Did You Get What You Deserve?

I dragged my feet in the dust as the swing creaked back and forth. I could hear squeals coming from the slide as Cari chased Linda and Dani round in circles. Suddenly a shadow fell in front of me. I glanced up; a glance was enough.

“I want to talk to you.”

“Go away.”

James sat down on the swing beside me.

“Alec, I’m gonna cut right to it. I love you. Please, I just- I just want you to think about that.”

I laughed humourlessly.

“What, you think I’ve been able to escape thinking about it? What do you think this shocking news is supposed to mean to me? You broke my heart!”

“I didn’t. You got in a tizz over nothing. I never kissed Alana, it was a misunderstanding, and you know it.”

I stopped. He was right there. I did know it, and that was exactly why I was mad at him. Because it was so much easier to keep being mad at him than to admit I was wrong.

And the longer you wait, the harder it’s going to get…

I smacked my head, trying to clear it of the voice. Shut the fuck up, I thought angrily, I don’t need you telling me that too.

Just to make sure we’re absolutely clear, it replied, and I knew if the voice had a face it would be wearing a smirk.

“Whatever,” I said. James raised an eyebrow.

“What’s that supposed to mean? ‘Whatever, I admit you’re right?’ ‘Whatever, you can say what you want and it still won’t make a shit of difference?’ Well I’m going to tell you something right now, Alec. This is your last chance to prove to me that you’re not a stubborn, cold-hearted bitch. And that chance ends in five seconds.”

I looked up. Losing James forever was not what I had in mind.

“James, I-” I faltered. “What about Keith?”

He shrugged.

“What about him? Do you think I give a fuck?”

I almost smiled.

“I guess not.”

He nodded.

“We’re on the same page then.”

He started to walk away. I called after him.

“Did I miss my chance?”

He turned back.

“Oh no,” he said, “you took it. In fact, you passed with flying colours.”

And, flashing me a grin, he turned to chase his sister.