Keep Calm and Carrie On

Chapter 10 - You're My Worst Nightmare.

"Nathan James Sykes. Your behavior is getting to my nerves. Focus! You're missing out the steps! All right. From the top, boys." 

Nathan heaved a loud sigh as he dragged himself to the entrance of the stage. The boys were currently having their choreography rehearsal for the upcoming world tour. 

"Nath, is Carrie the reason why you're acting like this?" Jay asked him.

"I miss her, okay?" Nath said, annoyance in his voice.

"You can't let a girl ruin your career. Focus, Nathan." Max reminded him.

"I'll give you her number later after our rehearsal. I'll ask it from Maureen. Now please, focus. If you do, the rehearsal will end in a shorter period of time and you'll be able to hear her voice again." Siva told him.

"Here," Siva said as he handed Nath a strip of white paper, "Carrie's number. Don't call her yet, though. You're dazed. Call her when you're sober. Oh, enough of the pot. You've had enough."

"Thanks, mate." he said.

Nathan could hear his heart thumping loudly against his chest. He took his phone out from his jean pocket and dialed the number.

No answer.

No answer.

No answer...

"Hello? Who's this?" 

Nathan closed his eyes and grinned. "Carrie. My sweet, little Carrie." he said, and took another swing of the brandy clutched in his hand.

Nathan heard her gasp audibly. "Nathan?" she whispered, voice trembling.

"Yes, love?"

"Oh my God!" 

"I miss you so much, Carrie. I really do. I've had sleepless nights." he told her.

"I really wish you're here, Nath! I miss you." she said.

"I long to see you right now, Carrie."

"Oh, Nath... You have no idea. I've never missed someone so much in my life." Carrie admitted, and suddenly felt a stab of guilt. She realized that she didn't miss her parents as much as she missed Nathan.

"You know, I have a strong urge to ditch the world tour." 

"WHAT? Don't do that, Nathan. Seriously. Are you out of your mind?"

"No. I just miss you so much, Carrie. Soooo muccchhh."

"Are you okay? Wait, are you drunk? Or high? You don't sound okay to me."

"I'm not okay? Whaaat? Since when did that happen? Hey, Tom, when was I not okay?" he asked.

"Like, since the day we left Los Angeles." Carrie heard Tom reply. 

Carrie was filled with concern. Nathan was out drinking, or maybe smoking pot because of her. She suddenly struck a memory of what they talked about days ago...

"Do you ever drink, Nathan?"

"Nah. Drinking reminds me of death. You know, like a person who just lost a loved one." 

"Oh. Well. Just another random question. Do you smoke weed?"

"Weed? I despise it. I'm weird, I know, but it's true."

"Nathan." Carrie said in a firm tone. 

"Who are you? Who is she? Tom, who's she on the phone?" he asked.

Carrie hang up and immediately dialed Maureen. 

"Can I come over?"

Carrie arrived in Maureen's all white mansion. As she entered, Maureen summoned her to her bedroom. "We're working on our science project, but feel free to make yourself at home."