Not So Average Life

39- A Bullied Carter

Emma's point of view
Today Ryan talked to me after two weeks of silent between us. I honestly didn't know where my courage came from but it just kicked in at the moment. I completely cut him off. Do I regret it, no. I think for once I've done something good for myself.

Today as I stayed back later in school finishing some project, I had to walk home myself. Sean offered to drive me home but I turned him down not wanting to trouble him. I stopped at a convenient store to get myself a drink. As I was paying at the counter, I saw someone familiar along with three unfamiliar guys walking out the store just before me. If I wasn't wrong it was Noah. He doesn't look comfortable and I've never seen those three guys before.

I quickly followed them as they stopped behind the shop. A guy was pushed against the wall. His eyes filled with anger and helplessness. A pair of really familiar blue eyes. I took a closer peek and gasped learning it was Noah.

What the ****. I shouldn't swear. Believe me this was the very very first time I've ever seen a Carter being bullied and not fight back. I mean they get beat up considering the amount of people they probably pissed off. But even so they've never backed down. They just pounce on whoever they can and throw as many punches they could.

I didn't know what should I do. Should I call Sean? Blake? There were three guys. All with well built body. The guy in the middle was teasing Noah. He is honestly quite hot. He looks half Asian, with dark hair and brown sparkly sharp eyes. 

I lost focus for a moment, but then heard,

"I got grounded and pocket money cut off so you're gonna be giving me money to pay my daily expenses." He narrowed his eyes. "Why are you even angry? You're fucking rich. And we're not even beating you up."

Then Noah handed them his wallet I'm not sure how much there is, but considering it's the Carter's wallet, I'm sure there's a lot. Then three of them walked away with a satisfied smile on their face. As they came my way, I quickly look down not wanting to have eye contact with them. They stopped when they spotted me and stared at me for a moment, but luckily moved on without giving me any attention. I wanted to quickly scatter off but a voice called form behind.

"Emma?" Noah called with his deep voice.

I slowly turned my head over and look at him apologetically. Well great, he's probably gonna beat me up.

He closed his eyes and sighed. Then we just stared at each other for like forever. Let's just move on. Both of us sat on the bench in the park and stayed silent. Until I finally spoke.

"I'm... I'm really sorry I didn't mean to eavesdrop or peek or anything." I looked down timidly.

He sighed again, "it's ok I'm not gonna beat you up if that's what you're scared." He coolly said.

Damn he a mind reader.

"Truth is, I never really hated you that much. I was kind of an introvert so I just didn't like new addition to the family. I just went along with my brothers instead of stopping them. Not like I could've though." He smiled. "And I'm sorry. They've been asking me to apologise for some time but I never found the right time. Well, it's only two of us now so..."

"Uh.... it's ok." I returned the smile. "But uh.... I'm kinda curious, judging from all your brothers' actions, why didn't you fight back? You learned martial arts too right?"

He smirked, "yeap, we all did. But, I never really liked fighting. You see I don't get into fights often in school." He bragged confidently. "And I like music better."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Well, music's great."

"Yea yea whatever, anyways..... can we not tell my brothers what happened today?" He requested.

"Uh sure, sure of course." I quickly nodded.

"I don't want them overreacting then picking fights with that family." Then he got up. "Anyways let's go, it's already kind of late."

We then walked back home together in silence. He really doesn't like talking much. However, today, I saw a different side in the Carters.

"Woah where were you guys. You two came back together?" Blake asked while stuffing a muffin in his mouth.

I nodded.

"Yea whatever, Noah you owe me 20 bucks. Remember the bet we made this morning and you said I couldn't get that new girl's number in a day?" Blake smirked, "well here," he slapped a piece of paper on the table. "Call her and check. Now pay up."

Noah stayed silent.

"Oh you're not going up until you pay me. I saw you brought your wallet to school today." Blake demanded.

I knew Noah don't have his money with him anymore. But I said I'd keep it from them.

"Uh.... he gave me his money to buy uh, a gift for Jace." I lied.

He narrowed his eyes at me, "what? Is he like you're boyfriend? What gift is it?"

Then Noah slapped 20 bucks on the table, "ugh fine here."

Well apparently he still has money. That's awkward.

Then he leaned over and whispered, "thanks anyways," before making his way up the stairs.

"Oh yea, there's no girl whose phone number I can't get." Blake yelled at Noah then looked at me. "Here, go buy yourself anything." He smirked and handed me the 20 bucks.

"Uh no thanks." I politely refused.

He scoffed playfully, "alright alright." Then reached to ruffle my hair. Luckily I was quick enough to move before his hands touch my head.

Then I narrowed my eyes at him and joked. "You're too slow."

"Noah too?" Suddenly a voice said. I turned to find Jay glaring at me. "You're one manipulative bitch." He rolled his eyes and stormed off.

"Jay!"Blake yelled but was ignored. "Don't worry he'll come around." He comforted me.

Sometimes it's just really hard to live under the same roof with someone that really hates you.

I sighed then went up the stairs. But as I was walking up, I saw Blake staring at the paper with whichever girl's phone number they bet written on it.

*Blake's point of view
As I slapped that paper of her phone number, a girl who I don't even know the name of, with a victorious smile. How many bets have I won. How many phone number have I managed to get. How many girls I have flirted my way to. But I wasn't as happy and proud as my victorious face have shown, I felt..... I felt empty inside.

As Noah went up, I stared at that paper. Why did I made all these bets, to prove I'm great? To prove everyone likes me? To prove I'm attractive? I'm hot? Why? I didn't need the 20 bucks. Was I going to call that girl up to start a relationship with her that will probably end within a month? Some meaningless sex? Usually I might, but I just felt empty and somehow disgusted at myself. I had too much going on in my mind this time. If I did I'd be no difference to what Haley called me, a jerk.

I hated her for calling me a jerk, but I knew I was one. I just didn't actually think of myself like that. I thought I was great, a stud, every guy want to be me. But then why do I feel so empty, so lost. And can't stop thinking about how Haley called me a jerk, and kinda not wanna be seen that way by her...