Broken Record

Chapter 2

The soft chime of Carrie's alarm pulled her from sleep, and she quickly silenced it, not wanting to disrupt the morning calm. Knowing that her family's comments could sour her day, she sought solace next door at Michael's house. The warm familiarity of his home was a stark contrast to the chilly atmosphere of her own. She rapped gently on the door, and Michael greeted her with a warm smile as he swung it open.

"Hey, Carrie! Come on in," he invited, making way for her to enter.

Stepping into Michael's home felt like entering a haven of tranquillity. The Andersons always welcomed her, offering a sense of belonging she rarely found at her own house. She exchanged appreciative smiles with Michael's parents, who were engrossed in their morning routine.

"Congratulations on your show last night," Mrs. Anderson beamed, her eyes filled with warmth. "Sorry we had to leave early; I needed to get Michael's little sister to bed."

"Thank you, Mrs. Anderson," Carrie responded, genuinely grateful for their kind words.

Michael's mom chuckled. "You know how it is with kids; bedtime is sacred."

Michael joined in, a hint of teasing in his voice. "Yeah, bedtime can be quite the battleground sometimes."

Carrie laughed, appreciating the lightness of their interactions. It was a stark contrast to the tension she often faced at home. She felt welcomed and understood in the Andersons' haven, a place where she could be herself without judgment.

After a short moment of relaxation, they gathered their things, ready to face the school day ahead. Walking side by side, their footsteps echoed in the early morning hush.

Concern laced Michael's voice as he inquired, "Hey, Carrie, I saw Ryan leaving your place last night. He seemed pretty upset."

Carrie's shoulders stiffened slightly, a shadow passing over her features. She took a deep breath before responding, her voice steady. "It's okay, Michael. Just a little family disagreement. I can handle it."

Michael nodded, though worry still lingered in his eyes. "You know we're here for you, right?"

Carrie smiled appreciatively, touched by his genuine concern. "I know, Michael. Thanks."

As they continued walking, their conversation was interrupted by Layton's approach. With a warm grin, he slung an arm around Carrie, his presence offering comfort.

"Good morning, you two!" Layton greeted, his tone cheerful. "Ready to tackle the day?"

Michael chuckled. "As ready as we'll ever be."

Layton's eyes sparkled as he glanced at Carrie. "You know, the world is a better place with you in it."

Carrie blushed at his compliment. "Thanks, Layton."

Their camaraderie was evident as they approached the school gates, united by their shared experiences and unbreakable friendship.

Reaching the school entrance, their attention shifted to Dash standing by his father's car. The scene unfolding before them was familiar—Dash's father's voice carrying with frustration as they clashed over dreams and expectations.

Dash's father's voice brimmed with exasperation. "Dash, you need to stop wasting time on that ridiculous band. Your GCSEs are approaching, and you can't afford distractions. Hanging around those older students won't magically get you good grades. Quit pretending to be someone you're not!"

Dash's shoulders slumped under the weight of his father's words, his vulnerability exposed. His friends circled around him, their presence offering protection and support.