The IV League [EDITING]

Chapter 23

Morgan pulled away from Carter and stroked his face. Her heart fluttered as he nuzzled his cheek in her palm. Her brain was still processing the fact that she'd just kissed the boy she likes. She felt the hair on her neck rise up. Her muscles tensed.

Carter could sense something was wrong. "What is it?"

Morgan's breathing got heavy. "Oh no."

Bad timing, Anxiety.

Oh, shut up. Just cause you're the resident demon doesn't mean I can't have some fun once in a while.

Boo hoo. Looks like the attention seeker is here.

"No, no, no!" Morgan curled up and stuck her head between knees. "Not now!"

Carter touched her gently. "Morgan what's wrong?"

Morgan, you just kissed someone! Why would you do that?

"I screwed up, I screwed up!"

"Screwed up what?"

What if he didn't like it?

Anxiety, you're not helping!

"No, please no!"

"Morgan, what's going on?" said Carter with concern. "Talk to me."

What if your mouth tasted bad? What if he's judging you?

"Please, stop!" she sobbed. "I can't...."

"Stop what?"

She stood up. Her whole body was trembling and her eyes were filled with tears. She was struggling to breath. "Air. I need...."

Carter immediately rushed to open the window.

Why isn't he comforting you? Shouldn't he do that? He really doesn't like you, does he? He probably meant it as a joke or something. He doesn't feel the same. You messed up.

Anxiety, stop stealing my limelight! I'm supposed to make her feel worse!

"Just stop, both of you!"

Carter was scared. He had no idea what was going on with her. It was almost like she was having a conversation with someone else. "Morgan, there's no one else here. Just us."

She grabbed her head and slumped down on the floor. "The voices. They don't stop. And they're fighting again."

"Hey." Carter pulled her in for a hug. He wrapped his arms around her until she stopped shaking. Her breathing returned to normal. He kissed her forehead. "They won't hurt you. I'll protect you. I promise you that."

She nodded into his chest.

He doesn't mean it.

He's going to say he'll save you, but he won't.

He'll hurt you, just like Noah did.

Just silence.

Morgan, are you listening?