Every Little Thing

Chapter 27

The clouded sunlight dripped inside her room, illuminating small parts of her light blue walls. Her limp hand hung off the bed, her glasses messily tossed under her bed, a position she would never allow herself to be in, in fear someone or thing would snatch her away. Eventually the familiar, yet vexing tune of her alarm went off. Coming to life, the limp arm now slammed down on snooze button, then resting comfortably next to her face.

"You know...for someone who has a busy day ahead, you sure are quite the procrastinator." A voice joked from the room's door frame. A bit of annoyance stung him as he realized his sleeping sister was in no mood to reply to his snarky comment. "Carter for God's sake if you want to go to that party looking decent get the fuck up already."

Carter groaned at her younger brother, hating that he had great reason for her getting up. A minute later she sat up and glared at him with suspicion. "Brother dearest...how is it that you know of my evening plans?" She questioned with a hint of posh in her tone.

"You don't honestly think I'd tell you, right? That's besides the reason I'm here anyways; look I have a big essay due in a week or two, you have a party to get to, and I have convinced mom to go on a date with Hank tonight, which will most likely carry on into the night and sh- blah blah blah you've probably caught on by now. Anyways no more further delays, I won't tell her about the party if you write my essay and do my homework for a couple weeks when we get off of break."

It was a well thought out plan Carter had to admit, it wasn't such a difficult deal since she had already seen what Chase's homework looked like and essays were something she was okay at. After a moment she agreed and Chase left. 

Glancing towards her hone she saw she had a couple messages from the girls and Ryan...but none from Dylan. It seemed as though everyone else had confidence in her going to the party besides Dylan, it was pretty obvious he didn't like the idea of  her going only because Josh had invited her. Dylan was her best friend, although she wouldn't admit it it hurt her. 

*   *   * 

After persuading Alana to help her get ready she sat on her couch waiting for her. Carter's mom had texted her while she was buying a bagel, she was off to her date with Hank. Hank. The name was ruined for her, she would never be able to meet another Hank without secretly hating them.  Despite him dating her mom for a couple months now Carter still couldn't warm up to him much less be nice. 

A soft knocking came from her door and she sprinted to answer, excited to get glamed up for the night. 

"Carter! Sweetie I'm really honored you asked for my help after what I did to your hair, I'm still sorry by the way." 

Carter laughed as she led Alana to her room to get started. The now fiery red was admiring and commenting on Carter's house decor as if her life depended on it. It wasn't until they actually reached her room that Alana commented on someone else. "Carter who's this?"Carter paused and turned around to see Chase literally drooling over Alana.  

"Alana, this is my younger brother Chase, Chase this is Alan a hair dresser from a salon a couple locks from here."

Alana extended her hand. "Nice to meet you sweetheart." Her added smile reached her eyes and that was all it took for Chase to pounce all over her in admiration, he was like a lovesick puppy clinging to his favorite chew toy. 

Suddenly Carter pulled Alana inside her room and shut the door in Chase's face, she even swore she heard him whimper. Alana emitted a rosy laugh as she set down all her beauty tools. 

"Let's get started!"

* * * 

Hours of blending and whining later Cater was transformed. An unexpected knock sounded from downstairs and Alana went to answer while Carter put on her dress. It took a while since the dress was floor length without her matching black pumps. 

"Carter I-" Dylan stopped himself mid-sentence as he realized it wasn't Carter who answered the door, but rather his older ex-cousin Alana. She looked surprised herself, before frowning at him. "So you're the Dylan that hasn't called." She said with slight venom. 

Dylan winced at her comment before getting to his question. "Ana what are you doing here? How do you know Carter?" An awkward cough from behind Dylan caused both of them to turn. 

"Uh...is Carter here?" The brunette in a sharp suit stands before the bickering cousins. Dylan automatically knows Josh and grimaces, as Alana welcomes him inside warmly. Passing Dylan Josh smirks smugly following Alana inside.

"Carter is just changing she should be down at anytime." Alana says with smile. Both boys sit in awkward silence as they await Carter. Meanwhile Carter slips into her pumps and sprays a tiny bit of perfume on her neck and wrists. The warm scent brings her back to her first dance, which she spent with small group of friends.

Finally she makes her way down the stairs and surprisingly finds that both Dylan and Josh are waiting for her.

"Uh...hey guys." She smiles and makes her way to stand next to Alana. 

"Darling! Oh my god you look spectacular! Give us a turn. Carter grins and spins slowly, blowing curled strands of hair out of her face. The boys aw at her, until Josh holds out his elbow for her to take, which to Dylan's dismay she does. 

"Thanks for all your help Alana." Carter says before Josh begins to lead her out.

"Carter wait! Can I have a quick word with you...please?" Dylan pleads as he grabs her free hand. She looks back at Josh who nods and makes his way to the car.

"I wanted to say sorry about what happened and I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier."

She smiles softly and pulls him into an embrace that he gladly returns. "It's okay...you're just looking out for me, I understand." That was the thing about Carter, she tried hard to understand everyone, it was something Dylan had grown to admire. He couldn't stop the envious thoughts of Josh dancing and laughing with her, then just simply cast her out like bait to wolves. He hoped that soon she would realize how much of an ass Josh was and stop looking at him with those big brown eyes full of admiration. 

Carter broke the hug, but her hand lingered on his for just a second longer. She looked back at Josh and couldn't help the giddy feeling in her stomach, she wanted so badly for things to end up okay this time, and not, ending with her nearly in tears. Once she was finally walking away from Dylan she sipped into the black range rover and waved goodbye as the door shut behind her. 

"Ready?"

"Ready."