Changing Him

Chapter 1 - Him Stealing My Brother

"A person who irritates you is the person who always cares about you, but fails to express it."

***

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

CLICK.

I turned off the TV, as I ate the last Cheetos in the bowl. Here I am again, watching ridiculous romantic comedies and romantic films. I don’t even know why I’m watching this. I picked up the plastic bowl and violently placed it in the sink, marking a thunderous thud on the whole house.

But no one reacted mainly because I’m always left alone. My parents are busy with their jobs, while my brother is at James’ house.

And if you don’t know who James is…You’d rather not know. Okay, you’ll have to know anyway. He is the reason why my life became a living hell. He’s always full of himself just because he has “good looks” and all that utter crap.

Wait, I’m missing the point here, he made my life a living hell because he always teases me, always humiliates me, and last but not the least; Just doing everything that he can to ruin my life. So screw him.

But, our parents are so close. I get along with almost everyone from his family; well of course, except him. And to make matters worse; He's living right next door. So that means I get tortured to even look out my window because our windows are opposed to each other.

I picked up the dirty clothes that are scattered along the smooth, carpeted floor of ours and dropped them in the laundry basket.  I looked at the clock; Time for Matthew to be fetched.

I looked at myself at the mirror to see if I look okay.  I looked at myself; has braces, has glasses, hair up in a messy ponytail, baggy shirt, beige shorts with SpongeBob flip-flops.

Okay, before you think I’m one of those girls who look nerdy but are actually pretty gorgeous when you take out the glasses and just put in some make-up, and every hot guy suddenly likes her, No. I am the complete opposite.

I am just plain me.

I grabbed some of the Hershey’s chocolate from the fridge; I use them as bait so that Mathew will go with me.

I opened the sliding door and started walking through the hard pavement. I opened our black modern-looking gate and closed it with a rush. I took about 3 steps to the right and rang the Cooper family’s doorbell.

“I don’t want to go home!” I heard Matthew shouting from the inside.

I laughed secretly to myself—same old Matthew. I heard footsteps coming towards the other side of the gate, and the gate flew open. Welcoming me with a flashy smile was Mrs Cooper.

I smiled back. She looked very young at her age. Maybe it’s because of the beauty products and occasional trips to the family surgeon. Is that a new nose I see? But I always loved her as my wonderful aunt. I wonder why James didn’t inherit his mom’s personality.

“Matthew’s throwing a tantrum again,” She said suppressing a smile.

“He’s always in a tantrum.” I added, with a hint of sarcasm.

“Yes, and he doesn’t want to go out of James’ room.” She says while slightly leaning on the gate.

Why did she have to mention James? She just ruined my day.

“Where is he right now?” I asked, looking deeper into the house.

“Upstairs," Mrs Cooper informed. I already memorized the Cooper family’s house. We always went there for any occasion. Even when their cat died – we went there. Even though were not really cat people.

I went in slowly and what captivated my attention was their front yard terrace. It consisted of four large pillars and a little pool in the middle; which included small fishes. The aquarium underneath was the kind that had glass so people can walk through it.

The secret compartment can be accessed in the basement. When I and James’ were young, we would play hide and seek in their basement. I missed the old James. I hated the new one. The new one sucks.

I walked through the little pool and walked in the living room. This house just doesn’t fail to amuse me. It was like a museum. Like an art museum. Everything looked like it had been pulled out from a painting. The chairs were bent, twisted, and even layered.

It seriously looked so beautiful that it made me want to stop through my tracks and just look at it. But reminded of my task, I ran toward the spiralled, glass, staircase and went upstairs.

And then a wide, spacious hallway stood right in front of me. White walls surrounded the area. Now it was like I was in heaven or something.

“Matthew?” I called out, stroking the walls. It was so bright I think I could actually see God.

“He’s not here.” A voice called out from behind. I turned around and saw the devious creeper; James Cooper, leaning on the wall with one leg sticking to it.

I glared at him. If looks could kill, I was killing him right now. He just smirked. Stupid boy.

“Give him back…now.” I warned. He put his leg down and started walking towards me, when suddenly his face was just a couple of inches from mine. He started stroking my cheeks and then leaned to whisper in my ear.

“I told you, he’s not here.” I shuddered. His breath was hot and airy in my ear; his voice was so raspy it almost made him attractive. (I must admit)

Knowing his playful nature, I didn’t believe him.

I grabbed the chocolate bar from my shorts and started waving it in the air and started talking in a “cute baby” voice;

“Come here, sweet little Matthew, I have some delicious chocolate for you.” I started making my way to a bedroom; I stumbled into a couple of books and video games. I gave up and straightened out. I walked out of the room and made my way to the grinning James.

As I was about to go downstairs, I waved the chocolate bar again and said in a sweet gooey voice.

“This is such a pity! If Matthew isn’t here, then I shall eat this super-duper mega over scrumptious chocolate to myself.” I started going down. “Oh well.”

Before I knew it, Matthew came towards me as fast as a ninja and hugged me.

“I’m here Alice, I want some chocolate!” He said with a toothy voice. I kissed him in the forehead and hugged him; I looked at James and smirked at him. I won – again. Beat that, James Cooper.