Going Full Tilt (Carter Baizen)

Two - The Outcast

To say Carter Baizen was happy to be home would be a big mistake.  After traveling the world, the last place he wanted to be in was the Upper East Side.  This place held bad memories for Carter.  Most of his own making but that wasn't the point.  The sheep of society resided here.

The main reason for coming home was his father threaten to remove him from his allowance.  Carter couldn't let that happen.  Sure, he was all for leaving Manhattan and being on his own, but he couldn't do that without the cash to do so. Plus, Baizen Advertising was the best way to make connections to establish himself without the hassle of doing his own start up.

Carter entered his family home, annoyed with the circumstances that brough him home. He was dressed in jeans and a hand-woven sarape from Columbia. He knew it was against everything his parents stand for, but he wanted one last day with his comfortable close and longish hair.  Gregory and Lydia Baizen where the epitome of the sheep, always trying to reach higher and higher.  The real reason he was willing to stay was for his younger sister, Caroline. Four years his junior, Caroline and Carter were very close.  Carter was basically her twin, and he would do anything for her, and she would do the same.  He headed up to her room, hoping to find her home from school already.

Caroline was on the phone when he entered so he flopped onto her bed and looked at her schoolbooks.  Typical senior year classes from what he could tell.

"Yea... I know Ellie.  No, you're right, he isn't good enough..." Caroline looked up to see Carter. "I'm sorry Ellie, my brother just got here.  No, I won't call him... Thanks Ellie.  See you tomorrow."  She hung up and jumped onto the bed with Carter for a hug. "I though you wouldn't be here until Christmas."

"Dad wants me to start sitting in on these meeting with a potential new client." Carter rolled his eyes.  "Looks like the grooming has begun."

"It'll be good Carter.  You can work and stay here with me.  You can help me with the college apps and stuff."  Caroline was genuinely happy to see her brother.  She knew that stuff had happened last year that caused him to take some time away, but she missed him terribly.

"I'm only here for you, Lina."

"That and you're broke again." Caroline smirked, knowing about Carter's habits.

"Whatever Lina.  I better get changed into 'proper attire' before mom has a heart attack," Carter said getting up from the bed.  "Who were you on the phone with anyways?  And who's the guy?"

"The guy is no one.  He asked me out and I was deciding on whether I was going to say yes.  But Ellie talked me out of it.  Saying I could do better.  He's kind of a jerk."

"Well, I like this Ellie girl already.  No one is good enough for you, sis."

"Whatever Carter. Just because you can't settle down with a girl doesn't mean i can't settle down with someone."

"You're too young Lina.  Get to college and then worry about it.  Trust me." He kissed her forehead and headed to his room.  Nothing had changed in the space since he was a senior.  Looking at the St. Jude banner, he wondered how the old gang was doing and laughed.  Nate Archibald made his life hell after that poker game.  It wasn't his fault that he went full tilt during it but he sure as hell took advantage of it.  However, it did end with him being expelled from the weekly game.

Gambling had to be Carter's weakness.  That and a beautiful girl.

He changed in slacks, button down and a blazer, making sure everything was smart.  He was hell bent on making sure his mother had no criticism of his appearance.  His life was going to change after tonight and he just wanted to get it done.