Green Lights (ASORM, Book 1)

Chapter 8: CARISSA IS WORRIED

They rode most of the over six hour drive in silence, with Bentley nervously chewing on his nails the entire time. Carissa didn't really know what to say, for fear of making things worse.

Eventually, the pulled off the freeway and into the parking lot. She let Bentley run off while she went to find a parking spot, which was surprisingly hard for a Saturday evening. Geez, I wonder how many people had to be hospitalized today? Finally, she found a spot, although her SUV barely fit.

When she pulled her phone out, she saw that she had received a text: Don't come in, they're only allowing direct family members in.

Where should I go and wait? She replied.

Hold on, I'll get you the keys to my sister's apartment.

Carissa sat in the car and waited for what seemed like forever before Bentley came up to her driver's side window. He handed her a sheet of paper with the address and a ring with 3 keys and a blue crystal dog keychain. "The silver one is the one that opens the door to the building, the gold one is for the elevator, and the black one is for the door of the apartment. Please don't deface her place, she's in enough debt as it is." He laughed awkwardly, but Carissa could see the tears stained on his face.

"You coming tonight?" Carissa asked, reaching out to stroke his cheek and wipe away a tear.

"I don't think so. Nadia said that the fridge is pretty empty, so you might want to stop by a grocery store on your way," He said. "And her roommate might be home, but she said he's okay and will probably just mind his own business. You can leave tomorrow morning."

Carissa opened the door and stepped out. "I'm not leaving you," She stood on her toes to kiss his forehead.

"You really should, though. Not leave me, just go back home, because, you know, work and all," he hugged her and started sobbing.

"It's going to be okay," Carissa tried to soothe, patting him on the back.

"What if it's not?" Bentley sobbed. "Ma basically raised me because my parents were always working, and she even moved from San Francisco to LA for us. She gave up so much for Nadia and me, and I wish I hadn't left her for so long."

"Hey, hey," Carissa reached up to wipe his tears away. "I'm sure she'll forgive you."

He took a deep breath. "I really hope so," he whispered, then hugged her again before she got in the car and drove away.

*****

Carissa was feeling very lonely as she walked along the aisles of the Palo Alto Safeway by herself. Even the sight of bread didn't really cheer her up (although she did buy three loaves). She just wished Bentley would have let her in a little more; she was more than willing to share in his problems. But at the same time, she kinda understood. Bentley didn't talk about his family much, and they were probably a sensitive topic for him. He hadn't introduced her to any of them, so it would be awkward to introduce her now.

Carissa sighed as she carried her basket containing the bread, two family sized bags of potato chips, a bag of Frito twists, a box of pasta, a can of sauce, some sausages, some meatballs, a pack of pepperoni, a stalk of celery, and a twelve-pack of variety candy bars to the self-checkout.

"Whoa, you planning a barbecue or something?" an elderly woman with fading blonde hair asked her as they were waiting in line.

Carissa shook her head. "I'm just a hungry individual who seems to eat a lot," she laughed.

"Ah, the good old days, when I could eat as much as I want and not have to worry about getting fat!" the woman asked, patting her barely-there muffin top.