ENDLESS

S5 Chapter 14

BAILEY MATTHEWS

MONTH: NOVEMBER OF 8TH GRADE

My eyes slowly fluttered open. My window showed the dim light coming from the surrounding water. It was always a nice sight seeing all of the different sea creatures swimming by my window.

And something that was also nice is that it's the weekend. No school today.

I still get name called a lot. Evan and I found ourselves constantly getting in arguments with bullies. I no longer settled it with my hands after my father berated me, but I always felt the urge.

The anger always boiled beneath the surface.

So on days like this, it was always a relief to finally be released from the constant edge and tension. My head felt clearer than usual as I got up from my bed and put on my slippers.

I walked out of my room to go get a drink. Carter and Scarlett stood in the hallway together, a sketchbook in his hands. He gave her a smile, chuckling here and there. His facial expression was vibrant and it left me curious.

Carter lost his best friend months ago. And ever since then, he's changed a lot.

But not in the way I'd think.

He was much more.. chirpier. Carefree and casual. Really, he acted like a clown, with his constant joking. He seemed to be doing a lot better.

He even got back into competitive swimming. Last I heard, our parents were talking about how his grades are straight A's and he's still holding it down with finals season coming up.

I could see parts of his old self coming back, and it made me relieved to see. He's taller, probably around 5'10, and healthier too.

I wonder how he does it.

Robin is gone, but he seems to be doing better than ever.

There's no way I'd be able to be that strong if I lost Evan.

''Oh, hey Bailey.'' Carter's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was facing towards me now, Scarlett's eyes also on me.

''Hi.'' I greeted tiredly.

''I'm going out.'' He stated. ''I'm getting my first tattoo.''

''Wait, what?'' I asked in shock. Did our parents allow that? I'm aware that they have tattoos themselves, but Carter just started high school.

''Can you tell mom that I'm leaving?'' Carter requested. ''My appointment is soon, I need to go.''

''What are you even getting a tattoo of?'' 

''You'll see.'' He responded vaguely, walking ahead. Scarlett followed after him. ''Oh, and we're taking a taxi. She has nothing to worry about. See you soon, baby sis.'' With that, they left out the front door into the tunnel.

Well, that was abrupt.

I pulled out my phone to text Evan. I hoped that he was free to hang out today.

BAILEY: Are you doing anything?

I went to grab a drink and something to eat while I waited for him to respond. Suddenly, it vibrated.