The Boy Next Door

Chapter 7

I'm sprinting as hard as I can to try and catch up to James.
"SLOW POKE!" James yells behind him.
Was that some kind of American term?
Is it offensive?
"Excuse me?" I say putting my finger to his chest, panting.
James just stares at me smiling.
"Do you want to go to the boardwalk? Go on some rides? Or we can play some games if you are too... well, scared." James puts his hands on my waist, smirking.
"Oh, no not at all. In fact, I predict you will be the one who will be screaming like a girl on that giant rollercoaster." I say pointing above me.
"Challenge accepted." He says, mimicking my accent.
In line for the rollercoaster, I had major regrets.
Did I really agree to this?!
I felt myself shaking, and James senses it.
"Are you okay? Like, seriously?" James asked, seeming concerned.
"I guess so. I hate lines." I say avoiding his eye.
The short, dark-skinned man straps us in.
I feel James intertwine our fingers and he squeezes my hand hard.
I close my eyes and James does the same.
By the time the ride is over James doesn't scream at all, but he does squeeze my hand harder and harder the scarier the coaster gets.
"Noah, you're white as a ghost. We should get some food in you." James says putting me on his back.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
I jump down from James' back and I feel my food come back up.
James stands there with his hand on my back asking people around for help.
I could not be more embarrassed, and I feel tears forming.
A nice lady, who must have worked for the park or something,  takes me to the bathroom and cleans me up.
I look hard in the mirror debating going out to see him, or to just text him that I'm getting a ride from my mom.
I walk out, and James is sitting beneath a tree, on his phone.
As I come closer, he gives me a smile and says, "Are you okay?"
I say yes, and he takes my hand and we walk to the car.
I hate myself right now.