Myles (Carter Brother#3)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  Jesus! A Kayla, Carter, sandwich.

  My eyes look to Myles, then to Max, and I can only imagine that I look like a scared lost puppy right now staring at them. I nod my head and my fingers automatically reach out for a loose piece of my flaming red hair, and I start to twirl it around my finger. I’m actually screaming at myself now for pulling it up in a messy bun, because all I want to do is use it to shield me against the two boys sitting beside me.

  Myles’ leg brushes against mine and instead of the normal anxiety and fear that usually creeps in, all I feel is a blush rise in my cheeks and butterflies flutter in my stomach.

  What is he doing to me?

  “Sorry,’’ he whispers, looking at me nervously. I nod my head quickly before looking back down at the table where I’ve dumped my bag.

  “You two are just too talkative,’’ Max whines like we’re getting on his nerves. “The conversation is so stimulating, I might just need to cool off outside.’’

  His sarcasm isn’t lost on me and my lips pull up at the corners. My head turns a little to get a good view of him. He’s the total opposite to Myles. Max has this easy-going charm and banter going on. His easy, carefree attitude and his sociable personality could quite easily make him friends in an empty room. There is just something about him that draws you in. His hair is also darker than Myles’, and his eyes are a shade lighter than what Myles’ chocolate brown ones are. Don’t get me wrong, they have similar facial features, and I guess if you were meeting them for the first time you could get confused as to who is who. It’s their personalities that separate them apart from being twins. Max is outgoing, sharp, bubbly, and so flirty. He’s also more athletic, his build bigger and defined. Although Myles is no slouch, his body build is more natural than his brothers. He’s also intellectual and more interested in where he will end up once school has finished than Max is. They both have great personalities, but Myles just seems to come with a filter, whereas Max, I dunno… I guess that’s why people worry about him so much.

  “Do you have a game the weekend?’’ Myles asks Max, and that’s how I spend registration, listening to the two of them talk back and forth. They soon go on to a game being shown on the television at the weekend, and my heart clenches just thinking about the weekend I just endured.

  Luckily, I’m only in the room next to my registration class once the bell rings, and I wait for Myles to get up before following. Max follows us out of the room before looking left and right down the corridor.

  “Who are you looking for?’’ Myles asks.

  “Oh, Maddie. She’s turned into some kind of stalker and the police won’t put a restraining order on her.’’

  “You actually asked the police to do that?’’ I ask horrified. I know all about Max’s reputation, so the likely case a girl is stalking him is pretty high, but still, don’t sleep with them if you don’t want anything else to do with them.

  “Um, yeah. She tried asking for my number, and after we fuc-made love, she wanted to take my shirt home,’’ he puffs out looking disgusted at the thought.

  My face flames and I nod my head like I understand, but I don’t, it’s a huge lie. I turn towards the next classroom and notice Myles looking down at me grinning.

  “Clearly I got the brains,’’ Myles chuckles, shaking his head at his twin brother.

  “Yeah, up there maybe,’’ Max says poking Myles’ head with his finger. “But clearly I got the brains down there,’’ he tells us holding his junk.

  “Could you please refrain from touching your junk in the hallway, Mr. Carter,’’ a teacher snaps.

  “Oh, Miss. French, you love my junk,’’ he winks.

  My eyes widen at him, and then over to the teacher, waiting to see what her reaction to him is, but she just shakes her head with a sigh before walking off.

  “She totally wants my cock,’’ he grins, and Myles and I both snap our heads to him.

  “Seriously, bro, do you have a filter anywhere inside of you? I’m pretty sure she’s in her forties.’’

  “More experienced,’’ he winks, then laughs at my expression. “I’m off to maths before Mr. Hugh has my ass.’’

  Myles opens his mouth to say something back, but he just shakes his head at Max’s retreating form.

  “Come on,’’ he grins, gesturing to the English room door.

  The halls have quietened down now, so when we walk into the classroom most of the class is already seated and listening to the teacher. Mrs. Perry worked here when I attended previously. She’s really nice and I’m glad I don’t have the other English teacher, Mr. Roberts; he was a complete arsehole to us.

  “Kayla, Myles, how lovely for you to join us. Come in and take a seat,’’ she smiles, ticking our names off on the register.

  Following Myles’ lead I walk behind him to the back of the class, where he takes a seat at a table one from the back, and in the middle row. Everyone watches, some of the girls give me curious glances and some just give plain death stares as I throw my bag down on the floor, and settle in to listen to the teacher.

  As I’m late in the school term after being a witness for the Davis court case, everyone else already knows what they’re doing. The only advantage I have is the fact I’ve already taken the classes and learnt the criteria once before.

  Myles brushes his leg up against mine again and a shiver runs through my body. I try to move my leg away a little without letting on to what I’m doing, not wanting to be obvious, but then his arm brushes up against me.

  I’m still baffled as to why the normal panic and fear I feel when another person, especially a male, touches me isn’t there when Myles touches me. It’s like my body knows to trust him, although my head isn’t on the same line as much just yet.

  Don’t get me wrong, I do trust him, I just don’t trust myself or my judgement anymore. I think it’s one of the reasons my panic attacks are so severe.

  “You okay?’’ Myles whispers leaning in closer.

  I nod my head, swallowing, not wanting to show how much his presence is doing to me. Not that I think he would take advantage like most lads his age would.

  He gives me a knowing smirk and I blush furiously, dropping my gaze back down to the table, not meeting his. I try to ignore him for the rest of the hour lesson, but there is just something about having him this close to me that distracts me, in a good way. I’ve never been like this around a boy before. Not even before… Well, you know who I’m talking about. I’ve just never felt this connection for someone before, and if I’m honest, it’s scaring and exciting all at the same time.

  Chapter Two

  LAKE

  The rest of the day goes by pretty much the same. Myles walks me to my classes, even if we aren’t in the same classroom, which I’m grateful for. Without him I wouldn’t have made it to registration. Even in the lunch hall he knew when I needed my mind occupied with other thoughts, or when I just needed to go and have some alone time. It’s been really good having him there. I know my dad won’t approve, so when he picks me up at the end of the day I lie to him.

  “It went fine. I spoke to a few people I knew, but that’s about it.’’

  “That’s great news, darling,’’ he smiles and I hate that I’m lying to him, but if he knew the truth he’d either send me to an all-girl school or home school me, neither are what I want. If only my anxiety didn’t get in the way of me enjoying the last year of school. “Did you get any homework?’’ he asks mindlessly, as he manoeuvres the car through the busy streets.

  “I only got a little light reading,’’ I tell him, staring out the window and watching the streets pass by in a blur.

  “Sweetie, your mother called this morning on the way to work. She said she wants to have you for the Easter holidays, is that okay?’’

  “But that’s two weeks,’’ I panic.

  “I know, but I’ll be working a lot and you’ll be at home alone all day and night; that’s not good for you,’’ he tells me.

  “Dad, I’m eigh
teen, I’ll be fine. I’ll just go weekends like I usually do,’’ I tell him, hoping he won’t pressure me into going.

  “Okay, that’s fine. I’ll call her back later to tell her.’’

  My mind races knowing what will happen if he calls her. “Yeah, maybe you should just tell her you need me to do some odd jobs around the house, and to get up to date with my school work, so it doesn’t hurt her feelings.’’

  “Good idea,’’ he grins, looking at me briefly before directing his attention back to the road. As soon as I know he’s not looking I breathe out a sigh of relief. I hate going to my mother’s house. I’ve had to put up with her for years and years, and when dad divorced her after he found out that she lied about my rape, I thought that would be the last I would ever see of her. Apparently not, because as soon as their divorce was final he told me she had custody for weekends. I’m eighteen for fuck’s sake, but I know if I don’t go it will only make everything ten times worse, and believe me, that is something you don’t want.

  “Want me to make Spag Bol for dinner?’’ I ask changing the subject as we pull up on to our street.

  “That sounds delicious. I’m going to be in my office, so shout me when it’s ready,’’ he smiles as he parks the car and shuts the engine off.

  Another thing I love about living with my dad, he’s not breathing down my neck every two seconds. He leaves me to my own devices. It’s never even bothered me. I could have a party with a bunch of random strangers and he wouldn’t notice or hear a thing when he’s in his office. It gives me the peace I need to be alone. As soon as I’m free to, I’m moving out and getting my own flat. Nothing against my dad or anything, I just want my own independence.

  After helping me clean away the dirty dishes my dad goes back to his office. I won’t see him now until the morning when he drops me off at school.

  I’m startled when the front doorbell rings. I look towards it with a shaking body, my feet itching to run upstairs and hide.

  “Can you get that, darling?’’ my dad calls, and I know I can’t just ignore it now that he’s heard it. He obviously didn’t make it into his office before it rang the first time.

  I walk over to the door, thanking the person who invented peep holes, and look through it seeing Harlow and Denny standing there with a pushchair. I open the door slowly, surprised to see them both standing there.

  “Hey guys, what are you doing here?’’

  “We brought some chocolate cake to celebrate your first day of school,’’ Denny smiles and Harlow nods her head grinning.

  My eyes begin to water and I shuffle nervously. “Thank you,’’ I whisper.

  “Don’t thank us just yet, Denny still hasn’t lost her appetite after having Hope, so I’d hurry if you want some cake,’’ she smiles and I smile back. Harlow is lovely. She’s one of the nicest people, apart from, Denny, and my best friend, Charlie, that I really know. All the girls I’ve ever known can be downright bitches and so mean to one another. I was thankful when I met Charlie and Denny, neither was like the other girls I had come to know and hate.

  Harlow’s brown hair whips around getting in her face and I stand there wide eyed realising how rude I’m being.

  “Oh, God, come in, come in,’’ I tell them, opening the door wider. Harlow walks in first and helps Denny pick the pushchair up the step and through the door. I look into the little car seat attached to the pushchair and smile down at baby Hope who is lying down, wide awake, and sucking her thumb. She’s so freaking adorable and looks the spitting image of her father. The only trait I think she gets from Denny is her light fair hair. It’s turned lighter since I last saw her too, so I can only imagine how much lighter it’s going to get.

  “Come into the kitchen, my dad’s in his office down the hall,’’ I tell them.

  “Where are the plates?’’ Denny asks, ever eager for chocolate. I point to the cupboard as I grab some forks from the drawer and grab a knife out of the board. I walk over and hand her the knife, letting her do the honours. She cuts off a massive piece and I nearly have a heart attack.

  “I can’t eat that much,’’ I gasp, horrified.

  “Oh, that piece is for me,’’ she laughs, then cuts off another piece half the size which makes me relax and let out a chuckle.

  “You’re lucky we got the cake out of the house. Max walked in from school to see Hope and nearly took the whole thing home with him,’’ Harlow laughs as she takes the fork and starts munching on her cake.

  I give her a smile and look to Denny who is really demolishing her piece of the cake. “Thank you, both of you.’’

  “Don’t thank us yet, we have another motive for coming round,’’ Denny interrupts. The grin on her face is wide and mischievous. Both girls are looking at one another before turning their sneaky eyes back to me. “We want you to come round mine at the weekend for a girls’ night in.’’

  I smile in giddy excitement. This is what I’ve missed the past two years, and what I want back. I’ve missed out on so much with my depression that when I was told I was moving back to Coldenshire I told myself I’ll be stronger, do things I wouldn’t normally do. I soon lose my smile when I remember where I have to be this weekend.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. My mom has me on weekends,’’ I tell them sadly.

  “Tell her you’ve been invited to mine; I’m sure she won’t mind,’’ Denny says hesitantly, but I know from the look in her eyes she doubts it. Denny only met my mother a few times, and every time my mother was rude and condescending towards her. The only time she’s polite is when she wants something.

  “I’ll ask and let you know,’’ I lie, already knowing the repercussions if I did ask her.

  It’s not long before we finish the cake and I invite the girls to watch a movie in my room, not knowing what else to ask. I’m nervous as hell. I’ve never had girl friends over before, so I’m stuck on what I should be doing. They agree and we both grab some drinks to carry upstairs, carrying Hope’s car seat up with us, along with her changing bag. I swear, it’s like she packed for a holiday and not for a visit.

  “What would you like to watch?’’ I ask, moving towards the DVD shelf.

  “I don’t mind. God this room is amazing,’’ Harlow says absentmindedly as she gazes around my room. It’s the one thing I pride myself in because I spend the majority of my time in here. The living area feels informal and nothing about it feels ‘living’, so I’ve always made sure to have the essentials in my room to make it look homely.

  The room is purple, and above my bed I have a huge blocked star, which has little twinkle lights shining down. I made my dad get it fitted when we moved. My bed looks more like a sofa than it does a bed, its huge; it also has black birds printed on the wall behind it flying towards the large window.

  I have a white bookcase in the one corner that has lights behind the shelves. It’s brilliant for when I have one of my nightmares and just need something to erase the shadows in the dark room. I have a matching DVD shelf, but instead of light up shelves I have twinkle lights at the bottom of each shelf that shine down onto the shelf below them.

  My desk is next to my book shelf, which is a simple white wooden desk with a simple white chair with a purple cushion attached.

  My wardrobe is on the other side of the far wall. It dents in a little, enough to fit in poles to use to hang up my clothes, and then in the centre are two built in white wardrobes, one is open with storage boxes and the other is closed by wooden doors. Then to finish it off, the other side, instead of hanging more poles, I asked for some hooks which are in a shape of stars to hang up coats, scarves and bags and stuff. I really do love it. It feels homely and lived in, especially with all my bits and bobs still lying around from organising everything when we moved in.

  “Thank you,’’ I smile, glad they don’t think it’s too girly. When my dad brought my mom round to see the new house, in case she ever needs to stay when he’s away on business, she told me afterwards my room looked like a two year o
ld’s. She’s wrong though. It maybe a girly colour, but the room is sophisticated and elegant, and I couldn’t have wished for a better bedroom.

  Denny takes a seat on my bed, kicking her shoes off just as her phone rings.

  “Hello?’’ she smiles, but then a frown appears between her eyes, right before she rolls her eyes towards us. “She’s fine. We’ve been gone half an hour, an hour at most, for goodness’ sake. No. We’re watching a film. What? No. We’re with Kayla. Go away. No. She’s fine where she is,’’ she snaps, before putting the phone down shaking her head.

  “Mason?’’ I question, smiling. Denny’s always had a crush on him. When we used to hang out she would always talk about him and her plans to marry him someday. I guess she got her wish.

  “No, worse… Max.’’

  “Max?’’ I ask confused.

  “Yeah, since Hope was born he won’t leave her alone. He’s constantly around,’’ she laughs and Harlow and I laugh with her. I can’t picture him being a child person; he seems too… childish himself.

  “That’s kind of cute,’’ I murmur after a second or two.

  “No, trust me, it’s not,’’ Denny giggles and Harlow nods her head in agreement. Harlow walks over to the DVD shelf and looks at my collection of DVDs.

  “Oh my God, Labyrinth. I love this movie. Can we watch this?’’ she asks, and I nod my head smiling. I love this film.

  Hope stirs in her car seat and I freeze mid-step, worried I’ll wake her up, but Denny doesn’t seem to mind as she talks normally over to me.

  “So then, how was your first day of school?’’ she asks me while Harlow busies herself putting the DVD in the DVD player like she’s done it a million times before. I relax a little more knowing they feel comfortable and it’s just me making the situation awkward. It’s then I realise I’ve been in my own mind that I forgot to answer Denny.

  “Oh, um, it was okay. It went good,’’ I smile taking a seat on the end of the bed, nearest where Hope is lying in her car seat. Her eyes are wide open and she’s sucking her tiny fist into her mouth. She’s so freaking adorable I have the urge to get her out of her car seat and munch the hell out of her.