Beneath the Surface

Chapter 15

"What the hell do you want Carter?" I say as he heads our way.

"I just came to fully apologize." Carter says sympathetically or at least trying to. I can tell he's lying.

"Yeah right." Adam says from behind me.

"I am. I'm sorry about what I said. I can get a bit competitive as you all are well aware of."

"Carter." Liam says strictly.

"Liam." Carter nods at him.

"We're going to be late to class." I say and start to head out of the library.

"Aren't you going to accept my apology?" Carter asks before I even get to the doors. I heard Adam say, "Yeah right."

Carter turns around and gives Adam a stare.

"Ok Carter. Let's just get to class ok?" Liam says putting a hand on Carter's shoulder.

"I'm not finished here." Carter says and shrugs off Liam's hand.

"Oh yes you are. I'm not about to get a tardy for your fake apology right now." Liam says.

"Fake apology?" Carter turns around to Liam looking pissed.

"I know you don't apologize often and when you do there is genuine in your eyes. I've seen it every time you apologize to me."

"I don't have to hear this." Carter says exasperated.

"Yeah you do. I'm tired of this Carter. If you are truly sorry to what you said to Hailey then you would have meant it, but I know you didn't. So why don't we all just head back to class. The warning bell is about to come on."

"You're tired? You're tired? I'm tired. I've always been there for you. I always have your back. I'm always there when you need to vent to me about Adam or your issues. Do you know the stress you cause your brother Adam? Do you remember last year when you had one of your lame suicide attempts and had to go to the hospital around winter break? Did you know how depressed Liam was? He wouldn't drink, wouldn't eat, wouldn't sleep, and wouldn't do anything! It took all of my energy to bring him back. You cause so much pain and you don't even care!" Carter says looking at Adam now. I could see Liam's shock and Adam's eyes beginning to tear up.

"That's enough." Liam says harshly.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Adam says beginning to tear up.

"No. Don't be." Liam says to Adam softly. "You should get out of here now before I do something I'll regret." He says to Carter, but Carter doesn't move.

Liam heads to Adam's shaking body, but when Liam touches Adam he shrugs it off and runs out of the library.

"Why did you have to say that to him!?" Liam yells at Carter.

"It's the truth! I'm tired of seeing you beat yourself up about not being able to fix your brother."

"You didn't have to..." Liam begins to say as his voice becomes softer and shakier.

"Liam." Carter says softly looking surprised as Liam begins to tear up as well.

"You didn't have to tell him that. It's not his fault. He's just depressed. My little brother's depressed and I have no idea how to fix it. You didn't have to yell at him Carter." Liam says as tears begin to develop in his eyes. I've never seen Liam so sad. It killed me.

Carter goes up to Liam and gives him a hug, which surprised me. Carter might be an ass, but when it comes to Liam he's there for him. Like he said before. I can now see what Liam sees in him.