I hated being called out on things. I hated it more than I hated peanut butter being slathered on my toast, and that was saying something. Because everyone within a hundred mile radius knew how much I despised peanut butter on toast. Or peanut butter, period.
But here it was, a worthy competition for my peanut butter revulsion. Being called out. I tried so hard to be good, nice enough that everyone around me was comfortable. I had to-do lists and schedules which I followed meticulously. I always made my bed the moment I got up from it. I complimented everyone I thought looked nice and didn’t make snide remarks at Mrs. Jaffar’s eccentric outfits. I made everyone happy.
So, why was the only person who I considered my person in the entire world sitting me down to talk?” I gulped and willed my already trembling hands to be still. Maybe I was reading too much into this. Maybe James just wanted to talk about how much soda I’d been consuming these past days even though I’d promised I was going to be off soda for at least a year. Maybe my best friend just wanted to tell me something that wouldn’t traumatize me for life.
“I don’t think I can be friends with you anymore.”
Oops. Spoke too soon.
I was so stunned, I mouthed rather than said out loud the “What?” I had intended to say.
James, of course, thought it meant I didn’t hear him correctly. “I said I don’t think we can be friends — ”
“I heard you the first time, James,” I said softly. Too softly. Why was my voice barely above a whisper? I cleared my throat and continued. “ I meant I don’t understand what you mean. What do you mean we can’t be friends anymore? Is this a joke?” I began chuckling awkwardly. “I know we said to be more out there, but this is a stretch, don’t you think?”
“No, it isn’t joke and it is exactly how it sounds. Please, Grace. Try to understand.”
I really looked at him then, and when I saw the guilt-like seriousness in his eyes, I began to panic. “Why? What did I do wrong? Is it because of the soda? I promise it was once.” I was becoming hysterical and that wasn’t a good look, but damn it, I was out of options.
“Slow down, Grace. It isn’t...it isn’t about the soda, or any other equally trivial stuff,” he added when he saw my mouth opening to speak again.
“Then what is it, James. What did I do?”
He closed his eyes for a second and then winced, as if whatever he recalled physically hurt him. “That Friday.”
I was perplexed for a moment. “What Friday? What happened on Friday?” And then a gasp got caught in my throat as the events of that day flooded back. It had been something I’d seemed so insignificant, I’d completely forgotten it ever happened.
I’d been having after-school classes concerning the debate contest that was holding next month. My school had made it to the regionals and even though I’d performed exceptionally, Mrs. Jaffar was pulling all the stops to make sure the final stage of the contest was victorious. Said stops being my free time and mental health. But, I knew it would be worth it.
So, as I headed out the empty parking lot after our session, school having ended long ago, I didn’t expect to see anyone. Least of all my best friend who was at that moment being surrounded by three other boys that kept punching him intermittently. I don’t know what happened, but I saw red. The blood leaking from his nose was like a neon sign blinking in my mind’s eye. Glaring. Blinding. And I found myself screaming at the top of my voice as I ran towards them.
“What about Friday?” I asked, more perplexed after my reverie. “They beat you up.”
“And you beat them back!” he yelled. “Bloodied them more like.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Your eyes were nearly swollen shut, James. I was defending you!”
“You bloodied three grown men like it was nothing, Grace. They are still incapacitated in the hospital!”
“So, I was supposed to let them beat you up?”
He ruffled his hair. A habit he had when he was facing intense stress. “It’s different. You’re a different person when you’re angry.”
“What are you even talking about?”
“Don’t you see it?!” he took a step towards me and immediately stepped back, a frightened look on his face. I unconsciously clutched my chest at the act.
“Don’t you see it, Grace? Cause I do. The looks you have with the drunks down the street. The soulless look in your eyes when the kids make fun of Mrs. Jaffar. There’s always murder in your eyes. And I need to bow out before you turn on me as well.”
I was still clutching my chest long after James left with a hastily said apology. I’m a different person when I’m angry, I thought. A different person. After everything, I was being randomly dismissed as a “different person.” I stopped my slow walk back home, and suddenly turned the other direction, marching steadily and decisively towards James’ house.
Jhymi🖤
My entry to today's Freewrite Daily Prompt.
Image created with Meta AI.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
The plot twist almost at the end was unexpected. The dialogue between James and Grace was well written. I thought James would have a different excuse for ending their friendship. Now, I want to know if Grace can change his mind since she was absently walking to James' place. Well done!
!discovery 40
I'm hoping she could change his mind, although it didn't feel like she was heading to his place to do too much talking. It's always a pleasure when you read my stories and enjoy it. Thank you for the support, dear. Happy Sunday.🥰
Ah ah! James, this isn't fair. She put her life in the line to save you and this is all you can do. Damn it, you're a coward. Just wait until she gets to your house, you'll know what it means to be actually "different" 😅.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful piece, Jhymi.
!BBH
Shea you get. I think she's going to show him what it means to be different. But I hope it doesn't get too bad. Your comments are always heartwarming and I'm truly glad you enjoyed the story.🥰
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