My New Home

18: I'm Fine

"How drunk were you two last night?" Someone asked, shaking me awake. I opened my eyes to see Liam staring at me and Owens intertwined bodies.

Owen grumbled and turned to me, he smiled at me. "Feeling better?" I shrugged. "I guess." Liam gave us a questioning look.

"Feel better? What happened at the party?" Liam couldn't know, no one else could know.

"Nothing, I'm just not a party gal." I said, getting up from the bed. "And why are you two in the same bed?" He asked, that wasn't too crazy of a question.

"We didn't have sex if that's what your asking." Owen said, joining me off the bed. "I wasn't asking that, I'm asking why you two were sleeping together."

I groaned, sure he was just being Liam but I didn't need him to be the curious and teasing guy.

"It's none of your business, bug off will ya!" Liam's eyes widen and he put his hands up. "Whoa sorry, I didn't mean do tick you off."

Owen pulled me back on the bed and whispered. "Carrie you need to clam down, okay?" I nodded, feeling bad now.

"No I'm sorry, I better get back to my room." I stood, turning away from them.

"That was weird, is she okay?" I heard Liam ask when I was halfway up the stairs. I didn't think I was but I had to keep pushing.

I left the basement, bumping straight into Benji in the process. "Hey, sissy." I was so happy to see him, he always made me feel better.

"Morning!" I kneeled down and hugged him, he giggled and hugged me back. "Sissy are you okay?" He asked, after I held him for longer then I usually do.

"Of course I am." He didn't give it a second thought, he kissed my cheek lightly then skipped away.

"Hey honey." Hank said, giving me a side hug. "Hey Hank." He noticed my off balance attitude immediately. "You okay, sweety?"

I faked a smile, worst case scenario would be if Hank found out so I must keep it covered up. "I'm great, just a little tired."

He frowned. "Oh so the party got you tired?" I started freaking out inside, he knows about the party?!

My look of horror had him chuckle, he shook his head. "Oh Carrie, don't look so scared." That wasn't much comfort.

"I'm sorry Hank, I didn't drink a drop I promise." He took both of my hands and sqeeuzed them.

"It's okay, it's only natural that a teen girl goes to one." I bit my lip, thankful he didn't get angry.

"So your not mad?" He laughed. "No, I'm not mad." I smiled just as the twins walked in.

"Someone's in a better mood." Liam grumbled, I sighed. I really shouldn't have been such a jerk, even if he was being so pressing.

"Much better." I said, coming up to him and sqeeuzed him. "Is that an apology?" I rolled my eyes. "For what? Shutting down your curiosity?" I got him there. "Whatever, Carrie."

After a short conversation with them, I made it to my room. Lingering at the room, staring at my empty bed.

I slowly walked in and took my phone out of my pocket, I cringed at my notifications.

Charlotte
Four missed calls and ten unread messages

Delilah
Eight missed calls and three unread messages

Penny
Three missed calls and two unread messages

All my friends are worried about me, but the one contact that had me most worried was Brent.

Brent
Fifteen missed calls and six unread messages

I clicked on his messages and started reading them.

~ Brent ~

Hey, you okay?

I'm really worried.

C'mon call me please...

Carrie talk to me

Are you mad about me beating Elliott up?

I'll leave you alone, talk to me when your ready.

I pressed the call button and placed my phone against my ear. "Carrie!" He answered after one ring. "Brent, I'm sorry I didn't answer you."

"No no no, it's okay. How are you?" I bit my lip. "I just can't stop thinking about it, about him." I confessed.

He was silent for a minute, only are breathing broke the silent. "Do you want me to come over?" He finally said.

"No it's okay." I wasn't going to force him, I didn't want to involve him in my broken life.

"Are you sure? I don't mind." He said kindly, I smiled. "I'm okay really but can we keep talking." He did make me feel better.

"As long as you want." He said. We talked for a while, maybe an hour and I felt way better after we hung up.

"Talking with Brent?" Owen said, a playful smile. "Yeah, I was." I say, he enters my room and sits next to me.

"Are you gonna tell my dad? About what Elliott did to you." I shook my head violently. "No, and you can't tell him either."

"I won't, unless you change your mind." He said, rubbing my back. "I won't be changing my mind." I say matter-of-factly.

"Okay." He said.

"Okay." I replied.