Heart Full Of Needles

Chapter Four

Carnival woke up, looking at the clock on the radio in front of her. Three in the morning. Looking around, she noticed she wasn't in her room and quickly sat up, scared for a moment until she realized where she was. Calming down slightly, she took another look around. All the lights were off except the lamp beside her and everything was quiet.

When did I fall asleep? She wondered, trying to recall what she had last done. 

She noticed a small piece of paper lying on the table with her name on it. Picking it up, she began reading: Carnival, if you wake up and I am not here, I just went to the store to grab a few things. If I happen to be back before you wake, I'll leave this here so you know that I am sleeping. I hope you got good rest and please, don't leave this late at night, whatever time it is when you wake up. I'll see you in the morning.

Looking at the bottom of the page, she noticed the P.S.: Your cake is in the fridge if you want it. Also, there is some tea made on the stove.

Carnival couldn't help but smile. Connor was being so helpful. She could feel her heart picking up speed and quickly shook her head. She couldn't waste her time thinking about crushes and whatnot. She had to make a plan to survive high school!

"You know, it's a bit early for you to be awake." 

Carnival jumped and spun around to face the stairs. "Connor! You startled me!"

Connor chuckled. "Sorry about that."

He walked down the stairs, shirtless, water droplets on his tanned chest, a towel draped over his shoulders. Carnival turned to hide her reddening face. How could he just walk around half naked with a girl he barely knew in his house?! She kept her eyes on the floor until he sat down on the opposite side of couch. There was an awkward silence before Connor cleared his throat.

"So I'm not sure what your plans are as far as leaving, but I have an extra room and you wouldn't have to pay anything to stay here."

Carnival stared at him, complete awe taken over. "W-what?"

"I have an extra bed, dresser, and we can get you some clothes. As far as your mother goes, we don't have to say anything to her. I can provide everything you need and school wouldn't be a problem anymore." Connor almost sounded like he was begging.

Carnival still couldn't answer. Her mind was trying to catch up to what he was asking. He barely knew her, barely knew anything about her, but yet wanted to let her live in his home? Was there something wrong with this boy?! She watched as he got down on his knees in front of her.

"You're starting to freak me out." She said quietly.

"Please, stay with me. you have no idea how lonely this house is. My sister moved to Germany a few years ago and before that, our parents abandoned us. I have lived here, by myself, for the last three years. I don't throw parties, I don't have a lot of people over. Please Carnival East, I am begging you."

She couldn't handle the poor look on his face. He looked like he was starting to break down. She sighed. Thinking about it rationally, no it wouldn't be a good idea. But since when has she thought of things rationally?

"I guess. But only because it would be a win win situation for us both. You wouldn't be lonely and I'll survive high school." She said, unable to look him in the eyes.

Suddenly, she felt two strong, muscular arms around her. Blushing, she realized that Connor was hugging her. As weird as it was, it was also a bit relaxing. After a  moment he pulled away, taking a deep breath and smiling at her. The type of smile that she couldn't refuse smiling back to.

"Thank you so much! You have no idea how happy I am that you're going to stay. When a decent time hits in the morning we can go shopping and get you some new clothes and stuff." Connor said, standing up.

"Wait, that wasn't part of the deal. I can get my own stuff from my mother!" Carnival exclaimed, unable to accept everything he was offering.

"Please, it will make me feel better."

She sighed and nodded. With another quick smile he said goodnight and headed back up stairs. Carnival laid her head back down on the couch pillow, pulling the blanket above her head. If anyone at school found out that she was staying with the most popular guy in school, not only would she be picked on even more, but they would probably kill her. She had to come up with a plan, something believable so if anyone asked, they would leave her alone.

Carnival spent the rest of the night thinking about it, coming up with nothing but stupid excuses. she could faintly hear Connors alarm for nine go off. Some footsteps could be heard shuffling around and then heading towards the stairs. She closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. She didn't want to go to school that day, but knowing she would probably have to hurt just a little.

Footsteps came off the stairs, passed the couch, and headed towards the kitchen. Soon, the smell of freshly cooked breakfast reached her nose and her stomach grumbled. When was the last time that she had a home cooked meal? She couldn't remember. Her mother had never really been that good of a cook. 

Soon, she could hear Connor walking to the couch, the scent of food assaulting her nose as he came closer. "Carnival? Are you awake?"

She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah. I never went back to sleep."

He smiled, handing her a plate. "I made breakfast."

She started eating, noting how good it was. She wasn't used to being treated like this, like someone actually cared. They ate in silence until their food was gone. Connor took the plates to the kitchen and washed them before returning. He seemed like he was in a good mood, although Carnival couldn't figure out why.

"So today we are skipping school to go get you some clothes and whatever else you may need."

Carnival looked at him, confused. "Skipping school? But isn't that like against popularity rules or some shit?"

Connor laughed. "Popularity rules? You think that, since I'm so popular, I can't skip school. I mean, we can go but you'll have to face another day of abuse and I don't think you want to do that."

Carnival shook her head. He was right. She didn't want to deal with the same guys who pulled out her eyebrow piercing. Sighing, she stood, grabbing her shoes and pulling them on.

"I don't have any money." She stated simply.

"Don't worry about it. I got enough. Just get everything you want." Connor smiled.

There is no way he isn't expecting something in return for all this. Carnival thought.