I Hate James Cooper

Chapter 4: Toxic

“Sorry Alex,” Dave answered with disappointment, “I have football practice.” He was surprised and glad that Alexis called, but he really couldn’t hang out with her.

“Oh, well that’s okay.” Alexis said, sounding a little sad.

“Maybe I can see you after practice?” He said.

“Maybe. Just call me later?”

“Sure.”

Alexis regrettably hung up the phone. She was about to call Samantha, but remembered she had a yearbook meeting, and Jennifer was always busy after school with the cheerleading squad.

Sitting in her car, Alexis began to feel lonely. Isn’t it ironic that when my childhood best friend finally moves back into town, I suddenly feel alone and out of place? She thought to herself.

“Ugh!” Alexis said out of frustration. She had been an emotional wreck since James moved back into town. She couldn’t take it anymore. Alexis needed answers. She needed to know why James hated her so much. Maybe if she got answers, she could finally get over him?

Alexis got out of her car and marched into James’ house. The front door was unlocked, as usual, and his parents weren’t home. The moment Alexis entered the house, she could hear Brittany’s giggles coming from the second floor. Shouldn’t she be at cheerleading practice? Hoping they weren’t already naked or engaging in some horrific sexual act, Alexis rushed up the stairs right into James room.

“Alexis?” Brittany bellowed as she pulled away from kissing James.

James rolled his eyes and said “What the hell are you doing?” his voice dripping with irritation.

“I need to talk to you.” Alexis said to James.

“Now is not the time.” He replied, his voice not changing.

“I need to talk to you.” Alexis repeated.

“Fine.” James complained as he got up and pulled Alexis by the arm.

“I’ll be right back.” He said to Brittany before dragging Alexis into his parent’s room.

“Alexis, what the fuck is your problem?!” he questioned, his voice now conveying his anger.

“I need answers!” Alexis demanded.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” James yelled as he threw his hands up in the air.

Alexis, slightly terrified of his reaction, responded with a calm, but shaky voice, “I just want to know what happened to us.”

James rolled his eyes and put his hands on both sides of Alexis’ shoulders. He pulled her close and looked her straight in the eye, “Look, there is no us. We’re not best friends anymore.” he said with a calmer voice.

“But why?” Alexis asked, her voice still shaky. It took all her strength to hold back her tears, but she did it. The last thing she wanted to do was to cry in front of James, again.

James let go of Alexis, but maintained their eye contact. “Why won’t you leave me alone? I was wrong to think that you would magically disappear if I just started to ignore you.” James sighed as he rubbed both sides of his temple out of frustration. “If you really want to know the truth, then okay.” He took a step back and a hint of guilt formed into this eyes, “You’re annoying. I’m sorry we live next door from each other. I can’t control that. But, you’re turning into a crazy stalker chick. I hate you Alexis, I always have.”

A lump formed in Alexis throat. She shook her head and pleaded with her eyes for him to stop. But, he kept going.

“You need to stop acting like a sad puppy. You’re not a victim here. Once upon a time our parents forced us to be friends. I grew up and you grew up. When I was old enough to make my own decisions, I decided I didn’t want to be your friend anymore. You can’t fucking blame me for not liking you. Now, just leave me alone!”