Carter

Chapter 19

 Carter's pov-

The days passed by slowly. They all blended together since they're all the same. Work, work, and work. I don't sleep, I don't eat, I don't talk unless it's necessary. I know everyone's worried but I just can't bring myself to care. I'm just so tired. I'm tired of being here without my son. I miss him so much. I even miss when he'd wake me up in the middle of the night. I just want him back. But he's not coming back. There's no point in wishing for him to come back. I know it'll never happen. The dead don't come back. Yet I can't help thinking, maybe somehow he'll come back. As if I don't have his ashes in a little vase next to my bed.

" Morning sweetheart." Callum chirped when I walked downstairs. I gave a faint nod in response, already making my way to the door. As soon as I opened the door it slammed shut. I looked over to see Casper standing there, his arm still on the door. " You didn't eat breakfast," he pointed out.

" Not hungry." I replied. He rolled his eyes, " Vous n'avez pas mangé depuis des jours. Tu dois manger quelque chose." - " You haven't eaten in days. You need to eat something." he said gently. I shook my head in denial, " I'm not hungry." I insisted. I once again tried to open the door to leave but he didn't budge.

" He's right, you're not leaving until you eat something." Carson said, walking over to us. I know if I try to eat I'm going to be sick. I'm not lying when I say I'm not hungry. I let out a breath as my shoulder slumped, " Fine." I murmured. As soon as Casper removed his arm and started walking towards the kitchen I flung the door open and bolted.

" CARTER!" I could hear one of my brothers yell but I couldn't make out which brother. I know I'm supposed to wait for the twins before I walk to work but I don't want to stick around that long, not with my brothers on my ass. I took my time walking to work, wanting to savor the alone time. It's rare that I get to be alone nowadays. I'm either surrounded by employees, the twins or my hovering brothers.

" Carter! Wait up!" I turned to see Andres jogging towards me. I felt my chest tighten, I don't have a problem with Andres. I mean, he hasn't done anything wrong but he just gives me a weird vibe. " Where are your little buddies?" he asked as he started walking next to me. " They- uh- are gonna meet me at work." I said.

He suddenly looped his arm through mine, " Well, they shouldn't let you walk alone on the streets of New York. This can be a dangerous city, especially when you're a young girl." he told me, his side pressing into mine. I let out an awkward laugh, " I think I'll be okay." I tried to pull away but he had a pretty tight grip on my arm.

" I-uh- can like, walk on my own, ya know?" I teased even though I was serious. I wasn't comfortable with how close he was. He turned and smiled at me, " It's okay, I don't mind." He may not mind but I sure as fuck do. " Carter!" I let out a sigh of relief at the sound of Ace's voice. I don't think I've ever been this happy to see him.

I tugged my arm again and this time Andres let up enough that I could actually pull my arm away. As soon as we were unlinked I went over to Ace. " Are you okay?" he asked, scanning my face for any signs of distress. I nodded my head, " Yeah." I whispered breathily. I let myself move closer into his side, still feeling a little uneasy about the whole situation.

I could tell Ace was taken off guard by my actions but he didn't hesitate to wrap his around my shoulder and tuck me into his side. Andres raised an eyebrow at the gesture, " I didn't know you two were together." he said, a sour look on his face. I cleared my throat, " We're not." I muttered. " Yet." Ace cut in. I damn near choked on air. I looked up at him with a questioning look.

He simply smirked at me before turning his attention back to Andres. " Is there a reason you're bothering my soon to be girlfriend?" he asked, mindlessly twirling a piece of my hair with the hand that was slung over my shoulder. Andres' scowl deepened, " I was just walking her to work since you left her alone." he said with a smidge of snark.