“Why are you putting William’s life at risk? You know you’re sick, right?”
He laughed in my face, making me lose my patience. “Where’s this coming from?”
“Maybe you should risk your own life instead of other peoples’, given that you don’t value it!”
James raised an eyebrow and looked like he was about to say something, but he ended up shaking his head. “Get a fucking life and quit bugging me.”
I pushed my hair behind my ear in an attempt to compose myself. I was pretty sure that my face was purple with rage, but I didn’t really care. “Why William? Why didn’t you drag someone else here?”
“Why don’t you ask him since you like him so much, huh? Why the fuck are you following me?” he screamed at me, losing his temper.
“I’m not! Do you think there’s another reason? If I want to know more it’s because I want to help you!”
“You wanna help me, White?” He burst out laughing. “I’ll pull down my boxers to make it easier if you want.”
He put his vape pen between his lips, and pretended to unbutton his pants.
“You disgust me.”
“I do. A lot more than you think. Happy now? Is that enough for you to leave?”
Absolutely not.
“You know how William feels, you know that he has those negative thoughts, and you’re bringing him here? Do you really want him to kill himself? What kind of friend are you?” My words were so blunt that they managed to hit a chink in his armor. James’s gaze darkened.
“I just want to help him.”
“No, you don’t! You need someone to share your bullshit with, and you’re dragging him down with it. With drugs, violence, and now with illegal racing!”
“My god, you’re even worse than I thought, Snow White.”
“Do you really think you can help him like this?” I demanded.
“How should I help him? By leaving him alone with his parents?”
I heard the roar of motors in the distance. I turned around and saw William get into a car that sped off almost immediately. I felt my rage swell unexpectedly fast. Just as quickly I took it out on James. “I hate you. You’re ruining every good thing between us! I wish you didn’t exist.”
I threw a punch at his chest without discouraging him at all.
“Well, it’s the same thing for me, White. You’re ruining a lifelong friendship,” he snarled, an inch away from my face.
“James . . .”
“Stay away from William.”
I tried to keep my eyes open despite his expression being too dark to bear. “Why?”
“Because he’s not right for you. Do you understand, princess?”
“Do you think you can threaten me like you do everyone else?”
“Do you think you’re that brave? You’re just a useless brat who’s never suffered in her life.”
No matter who’d said that, even if that person didn’t mean anything to me, those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was crushed.
Impulsively, I shoved him and bolted away. I had no idea what to do, but I definitely didn’t want to be there for even a second longer.
“White!”
