be fine. Let’s just enjoy the party.”