Fallen Angel

18

Carter's POV:

It's been two weeks since our first date and things have been going pretty good. We're not officially dating, but we've gone on a few dates together, with Jeremy sometimes taking me out and me sometimes taking him. We call each other almost every night, text on and off all day, and I haven't felt so genuinely happy like this in a while.

For the most part, in my life, everything was kind of muted and I was fine, just going day by day, but Jeremy has lit something in me. All the time, I'm eager and motivated, and there's a passion inside of me that I hadn't even acknowledged until I had someone setting it alight.

Right now, I'm walking downtown to the local shoe store that Jeremy got a job at. He insisted on getting a job so he could pay rent to Vincent, even though Vincent told Jeremy that he was willing to help him out. Jeremy, being the stubborn brat that he is, refused and found a job and has been working after school and on some weekend days.

He still makes sure he has plenty of time with me, so he takes some evenings off and most Saturdays. Also, the place isn't really a hotspot so it's pretty relaxed and his boss is a great person who allows a flexible schedule.

I open the door and Jeremy's boss and the owner of the shop, Avery, looks up and waves to me. They're really friendly and opened the shop after graduating business school.

"Your boyfriend, oh, sorry, boy friend," they say, emphasizing the space between boy and friend, "isn't here."

I look at my watch, showcasing that it's only five. "Doesn't he get off at seven? I brought dinner before we go to my house and make out on my couch."

Jeremy had never really been allowed to have fast food when he was younger, so I've been getting him snacks from different places.

Today, I got him Wendy's because he has no clue what a frosty is and he deserves to try one. I also got him chicken nuggets, which he really likes, and some fries, though I know he prefers the one from McDonald's.

"No, he got off at six," Avery tells me, brushing their dyed hair out of their eyes. "I was surprised you weren't here to get him, honestly. And seriously, making out on the couch? At least take the kid to bed."

I huff. "That's because he told me seven..." I grab my phone from my pocket. "And my bed is for cuddling or sex, so we're staying on the couch."

It's not like Jeremy to tell blatant lies, and he usually lets me know where he's going for safety purposes. He's really relaxed with me knowing where he is, and the fact that he didn't tell me anything unnerves me a bit.

Me: have you heard from jer? he got off work an hour earlier than he told me

Vincent: I'm not sure. The only place I can think of him going to is the church, honestly, cuz he's not here. I'll text him but please find him!

Me: ok

"Well, I don't want this food to go to waste, so here," I say, handing Avery the bag of food and the frosty. "Guess we'll have to go get food before I make out with him on the couch."

Avery takes the food and grins. "Thanks, Carter! Appreciate it!"

I wave to them and head out the door toward the church that my dad goes to, and when I arrive, I find Jeremy sitting in the pews. Beside him is Father Juan, and the two seem to be discussing something together.

Instead of bothering him, I sigh in relief and text Vincent to let him know that Jeremy is alright and I found him. Their talking is too quiet for me to eavesdrop, but I can see that Jeremy is relaxed and I think he may be smiling.