"You went to a high school party without telling me?" Addy shouted, smacking either one of my arms using the full force of her fists. "I can't believe you! I was even debating on going to that one!"
I couldn't tell if she was seriously angry or just 'busting my chops' so I stayed silent as it seemed like the best option. When she gave me an even more angry look, I said the stupidest thing that someone in my position could have possibly said. "Sorry?" The fact that I said sorry wasn't what made her shove me off the bed either, it was the fact that I said it as a question.
I am really bad at this social thing. “You’re such a bitch!" She screamed, jumping on my back and tugging at my hair, not too hard thankfully, but still enough to make me cringe.
"What the hell fell?" Archer shouted, opening the door and looking around the room frantically. I felt my throat start to close up at the sight of him. It was just a game Carmen, breathe. Oh, and stop talking to yourself, it's getting freaky. "Adelyn Eastwood get the hell off of her." He spat, his jaw clenching as he did. The dragon began running through my stomach again as I saw the muscle contraction, and I seriously needed medical attention right now.
Addy looked at him with complete confusion. He never yelled or said her full name unless he was serious. "You both suck." She murmured, standing up and off of me, making her way out of the room and towards her kitchen. Why do people always leave me alone with this guy?
"Are you going to get up, or will I have to pull you up?" He smiled. Not one of those disgusting half smiles he did, but an actual amused smile. At that moment I wished that it would never leave his perfect face. Ugly face more like it.
"Oh um right." I managed to squeak out, pulling myself to my feet and brushing off the dust that Addy never cleaned before trying to brush past him. He chuckled, grabbing my arm and shoving the door closed with my back. I felt the walls closing in and my breathing was getting heavier with the close proximity. "I can't- uh- walls. Too close. Can't-" I tried to form a cohesive sentence, but I just couldn't seem to get it out.
"Shit I'm sorry." He mumbled, running a hand through his silky hair that I seriously wanted to tangle my hands in. Your hands would probably get cut, does he even brush his hair?
"Oh it's fine." I nodded frantically, pulling off my sweater so I was only in my tank top. I took a deep breath and smiled as I could finally fill my lungs.
"No it's not. I should be more considerate, I just-" Was Archer getting nervous? I chuckled at the thought, and when I did his eyes lit up. "That's such an adorable noise." His compliment made my cheeks turn a bright red, and it suddenly felt like the tank top was suffocating me.
"Oh well um- Addy's really mad at me and I should-"
"You're not going anywhere Carmen. Not until we talk."
Yet another lump formed in my throat as my eyes searched his. People talking in books, movies, and television shows never goes well. Oh god what if he's going to lead me to my death? Or send me into the Hunger Games? I started searching the room for a quick exit, knowing that Archer was going to kill me. "I'm too young to die!" I shouted, hoping it would distract him long enough for me to escape.
"I'm not going to hurt you Carmen. I would never hurt you." He whispered, sighing as he took a step closer to me, examining my reaction to make sure he didn't do anything I wasn't comfortable with. I couldn't help but smile at the action, and stupidly took a step towards him too.
"W-what do you want to talk about?" I finally built the nerves to ask, keeping the possible exits in mind just in case.
"Why is Addy mad at you?" He asked quickly, I knew it wasn't the main topic, but I guess it was better than "Final words?"
YOU ARE READING
A Lifetime to Learn
Teen FictionIn this sequel to 'A Year to Live,' Isadora and Graylan Dorlan's daughter Carmen is now seventeen years old, and just like her mother; isn't normally noticed by people of the opposite sex. With her sister Helen and Calum constantly in the spotlight...