Page 63 of Under the Influence

“What is rumor part two?”

“Everyone was saying that Avery needed an abortion because she wasn’t sure who the father was.”

Jesus.

“Yeah, that’s ridiculous.”

She smiles, “Yeah, I thought so too. She doesn’t seem like Madden’s type at all.”

Madden Atwood.

She continues, “Then again, I’ve only known you for five minutes, but I wouldn’t think she was your type either.”

My head is swirling around with the fact that something could’ve happened between Avie and Madden. Sure it could be bullshit, but typically rumors stem from a version of the truth. I’m aware that we aren’t meant for a romantic relationship, but it still hurts. I know I’m a complete hypocrite when my lips were on Cori’s just a few short days ago. Hell, I was so distracted by her that I missed the playground with my actual girlfriend.

“I guess I’ll see you around then,” she states, taking a few steps toward her house. I think fast, knowing I’m not ready for this conversation to end.

“No, come over,” I blurt.

She looks at me, then back to her house. “I can’t. Uncle Trey already knows what happened, and I don’t want to be in trouble. I can’t afford it, Carson.”

I nod, a little disappointed, but I understand. I wish she would open up and tell me what happened to her. I feel this strange need to be there for her, to protect her.

I know I should let her walk away, but I pull her in for a hug, allowing my jaw to feel the softness of her hair. I run my hand down her bandage, “So much for flying under the radar.”

She pulls back, looking up at me through her lashes, “I still have my paper bag.”

I can’t help but chuckle, “That’s not gonna help you now. Word on the street is that you’ve tied down Nash and that on its own is enough to ensure you will be on everyone’s radar.”

“Nash,” she whispers. “He’s… confusing.”

I remember the way he looked at her, and I try to reel my feelings back in, “He’s been through a lot, and he’s not as bad as he seems.”

She nods, “I see it too. Every now and then, when he stops trying so hard to be a dick, I can see that he’s just… lost.”

“He’s impulsive,” I agree. “He makes horrible decisions and always takes things just a little too far, but he’s my best friend. I’d trust him with my life, Cori.”

She cringes, “After tonight, I don’t think I can say the same.”

I smile and watch as she turns back toward her house, giving me one last glance before disappearing behind the door. Just one look from her, and it’s like the entire world stops. My priorities seem to completely slip my mind when she’s around. It’s a little scary, and I just have to keep reminding myself to stay focused.

When I walk through the front door, I snort-laugh when I see my mom and dad basically going at it right here in the middle of the kitchen.

“Ah-hem,” I cough, making my appearance known.

Dad’s lips turn into a smile, still within touching distance of Mom’s. She slaps his arm playfully, “Babe, not in front of Carson.”

Most people would be mortified to walk in on their parents in the middle of a make-out session, but I’m just happy that they’re happy. That they’re my parents, and they’re here for me. Physically and mentally.

“So honey, everything okay with Nash?”

I roll my eyes, “Yeah, just Nash being Nash.”

The explanation I give them is rushed, and I leave a few details out to get up to bed quicker. When I do, I practically melt into the mattress, between the hospital with Avery and the eventful day, worried that Nash finally offed himself being stupid. I need rest.

I check my phone, not really surprised when I have no messages from Avery. She was distant at the hospital, but I don’t blame her. I dropped the ball big time. On our relationship, on our friendship, on us.

My life was turned upside down when Cori walked into school, but that was by my own doing, of course. I feel that this is just the beginning, though, and the changes will keep coming one by one until everything is different.