actions speak louder than words {karlnap}

chapter 28

(Karl POV)

It's too fucking early. 

It's only 8 in the morning, yeah, but I've gotten used to waking up at 9:30 for school. 

"Karl," Nick whispers, gently tapping me on the cheek. "Mom and I are leaving. D'you wanna say goodbye to her?"

I grunt quietly, pulling the covers tighter over my shoulders. 

I slept in my room last night, no matter how bad I wanted to sleep in Nick's bed. Alex didn't ask me to stay, but it's his first night here, in a stranger's house, and I figured he'd want some normal. He seemed relieved when I started to settle into bed last night.

Nick giggles. "Karl, love, c'mon," he murmurs. "I know you want to. You can go back to sleep after, okay?"

I open an eye and glare at him. He gives me that damn smile, and I'm up a minute later. 

"I hate you," I grumble, pulling a hoodie over my head. 

He giggles and presses a kiss to my cheek. Warmth radiates from that spot. "I love you too," he jokes as we head downstairs.

The first rays of sunlight stream in through the windows, creating small patches of light on the floor. A large suitcase that I don't recognize stands in the doorway, and so does an all-too-familiar redhead. 

I launch myself towards Cherry, catching them off guard. "Oh, Karl!" they exclaim. "I forgot you were here!" 

I smile. Just landed yesterday, I sign. 

Cherry smiles and presses a kiss to each of my cheeks, just like they always do. "Oh, goodness, you're nearly as tall as me," they say, sighing. "I remember when you barely came to my shoulder." 

Betty laughs from just behind me. I give her a smile. 

Cherry gives Nick a mischevious look. "I also remember when you were still crawling."

Nick rolls his eyes, lifting his backpack over his shoulder. "That still trips me out," he groans. He walks over to me, pulling me towards him by my hip. He presses a quick kiss to my lips before pushing open the door. "I'll see you later, Karl," he says. "Thankfully I don't have practice, so I'll be home earlier." He smiles, waves, and then he's gone.

Betty checks her watch and sighs. "I guess I should be going too," she says. Cherry's face falls as Betty begins to pull on her shoes and jacket. 

"Oh, okay," they say. "Are you sure I can't stow away?"

Betty smiles, cupping their jaw. "As much as I want to say yes," she says, "I need you here so my son and his friends don't burn the damn house down."

I gave the two of them a deadpan look. One of your son's friends is right here, you know, I sign.

Cherry tells Betty what I said, and they both giggle. "Yeah, but I actually trust you," Betty says. "You and Bad keep the boys in line, for the most part. But still, just in case, Cherry can reign y'all in."

Okay, I guess that's fair, I sign, rolling my eyes playfully.

Betty laughs and wraps her arms around me. "It was good seeing you again, Karl," she says. "Sorry we can't see each other longer."

We say our goodbyes and I head back upstairs, catching a glimpse of Betty kissing Cherry goodbye.

~~

When I wake up, it's still too early. 

Alex lands heavily next to me on the mattress, making me roll towards him. "Karl," he sings. "Wake up."

I groan loudly.