The Storms That Fated Us

by JP Summers

  Mira ran over to me asking, “Are you sure Evan’s in there?”

  “Of course, I’m sure. I know his voice from anywhere.” I responded, bawling my eyes out.

  John walked past us and pounded on the door, demanding whoever was in there to get out because other people had to use the toilet. The second the door unlocked, Evan walked out with some other senior. I lost it. My heart shattered into pieces as Evan walked by me without saying a single word.

  My nostrils flared as I ran over to him, yanking his arm and shouting, “Don’t you think I deserve an explanation as to why you’re messing around with that whore?”

  He gave me a shitty grin. “You want an explanation, well here’s one. When I became second priority in your life, I decided you weren’t worth my time. Don’t get me wrong, you were great for some things, but I’m graduating soon and really don’t need the extra baggage.”

  I didn’t get a chance to get in another word. Evan unexpectedly hit the floor so hard everyone stopped what they were doing to see what happened. To my surprise, Carson started beating the shit out of him. Cruz, John, and Logan had to pry Carson off of Evan’s beaten body. I knew he was strong, but never did I think he could pulverize Evan, leaving him with a swollen lip and bloody nose.

  “Don’t you know who you’re messing with? I’m the captain of the varsity team and I’ll get you kicked off so fast you won’t know what’s coming,” Evan snarled.

  “Do whatever you want, but don’t you ever disrespect Tia like that again. You never deserved her, hell, you don’t deserve anyone because you’re a selfish prick,” Carson fumed.

  Carson walked over to me placing, his hand on my face. “Are you going to be okay?”

  I shook my head replying, “Just get me out of here.”

  Hearing I basically meant nothing to Evan was a cold, hard slap in the face. On the inside, I felt the way Evan looked after the ass-beating Carson had given him.

  I decided to take my mom’s advice and call her for a ride. She always said to call any time day or night. I was worried I might get in a little trouble for having alcohol on my breath, but decided I’d rather deal with a scolding than being in the same house as Evan.

  Even though my mom was against me drinking, she was relieved that I was smart enough to call when I needed a ride. She helped get Carson into the backseat while I explained the whole Evan ordeal. I could tell by the tone in her voice it was a relief I wasn’t dating him anymore. She cautioned me about getting involved with a guy who seemed to care more about himself than the girl he was dating.

  It took us a little longer than usual to get to Carson’s house due to the fact he got sick on the floor in the backseat. I’m sure my mom will make sure he hears about this for a long time. I’m just glad he didn’t live so far, otherwise the second time he threw up would have covered the whole backseat instead of the patch of grass near the front door to his house.

  Thank goodness Julisa arrived at the same time as we did. She was able to help me drag Carson’s muscular body out of the backseat and up to the front door. He finally woke up, becoming coherent enough to walk into the house. But he was so unsteady that things were being knocked all over the place, leaving his sister to clean up after him. If his parents weren’t such heavy sleepers, he would have been in so much trouble.

  Once we got Carson into bed, Julisa stepped out, leaving me to remove her brother’s shoes and tuck him in. Just as I leaned down to whisper “goodnight,” I felt the strength of his arms grabbing onto me. He pulled me in close to his body, refusing to let go of me. “You’re going to squeeze the life out of me,” I gasped, hoping he’d loosen his strong grip.

  “Sorry, Tia. I just need to be close to you right now. Is that okay?” Carson said in a low tone. He inched his mouth near the bottom of my earlobe, whispering, “Please don’t go.”

  “I have to. My mom is waiting for me outside.”

  “Please don’t leave me. You’re the only thing I have left in my life that matters.” Carson professed before he lost his tight grip on me and passed out.

  It didn’t take long for Carson to start snoring. I grabbed the trash can from underneath his desk and placed it near the side of the bed. Quietly, I snuck out of his room and then headed back to the car where my mom patiently waited for me. Shortly after leaving Carson’s house I broke down and cried about Evan. Mom said I could do so much better—like my best friend, for instance.

  Every time she mentioned the two of us becoming a couple, I laughed it off, but that was the first time I didn’t think it was so funny. I actually found myself contemplating the idea of becoming more than friends. We already knew everything there was to know about one another. I’d already experienced what it was like to kiss him, so why not take things one step further and go out on real date.

  My mom pulled into the drive thru at my favorite fast food place, ordering a double, bacon cheeseburger and the biggest chocolate malt they had on the menu. We sat in the car stuffing our faces and I felt just a smidgen better about Evan stomping all over my heart. I thanked my mom for knowing exactly what it would take to get a smile back on my face. Instead of putting a Band-Aid on the place that hurts the most, my mom used her motherly instinct to fix the wound no one else could see. There’s nothing like greasy food to temporarily ease the pain of a nasty breakup.

  *****

  The flames in the fireplace had dwindled down to ashes as I put down the yearbook and climbed out from under my blankets to add more wood. We couldn’t chance not having any kind of heat. My teeth wouldn’t quit chattering. Other parts of my body remained unpleasantly cold, so I reached for more blankets.

  As I bundled up, I happened to notice Carson had rolled over and was facing me. He actually looked peaceful resting. Minus the loud snoring. My best friend was present somewhere underneath those blankets. Deep down I felt he wanted to escape the depths of the hell Erin had forced him into.

  While I stared at Carson sleeping, I found myself wanted nothing more than to snuggle up next to him in the way we used to whenever it was just the two of us watching movies. I could always lie saying I’d developed sleepwalking disorder with the downside being me using people as pillows.

  Knowing I needed to get some sleep, I laid down, but after tossing and turning so many times I should have created enough friction to start a fire underneath the blankets, I got even colder than before. I tried to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. It’s so damn cold in here I swear icicles are forming on the tips of my eyelashes.

  The winds seemed a little calmer outside, which gave me hope that the worst of the storm had passed. I wanted to believe that we’d get out of here sooner rather than later. Somehow, Mother Nature and Fate have strategically planned out what is going to happen on this mountain. There’s absolutely nothing Carson or I can do to change the outcome of the weather.

  I remained restless while my body temperature fluctuated. Every part of me started shivering, which diminished any hopes of falling into a deep slumber. I needed more layers of clothes to keep me warm. Mira had packed a few sweaters along with extra ski gear, which I hoped would at least warm me enough to stop trembling.

  Before I had a chance to uncover myself to go get the clothes, a warm hand found its way underneath my blanket and my body instantly felt relief. I closed my eyes as more warmth enveloped parts of my body which were almost frozen solid. Was I imagining Carson’s body wrapping itself around me? Little by little, I began thawing out and felt more at ease. I was afraid to move out of fear this wasn't real.

  Then a set of hands found a place on my stomach and a subtle voice exclaimed, “Don’t think for one moment this changes anything.”

  His body pressed itself hard against mine while he grumbled, “I’m only doing this because you won’t quit moving and your shivering is messing up the cushions I’m sleeping on.”

  Carson finally settled into place with the front of his body aligned perfectly with the back of mine. I di
dn’t dare smile or he’d surely sense my contentment and pull himself away from me being back in Carson’s arms felt right. There’s always been some kind of magnetic force between us. One that drew us together our freshman year and continues to keep its hold even after the emotional chaos we’ve been through.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The aroma of bacon filled the cold air while I remained hidden under my blankets. I’m not sure how long Carson held onto me before deciding he’d had enough. I don’t even recall ever once feeling cold while I slept in his arms. As the bacon sizzled, a tiny smirk escaped my lips as I remembered the very first time Carson attempted to cook breakfast at my house. I bet the neighbors had no idea how their quiet morning was about to get interrupted. Tears of joy laced with desolation welled up in my eyes from vividly recalling the events prior to the night he almost burned my mom’s house down.

  *****

  I had taken so long getting ready for the spring all-sport banquet that my mom had to rush me out the door. It wasn’t my fault for having to stand in front of the mirror for two hours making sure every part of me would stay tucked inside of my dress. I’d never worn anything so revealing in my life. Mira and Audrey had fought me tooth and nail to buy this dress, saying I would look amazing in this little black ensemble. All I’d done up to that point was feel insecure in something so dressy.

  I was already nervous about going to the banquet. As some kind of cruel joke, Carson and Evan had tied for winning the MVP title and both were going to receive an award; one which I had won too.

  “Matia, quit biting your beautiful manicured nails,” Mom said in the car on the way, slapping my hand away from my mouth.

  “I can’t help it, I’ve never been more nervous in my life. I wish the seating arrangements would change since sitting next to Evan will be brutal."

  “Honey, just pretend like he doesn’t exist. I know he hurt you pretty bad, but look on the bright side.”

  “What is that?”

  “You look gorgeous in that dress, and every teenage boy will drop to their knees once they see you walk through those doors. Evan will regret the day he dumped my baby.”

  “You always know how to cheer me up. I’m happy you could join me. I love you, Mom.”

  “Oh, you know I wouldn’t have missed this for the world and I love you too honey.”

  All eyes were on me the moment I entered the ballroom. No one had ever seen me this dressed up, including Carson, who stood near the stage with an astonished look on his face. I had never felt more attractive than I did in that moment. My mom elbowed me and whispered, “You’ve given every teenage boy in here a stiffy. Didn’t I say this dress looked great on you?”

  “Mom!” I said petrified. “I’m already self-conscious as it is, please don’t make it worse.”

  “Sorry honey, but did you see Carson’s reaction? I know you keep saying there’s nothing going on other than being best friends, but the way he always looks at you is like the way your father used to look at me.”

  “I told you our friendship is important and I don’t want to mess things up.”

  “I know you say that now, but things can change. Sometimes the best relationships start out as friendships. Don’t turn you back on the idea of being with Carson, because I honestly think he’s the best thing that ever happened to you.”

  A huge part of me wanted to see Carson as more than a friend. If there were ever a time to dive into a relationship, now would be that time. Neither one of us were involved with anyone else, which would make it easier if we decided to date. I just don't feel he’d be ready to emotionally commit to me considering he seems to be hung up on Erin despite his constant denial about the topic.

  My mom went to sit with Carson’s parents while I made my way to the table on the stage where all the recipients of the MVP awards got to sit. Carson couldn’t take his eyes off of me as I walked up the stairs trying to concentrate on not falling since coordination wasn’t one of my best qualities.

  Evan stood on the other side of me, a gleam of desire evident in his eyes. At the same time, Carson and Evan went toward my chair to pull it out for me. Hostility broke out between them.

  “I got this, Rodriguez!”

  “That’s okay, she doesn’t need your assistance. I got this!” Carson retorted.

  “A real man knows how to treat a lady, so why don’t you just sit down like a good little boy and let me do my job?” Evan insisted.

  “Are you kidding me, Evan? Do you think you’re a real man? Please, don’t make me hurl over your expensive suit.” Carson spat.

  I quickly got between them and interjected, “Thanks guys, but I’ll seat myself if you don’t mind.”

  The minute I sat in my chair, nervousness stemmed throughout my body and made my hands so sweaty I feared my utensils wouldn’t stay firmly in my hands. I turned my head toward Carson’s, whispering, “How in the hell am I going to make it an entire hour and a half in front of all these people? I’m nervous as hell!”

  He shifted his body in my direction and whispered back, “I think I have a way of helping you relax and not be so anxious.”

  Our meal consisted of steak, twice-baked potatoes, and a side salad. We were only allowed thirty minutes to eat because Mr. Peterson, our school’s principal, wanted to be punctual and have the ceremony start at the exact time stated on our programs. I left the cloth napkin on my lap as Mr. Peterson began speaking and the waiters took our plates from us. I turned my attention toward Evan, who was on the right side of me. I couldn’t help but notice how his suit formed perfectly to his body. For some reason, he caught my attention and I couldn’t look away. How can I not tolerate someone but still be attracted to him?

  I grabbed my water to take a sip and almost spit it out on the table cloth. A warm hand somehow found its way underneath the table and napkin to place itself on my lap. I stared into the crowd with a bewildered grin while Carson’s hand crept its way to the hem of my dress. My eyes must have looked like a deer caught in headlights.

  I bit down on my lip in hopes of keeping myself silent as his fingers taunted my thigh with circular motions. Evan cocked his head toward me then winked as he cunningly smiled. I returned a phony grin as Carson slowly trailed his fingers underneath my dress, stopping just an inch or two shy of my panties.

  Mr. Peterson announced my name, making me reach down with my hand to swat Carson’s away. Evan nudged me to stand up to get my award while I was reeling at the fact that my best friend was being a major tease. The second I jumped out of my chair, I lost my balance and fell forward onto the table, knocking my glass of water onto Evan’s lap. I wanted to smack Carson for that little under-the-table production.

  What the hell was he thinking? As soon as we left this banquet, I was going to punch him in the stomach and demand answers for his roguish behavior. At least no one had seen Carson’s playful under-the-table antics. GOD! What if someone saw what was going on behind the thin, white table cloth?

  My mom walked up to the stage as soon as the ceremony was over, saying work had called her in. I understood and was just thankful she was able to see me get my award in the first place. Carson asked if I wanted to stay until the banquet was over or leave right now. I chose the latter.

  His parents walked over to us, reminding me Sunday dinner was starting at 5pm and they expected to see me there. I loved his parents to death. They had become my surrogate mom and dad once Carson became best friends with me.

  Julisa became the sister I’d never had. She always picked on Carson about dating me since we practically were in a relationship. I knew how much his sister hated Erin but tolerated her for baby brother’s sake. That went double for me. I only stomached Erin because it made Carson happy.

  I carried my award plaque proudly as Carson led me to his jeep. He was about to open the door when I took my elbow and mildly rammed it into his stomach. With a few choked-out coughs and a very questionable look on his face, I grabbed the handle, saying, “That was for taking advant
age of me during the award ceremony.”

  Placing his hand on the door to stop me from getting into the jeep, Carson boasted, “I told you that I had a way of helping you not be so nervous.”

  “That was supposed to help? GOD, Carson! I could have knocked that whole table over from that little trick you pulled on me.”

  “Are you saying you didn’t like any part of what I did under the table?”

  “I… I’m not going to respond to that. Besides, you are pretty damn ballsy for doing something like that in front of a room full of people. What would your mother say if she knew her son was being a bad boy?”

  “Why, are you planning on ratting me out?”

  “No… just don’t ever do anything to surprise me like that again.”

  “Fine… fine… I’ll keep my hands all to myself.”

  “FINE! You better!” I remarked as we drove off and headed back to my place.

  The drive seemed a little bit longer than usual. Maybe it had to do with the fact neither one of us spoke a word on the way there. It kind of bothered me that Carson was able to easily joke around about what had happened back at the ceremony. All he did was pile on more confusion about the way we always found ourselves acting overly affectionate towards one another whenever no one else was romantically linked to us.

  Once we got to the house, I kicked off my stupid heels and changed into my favorite pair of comfy pajamas. I went into the living room to find a DVD for us to watch while Carson changed into the clothes he brought along. He must have planned on doing a movie marathon instead of hanging out with the guys.

  I put in a romantic comedy while Carson turned off the lights, grabbed the blanket from the recliner, and brought it to the sofa where I was already sitting. He covered us up while I fast forwarded through all the crap in order to get to the actual movie. We spent the first 30 minutes laughing so hard I actually snorted. The last 45 minutes, I desperately tried to stay awake to finish watching a movie I’d seen so many times I could recite every line.