AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I don't get the appeal, but I guess I'd have to live in Carter's shoes to understand his fascination with such a morbid color. My life might not be filled with colorful rainbows, but at least I still see some light in it. I don’t think Carter does, though. Maybe at one time in his life he did, but definitely not now. Not since his mom and dad died six years ago, and he and his brother were forced to move in with Pearl, the only living family member they still had.
It sucks balls.
But I guess that’s life for you. You’re never too young to be handed a crappy deal. Carter’s folks are long gone, while mine are healthy and breathing, and yet they are just as present in my life as Carter’s is in his.
My parents are so preoccupied with their own bullshit, they don't even register my existence. The only thing Dad sometimes makes time for is my ball games. Not all of them, mind you, but enough to make me want to try my best to be number one on the field. It's the only time I get his pride and attention. He drags Mom to come too but I know she only relents because she likes to socialize with the other moms. Especially if it means she’s the prettiest of them there. The beauty pageant queen side of her likes to be in the spotlight, no matter where she goes. Even if it’s fake cheering for a son she wished she never had. I know having a boy as her only child was a disappointment for her. She can't dress me up or put a tiara on me, and after I wrecked her body—her words, not mine—she didn’t want to go through another pregnancy just to be disappointed with the end result. Again, her words, not mine.
I guess it is what it is.
I wasn't lying earlier when I said I preferred to have sisters like Logan. Sure, they could be a pain sometimes, but at least they care about him. I'm not even sure my parents like me, much less love me.
But I could have it worse.
I could be Carter, with no parents at all and a diabetic sick grandmother that needs his help more than she is able to offer him. His older brother is away at college and never comes back unless for summer vacation. I don't think they have a strong bond at all like Logan has with his sisters. And if I’m really honest, I think the only brother he really has is me and Logan. On that account, I understand him perfectly.
They’re the only family I have, too.
Carter
I'm still standing at my window when Logan and Quaid barge into my room. Even though I heard them rushing up the stairs, I don't turn around. They walk closer to me, each one standing at my side, taking in the view I haven’t been able to get enough of.
“Do you have a name?” I ask breaking the silence.
“Valentina,” Logan whispers reverently.
Valentina.
It suits her.
“Her dad is going to buy us pizza and gives us ten dollars each to help them bring the boxes inside the house. I told him you'd help,” Logan explains excitedly. Like a puppy who just got a new chew toy, my friend can’t wait until he sinks his teeth on this new plaything.
“I'm not much of a helper,” I clip, turning my back to the pretty view and laying flat on the bed with my arms under my head.
“Stop being an asshole, Carter, and get downstairs. Don't even try to hide that you're not the tiniest bit curious about meeting Val.”
Hmm, Val. So that’s what he’s calling her. I prefer Valentina myself.
“Yeah. Get your ass up,” Quaid goads, nudging my foot with his knee.
“It's too hot for hard labor.”
“I already gave Mr. Rossi my word,” Logan insists, throwing daggers in my direction.
“You gave your word. Not mine.”
“Don't be a dick and get your ass downstairs.”
“I’m fine right here,” I yawn back at him, picking up my phone and pretending to scroll through my texts, feigning complete indifference to his wants.
“Whatever. I don’t even know why I tried,” Logan seethes, before walking out of my room and slamming it so hard, I’m surprised he didn’t crack the hinges.
You tried because you’re a good guy, Logan.
I’m turning you down, because I’m not.
“Get your ass up, man! I know you want to, so don't even try to play it cool. That shit doesn't hold water with me, and you know it,” Quaid counters, a small scowl starting to surface on his lips.
I’m not surprised that Quaid sees right through my bullshit. He always has. I guess it takes living in pain and heartache to see it in another person. Logan could never see me the same way Quaid does. But while Quaid hides his hurt behind a wide smile and a playful joke on his lips, I wear mine like armor—hard, dark and unyielding.
