Aquiver (Sequel)

Twin

Aquiver ~3

•Charlotte Carpenter•

"Char, get up." I abruptly sit up and squint as I look up to see Hayes standing a few feet from me. I must have left the lights on. He has this look of tiredness and confusion. "Why are you sleeping on the small couch? Are you dumb?"

"I should have slept downstairs," I answer softly thinking this was a bad idea.

"Why didn't you then?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Talk about what? It's two in morning and I really would rather not have a conversation with you."

"Why are you being like this?" I ask quietly, but don't show any weakness in my voice. He has been more negative with me lately and I wish he'd stop that.

"Like what Char? Stressed? Oh, maybe because I am, because I always have to make sure you're okay. Otherwise I would have slept over at Nigel's."

"You're stressed? You're not obligated to come home and check on me. I'm fine." In reality I'm hurt, but he hasn't took into any consideration of that.

"Just... get out Char."

"Why won't you talk to me?"

"Because I want space from you!" He blurts out with a half risen voice. My eyes widen slightly. It's a good thing these walls are thick. "I'm so sick and tired that I can't do something so simple as sleepover at a friends house without Nash yelling at me to come home and spend time with you!" I look down at my lap.

He makes it seem like I'm a terrible person. I never asked Nash to make Hayes come home to be around me. When we've spent time recently, his mind is always elsewhere. I should give him the space he needs if he really wants it. I wish he'd be happy.

"Tell me what I can do for Nash to get off your back then." It takes him a moment to answer.

"Let me go to Charlotte with the guys next weekend." I look up immediately.

"Hayes, that's Ball weekend."

"Who cares? You never liked dances like that. Why can't you tell Nash you don't want to go and I can go hangout with my friends on a stress free weekend?" I care. I've never been to a high school dance before except earlier this school year with Hayes for the first time. I was actually really thrilled and happy when he asked me. It's obvious that he doesn't want to go.

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I need. A weekend with my friends." I try my best not to show any emotion.

"Okay," I bite the inside of my lip. "I'll... talk to Nash about it in the morning." A sigh of relief escapes his lips and my heart aches slightly from it. I stand carefully with the blanket wrapped around me and make sure not to make eye contact with him. If I did, I'd only tear up in front of him. I walk past him and towards the door without saying anything to him. I walk out of his room and down the stairs where I make my way to the couch.

I sigh defeated and sad that Hayes really didn't care about the dance. Do I take my dress back? Or do I go alone? I take my phone out and look through some of the pictures I took when I was looking for a dress. Tess and Eva, and I went dress shopping together. Even though they don't go to my school, we have been hanging out quite often since New York.

This also probably means he didn't plan anything special for ball. I thought he'd have made it a special night for me. I should be thankful Hayes even asked in the first place, but it obviously means nothing to him. This was my last chance to have that cliche moment like they do in the movies. Have that feeling like you're a princess and have your Prince Charming.

Who do I talk to?

I reach for my phone and scroll through my contacts until I find someone I haven't turned to in months.

•Aaron Carpenter•

I hear my phone going off in my bedroom. I quickly use my towel to dry my hair off a little and make my way out of the bathroom. I immediately dive onto my bed and reach for my phone. I stretch and slide the phone across the table before I have full control of my phone and see my sister is calling.

My eyes widen slightly and I smile. She hasn't called me in a long time. Especially at this time of night. I immediately answer.

"Hey Char. What's up?" There's a moment of silence before I realize she is talking.

"H-Hi... um," she sounds very sensitive and I start to worry. "I was wondering if you can pick me up?" She asks softly. I sat up and reach for my shoes.

"Yeah... is everything alright?" I ask concerned. I slide my vans on and make my way out my room to grab my mom's car keys.

"I... really want to get out of here for a little while."

"I get that. I'm on my way," I say understanding and getting into the car. I start the ignition, turn the lights on and reverse out of the driveway. "You're at Hayes', right?"

"Yes," She answers quietly.

"I'll be there in about fifteen minutes. I'll text you when I get there."

"O-okay. I'll see you then." I say a quick goodbye to her and focus on the road.

~twenty minutes later~

The front door to the lobby opens and I see Char walking out with a small bag. I take my seatbelt off and get out of the car. I take a look at her to see how... sad she is. It's almost two in the morning on a Sunday now.

Whatever she is going through, I hope I can help. I haven't been the best brother to her and I want to show her that I am still here for her. I slowly walk over to her and wrap my arms around her. She immediately hugs back and buries her face to my chest. I rub her arm letting her know I'm here to support her.

"Thank you for coming," She says shakily and I pull away to she her eyes watering.

"Char..." I say astonished to see her in this state. I walk her over to the bench and we both sat down.

"I didn't want you to see me like this," She says embarrassedly and covers her face. I reach for both of her hands and held them in mine gently.

"What's wrong Char? You can talk to me."

"You're going to hurt him," She croaks. "Please don't hurt him." I frown slightly as anger boils through me. What did Hayes do? What in his right mind did he have the nerve to do whatever it was to upset her like this? She looks at me with her eyes widening and I start to relax. I shut my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath before reopening my eyes.

"I... won't... do.. anything," I say slowly. "Let's get out of here." She nods and I help her up. I walk her over to the passenger side and open the door. She thanks me and I close the door for her. I then jog around and get into the driver's seat, putting my seatbelt on. I back out of the big driveway and through the gates before we drive away.

~

Next Update: Saturday

I apologize for the sort of late update? It has been a really rough/terrible several days and I didn't realize it was Wednesday.

I'm sorry for the unedited version of this update. Hopefully my proofreading from a few weeks ago has helped.

•What is something you would hope to see happen in this story?