During the car ride, Carson and I kept our distance in the back seat with Luke sitting between us. I didn't mind because I could feel Cheryl looking back at us often and feared she questioned our relationship in a way that would drive us apart.
We silently walked through the front door and I saw Byron, Sharon, and my Aunt Ray all sitting on the couch looking solemn.
"What's going on?" I questioned.
"Take a seat Cassandra." My father said gently and I did as told, placing myself on a chair across the room.
Cheryl sat down with the other adults and gave a look to Lucas telling him to leave. Carson stayed and sat next to me. Everyone's eyes were on our hands that seemed to be gravitating towards each other.
"The principal called me into the office today after I heard Carson got into a fight." Cheryl directed an irritated look towards her son.
"He told me that they started fighting because of the way this boy, James, spoke about you. He then proceeded to tell me that you accused him of rape in front of the whole cafeteria." she spoke calmly and her eyes seemed to soften.
"When did this happen?" she asked.
That's when I exploded. Before you know it I was saying things left and right. I told her and everyone else about what happened from the day I went out with James to the moment we were in now. Most faces were shocked but Cheryl and my father kept their faces emotionless.
"Do you want to press charges?" My father asked calmly.
"Yes." I said.
"Okay, you're probably going to need to take a test to then prove that it happened. They might be able to find some of his DNA." Byron said and I nodded. This whole situation was awkward and I hated being interrogated. I just wanted them to hug me and tell me I'd be okay. I needed my dad and Cheryl who I was starting to see as a mother.
"Wait," Cheryl interrupted my thoughts. She looked between Carson and I and that's when I realized she was the only one here who seemed to have figured out our relationship. "Have you, um, have you had any other sexual contact with a boy besides James? I don't know if that will affect the tests or not." she spoke carefully and I realized she feared my answer, still wanting to hang on to the little innocence she held for Carson.
"Yes." I whispered and then nothing. There was nothing but silence that suffocated the room. I heard Cheryl take a sharp intake of breath.
"If you two continue your relationship I think it's best Cassandra stays with her father and we set some ground rules." Cheryl said.
My father and other family members looked extremely uncomfortable and I was grateful for Cheryl taking charge.
"No sleepovers. Curfew is at midnight and when you're in each other's rooms the door must stay open. Is that clear?" she asked and Carson and I nodded our heads.
"Okay. Can you two go upstairs while we talk?" she asked and it didn't take two seconds for me to drag Carson up to his room, closing the door.
"My mom said no closed doors." He playfully scolded and I rolled my eyes.
"I'm sure she'll understand. Plus I don't think you'd want to put on a show for this one." I jerked his thumb to Luke who was looking at us boredly.
"I knew it." Luke mumbled under his breath. "I always knew you two would hook up." he laughed and leaned back scrolling through his phone again.
Carson rolled his eyes at his brother and turned back to face me, "Now is there any reason you practically dragged me upstairs?" He joked and I saw his cheeks turn pink.
I shook my head no and he looked to his brother.
"There's actually something I need to talk to you about." he looked at Luke again who stared at us.
"Oh, you want me to leave?" Carson sighed but nodded at his clueless brother.
"I got some chores to do anyway." he replied and walked out of the room leaving the door cracked. Good thing someone was listening to the new rules.
"What's up?" I turned to Carson who was looking more nervous than ever.
"Maybe you should sit down for this." he told me and I cautiously sat down.
"You're starting to freak me out Carson." I said.
What was he so worked up about anyway? Did he decide he didn't want to be with me anymore?
Carson must have noticed my confusion by his next comforting words, "It's not about us. It's about school."
I wanted to sigh in relief but still sat there waiting for him to elaborate. What could be so bad about school?
"I decided on what I'm majoring in college. I know what I want to do with my life." he said with a smile.
"Wow, Carson that's great! Why were you so nervous to tell me? I'm sure New York University is gonna love you." I was so happy for him I couldn't contain my excitement.
"I got accepted already. But Cass,-" I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck.
"Does your mom know? When are you going for a visit? I was worried you'd go across the country. Now I know I'll be able to see you every weekend." The look in his eyes told me something was wrong.
"What is it?" I prodded.
"I got accepted to a school. I got accepted to my dream school actually. I'm going to Stanford University." he said and it took a moment for me to think of where it was.
"You're going all the way to California." I felt my heart sink and let go of my hold on him.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but with everything that's been going on, I couldn't drop that on you." his voice sounded guilty and I blamed myself for making him feel that way. I plastered a fake smile on my face and turned to him.
"That's still amazing though! How many people get to go to their dream school? Long distance will work for us. I know it will. I'm really proud of you." I gave him a hug and shoved my face into his chest to hide my frown.
"You're really okay with this?" he asked one last time and I nodded into him. I couldn't let Carson know that it felt like I was dying inside. Just when I thought we were coming back together, we were only being driven apart.
"I have a visit this weekend. Maybe I can get you to come with me." I shook my head at his offer.
"You gotta learn to be independent someday right?" I joked and he laughed pulling me into another hug. The words felt sour on my tongue. I knew Carson could be independent. I just didn't know if I can be.
YOU ARE READING
Lifelines
Teen Fiction"I'll wait as long as you need." he whispered and I felt myself blush. Carson would wait for me. He wanted me. I cleared my throat a little which made Carson laugh at my awkwardness. "Okay. I'll uh, wait for you too." I said and Carson's face broke...
