Silence

Chapter 12 - Climbing Trees

I wake in the morning with Lauren. We go to school and meet up with Carter. It's just the same as yesterday except I don't skip class today.

When last period ends, I put my schoolbag in Lauren's car. I walk to my locker and take out my gym bag. I didn't wear my clothes from yesterday so I didn't have to repack it this morning.

I dress in the bathroom and pull up my hair. As I'm walking out of the bathroom I notice that Carter is leaning up against his locker, and is dressed in another pair of shorts. I start walking towards the door and he follows behind me. "I hope you don't mind but I'll be running with you today," he whispers.

I smile and turn to the door

He chuckles and follows me to the school bench in the front. I stretch and he does the same. As a reflex, I take out my ear buds. Carter turns his head to me and gives me a knowing smile. He reaches over and takes them from my hand and places them in his bag.

"You might not talk to me, but I hope you listen if I talk to you," he winks at me.

I laugh to myself and we start running in the direction of the fountain. He tells me a few things about himself until he is short of breath. Once we get there I lean over and take a gulp of water. Carter does the same and then turns his direction to me.

"My house is only a few blocks from here," he sighs.

I look around and when I look back at him he bends his head toward me and kisses me on the cheek. "I'll see you later," he murmurs, and then turns around and walks away.

I place my hand on my cheek holding on to the lingering kiss. My hands have always been smooth but my fingers rough from biting my nails as a kid. I feel the rough skin rub against my cheek and start jogging again, my mind wandering to Carter and his lean muscles. His mesmerizing eyes and perfectly shaped lips. The way he says my name.

"Emma!" Did I imagine that? I hear him yell my name again and turn around. "Emma, you forgot your ear buds," Carter tells me, catching up.

I take them and place them in my bag, I smile at him, thanking him.

"Welcome," he turns to me.

I look at him waiting for him to say something because he just stands there.

"Do you mind if I jog with you the rest of the way, I mean I might as well since we're halfway there," he asks and it seems as though he was a little nervous.

I reach over and take his hand, to my own surprise, and give it a gentle squeeze. He lets out a small breath as if he thought I would refuse. We run to my house. I have to train my eyes forward because I catch myself glancing at Carters tan body. I think he notices, but doesn't say anything. I catch his smile and blush when he glances at me.

We reach my house to soon. He sees my disappointment. "I'll see you soon," he whispers with satisfaction before crossing my yard and sitting in my tree. I become confused, but he urges me to go inside with his hands. I walk inside to hear the work phone ringing. I see my mom sitting in the living room as she reaches over and picks up the phone.

"Dr. Catherine Jacobs speaking," she answers the telephone. I block out the rest of the conversation and go upstairs to my room.

Once I get up there I lay across my bed trying to understand what Carter meant by soon. I figure out my answer as I hear a screeching from outside. I walk over to my window and open it. To my surprise, Carter is still out in the tree but he is attempting to climb it. He sees that I'm looking at him and laughs.

"I had a feeling your room was upstairs, and I don't climb trees often if you hadn't noticed," he remarks.

He finally gets to my window and then climbs into my room. I panic for a moment because of my mom. I tell myself that she never comes into my room, only that she knocks in the morning. My panic suddenly subsides as my feelings for Carter take over. I cross my room and lock the door. I turn around startled to see him standing directly in front of me. His hands slowly slide around my waist and I stare into his eyes before wrapping my arms around his neck.

He leans his head closer to mine and I feel his breath on me. "Carter, " I whisper and that breaks the barrier between us. He closes the distance between us and are lips are locked. His hand trails up my back and he deepens the kiss. I feel his tongue at my lips and slowly open my mouth and let it explore.

I move my hands down to his chest, aware that he still isn't wearing a shirt, and that I'm only wearing a sports bra. A small moan escapes his lips and I press my body closer to his. His lips make their way to my cheek and down my neck. I take in much needed breaths as he brushes my hair out of the way. He pushes my back against the wall. This gives me time to say his name again but I'm trying to stop us now.

"I know," he says and reluctantly pulls away.

"Sorry," I tell him.

He shakes his head no and kisses me again, but sweetly this time. "I wouldn't have let it go too far anyway. I know everyone says that but I'm not like that. I promise. It's all up to you," he reassures me.

"Thank you, Carter," I whisper.

He moans again, and kisses my forehead. "When you say my name, I forget everything else but us," he breathes.

He kisses me once more before heading to the window. "Goodnight," he says.

"Night," I respond.

I watch him leave my house thinking about how I've been talking more lately. I've changed but it's so much better now.