Paper Thin

• 59: Dandelion Wine •

Listen to this song late on in the chapter.... or now... or forever. Have fun tearing up at the chorus HAHA

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Melody

After school Carson and I sat in the car, letting it warm up. I stared out at the snow, struggling to stick to the asphalt and sidewalk. There was soft music playing on the radio, but I wasn't really hearing it. I was content with sitting here suspended in time; neither coming, nor going.

"Ready to go?"

"Hmm?" I blinked and met Carson's graze. He gave me a soft smile.

"Want to come over?" He asked. I smiled and nodded. It would be a good escape from my house though I'd probably get in trouble for coming back late. Carson slowly pulled out of the parking lot and headed to a house that felt more like home than mine.

It was a quiet drive, as I was lost in thought, wondering what my school day would be like tomorrow. I knew it was futile to think about it because the reality was that I didn't know. Rose could figure out another way to ruin my day. My friends could want to meet with me, or they might not want to. They were probably sick of all the drama surrounding me. I was too. What I did know was one thing.

"I have math homework for tomorrow," I mumbled quietly.

"Okay, I have a desk in my room. You can do it there if you like," Carson said gently. I noticed him watching me, stealing glances every so often. Slightly, I turned away, looking out the window once again.

"Sounds good."

We turned a corner, now on Carson's road. He drove into his driveway slowly, before putting the car into park. He turned the car off and didn't move for a moment.

"So, my mom is going to be super excited to see you... don't give in. We'll go straight upstairs," Carson laughed, making me smile. He opened his car door and I did the same, bringing my backpack with me as I stepped out of the car.

When we got inside, the smell of fresh cookies wafted toward the front door, pushing away the icy air that tried to enter the foyer. The sound of water running from the tap stopped the moment Carson shut the door behind us.

"Cars, is that you?" His mom called.

"Yeah! And Melody!" Carson replied.

Fast-paced footsteps padded along the floor until they brought forth Harper White, in her caramel-haired glory. She wore a pair of jeans and a purple long-sleeved shirt. A smile bright on her face, she hugged us both one by one.

"Hello my son! Melody! How was your day?" She asked.

"Good," Carson said, while I said, "Fine."

"Great, well, come in! I have warm cookies and fresh fruit in the kitchen," Harper grinned, ushering us inside, as we kicked off our shoes and pulled off our jackets.

"Can we take some to my room? We have homework," Carson asked. His mother gave him a look that seemed knowing.

"Sure, don't mind me," Harper said with a cheeky smile. "I'll bring something up in a little."

"Thank you," both Carson and I said heading up the stairs.

"Door open Carson," his mom said in a singsong voice.

"Yes, Mom," Carson sighed climbing the steps, a blush creeping across his face. I smiled a little at that and accidentally missed a step. Stumbling forward, I managed to catch myself, a hand stretching out to the banister. Carson spun around to face me.