Stormy Eyes

Chapter Twelve: Querencia

On my way home from my shift at the store, I ran into a certain someone who was waiting outside the apartment building entrance. Carter.

"Hey," I smiled up at him. "What're you doing out here? Waiting for anyone?"

"You." He said casually, as though it wasn't completely unusual.

"Why?" I asked confused.

"I wanted to see if you wanted to do something."

"Why?" I asked with a slanted smile.

"Is it so wrong for me to want to spend some time with my dorky next door neighbour?" He shrugged.

I let out a strange laugh, "I am not dorky..."

He had a mocking grin plastered across his face. "Love, you are." I shrugged, whatever.

"Okay, we can do something."

It has been a few days since I hung out with Carter and the group, I could feel that I was starting to miss them. I found it strange that I had moments during the week that I wanted to walk over to Carter's apartment and just hang out with the guy. It's a coincidence that he happens to be standing in front of me, offering that we do exactly what I've wanted to do all week.

"Good, I've missed you." He almost looked shocked at what he had just said, by the way his eyes slightly widened.

"Oh did you now?" I teased, a smile making its way onto my face.

"Okay, maybe." He tried to play it off. "Don't let it go to your head."

"I would never." Smiling up at him with a mocking grin, he turned away and made his way into the building. Following him I asked, "So, what are we doing?"

"We can do whatever." He answered.

"That doesn't narrow down the options, Carter."

"We could just stay in and hang out, maybe watch a movie?" He offered the option.

"Only if the movie is animated." He gave me a teasing look, "It's been that kind of day." I explained.

When we reached his apartment door he opened it up and allowed me in first. "Such a gentleman." I joked. He smiled softly.

As I made my way over to his couch my phone started to ring. I reached into my pocket and held it to my ear. "Hey, Ar. It's been so long. I miss you."

"I know. I miss you too and I wish I was calling under better circumstances, but..." There was a small gap of silence, "Nora's in hospital."

My heart fell to my stomach. "What? Why." Carter looked at me with a worried expression as he closed the door. "What happened?" I asked into the phone.

"She collapsed about an hour ago. Her condition is only getting worse." She sighed, "Archer and your mom have been at the hospital with her while she wakes up." Another pause. "I wish I could be there, but I have to look after-"

"Ar, it's okay. Don't put any unnecessary pressure on yourself. Mom and Archer will surly provide Nora with enough company." I forced a soft laugh.

"It's just... I think you should come to the hospital. We aren't sure if she's got a lot of time left. She's getting more fragile and her condition is causing her to get weaker with age." A small sniff came from the other end of the phone. I realised I was crying too, when I saw Carter take a step closer to me in worry. Wet, hot tears streamed my cheeks at the thought of someone so close to me, and my family, passing away. She had always been there for me and my brothers. She always took care of me, she was literally my second mom. She raised me when my mom couldn't, when my mom was trying to make enough money to ensure that her children had great futures. She knew about my first crush, my dreams, my downs and more. How could she be so close to gone? "I know you're busy with school and your new job, but..."