The Whip of a Miracle

Chapter 3: A Bold "Movie"

Carson's place must have been ginormous. The halls never seemed to end and the rooms were open, tall, and big. It was decorated mostly with pictures or autumn stuff. Scentsy candles odored each and every room. I wasn't sure what Carson's parents did, but whatever it was, I knew they had to have been amazing at what they did to get all this.

Selina was leading me through passages of the mansion, never exactly explaining why she had a key to the house.

"Well Carson gave everyone a key once we all got really close Freshman year. It's not like he'd ever expect us to come and rob him. And it's not like I'd expect myself to, either. I guess I could though." She decided.

Finally we met the group. They were all piled on top of each other, fighting over a remote.

The room was very large. It had an air hockey, ping-pong/table tennis, mini basketball court, crowded trophy cases, and one big couch in front of a flat screen TV.

"Guys." Selina called for them to notice us.

The kept at it, though, arguing and jumping on each other for the remote still.

We looked at each other. I could tell Selina was annoyed.

"Guys!!!" Selina and I said in unison, laughing afterwards, of course.

They all froze and looked at us. How could these people be in high school? If I didn't know any better I'd assume they were overgrown pre-schoolers. But they did look like they were having fun... And fun' good, right? Besides, someone's got to get that remote. And everybody wants it.

So as they all sat and stared at Selina and I for a minute, I took my opportunity. I stealthily swiped the untouched remote from the carpet floor.

They all stared at me in shock.

"See guys? I told you she was a keeper." Darwin announced, unknotting himself from the bodies.

Within a couple seconds everybody was standing and pushing each other playfully.

"She sure is!" Tara agreed.

"Let's get back to the movie, guys!" said Chad.

"You didn't dare start without us!" Selina protested, flinging her hand to her chest like she'd be shot.

"We did dare, though!" Erin went along, laughing.

"Chill, we can restart it." Michael reminded Selina.

"Whatever, just give me the remote." Carson insisted, holding his palm out in front of me. It was rude.

"Sorry, your Royal Pain in the Ass." I remarked. I handed over the remote.

I didn't realize it was that funny but everyone except Carson started bursting out laughing. Darwin even rolled on the floor. I guess he really was rotflmao.

Maybe they just weren't used to Carson being told? Or treated? Or whatever these Californians called it.

All I knew was that Carson did not expect me to say that. I felt pretty badass, honestly. And that's not usually me, so I was quite proud.

At first Carson only glared at me, but after a minute he too began smiling and almost laughing. He had a really good smile. *smacks myself* No, it was an ugly smile.

The movie ended up being pretty good. We watched A Million Ways to Die in the West. I sat in between Tara and Erin, on the floor against the couch. By maybe six o'clock it was over and everybody started home.

Selina took Michael and I both home. It became obvious to me that the two liked each other a ton since they would not stop flirting until Michael left the vehicle. And even then she was calling him a name from the window as he walked up to his porch.

"You know, it's pretty weird." She said out of the blue after we pulled out of Michael's driveway.

"Weird that I've been here a single day and can still notice you and Michael are madly in love with each other?" I asked. She stared at me wide-eyed. "That weird?"

"Oh, shut up." She joked.

"What, is it not true?" I queried, smiling at her.

She turned away, keeping her eyes on the road and road only.

"Nope." I could easily tell she was trying to convince herself that that was the plain and honest truth.

"You should at least make eye contact if you're going to at least attempt to lie." I told her, laughing at this advice. It was Berry, Berry Thomas from home, who had taught me that.

"Okay, okay, fine. Whatever. Yes, Michael is kinda cute and cool." She finally gave in.

"Called it."

"The weird, I actually meant, was how easy you fit in with us. And even more so, that you didn't take Deeter's shit. I mean everyone knows he's joking around and stuff, but you were bold and fired back. Which by the way, was some funny shit. And he didn't do shit." She began. This made me think long and hard about my day.

I had completed my very first day at East Oak High School as an East Oak Titan. From what I'd heard before, first days as the new kids absolutely suck. Especially since either everyone tries to bother you and be your "friend," or the exact opposite. I must have been lucky or something, because for me it was neither. And it wasn't like I wouldn't be able to adapt quickly. Even though I missed Berry at an all time high now so many miles away, I knew I'd survive with Selina and the others. They were gonna care for me. I was positive. I was positive about that, with one exception; Carson.

"It's just not like him." She whispered.

Driving under the city lights with Selina Rich, listening to the Weekly Top 40, I knew something was different about Carson. And I also knew I was someone different in this friend circle too.

"Is shit your favorite word?" I finally managed to say in between all my deep trails of thoughts.

"You could say that." She said, laughing a little to herself.

Later that night when I laid in bed, with my phone scrolling through Instagram, of course, I could only think of two things.

One. Sleep. Because I needed energy.

And two, Carson Deet.

He was very different and hard to wrap my mind around. I couldn't decide his overall personality. Was he good or nah? With so much precious sleeping time on my hands, I weighed out all that had occurred when we were in the same room. First, lunch. He was very against me sitting with his crew. He made numerous rude remarks as if I wasn't right there to hear them. Maybe that was his intention, though? Okay, anyway, second, was at English. There he acted like we'd been friends for at least three months, more than just strangers. And he told me something I assume most people are unaware of; his preference of name, Carson. Then at his house for the group's movie night. He was just like before at lunch, only a little different. When I insulted him, he only smiled. Like I'd won a freaking prize or something.

I don't know if it was just me or if none of that made sense, but I'm going to go with the second one. That made no sense. Carson made no sense.