CHAPTER 71: FLASHBACK II; CONFRONTATION AND CHAOS
"James, you do realize she isn't just having any baby; it's your baby," Jared chipped in fearfully.
"Well, it can't be my baby, Jared, because my dear friend here tells me I'm infertile," James retorted.
"If you were so worried about infertility, why did you sleep with her in the first place? Why didn't you just tell her you were infertile? Why lead her along, and now that she's pregnant, you can't handle it? What's your problem, man?" Victor chastised.
"Or maybe you're just scared she'll turn out like another..." Henry began, but James cut him off.
"Henry, don't you dare," James said, glaring at him. His red eyes were a sharp contrast to his normally clear blue gaze, making it seem as though Henry was standing at death's door.
"Or you'll do what, James?" Henry continued, refusing to be daunted despite trembling inside. "Well, despite your fears, you didn't see her getting pregnant, did you? Now it looks like you have no choice but to get attached," Henry spewed at his friend without mercy.
James gripped the glass tightly until it shattered in his palms from the pressure. Blood dripped from his hands as he suddenly stood up, grabbing the unfinished bottle of whiskey. He poured the glass remnants, now powdered, onto the table.
"And where do you think you're going like this?" Jerry asked him.
"What is it to you?" James responded.
"Well, if you must know, I need a woman to keep me busy tonight."
"You mean your wife, right?" Jared asked.
James laughed, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course, you'd think that. And why do I feel the child she might be carrying could be yours, Jared? I mean, considering how close you two are and how she always defends you."
"What?" Jared swallowed hard and immediately threw a punch. James saw it coming and clenched his jaw. Before anyone could react, Jared's punch connected with his face, breaking his wrist in the process.
"You bastard," Jared fumed. Henry grabbed a pool stick beside him and hit James on the head.
"How dare you?" James fumed and brought his hands up to punch Henry.
"What, James? Are you going to throw a punch at your friend for the first time because you have no common sense?" Jerry shouted angrily.
"No, Jerry, I think you should let him do it since he's gone mad," Victor responded.
James smiled and lowered his hands. "You know what? I don't have time for any of you." Just as he was about to leave again, Jerry pounced on him. With Victor's help, they pulled him to the ground. James allowed it, too confused and bitter to fight back. Once they had him down, his friends took turns throwing punches and cursing at him. James just lay there, taking it.
When the guys felt they had done enough, they all slumped down tiredly on the sofa and ordered more drinks. The attendant entered the room and nearly fell when she saw the scene. Jared quickly caught her, took the drinks from her, and sent her out again.
"Who knew beating you up would be such a hefty job," Harry questioned snidely.
James stood up from the floor and sat on the sofa.