The Boy in the Black Hoodie

Chapter Forty-Seven

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Trey's POV

 I didn't quite know what we were going to come across in the FFO building, but finding Carson was definitely not what I was expecting. It was a pleasant surprise, however. 

"It's been a long two years, Carson," I told him, clinging tightly to his shirt. 

"Shh," he said. "I'm here now, right?"

I smiled. I always felt safe with Carson. No matter what Samuel did to me, Carson always made it feel better. 

"Hey," Carson whispered. "How's your back?"

"It's okay," I said. 

"How long has it been?"

"Two days."

Carson cringed. I didn't understand why. He got beaten, too. A lot worse than I did. He gently set me down. "Let's go."

I followed him down a few hallways before he stopped in front of a small door. He opened it, grabbed something, then turned back around to me. In his hands he held a small container filled with...I didn't even know.

"What's that?" I asked curiously.

He grinned, his eyes bright. "Magic."

"Wow," I muttered. "What does it do?"

"You'll see. Hey, I've got a surprise for you. Want to go see?"

I nodded empathetically. "Yes, please."

"Come on."

I skipped towards the elevator alongside Carson, wondering why he seemed so much more relaxed. He was always tense and afraid the last time I had seen him. What had changed? 

We rode up to the fourth floor in a contented silence. I hummed slightly, rocking back on forth on my heels. 

"All right, Trey. Close your eyes."

I did as he said, excitement building in my gut. Carson guided me along the way, stopping for a second to open a door. He gently pushed me inside. I giggled softly, unable to stay so silent and still. I could feel Carson smile beside me.

"Okay," he said. "You can open them now."

I slowly opened my eyes and gasped. "I-Is that really for me?" I asked in awe.

"You bet."

My hands flew to my mouth. I couldn't believe it. A bed. My very own bed. "Can I...can I touch it?"

Carson laughed. "Of course you can touch it. It's yours, isn't it?"

I walked slowly towards the bed, wondering exactly what it would feel like to lay on one. Probably amazing. I lightly brushed my fingers on the clean white sheets. Was it even possible for something to be this incredibly soft?

"You like it?" Carson asked me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"What does it look like, you idiot?" I said, tears forming in my eyes. 

He chuckled. I sat down tentatively, still feeling as if what I was doing was forbidden. My body, though light, still sunk down in the plushness. I yelped in surprise and Carson raised an eyebrow at me, stifling a laugh.  He took a seat beside me. "Pretty cool, huh?"

"I'm starting to think that this is all a dream," I told him. "It's all so unreal."

"Yeah," Carson agreed. "It does seem that way." 

I leaned against him, sighing contentedly. For the first time in what seemed like forever, I felt not only safe, but secure. 

"Hey, Carson?"