Chapter 32: Chapter 32

“Carter!” I greeted. He instantly smiled and pulled me into a tight hug. I buried my head in the crook of his neck. He released me and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. Grace smiled and hugged him, he kissed her forehead.

“Hey babes,” he replied. He shut the main entry door and escorted the two of us into the living room. Grace and I sat back on the couch with our feet propped up on the coffee table. “You two act like you live here or something.”

I smiled. “That’s because we practically do.”

“Yeah, we’re here almost every day. Now, why don’t you be a good host and go get me a soda,” Grace demanded. I laughed and Carter rolled his eyes.

“I’ve got a better idea, why don’t you come with me so we can make some popcorn.” He said to Grace. “Why don’t you pick out a movie,” He turned to me. He ran his fingers through his ruffled brown hair and stood up. They disappeared around the corner into the hallway that guided them into the kitchen. I knelt down in front of the DVD cabinet and rummaged through the mountain of DVDs.

Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound.

“Grace? Carter? Are you ok?” I yelled. I was about to walk around the corner and head into the kitchen, when I ran into Carter.

“Yeah, we’re fine,” He panted. I stared at him and furrowed my eyebrows. Before any words could escape my lips, Grace walked past me, her lipstick was smudged, her long and silky dark brown hair was messed up, and her hands were empty.

“Grace…” I said suspiciously.

“Hmm…” she hummed.

“Why is your lipstick smudged?” her eyes widened.

“I um… I had to open the popcorn bag with my teeth,” she said nervously. She lifted her fingers to the side of her neck and then placed her hand on it.

“Where’s the popcorn?” I questioned.

“Shit,” she mumbled. Grace looked down at her shoes. I bit my lip and grabbed the bowl of popcorn from the marble counter top. When I turned back around, Grace was gone. I trudged back into the living room and thrust the bowl of popcorn in Carter’s hands.

Carter stared at me, in shock. I sat on the other side of the room, with my arms crossed over my chest. Grace sat closer to Carter.

How could they keep this from me? My best friends, they kept this from me. I know that Grace didn’t directly say what they were. I don’t know if they’re dating or just friends with benefits and honestly, that’s not the main point. This would explain why Grace has been leaving at random times, who she's always texting, and what I just saw was a dead giveaway. They were obviously making out in the kitchen. Why would she feel the need to cover up her neck? Why was Carter panting when he walked out of the kitchen? Why did they keep this from me?

“Hey Kaelyn? Did you pick a movie?” Carter asked me. I ignored him. “Why are you mad?”  He questioned. I watched Grace give him a look and he took a deep breath. "Oh."

“I need to leave,” I muttered. I stood up and walked towards the front door. There were footsteps behind me. Grace grabbed my shoulder, digging her nails into my skin, just before I could open up the door. I spun around on my heels and looked my best friend dead in the eye. “How could you keep this from me?”

“I’m not keeping anything from you. There’s nothing serious going on between Carter and me,” she said quietly.

“Then can you explain the hickey on your neck?” Grace’s hands immediately flew up to the left side of her neck where the giant purple blotch was.

“Okay. I’m sorry I kept this from you. Carter and I aren’t dating… we’re more like-“

“Friends with benefits,” I huffed. She nodded. “Grace, you know I love you, but just be careful. I don’t want him using you. He’s our best friend, but don’t forget the reason I stopped talking to him five months ago.”

“He’s not using me. I think he’s going to ask me to prom soon… I think… I think I love him, Kaelyn,” she admitted. My eyes widened.

“I hope things go the way you want.” I told her. “I’m going to the skate park. You two have fun alone,” I chuckled. Grace’s cheeks turned pink.

“I’ll see you later. Thanks for not hating me,” she said.

“I could never hate you, no matter what.” I smiled. I pulled open the door and grabbed my skateboard that was leaning against the side of the house. I started skating off down the street before briefly stopping so I could put in my headphones.

I started jamming out to All Time Low, Lost In Stereo. I wasn’t exactly paying attention to where I was skating, which probably wasn’t the smartest idea. I collided with something- someone. I was lucky enough to fall back into the grass instead of the cement. I can’t say the same about the poor person I ran into.

“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was skating.” I laughed.

“That’s okay. I know you normally don’t.” I instantly recognized the voice. It’s a voice that I once fell in love with. I took a deep breath and looked up, only to be greeted with Shane’s icy blue eyes staring into mine. My breath started to hitch up, causing the corners of his mouth to twitch up. “C’mon Kaelyn, don’t act like you’ve just seen a ghost. It’s just me, Shane.” He offered me his hand. I shook my head and pushed myself up off the ground.

“What are you doing? Stalking me?” I said coldly. Shane chuckled and shook his head, which caused his bangs to cover his eyes.

“Not exactly, no. Didn’t it ever occur to you that I might actually walk around my neighborhood?” He put emphasis on the word ‘my’. I just rolled my hazel eyes and picked up my skateboard. “It’s funny because this is our first conversation together in five freaking months,”

“Just leave me alone.” I muttered.

“Kaelyn… you hate me don’t you?” I looked at him. He was no longer smiling, his eyes had softened and he was looking down. “I’ve never lied to you.”

“Stop. Please,” I said. Tears were forming in the corners of my eyes.

“I miss you. Please stop ignoring me. I’d at least like a decent conversation.” he mumbled. “I hope you realize how much I need you in my life soon,” he stated before turning around and walking in the opposite direction that I was headed in. I threw my skateboard down on the sidewalk and angrily started pushing off. I was on the verge of crying.

I’ve never lied to you.

I miss you.

It’s just me.

I hope you realize how much I need you in my life soon.

I took a deep breath and turned left onto Baker Ln. I was going back home instead of the skate park. I picked up the pace as I skated down the road. The wind was whipping my hair around my face and tears were blurring my vision. It’s crazy how those simple phrases made me so emotional.

*Author's Note*

I'm really grateful for all the support from my lovely readers ❤

Do check out my other story that I'm working really hard on. It's called "Yes, Master"

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