Childhood Sweethearts

Chapter Twenty One

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Thank you to Allpandasruule who said Taylor Swift's song 'Out of the Woods' reminds her of Carter and Lacey.

Dedication: Thank you KnittedMittens for the awesome cover on the side!

Recap:

"Not for me, I've known for a while I wanted to move and besides it's next year. I just want someone to move with! Would you though? Be interested, that is?"

I leaned back and contemplated her offer. Surprisingly, the whole idea sounded appealing. To get away from here and travel sounds awesome. The thought of being away from Carter literally tore at my heart, but at the same time, time away from him is exactly what I need. I need to know what life is like without him.

"Surprisingly yes?" I said but it came out more of a question.

 "Yay!" she exclaimed. I let out a laugh as a foreign feeling of elation rushed through me. The idea of getting away from here was actually amazing. I would love to travel. "I'm going to keep researching and get back to you. We shall discuss this at the school camp this week. Get ready for the best year of your life!"

With that, the line went dead. I placed my phone down and stared at Carter's backyard for a few moments, deep in thought. The rich, blue sky was illuminant, stretching across my vision. This place was beautiful and I shouldn't want to leave it, but I think I have to. Travelling for a year is just what I need. Time for me, myself and I. 

With that decision made, I felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. 

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A scream of frustration tore from my throat as I threw the Wii controller up into the air. Carter laughed beside me, shaking his head. I folded my arms across my chest and began glaring at the wall opposite me.

"How is it possible you still smash me? You're injured!" I cried out.

Carter and I had always been highly competitive against one another, video games included. A cocky smirk stretched across his face as usual. He rested back, wincing slightly. He clearly finds this a lot more amusing than I do.

"You do realise it's not real tennis?"

"Only strengthens my argument." I scowled. "I'm over this, let's do something else."

"You're such a sore loser."

"Bite me."

As Carter was still cooped inside, again, I volunteered to be his babysitter. I forgot how frustratingly good he is at everything he does. It irks me to no end that he is naturally greater at everything than I am. He was moving a lot better now, but still had quite sore muscles and bruises from the incident.

I clambered to my feet and stretched, feeling the muscles in my back crack. A yawn left my lips as I was ready for another nap. Time sure does go fast when you wake up at lunch. The weather outside was cold, dark and miserable, making it perfect movie and snuggling weather. For me, anyway. The rain never stopped Carter. If anything, he was only keener to surf, claiming the water was 'warmer' or something.

He cleared his throat. "So about this dance."

"Ugh," I said with a groan. I collapsed roughly back onto his bed.