Worst of You

Chapter 3: The perfect storm

-James?
-You remember my name.

His eyes were red and showed like he was exhausted. He looked at me.

I looked around again.

-What am I doing here?
-People where looking at you and paparazzi were going to be there at any minute. –He paused –Are you okay?

I stopped looking around and got in front of him but without looking at him.

-I don't. I don't know how to answer that.

I finally looked at him back. I looked at his sappy brown eyes.

-Are you okay James?
-Yeah.
-No you're not. What happened?
-What happened to you?
-I asked you first.

He took his eyes off mine.

-I don't want to talk about it. Tell me what happened to you.
-I'll tell you if you tell me what happened to you.

He started walking away.

-Follow me –He said.

He sat in a mattress and made me a signal to sit next to him. I don't really know this dude. He could be dangerous. But what could possible happen? Die? That's not a fear anymore though.

I sat next to him.

-Listen. It's a good thing you don't know me so I can tell you this. I might have done a bad decision but I don't regret it.
-You can tell me. –I said

He made a pause. Then started talking without looking at me.
-I used to have a girlfriend. We dated for 6 years. But I broke up with her a week ago.
-Why?
-Because.
-Tell me.
- Because she was pregnant and she didn't tell me.
-That's it?
-No. She. She had an abortion.
-What?!?
-And she didn't tell me.
-How did you find out?
-I found the receipts. –He looked at me –It doesn't make any sense I know but I always wanted to have a family. Having kids and all but her dreams were different. I got so mad at her. I know it's her body and all but that was my baby. Maybe it wasn't my choice but. I just couldn't.
-I'm so sorry James. I shouldn't have asked.
-It's okay. It helps me to get it out my chest at least. I just loved her and I wanted to have a family but she just-
-It's okay. I'm sorry.

That was hard to listen. I wanted to change the subject but I was surprised.

-Well. Did you want a girl or a boy?

He smiled. I smiled back.

-A girl obviously.
-Do you have a name?
-No yet.
-Listen. You'll have a beautiful family one day with a nice girl.
-I know. But right now I'm done dating.
-You can wait. You have your whole life.
-Well I'm pretty old now so.
-How old are you?
-How old do you think I am?

I paused.

-You are 22.

He laughed.

-Is it right?
-No. I'm actually 27.
-No you are not 27.
-I swear.
-You look way younger.
-Do I? I look older
-No. Okay how old do you think I am?
-Easy. 18.

I laughed.

-How did u know that?
-You know you have a wikipedia right?
-Well shit.

We both laughed.

-So you are going to tell me what happened to you?
-Well mine doesn't have anything to do with a boyfriend or anything like that. In fact, I've never had a boyfriend.
-Really? Like never?
-Nop. No first kiss. No nothing.
-Why?
-I'm not a dating girl you know. No one really focuses on me.
-You'll find someone in the future.

I looked at the ground. Future? What future?

-James I'm sick.
-Huh?
-The doctor just told me that my ribs are contracting and might hurt my lungs.
-What?!?
-My days are counted.

He was in shook. Didn't know what to say.

-But it's okay don't worry. It was nice meeting you.
-Don't say that. Are you under some treatment?
-I mean yeah at home but I rather just stay away.
-Are you insane?

He got up.

-Come.
-What?
-I'm taking you home.
-James you don't have to.
-Yes. And you are starting your treatment right now.
-I have my car here you don't have to.
-Then I'll take your car.

He grabbed my hand.

-C'mon.

We got into the car. I was still wearing his hoodie so the paparazzi didn't see me. In the car no a word was pronounced. I was just giving him directions of where I live. When we arrived I told him to park my car in the other side of the house since is easier to park there. We got down and there was my brother and Vanessa. He was mad and went right in my direction.

-Where the fuck have you been?
-Doesn't matter.
-I called you like a hundred times.
-Didn't see.
-Who drove you here?
-I did –Said James giving my brother my car keys.
-Who are you?
-It doesn't matter. Just wanted to make sure she got home safe.

Leon didn't know what to say.

-This is James. –I said.

Vanessa opened her eyes.

-Thank you James. –Said Leon –I appreciate-
-James Wolfhard?!? –Said Vanessa while she got closer to us. James didn't look at her but looked at me.
-You have my number?
-Yeah.
-See you around.
-Thank you.

He left at foot. Leon turned around to face Vanessa.

-Wolfhard?
-I think that's his last name.
-Do you know him?
-No. -She paused –Doesn't matter.
-He's just a friend call down. –I said while I got into my house.

James Wolfhard?

-AVRIL!

I turned around.

-Yeah?
-You better explain to me why did you just run off like that and came back with a stranger.
-Does it really matter now?
-Yes! You need to start your treatments.
-What if I don't want to.
-You gotta be kidding me. And you come home with that guy.
-James is nice. He just wanted to help.
-How do you even know this guy?
-Listen I don't need to tell you shit.
-AVRIL!

I got up to my room. My phone rang. It was my dad. Nice. My sweet brother must have told him. I want to kill him right now. I picked up.

-Hey dad! How's Europ-
-WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!
-I was out for some coffee.
-I'm going home.
-No I'm fine. I'm home now.
-Start your treatments now!
-What?

LEON.

-Leon told you.
-Yes he did. You are very irresponsible for just running like that. You are going to move back in with us.
-ARE YOU CRAZY?
-Watch your tone! You are not matured enough to live by yourself and now with the treatments I have more reasons.

I couldn't talk to him more so I just stopped the call.
I can't live with them again. That's seriously a nightmare.
My phone ran again. I swear I'll throw my phone if it is my dad again. I looked. It was James.

I answer.

-James.
-How you feeling?
-I swear I'm good.
-Have you start your treatments?
-No. And my dad wants me to move back in with them.
-That's probably for the best.
-Are you serious?
-Someone has to look after you.
-I don't need someone to look out for me.
-I swear i would go to your house everyday to see that you are taking your treatment.
-Would you do that?
-Yes.
-Why?
-You have to take care of yourself.
-I don't know James.
-Do it Avril.
-It's not going to change the fact that I'm dying.

He went silence.

-That's it.
-What?
-I'm going to make sure you follow your treatments.
-Are you really?
-Yes. I'm going to your home to make sure you do.
-You don't have to.
-Yes I do. Try to talk to your dad on letting you stay in your home. Promise him you are going to start your treatments.
-Okay.
-Let's try to keep this between us okay?
-Why?
-I mean I wouldn't let a stranger take care of my daughter.
-Fair.
-Okay I see you tomorrow.
-James wait.
-Yeah?
-Vanessa said you were James Wolfhard. What's that suppose to mean?

He went silence.

-James who are you?