I Hate James Cooper

Chapter 5: Forget You

‘I hate James Cooper’ was the only thought that was in Alexis’ mind when she woke up that night. She looked at the clock on the nightstand, it was 2:47AM.

The heavy, well-built arm laying across her stomach made it uncomfortable to move. Laying still, Alexis looked up at the ceiling as she began to process the horrible events that had transpired. James Cooper is an absolute asshole. Alexis could feel the soreness in her own eyes. Twice, she’s been to the Cooper residence within the span of a few days. And twice has she ran out crying.

It all made sense now. James never wanted to be Alexis’ friend. They were just obligated to become friends due to their parents. James was right, if he didn’t want to be Alexis’ friend then he shouldn’t have to be. Alexis felt idiotic, had she really spent all this time trying to figure out why James didn’t like her?

Sure, if James didn’t want to be friends, it was understandable. But, Alexis couldn’t shake off James’ anger. Why was he so angry? Was Alexis really that annoying? When they were kids, James didn’t seem like he was annoyed of Alexis. The pain of rejection resonated within Alexis, she could feel it in her bones. It hurt.

Realizing she had school in a few hours, she shifted towards Dave and began to shake him gently.

A lone and low groan escaped from his mouth, “Alexis?” he muttered.

“I have to go home.” she stated. Dave had taken on the roll as Alexis’ night and shinning armor and she was thankful. She liked Dave, but amidst being snuggled up in his bed, the only person that littered her mind was, still, James Cooper.

“What time is it?” he asked as he slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“Almost three.” she responded.

Still unaware of why she had been crying, Dave looked confused and was at a loss of words as he looked at Alexis. He wanted to ask her why, but felt like it was too soon. Girls tend to do that a lot, cry when you say the wrong thing. He knew it was best to give it time, but did she really have to go home now?

“I told Sam you were here. She told your parents you were sleeping over at her house.” He rested his back on his head board and looked directly at Alexis. It was dark and he could barely see her face, but her presence made him feel warm. “She said she’ll drop off clothes for you in the morning.”

Alexis felt a little more relaxed after his statement.

“Come here.” He called out to her, again. He pulled her to his chest and slowly sunk to his bed. He pulled the sides of his covers as he carefully tucked them in.

“Thanks Dave,” she said as she closed her eyes and forced herself to sleep.

Samantha arrived at Dave’s house 30 minutes before school started. Of course, she was accompanied by Jennifer.

“You smell like a guy.” Samantha commented as she glared at Alexis, who had just finished showering. Alexis was wearing a plain white shirt and boxers, all compliments of Dave.

“I smell good.” Alexis responded, with a cheesy smile.

“So, are you gonna fill us in or what?” Jennifer demanded.

“Let me change first.” Alexis said as she grabbed the set of clothes Samantha had brought for her.

While Alexis was in the bathroom, Samantha and Jennifer began to fiercely interrogate Dave.

“Why was she crying?”

“What happened when you found her?”

“Did you guys sleep on the same bed?”