The Boy I Thought I Hated

Chapter 7

Carter was in the kitchen, getting two beers for both him and Luke. Luke was busy making Carter's couch into a bed. Carter shook his head as he walked over to him. "Luke, I have a guest room upstairs."

Luke chuckled. "Right, I forgot."

"Hey, what's up with you and Steph? Why are you suddenly wanting to stay over?" Carter questioned his best friend. Luke had only told Kerri and Caroline about the situation. Them, and his sister also knew, but what help could she give when she lived all the way in Georgia?

Luke sighed and took a beer out of Carter's hand, cracking it open. He took a long swig before sitting down on the couch and replying. "It's a long story."

"It wasn't a four wheeling accident, was it?" Carter pointed out. Luke had told him the bruises came from a four wheeling accident.

"Uh, yes?" Luke tried to lie, but failed.

Carter put his beer down and sat next to Luke. He couldn't stand to see his best friend hurt like this. There was no way he was gonna let Luke get away with not telling the truth, even if the truth hurts. "Luke, please tell me what's going on."

Luke shook his head, taking another long swig. Carter couldn't watch Luke drink his life away. He wanted to know exactly what was going on in his best friend's house. Luke gave out a desperate sigh as Carter took his beer and sat it on the coffee table.

Carter grabbed Luke's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "Look, Luke, I may not know what's going on, but no one can help you if you don't tell anybody."

Luke looked down. "I told people."

"Who did you tell it to?" Carter pressed.

Luke took in a heavy breath of air. "Kelly, Caroline, and Kerri."

Carter had a shocked expression on his face when he heard Caroline's name. "She's back?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah. I went on a date with her and we kissed."

"But, Luke, you're with Stephanie," Carter pointed out. "Don't you love her?"

Luke shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "No. I lied about everything to you. I never loved her. She only wanted me for my money. I was forced into this relationship. I love Caroline and I know I want to marry her, but I'm stuck in this abusive relationship."

Carter had figured Luke was being abused, but hearing his words confirm it only made it hurt Carter more. Luke didn't deserve that, he was a good guy. "I'll help you get out of the relationship."

Luke looked up. "Really? You'd do that?"

Carter slightly chuckled. "Of course, Luke. The last thing I want to see is you get hurt."

Luke had a huge grin on his face. "Thanks, Carter. This means so much to me!"

Caroline arrived home, leaning against her front door. She didn't know what to think. Luke had kissed her and had ask her to date him, or try and make it look like he was cheating on Stephanie. But wasn't he technically doing that? None of that concerned Caroline, though. She knew Luke didn't love her, she knew he was sacrificing anything. She'd never agree to having an affair with him if it was then other way around. But he loved Caroline and she knew that, because she loved him too.

Jane smiled as she came out of her room, seeing Caroline. "So, I take it the date went well?"

Caroline shook her head. "No, it went well, but Luke's got a problem."

"Oh?" Jane questioned. "What sort of problem?"

"He's been abuse by this new girlfriend of his- Actually, I wouldn't call her a girlfriend. I don't know what I'd call it, but definitely not a girlfriend."