Irreplaceable

Chapter Four

Carter's POV

Chase and I had been talking a lot. He apologized for kissing me. He claimed he wasn't thinking straight. I didn't tell Colin. I didn't want him to hate Chase because they had just started getting close.

Chase and I talked about everything. It was so easy to talk to him. I felt like I could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge me.

We went to the park after school to study for our English test. I saw an open swing on the set and felt like a child again. I ran to it and hopped on. Chase came after me and pushed me. With every push, I got higher and higher.

We played hide and seek, tag, and hopscotch until it was about six. I knew around this time the bad kids would come here to hang out. I told Chase I was ready to go and he said ok.

I went to use the bathroom while he gathered our stuff.

I did my stuff and came out looking for Chase. A guy came out of nowhere and started to talk to me. I felt uncomfortable.

"What's a pretty thing like you doing out by yourself?" he asked me seductively. His breath was horrible. I fought the urge to pop a mint in his mouth. He was wearing a dark, tattered hoodie so I couldn't see his face very well. I could only make out a silver nose ring.

"I'm looking for my boyfriend, actually. I think my boyfriend went to the car. My boyfriend should be back soon." I made sure to exaggerate my having a boyfriend. I was hoping he would get the memo and leave me alone.

"I don't think your boyfriend would mind me keeping you company for a bit." He smirked.

"I think he would. Could you please go elsewhere?" I asked nicely.

Where was Chase?

The guy became angry when I told him to go away. He grabbed my wrist and pushed me against the wall of the restroom building. I cried out in pain.

"CHASE!" I screamed at my loudest. The guy put his hand over my mouth and started to unbutton my jeans. I started to cry. I was about to be raped outside of a restroom.

Before the guy could pull my pants down, Chase came up behind him and punched him from the back. The guy let me go and turned around. He tried to swing at him, but he was too slow. Chase pushed him against the wall and kicked him in the face.

I grabbed Chase's arm. "Can we please go?" I pleaded. Chase nodded his head in agreement and we ran away leaving the guy by himself. He was knocked out. Chase had done lots of damage.

As we sat on the motorcycle, I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. Chase gave me a helmet to wear and I put it on. I rested my head on his back and tried to control my sniffles.

Tonight had not been a good night.

Chase pulled into my driveway smoothly. I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn't notice. He cut off the engine and walked me to the door.

I invited him inside and he followed me to my room.

"Thank you, Chase." I looked at him.

"I would never let anyone hurt you."

"I'm still scared. Will you sleep with me tonight?" I begged. He nodded his head yes.

I changed into my pajamas. I purposely wore pants instead of just my underwear.

Chase took off his shirt and kept on the basketball shorts he was wearing under his jeans.

He put his arm around my waist when he got in my bed.

It felt strange. Only Colin had held me like that before.

"Goodnight." I whispered.

Chase kissed my shoulder and went to sleep.

I felt like I was cheating on Colin, but I didn't do anything sexual with Chase.

I managed to convince myself that I wasn't cheating. We were both mostly clothed and I was just scared. All I needed was someone to comfort. I probably would've done it with anyone.

Even after all the excuses I told myself, I still felt wrong.

The next morning, I woke up by myself. Chase left and didn't leave a note. I mean he didn't have to. He wasn't my boyfriend, but it would've been nice.

I needed to stop thinking about Chase and start thinking about Colin.

Colin picked me up like he usually did. I felt awkward at first but I got over it and started acting like myself.

I was with Colin every second I got.

I avoided Chase all day. In English, I sat with a friendly group of girls. Chase stared at me a lot, but I brushed it off.

At lunch, I directly talked to Colin. Chase talked to Zach and Jax.

During the boys' football practice, I studied in Colin's car. He drove me home as usual. We made out for a bit before I got out the car.

Colin's lips were so soft. I could kiss them all day.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

"No," I lied. My heart beat unsteadily in my chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat and prayed he didn't notice I was nervous.

"You can tell me anything, you know." He looked sincere.

"I'm fine. I promise." I grazed his hand reassuringly. I kissed him one last time before quickly leaving.
I walked inside and closed the door. I went to the kitchen to fix myself dinner.

My mom was at work and my dad went to the store. I was so used to being alone that I wasn't even fazed anymore. It gave me time to think about every thing.

I ate in peace, but kept thinking about Chase. I didn't know why he had this effect on me.

Colin. I needed to focus on Colin and only Colin.

Colin was the one for me.