Fall from Love

knowing she needs some hydration. She drinks the entire glass and wipes her mouth using the back of her hand before collapsing back down on the bed. I cover her up, turn off the light, and head for the couch.
    “Carter,” she mumbles as I reach the door. I turn around and stare into the darkness.
    “Yeah?”
    There’s a moment of silence until she says, “Will you stay with me?”
    My heart tightens and I’m not sure what to do or say to her. Slowly, I make my way back over to the bed. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
    “I just don’t want to be alone tonight,” she says. Even through the darkness I can see her shift and scoot over to the middle of the bed. Reluctantly, I get into the bed beside her. When she turns into me and lays her head on my chest, I freeze.
    It takes her a few seconds to get comfortable. When she does, she reaches up, kisses my neck and my whole body stiffens. “You’re sweet, Carter. Thanks for dancing with me and for taking care of me.”
    “You’re welcome,” I respond, letting out a long breath and easing back a little farther; trying to get comfortable. It feels so good to have her in my arms, but it feels wrong, too, on so many levels. Without a doubt, things are changing between us and, as much as I want more with her—as much as I want to give her what she wants—I’m not sure I should. At least, not until she knows the truth.

 
     
    Chapter Eleven
     
    The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.
    ~ Helen Keller
     
    HOLLY
    Since the Halloween party, things between Carter and I have changed. Or they have changed for me, at least. My feelings for him go beyond friendship and it wasn’t until I saw that girl hitting on him at the Halloween party that I realize just how far those feelings really go.
    I remember the sick feeling rolling around in my stomach just picturing them dancing together. I remember how good it felt to be in his arms when we danced and how good it felt to sleep on his chest that same night.
    Even though my feelings are stronger, I haven’t told him and we are still strictly just friends. It’s hard to tell how he feels about me sometimes and I don’t want to be the first one to make a move or take the chance and ruin the friendship we have.
    The weekends have become somewhat of a ritual. When Friday night rolls around, Jenna and I head over to Josh and Carter’s and usually spend the weekend over there. We play pool, watch movies, and occasionally we go to Sterling’s for open mic night or battle of the bands.
    Every time we go, I miss being up there on stage and singing more and more. In the past month or so, I’ve been writing a lot and it feels good to get some of my emotions out on paper.
    I’m walking out of class and adding up the hours in my head. Four hours until Jenna gets home, then twenty minutes for her to change and re-do her makeup, and then a ten minute drive to Carter and Josh’s place. So, four hours and thirty minutes to keep myself busy. I guess I could study for Dr. Langford’s test next Monday. There’s also a mound of laundry that needs to be done.
    As I’m fumbling around in my purse for my keys, my phone chimes. My lips spread out into a smile when I see that it’s a text from Carter, but then it falls the second I read it.
    Carter: Josh and I can’t hang out tonight. Sorry.
    Me: That sucks :(
    Carter: We’ll be back tomorrow night. I’ll txt you.
    Me: K.
    If he and Josh are both out, then it must have something to do with a call for the rescue team. My stomach clenches, but I try to push away the negative thoughts.
    By the time I get to my car, I hear my phone chime again. This time it’s from Jenna.
    Jenna: Bad news. The guys are out for tonight.
    Me: Just heard. Girl’s night?
    Jenna: Yes! We’re so overdue for one of those anyway. :)
     
    ❧
     
    As much as I hate to admit it, weekends suck without Carter and Josh. They end up cancelling on us for Saturday night, too. It’s Sunday morning and I find myself looking forward to school with the hope that next weekend will come quick so I can see Carter again. The past few weeks, school has been getting so hectic that we hardly see each other during the week.
    “Oh, my God, is it just me or is this weekend super boring?” Jenna asks me, opening the refrigerator and pulling out some OJ. “We are so lame. We didn’t do anything but lie around, watch movies, and eat junk food all