Childhood Sweethearts

Chapter Two

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Dedication: Dependency for the amazing cover - thank you! :)

Recap:

She drove off, thank the Lord. I sighed in relief at not having to rip my claws out completely this time, like I have had to previously. I spun on my heel and marched back towards my own 2003' Lancer, without another word to him.

"Oh, not sticking around for a chat?" he teased, following me like a bad smell. I gritted my teeth together to the extent it was actually painful.

"No. Thanks."

I didn't turn to look at him again and shut the door in his face. Without a backwards glance, reversed and took off, practically burning rubber. My nostrils were flared and my grip on the steering wheel was so tight, you could see the whites of my knuckles.

Okay, so you're probably wondering how I could go from being best friends for sixteen years with that boy, to not even being able to stand the sight of him.

Well, this is just the beginning of mine and Carter's very complicated relationship.

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Since the beginning of my day was unfortunately ambushed by my ex-best friend and neighbour, Carter Williams, I found myself stomping into school with a look of death etched onto my face.

"Uh oh," my boyfriend Aiden said, the smile dropping from his face instantly, upon seeing me. That's comforting, my mere expression is enough to spread my negativity. "An incident with Carter?"

"How did you know?" I grumbled, letting out a puff of air, my cheeks feeling hot. I was flushed and riled up, not having even endured through my first class yet.

I let my eyes roam over the boy who stood in front of me. Aiden was tall, with broad shoulders. He had an olive complexion with dark, brown eyes. He was cute and the exact opposite of Carter's 'golden boy' look, which is probably what drew me to Aiden in the first place. 

"Because you always have that look after being around him."

"Yeah well, he brings out my dark side." I hissed, angrily brushing my hair from my face. I sighed heavily, rolling my tongue across my teeth. "Let's talk about something else. How was your dinner last night?"

"Yeah surprisingly alright," he said lightly, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. Automatically, I leaned my head onto his shoulder, seeking his comfort. "His family isn't as bad as I made them out to be in my head."

I rolled my eyes. "I told you. You really should-"

"-Listen to you more, I know."

I laughed, coming to a stop and snaking my arms around his waist. I tilted my head back and he kissed me softly on the lips, before allowing me to snuggle my head into his chest. I sighed, closing my eyes.

I liked Aiden. A lot. We get along really well and he always makes me feel good about myself. Except... he never did make me feel as alive as Carter did. No matter how much I tried to convince myself I liked Aiden, it never compared to what I had felt for Carter. I think that boy has permanently printed on me, as disturbing and revolting as that sounds.

But I could push through it. Aiden, admittedly, had been my rebound at first, but I generally did like him. Just not... how I liked Carter.

"Holla, Lace." My best friend greeted, waving Aiden off. He chuckled and stepped back, releasing me from his capture. Mercedes replaced him instantly, wrapping her arms around my neck, strangling me, before letting me go. She beamed brightly at me. "How are you this morning?"