Astrophile (Paul Lahote)

forty six

࿔*:･forty six ࿔*:･
°. *࿐ ༻༺ ࿐°. *

Carter blinked as the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. She tried to shift but winced as a dull pain shot through her ribs, a reminder of yesterday’s ordeal. She tried to shift slightly, wincing in pain before she gave up. She looked around her room, her eyes widening as she saw a figure resting on their head on the foot of her bed, “he’s been here all night,” Jack smiled, standing in Carter’s doorway. 

She frowned, “what do you mean? He didn’t go home?” she asked, her voice hoarse and Jack shook his head, walking into the room with a plate of sliced apples, “None of them did. I didn't think id be hosting a slumber party,” he shrugged, “but here we are.” he finished with a small grin. 

“Your mom’s here too,” he told her as he sat next to her, “how ya feelin’?” he asked her and she shrugged, “the bones have healed, I think, but it still kinda hurts,” she whispered. Jack leaned forward to kiss her forehead and smiled softly, “You’re a strong girl, Cart.” he told her, “I'm proud of you,” Carter smiled, nodding, “thanks, dad.” she whispered. 

They turned to look as Paul shifted in his sleep, probably uncomfortable from his position, “he’s gonna have back problems if he doesn't get up soon,” Jack muttered and Carter chuckled, nodding. Her dad placed another kiss on her before he got up, “Oh, you should probably talk to Leah, poor girl’s losing it with guilt.” 

Carter nodded, “I'll talk to her.” she told him before he left. 

She turned back to face Paul, softly nudging him with her foot, he groaned lowly causing Carter to grin as she nudged him more roughly. Paul grimaced, opening one eye as he scowled. Carter chuckled and once the boy had realised where he was, his scowl fell as he sat up straight, completely alert. 

“Good morning, my love.” Carter grinned as he leaned towards her, “You're up, how are you?” she rolled her eyes, groaning at his question, “No one else better ask me that question, alright?” she said, “I'm superhuman remember? Ill be up and running within this week, Paul.” she smiled. 

He sighed, “Still, that doesn't mean we weren’t worried about you.” he muttered. Carter gave him a small pout, “I would kiss you but neither of us has brushed our teeth yet.” she told him and he shook his head, “that’s completely fine, I don't mind,” he muttered and she laughed loudly, kissing his cheek.

“Can you get Leah for me?” she asked, growing serious and Paul sighed, nodding. He got up and walked out of her room. It didn’t take long before he was back with Leah following behind him. The older girl played with her fingers, not looking at Carter, who huffed a laugh, “damn, Lee, who died?” she joked as the girl looked up at her, her eyes rimmed red as she sniffled slightly, “You did, almost.” she muttered, her voice breaking. 

Carter’s eyes softened as she beckoned her forward. Leah did so without question and Carter pulled her into a hug, “it's not your fault, you were doing what you thought was right, we just didn't see that vampire coming.” she told her. 

Leah shook her head, grasping Carter’s hand tightly, “I don't know what I would’ve done with myself if-” 

Carter grabbed her hand, “Hey, listen to me, I'm fine and this was not your fault, Leah. If anything it was that vamp's fault and he’s dead.” she sighed, “You cannot beat yourself up over this, I won't let you.” she muttered, pulling the girl in for a tight hug. 

Leah scooted forward, squeezing her tightly too. The two stayed like that for a while until Leah stopped crying. Even then, the two spent most of the afternoon together in Carter’s room until it was time for the girl to leave.