Keep Calm and Carrie On

Chapter 21 - The Giant's House.

- ' Carrie ' -

I clung tightly onto the cold, metal railings of the subway station as I waited for the train. My eyes were stinging with tears, and my feet could fail on me any minute.

My phone vibrated inside my purse. I fumbled for it with my trembling hands and saw Maureen calling me.

"Where in the world are you, Carrie?" 

"I'm- I'm in- can I just be left alone? I need to be alone." I told her with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

"Nathan spilled the beans. He insists that he really is in love with you, Carrie. Do you need to talk to anyone?" 

"No. To give you a peace of mind, Mau, I'm safe. I promise." I reassured her.

"All right. How about Sebastian? Would you want to talk to him?" 

Suddenly, the train arrived in a whoosh. The doors opened and I entered. "Tell him thank you for telling me."

- ' Maureen ' -

My best friend has been betrayed. 

Betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. 

My boyfriend's best friend. 

Siva and I walked to the parking lot to his sleek, black Audi. "Babe, I hope you're okay." Siva asked again, and squeezed my hand. I squeezed it back.

"I'm fine, Seev, but Carrie isn't. I'm worried." I murmured, and climbed inside the car.

Siva started the engine. I dialled Sebastian.

"Whaaat? It's 6A.M.!" Sebastian groaned at the fifth ring. 

"It's Carrie. She's broken, and you better be the one to fix her."

"How?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Maureen paused. "You tell me."

- ' Carrie ' -

Gasping for air, I entered the public swimming center, which was located inside our village. I entered the locker room to retrieve my swimming gear.

In 5 minutes, I was good to go. 

I dipped my toe slowly into the cold, blue pool water, then my ankle, then my thigh, and submerged myself completely into the pool.

The sensation was undescribable. 

As I gained momentum, I swam several laps.

I sat down at the pool floor, cross legged, and admired how clear the pool water was compared to our school's. 

Running out of breath, I stuck my head out to breathe. God, this feels so amazing. I thought to myself, and grinned.

I am not going to sleep tonight. I commanded myself, I am going to keep myself occupied.

I took a quick shower after what must be 2 long hours of swimming and jogged my way to the local 24 hours library which was a few blocks from here.  

"Carrie. It's been days since you've last been here." Mrs. Brownson, the librarian, greeted me, eyes still alert, even if it's 12 midnight. 

"Hiya, Jane. I-uh. Yeah, I need something to read. Not going to sleep tonight." I told her in an unamused voice.

"I see. Shall I suggest you some books? What do you want to read?"

"Something good after your heart has been broken." I muttered while walking along the first book shelf out of thousands.

"Oh, darling. I'm sorry to hear that. I can suggest you The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken. I bet you'll enjoy it, hun." she told me in a soft, calm voice.

"I'll give it a shot." I replied, and thanked her.

I scanned the bookshelves for the book and finally found it. 

The Giant's House. I muttered to myself, and smiled. I slumped down to the bookshelf and settled myself there. 

I flipped, feeling the soft, parchment paper on my fingertips, and flipped, until I collapsed into a familiar, dark world. 

"Carrie, you're strong enough for this." Sebastian whispered, "You can get through this."

"I can, Sebastian. Of course I can!" I answered with confidence.

Sebastian grinned. "Just hang on a little more, I promise I won't let anyone hurt you."

Suddenly, Nathan appeared in front of me. "Carrie." his angelic voice called out.

"Nathan? Nathan, I miss you." I whined.

"What are you doing? He betrayed you!" Sebastian barked.

Nathan shook his head. "I would never betray you, Carrie. Never. I love you, remember?"

"He's lying, Carrie." Sebastian warned. 

I woke up with a start. Sitting up, I realized I'm back in my room. Glancing at my window, I was shocked to see that the sky was still dark. How the hell did I get home?

Suddenly, I heard a knock on my door. It was my mom. "Dear, how are you feeling? I checked up on you an hour ago, and you were still asleep."

"Mom, why are you awake early in the morning? How did I get home?" I asked, head buzzing.

"Mrs. Brownson called up the house, and your father brought you home. You were asleep with a book in your hand. Sweetie, it's 9 p.m. A day has passed already."

"WHAT? I slept that long?" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes. Your father and I were so worried." she muttered, "But I'm glad you're up now. I'll bring your dinner up here, okay?"

"Yes, please."

"Good."

I slouched back and retrieved my phone from my purse. There were 24 messages, all from Nathan. 

"CARRIE IM SORRY"

"LET ME EXPLAIN PLEASE"

"WHERE R U CARRIE"

"BABE PLEASE"

"CARRIE U'RE WORRYING ME"

"I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I WUD NEVER HURT U"

 "PLEASE"

"I NEED TO SEE U, IM WORRIED."

"ARE YOU HOME?"

"LET ME EXPLAIN, GIVE ME A CHANCE"

For every message that he sent, more tears ran down my face. I suppressed crying out loud, just so my mother wouldn't be worried.

Then, another knock came on my door. I hastily wiped my tears, and just in time, the door opened.

"Mom?"

"Carrie," a breathless Sebastian called out and flung his arms around me, leaving me stunned.