Carter took a deep breath and swung her legs over her uncomfortable hospital bed. She was very happy to be in her regular clothes again. Zac had brought her one of her favorite outfits, her zaccar tanktop written in bright red glitter, and a pair of black shiny pants with a bright red transluscent scarf pinned around her waist so that it skimmed the floor when she walked. All she needed now were her 50 silver bangles for her empty, boring wrists. Oh well, maybe she could started a new fad for hospital bands. One more day, she told herself, one more day and she would be home.
She'd made Zac go home for the day to get some rest. He hadn't slept in almost a week. She told everybody she would feel a lot better if they were all refreshed for her homecoming tomorrow. So she was at the hospital by herself, or so she thought. Leaving her hospital room to take a walk, she smashed into Isaac, almost causing her to fall to the ground.
Isaac grabbed her arm to steady her, careful not to put too much pressure on the bandage covering her stitches. "Whoa. Sorry Car, that's the last thing you need is for me to be pummeling you to the ground. You're not going to accuse me of touching your boob are you?"
Carter shook her head. "Don't sweat it. I think I'm over that now."
Isaac nodded and began walking with her around the hospital.
"So why are you here? I thought I told you to go get some sleep." She eyed him intensely.
"Well, I was getting ready to take a nap when I got an e-mail from Beth."
"Oh. How is she?" She asked, walking past a room that an 80 year old woman sat, perched by the door, waiting to yell at anybody who disturbed her. She hated Carter most of all, and Carter had only been there for a week. She saw Carter as immature and crass. She even called her disrespectful to which Carter replied "You aren't handed respect with age, it's something you are rewarded with time. I owe you nothing." Carter walked by, gave her the punk rock sign with her hands, stuck out her tongue, and then kept smiling. The woman's jaw almost fell into her lap and Carter was afraid she'd have to adjust her dentures.
"Wow, you really know how to make a great impression."
Carter laughed. "I guess so. So what's the deal with Beth e-mailing you? You guys talk everyday on the phone."
"Yeah. That was part of the problem. She's grounded from calling long distance because her last phone bill was in the sky freakin high range. So she asked me to call her right away."
"Sounds urgent."
He stared ahead.
"Ike?" She asked, nudging his arm. "What was it about? Did something happen?"
Isaac shrugged. "I guess you could say that."
"So tell me. It's not like you haven't told me secrets before."
"Remember when she was conversing with Taylor before we really met?? He waited for Carter to nod before continuing. "Did he ever tell you about who lived in her neighborhood?"
"Yeah, three snobs, some guy, and about 40 thousand rugrats."
"The guy... His name is Andrew and I guess he's always falling all over her."
"Well, she's beautiful. You have to respect that."
He nodded. "I've always been prepared for her getting hit on by guys. It's never bothered me before. But he really goes out of his way to impress her."
"So? She loves you. Why should other guys hitting on her bother you now?"
"When I called her... she started to cry. She keot apologizing over and over."
Carter waited patiently to tell him the rest.
"She and Andrew were at the park swinging. I don't get it... Beth hates swings... but they were talking about stuff, about her sister."
"The one that died?"
"She killed herself. Beth is still really bitter about it. But I guess Beth poured her heart out... and somewhere within the next few hours..."
Carter watched as he stared at his feet. They had stopped now and Isaac looked as if he was having trouble telling the story.
"Things happened..."
"What kind of things?" Carter paused and her eyes widened in surprised. "Nooooo..."
He nodded.
"Are you sure?"
"She told me flat out. That's why I don't know what to do. I mean, I love her. I know she... and he... and... She was honest with me. She didn't lie. That's got to count for something."
She nodded. "It does. But I guess whatever happens next is up to you. She did betray you..."
"I don't know how to trust her again. We were waiting..."
"Waiting. Waiting?"
Isaac sighed and looked her in the eyes. "If I tell you something... you can't tell my brothers, and you can't tell Meli I told you."
"Ok."
"I wanted Beth to be my first. And me hers..."
"Your... first? What about?"
He bit his lip. "What you think happened between Meli and me a long time ago, never did."
"Wait, what?"
"We made out... She wanted to. She wanted me to teach her stuff." He shook his head. "This is so ridiculous. I guess, when she found out that I didn't really have anything to teach her, she got mad and left. Then she told you that... we did..."
"So she lied to me?"
"I couldn't just go and tell you that she was lying because I figured you'd believe her over me, and then hate me. So I went along with what she said."
Carter took a deep breath. "Ike, I hated Melissa then. There was no idea I'd believe her over you. You should have told me the truth."
He nodded. "I'm sorry. But I guess this is why I'm so upset. I'm 20 and... I wanted Beth and I... I wanted it to be special, you know?"
"Yeah. Shit, I can't believe that Meli would lie about that. So she's a virgin?"
"I guess so. I don't really know. But she never did it with me."
"Wow, it's amazing the kind of weird ass stuff you learn while you're in the hospital."
He laughed.
"Ok, here's what I'd do. Call Beth back. You can use my phone card so your parents don't get pissed. Tell her exactly how you feel about it, and let her know that you love her. Let her know that you don't hate her."
He nodded. "I have to give her another chance. I really do. I can't give up on everything we've been through. We've been together almost a whole year. Stuff like this happens and the important thing is that she was honest."
"Right. So do you feel better now?"
"Yeah." He gave her a quick hug. "Thanks for everything. But do me a favor and don't totally attack Meli when you see her next. She's changed."
"I know she has." She laughed and pushed him. "Now go call Beth!"
Isaac hugged her again and left. Carter turned around to go back to her room. She was tired and wanted to put in another appearance with the bitter old hag before she took her nap. Before she got a chance, she ran head on into Tanis. "Geez. Don't people in this hospital have eyes to watch out for crippled people on the run?!"
Tanis laughed. "Sorry. I was trying to catch up with you but you turned around fast. Have you harrassed Mrs. Hagisson today?"
Carter's mouth fell open. "Her name is Hagisson? You're kidding me."
"Hardly." They laughed and then Tanis fell serious again. "Look, your sister is really pissed off at me."
"Can you blame her?"
"Honestly no. If I was her, I'd hate me too. I just... I really didn't know that she and Taylor were an item."
"Well, that's kind of my fault. I could have told you. I shouldn't have let you guys go out on your date."
Tanis shrugged. "Carter, I think I really like him. I mean, he can be a total dick but... when he's alone, he's a total sweetheart."
"Ah, the basis of every healthy relationship."
Tanis rolled her eyes. "I don't want Meli to be mad at me though... I've just started making new friends and I never thought I would after Gabi..."
"Well, give her some time. I'm sure she'll get over it. And as far as Tay goes, chances are he'll never decide on his own who he wants to be with. If I were you and Meli, I'd stick together, give up on the fruit tart, and find yourselves some real men."
Tanis laughed. "Like Zac."
Carter looked at her cautiously.
"Oh God. That came out way wrong. Don't think I'm going after him." She laughed. "I would never do that. Besides, wild monkeys couldn't pry him away from you."
"You think so?" Carter asked, smiling.
"Hell yes." Tanis looked around. "Can I tell you something?"
"What?"
"I saw her again last night."
Carter sighed. "Not this again... Angel, she's gone. Gabi isn't alive."
"Then why is she always around?"
"Did she talk to you?"
"Not this time. I was at the mall and she was in the parking lot getting into a car. She looked at me and then left."
"You're probably just imagining it."
"I didn't imagine the damn garage thing... she was there."
"Along with fancy furniture and newly polished floors. Angel, that garage has been charred for years."
"I know what I saw." She sighed. "Anyway, I'm going to talk to her parents today. I'll let you know what happens ok?"
"Alright. Stay away from Meli for a while. She really needs to cool off. And no more wild dork lovin with Tay either."
Tanis laughed. "As if that ever happened. Alright I'll see ya. Party at your house tomorrow?"
"Zac's. Bring me presents!" Carter laughed. Then Tanis left and Carter walked back to her room. She had her mind set on mooning Mrs. Hagisson on the way, but she was no longer sitting by the door. She was in her bed, fast asleep. Carter would just have to wait until later.
Carter
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