Book IV of the UNC Series
Carter Blake has a bone-deep hatred for the world-and especially for the people in it. All he wants is to keep his head down, focus on school and basketball, and avoid the mess of human connection. After enduring years of...
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"And you made me realize that—"
I blink in confusion when I hear a click before pulling my phone from my ear. Instead of being met by a phone call to Carter, I'm staring at a black screen. I click the power button several times to find that my phone has died.
I let out a groan, tossing my head back with frustration.
It's been a long day.
From my encounter with Ricky to Carter finding out and finally having that heart-to-heart conversation with Noah and Penny, I'm exhausted and bone-weary. I just want to lie in bed, curling up next to Carter and Olive.
I only left the Bishop's place a few minutes ago, having had a late lunch, and sat with Helen, Noah and Penny's mom to relay my apologies.
I don't know if Carter is ready or wants to hear my explanation and apologies. When I had the chance, I should have told him everything, from the trauma and fear of Ricky to how I got my scars and now the threats and money I give him every month to stay away from Penny.
I have to explain everything, but I'm still scared. Carter's reaction and expression as he walked away remain graphically embedded in my memory. His hurt and betrayed look burns into my vision, and it's all I see when I close my eyes.
To gauge his mood and to find out if he's willing to hear me out, I call him on my way back to the apartment. It hasn't been that long for him to process everything, but I'm hoping he's calmed down a bit to hear me out without lashing out for the lying.
I usually would have given him longer, but I don't want him to make assumptions and think the worst of my omission.
But Carter didn't answer. I don't know if he ignored my call or was simply too busy, but my phone died just as I left him a voicemail, leaving me frustrated and uncertain.
I climb the stairs to our floor before entering our apartment. Glancing towards Carter's room, a pang spreads across my chest as I'm met by a shut door. I gulp, taking slow, cautious steps toward his door and knock tentatively.
"Carter?" I call him, but he doesn't respond, "Carter."
After a few seconds of silence, I turn the knob and peer inside through a tiny sliver. But his room remains pitch black, with the curtains still drawn from how he left it this morning before heading to basketball practice while I slept in. I see his duffel bag by the door, which he brought this morning.
He isn't here, either to avoid seeing me or to get space.
I let out a frustrated sigh before shutting the door behind me and heading to my room. Olive sits by the foot of my bed. She's still groggy from all her pain medication, but she opens her eyes and lifts her head when she sees me. Her mouth opens wide as she sticks her tongue out, panting. She slaps her tail excitedly against the hardwood floor as if she's happy to see me.
