I told Ravina I’d meet her for lunch, and I was on my way there, walking down the sidewalk past the football field, when I heard someone walking behind me.

Looking over my shoulder, I frown.

“Go away,” I hiss at him.

James glares at me and puts his hand on my shoulder.

“Hey,” he says. “What’s with you?”

I stop walking.

“That’s original, acting like you don’t know why I’m pissed at you.”

“I seriously have no idea.”

I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms. “Think,”

My friends’ eyes narrowed. “Is this about that girl?” He says.

“You know her name is Ravina.”

Just go away…

I try to turn, but he stops me by stepping in front of me.

“Fuck off James.”

He shakes his head, “What’s the big deal?”

I can’t believe him! How oblivious could one person be?! Just don’t make my girlfriend cry, don’t talk to her about me. It’s not rocket science, christ!

Acting on my frustration, I push him away and he stumbles back, his eyes widening in surprise.

James was only a little taller than me. I always kicked his ass when we used to fight each other for fun, but I think he put up with it and let me win.

“My relationship isn’t your business. You got involved,” I say.

I keep walking but he follows. I didn’t expect him to. James usually didn’t drag shit on like this…

“Involved in what? I just told her to back off! I was protecting you-”

I spin to face him. “I don’t need you to protect me! I’m not some kid, and I’m not your brother!”

James recoils, like my words had physically hit him. For a second, a brief second, I wonder if I had gone too far…

And then I see James lunge at me-

Unfortunately I move too late. Pain explodes, white lights flicker in front of my eyes as he strikes me on my left temple.

Normally I probably wouldn’t have done anything back, but my heart’s going a million miles an hour from the pain and adrenaline, plus, he’s irritating me.

I push James again, and this time put all my strength behind it.

He doesn’t see it coming, losing his balance and toppling to the ground as I stumble back.

Fuck this hurts-

“Get the hell away from me Theo,” James breathes, not looking up.

I put a hand over where the pain was strongest and winced.

The punch had hurt. It still hurt. But I felt a different kind of pain slowly curl through my chest, my throat tightening as I recalled my words to him…

Jonathan, James’ younger brother had died in a car accident two years ago. James was a mess after that, understandably. Lee and I had to pick up all the pieces and our friend was never the same. He treated us like younger siblings even if he’d never admit to it. Lee and I both knew why… maybe I’d crossed the line.

“James,” I start to say.

He holds up a hand, swallowing back his emotions.

“No Theo.”

Then he looks up at me and I almost don’t recognise him. His eyes are sad, but strangely familiar.

“You’re right, you’re not my brother.” He says. “And I’m sick and tired of trying to help you.”

Then he stands up and walks away.