The Eighteen Year Fallout

Chapter 18

Carson tapped his phone nervously against the table he was sitting at in Starbucks. He knew that there was a big chance what was about to happen would cause even more problems but after spending time in the nursery with Alexa and Isabella the previous week he knew this needed to be sorted. Taylor had sounded cheerful and almost excited when he'd rang her and asked her to meet him at the coffee shop. This scared Carson. Although he'd initiated the meet up, he had no idea what he was going to say. Right now he was seriously confused but he knew that Isabella needed him so he'd have to take a step back from his romantic feelings and focus on her. For now at least.

"Carson?"

He was jolted out of his thoughts by the sound of someone shouting his name across the coffee shop. For a nano second he'd hoped it was Taylor, who it appeared had punctuality issues but the voice was deep and masculine which diminished that idea. Looking up he saw Daniel Jack, his best friend. It was funny but it felt unfamiliar seeing him. Although Dan had text him a few times about the baby and Alexa, he'd been so preoccupied at the hospital he hadn't been going to school and he didn't have the time or energy to be going out with his friends. His priorities were a hell of a lot different than theirs these days.

"Daniel" he nodded, as his best friend appeared beside him, "Long time bro"

Daniel nodded before pulling back the chair in front of Carson and collapsing onto the seat.

"How's the baby?" Daniel asked, and Carson had to admit he was shocked that his best friend was even asking. To say Dan wasn't a baby person was a major understatement.

"She's...alive" Carson sighed and he noticed the sympathetic expression he received, "She's so small and weak man. They say she'll need to stay in hospital for quite a while yet. It's scary how much I love her already though."

"Never thought I'd hear those words coming from quarterback star Carson Michaels" Daniel joked, "I'm sure she'll be fine bro. She has your genes after all. She's a fighter"

Carson couldn't help but smile. Lissa had said the exact same thing.

"How's Alexa doing?" he asked and Carson sighed.

"She's good man. I'm so confused though" Carson admitted, knowing he had to speak to someone about this.

"Don't tell me, you've developed feelings for her" Daniel groaned, "you do know who her best friend is don't you?"

Carson nodded not trusting himself to speak.

"You're signing your own death warrant dude"

"I know. I know" Carson groaned thumping the table, "that's the problem Dan."

"What is?" he asked sternly, "just start from the beginning Carson."

Carson nodded in response before launching into the story. He told his best friend all about how he'd spent quite a lot of time with Taylor while Alexa was ill. How he'd felt himself becoming more and more comfortable with her. About the trip to the fair and the multiple kisses. He then went on to tell him about the moment in the nursery yesterday with Alexa. How he felt something for her too. He finished by telling him about how he was actually waiting on Taylor to show up and how he had no idea was he was going to say to her.

Throughout the whole rant, Daniel remained silent before letting out a low whistle when Carson finished.

"That's fucked up" he announced bluntly and Carson couldn't help but agree with him.

"I feel guilty all the time" Carson admitted, grateful he was getting this off his chest, "This isn't me. I never feel guilty. You know that"

Daniel couldn't help but chuckle, "To put it bluntly, you're usually a dick to girls"

Carson smiled at his best friends attempt to lighten the mood.

"You've got a past with Taylor though" he continued turning starkly serious, "You're getting yourself into dangerous territory man. If you do get together with her and Alexa finds out about your past together...you're screwed. You need to think about what you want. Do you want to dig up the past again or do you want to be the best dad you can be? I remember the state Taylor was in last time dude, it was bad and I just don't think it's worth the risk again. It's your choice though..."

Carson knew that everything Daniel had just said was the truth. His bluntness and inability to lie was something he admired about his best friend. Right now he was in limbo about which girl he wanted, when really all that mattered was his little girl.  It was in that moment that he knew he'd made his decision, all he needed now was to man up and tell both girls.

"Thanks dude" he replied sincerely as Dan nodded understandingly.

He was about to tell him his decision when his phone began to ring, interrupting him. Picking his phone up he glanced down at the caller id before holding it up for Daniel to see. 'Taylor' flashed across the screen and he was bewildered as to why she was ringing him. She was meant to be here almost twenty minutes ago.

"Hello?" he answered the phone expecting to hear Taylor's melodious voice but he didn't.

"Carson, it's Lissa"

Why was Lissa ringing him on Taylor's phone? Had something happened.

"It's Isabella" she rambled, not waiting for him to reply, "her condition has worsened Carson. It's her heart. You need to get here, Alexa needs you. Please Carson."

Carson wasn't quite sure what happened after he hung up. His mind was jumbled as worry surged through him. He jumped out of his seat to the surprise of Daniel and quickly dashed out of the coffee shop. He could hear his best friend shouting his name as he followed him, but he couldn't turn around. His little girl needed him.

Daniel finally caught up to Carson as he fumbled with his car keys failing to insert them into the lock of his car. Shouting in annoyance he slammed his fist against the car in anger. 

"Dude..." Daniels voice was full of worry, "calm down. What's wrong?"

Carson took a deep breath attempting to calm down, "Isabella. She's gotten worse. Her heart" he spluttered, his eyes filling with tears.

"Here" Daniel pried the keys out of his best friends hand before opening the door easily, "I'll drive you. Get in"

Carson was so numb with worry he was unable to protest so instead he just nodded and jogged around to the passenger side of the car and got in. Daniel climbed into the drivers seat and started up the engine in silence. He quickly accelerated and the car raced out of the coffee shop car park and onto the main road.

Neither boys spoke as they sped in the direction of the hospital. The same thought was going through both of their heads though.

Was she going to be okay?