He Called Her Angel

Shirtless

Chapter 14

Shirtless

*Cassidy's POV*

Carter had treated me coldly the entire week and whenever I tried to get him to open up all he would do is become angry and push me away. I wasn't the only one who noticed his odd behavior; his friends did too. Conner seemed to be the only one to understand what was going on with him.

In drawing I questioned Conner about it. I kept thinking I had done something wrong, but Conner kept saying that he couldn't tell me and to just let him be. I pouted angrily throughout the entire class because I just wanted to know what was going on.

At the end of class Conner gave me a piece of paper with a cartoon drawing on it of a narwhal. He was trying to cheer me up and it kind of worked. "Don't pout look at the happy narwhal!" Conner said with a goofy grin. I laughed at his weirdness and walked to the cafeteria with him. I still couldn't stop blaming myself for Carter's behavior.

As if reading my mind Conner said, "Look don't blame yourself. He is in a lot of pain right now. It's best if you just leave him alone." I nodded taking in everything he said. We walked to our table. Did I mention that Carter's group of friends were still sitting with us? Well they are, but Carter hadn't been at lunch this entire week.

I got to know a lot about Carter's four best friends throughout the week. Kyle was hilarious, but he was also brilliant. It didn't take me long to realize that he was incredibly smart, but not in the way that made you feel stupid. Alex was the ultimate prankster and was very carefree. Nathan was pretty quiet, but he was really sweet. I also learned that Conner and Jenni were much better friends then I first realized. Overall the guys were very entertaining to have around.

The day went by quickly and finally the bell rang letting me know that I was free for at least a few days. It is Friday, but I didn't make any plans. I probably should start doing that. I arrived to an empty home, not that it surprised me. After telling my mom about how I felt she kept trying to talk to me, but I wouldn't let her. I know, I know I'm being stubborn, but that's who I am.

I am also terrified about what she is going to say. I don't want her to justify her behavior and make it sound like she is doing nothing wrong. I don't want to be told that I'm selfish for wanting my parents to be around.

They were never here when things got bad. When my mom finally noticed the cuts on my wrist she took it the wrong way. She thought I was being over dramatic and trying to gain attention. I can see her perspective could make sense, but the thing is, she was wrong. One pain used to distract another. That's all it is.

Everything clicked all of a sudden. I thought back to Carter wearing jackets all week and how Conner mentioned he was in pain. God, I am so stupid. I ran out of the house and down two blocks until I made it to his house. I was panting heavily as I leaned against his mailbox. I stared up at his house. It was slightly bigger then mine and was a light beige color.

'What am I even doing here?' I thought to myself. I wanted to help Carter. I guess I felt obligated to since he cheered me up last week. I walked up to his door. I was about to knock when I had another thought, 'What if I'm wrong? What would I even say?'

I took a deep breath. I mean what's the worst thing that could happen? He could end up being a serial killer that feasts on 17-year-old girls and he is just luring me into his trap! I shook my head. Sometimes my imagination gets out of hand. I lifted my arm and knocked on the wood door and nothing happened. I knocked and nothing.

I hadn't even thought of the idea of him not being home. I was about to turn and leave when I noticed the button next to his door. If I was stupid before, then I am an absolute idiot now. Hear I am knocking and he probably can't hear me and there is a doorbell right here!!! I pushed the doorbell and listened as the chimes rang out through the house.