by JP Summers
CHAPTER FIVE
I was momentarily taken away from turning the next page in the yearbook as the sound of the winds seemed to grow even louder than before. My eyes drifted nonchalantly over to where Carson staked his claim in the living room, close to the fireplace. The howling around the cottage didn’t even cause him to stir in his chair. If he wasn’t bothered enough by the branches hysterically striking against the windows, maybe I shouldn’t be, either. I’m pretty sure the structure of this place had to have been built to withstand these wintry conditions.
Turning my attention back to the weathered page where signatures from our classmates covered half of the group photos, I let out a low sigh of discontentment. That particular year was supposed to be the start for so many things.
For the entire summer I was gone, I had continually replayed in my mind our kiss in the bathtub, making me think there really might be a chance for an “us.” I figured I didn’t have to worry about losing my best friend when I would be gaining something much more meaningful.
Of course, by the time I stepped off the plane and got to the school gym, I was too late. Carson had already set his sights on someone. And it wasn’t me.
*****
My plane arrived later than expected, but I still waited for Audrey at the luggage carousel. Carson was supposed to show up, but something had come up at the last minute. I could tell from the tone in his voice that whatever it was he had to do was far more important than picking me up.
Though we talked all summer, the last two weeks had felt different. Like he wasn’t the same Carson anymore.
My cell phone rang. “Hey, it’s me. I’m just a few cars down, but there’s a taxi blocking me from pulling up to where you’re standing,” Audrey sounded frustrated.
I stood on the tips of my toes to see over the other car services awaiting their passengers. When I spotted Audrey’s car, I dragged my oversized luggage past the taxi that was still in her way. I quickly tossed my things in the backseat and then jumped into the front of the car as she squealed, “YEAH! I’m so excited you’re back!”
“Me, too! And I can’t wait for the mixer tonight! Let’s get there ASAP. We should be right on time since my damn plane was so late,” I said.
During the ride to the school, we gabbed about everyone and how all of their summers went, but the very second I asked if she noticed a change in Carson, the subject quickly changed to how cute my outfit looked. A part of me was a little agitated with Audrey for not spilling any details. I thought for sure I’d get some kind of answers considering she loves to gossip.
When we finally pulled into the school parking lot, I quickly checked my hair and makeup before jumping out of the car, expecting to have a wonderful time. The second I saw Carson from a distance I ran directly toward him. I had waited for what seemed like forever, to see him.
Just as I was about to leap into his arms, someone stepped between us. I stopped dead in my tracks as Erin reached for his hand and held it. I bit my lower lip, drawing some blood, hoping to keep my mouth from falling to the floor in shock. I honestly thought my mind was playing tricks on me. I wanted to puke from the sight of the two of them looking cozy.
“Tia, you’re here!” Carson’s eager voice yelled out as tears formed in my eyes from joy at seeing him mixed with hurt at seeing Erin.
The betrayal abruptly set in as I wanted nothing more than to punch Carson for keeping his girlfriend a secret. We spoke every day and not once mention that he had gotten back together with Erin. I couldn’t believe that he hadn’t told me—I thought we told each other everything?
Carson let go of Erin’s hand long enough to wrap his arms around my body, hugging me tight. His girlfriend moved closer to us with the fakest smile I’d ever seen. I wanted to hug him back, but refrained from doing so in front of her. Erin placed a hand on Carson’s shoulder as he pulled away from me to stand next to her. I was so upset, I swear it was possible to spit nails! That girl had some kind of control over Carson. I hated seeing my best friend wrapped around her pathetic little finger. I knew I needed to get away from them or I would vomit all over those cute shoes of hers.
As I was stepping away from them, an aggravating, high-pitched voice said, “You must be the Tia.”
The infamous Erin. Her forced friendliness sickened me. Her smile was even more repulsive. I wondered if she practiced those expressions in front of a mirror to stop herself from showing her true feelings toward me. It was pretty clear she was only pretending to be nice for Carson’s sake.
With a sense of pride that Carson had brought up my name in their conversations, I replied, “Yes.”
“It’s nice to finally meet the girl Carson always talks about,” Erin cheerfully commented while I tried to find an excuse to get away from her.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I lied, wanting nothing more than to rip out that long, dirty blond hair of hers and stomp all over it. I already disliked this girl so much that I needed to get some space between us. I excused myself and grabbed a drink while looking for anyone else to talk with.
Audrey walked over to me. “Tia, I’m so sorry! I should have told you, but I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news. Besides, Carson asked us not to say anything since he was waiting for you to return back from your dad’s to tell you himself.”
“I just can’t believe he actually got back together with that—”
“Bitch,” Audrey quickly interjected.
“You said it, but I’ll agree with you,” I remarked, laughing at how stupid Carson was acting around Erin.
“How in the hell did she get to be a part of our sophomore mixer? Oh, God! Is she starting school with us next week?”
“Hell, no! Carson got a guest pass so she could tag along.”
“She looks like the clingy type.”
“Oh, you have no idea how bad she can get. The longer these two stay together, the worse she’ll be. Carson is going to regret getting involved with her again. Mark my words, Tia,” Audrey stated.
I shook my head in disbelief. I still couldn’t fathom Carson’s reasons for getting back together with Erin.
Mira came over and hugged me. She asked how my summer went while I pretended not to notice Carson prancing around the gym, showing off Erin like she was some goddamn prize. I didn’t recognize my best friend. The person I saw was apparently a clueless, idiotic, teenage boy.
John, Logan, and Cruz all welcomed me home with hugs as we discussed their summers. Our conversation was cut short when an enticing voice asked, “Are you ready to play with the big kids now that you’re not a freshman?”
I laughed once I saw it was Evan. He looked a little different than the last time I had seen him. There was barely any hair left on his head, and his eyes appeared a little greener than before. With my arms crossed, I teasingly replied, “I’ve been playing with the big kids for quite some time. Maybe we should have a play date soon.”
Everyone took that as my cue to leave me all alone with Evan. I moved in closer to the good-looking upperclassman, curiously asking, “Did you get held back a few grades? I thought this mixer was only for sophomores.”
“It is for sophomores, but Coach Egan forced me to help out with setting up the tables and chairs. I was getting ready to leave until I saw your gorgeous face over here.”
“You know it’s not true what they say about underclassmen.”
“What is it we say about you?”
“That we’re naïve around the upper-classmen. Especially ones who love to flirt, thinking it’ll make us fawn over them.”
“So you’re saying I should stop flirting with you because it won’t be effective?”
“No… I’m saying that you’ll just have to try even harder.”
Our laughter echoed throughout the gym. I gripped Evan’s bicep while we spoke. He didn’t seem to mind the attention. We were having fun joking around and discussing soccer tactics. I was amazed at how much we actually had in common. And the way he looked into my eyes made me fee
l wanted.
If Carson could easily dismiss us as being anything more than friends, especially after that intense moment in my shower before I left for the summer, then why am I standing around dateless? I could actually see myself dating someone like Evan if I couldn’t try something with Carson.
Everything about him was different and exciting at the same time. My face ached from the smile that refused to disappear. I hadn’t smiled this much in what felt like forever.
In the middle of Evan talking about a few scouts being interested in him, Carson and Erin walked up to us. I couldn’t help but notice Carson’s glare as my behavior around Evan grew more flirtatious.
Evan grabbed my hand. “Do you want to get out of here and go back to my lake house?”
Before I could respond, Erin folded her arms over her chest. “I thought dad took the keys away from you after he found out about the party you had there a few weeks ago.”
Carson pulled me aside while Erin and Evan feuded. Dumbfounded, I realized they were siblings.
Carson leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Please tell me you’re not thinking about getting involved with Evan Storms. He’s a big player, and I’m not just talking on the field. You could end up getting hurt by him.”
“Thanks for your concern, but I’m a grown girl and can take care of myself. Besides, what about you getting hurt? Maybe you should be more concerned about your own life than mine,” I exclaimed in an exasperated tone. “And by the way… how could you keep getting back together with your ex a secret from me?
“I didn’t tell you because our phone conversations were our only time to spend with each other while you were away.”
“You’re my best friend, Carson, which means anything that goes on in your life is just as important to me as my own stuff.”
“Please don’t be mad at me.” Carson pleaded, faking a pout.
I should have scolded him more than I did, but I couldn’t. I was just happy to be near him again.
We hugged one another once more as I inquired, “Does Erin know you and her brother can’t stand each other?”
“She kind of knows. Evan rarely sees her since they’ve spent most of their lives living in separate houses and going to different schools. Evan used to live with his mom until last year, then he decided to live with their dad.”
“It makes sense now. They’re half brother and sister. And I thought my life was complicated. Are their parents getting divorced?”
“Not yet. It’s only a trial separation.”
“I see. That’s why Erin doesn’t go to school here.”
My line of questioning was to learn more about Evan. At least we have a messed up family life and we both play soccer in common. I can work with that.
Our conversation was cut short as Evan walked over to me to ask if I wanted to leave with him. A part of me really wanted to go. Another part wasn’t sure if it was such a great idea.
I wasn’t stupid. When a senior takes interest in a sophomore, they assume they’re an easy target. I didn’t have to allow anything to happen between myself and Evan, but I knew all the flirting from earlier was probably leading somewhere.
While I took another minute to contemplate if I should or shouldn’t take off with Evan, Coach Egan came up and asked him to help out with something.
“Think about it,” he winked, then he went into the hallway, leaving me standing all alone by the punch bowl. I poured a glass of punch, watching Erin chat with Mira and Audrey and knowing they were just being nice for Carson’s sake.
The music playing in the background wasn’t loud enough to drown out a conversation I wished I hadn’t heard. Staring straight ahead, I overheard Cruz say, “Is tonight the night you and Erin are going to—?” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Carson quickly nod his head in my direction to shut Cruz up.
The ice from my drink suddenly lodged itself in my throat and I started coughing uncontrollably. I wanted to run over and slap some sense into Carson. It’s not like I was the keeper of his virginity, but I didn’t want him to waste it on someone so phony. I hoped that maybe he’d back out at the last minute and Erin would be so pissed she’d dump him.
Cruz finally walked away, then Carson came back in my direction, advising, “Please consider what I said about Evan.”
“Why?” I crossly snapped back. “Maybe I might want to accept Evan’s invite and I’ll end up spending the whole night with him, too.”
“What’s with the attitude? All I’m trying to do is look out for you. There’s no need to bite my head off.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need a babysitter. Why don’t you go back to your girlfriend and I’ll get back to Evan?”
Carson nodded, then gently put his hand on my shoulder and said, “You’re absolutely right about not needing a babysitter. If you want to leave with that… with Evan, then who am I to stop you?”
Carson removed his hand and slowly walked away from me. I felt like shit for snapping at him, but he had left me out of his personal life. I quickly ran over to him and blurted out, “If you want, I’d love for you to come over tomorrow and we can spend time together watching movies.”
My mind was telling me to let Carson walk away upset so he’d know how hurt I was about him keeping secrets. Of course, my heart wouldn't allow me to stay away from him. He gave me an effortless smile and responded, “You know I’m not going to say no to you, but it’s your turn to pick the movie.”
Relief washed over us as we realized our first major quarrel was resolved and we’d be okay.
I found Audrey and asked if she would hold onto my luggage overnight. She shook her head before telling me to be careful since I was about to take off with Evan. I wasn’t sure if Carson saw us walk out, but if he did, I hope it stung or even nauseated him just a little.
*****
The sound of a window shattering startled me. Carson grabbed the flashlight he brought out earlier and then rushed toward the sound to find the damage. A gust of cold wind flooded the living room, so I jumped up to throw more wood onto our already dwindling fire. The whistle of the strong winds brought on a new kind of fear as I worried that things were only going to get worse.
Using the light from the fireplace to guide me, I cautiously walked toward the dining room. Carson and I looked at each other in disbelief. A huge tree had come down outside and one of its branches had completely shattered the big bay window. Gusts of freezing cold air chilled the room. Snow drifted inside. Shards of glass were everywhere. Things did indeed go from bad to worse and we weren’t even halfway through the storm.
Carson carefully climbed over the biggest of the limbs, assessing the damage, while I kept a steady eye on my footing, trying not to fall over the branches from the tree as I stepped around the glass. I looked out the hole where the window had once been, only to see a pure white blanket of snow covering everything. Nothing I had ever seen was so beautiful yet posed such a huge threat to my own life.
Seriously, Mother Nature? As if I didn’t already have to deal with Carson’s bullshit, now you’re making another obstacle for me to overcome. I swear, this is karma taunting me repeatedly with bad luck. It’s one thing to be stranded in the middle of the mountains, but being stranded with the one person who would love nothing more than to never see you again is pure torture.
Before I had a chance to get any closer to the huge hole in the wall, Carson yelled, “Tia, don’t move!”
My feet planted themselves firmly after hearing his demanding tone. I could hear something in the distance, but the winds made it almost impossible to make out the noise that echoed through the woods. My heart pounded heavily in my chest as we continued to remain still, waiting to see what was going on outside of the house.
It was a few seconds before the unimaginable happened.
The weight from the ice and snow began snapping the trees in half, causing them to fall one by one, like dominoes. I became paralyzed, incapable of moving out of the way as the trees began breaking each window upon
impact. The shards of the glass from the breaking windows flew onto the exposed skin of my hands as I threw them over my face.
Suddenly, Carson’s body slammed into mine. He pushed me out of the way only to land on top of my body while knocking the air out of my lungs. I couldn't breathe from his massive weight on my chest as he protected me from the glass that continually shattered all around us.
The loud scratching against the walls kept me from opening my eyes, scared of what I might see. For what felt like hours we laid there, Carson’s body on mine. I cautiously opened my eyes to see Carson staring intensely at me. The warmth from his body had always comforted me in the past, and this time was no different. God, I miss this.
His eyes focused steadily on mine. The fact Carson instinctively rushed to my rescue proved that he still cares about me. Why else would he risk his own life to make sure I'd be safe?
I noticed Carson had cuts on his face, and blood dripped from my wrist. We both needed some kind of medical attention. I remembered seeing a first aid kit in the room I was staying in. He removed himself from my body, then distanced himself just enough to allow me to get up, and that’s when a gush of blood from his forehead trailed down his face. Carson was bleeding so heavily that the front of his shirt became saturated.
I willed my body to stand up, and then looked at Carson and insisted, “Come on, there’s a first aid kit in my room, let me fix you up.”
He lifted his blood-covered face. “I’ll just use some paper towels from the kitchen. I'm sure it looks worse than it really is.”
“I’m not negotiating, Carson. Now get off your ass and follow me before I find a way to drag you!”
“Who put you in charge?” Carson retorted.
“I did!” I shouted. “Someone has to make sure we get out of here alive, and I for one don’t want to have to identify your frozen body.”
Carson chuckled. “Fine! Let’s get my face cleaned up. I’ll do anything to get you off my back.”