Guilt
Ch.14
“I can’t believe that just happened to me,” I thought as I walked out of last hour, ready to get home. I couldn’t wait to tell Laylee. I hadn’t been flirted with in so long. It was a shock to me. All the sudden I felt self-conscious about myself. I looked down at my shirt and messed with my hair. Walking down the stairs to the new commons, I realized with disgust that I actually liked it. Oh. My. Gosh. I couldn’t let that happen again. It’s like I’m cheating on Sean. I know it sounds ridiculous but that’s how I felt.
As soon as I came outside, the frigid air hit me like a rock, taking my breath away. I pulled my hoodie over my head and shoved my already gloved hands into my warm pockets. I headed for the bus stop and sat on the bench. I was starting to regret letting Blake take me to school since now I had to ride the bus. I fumbled around in my mesh backpack (school requirement) and pulled out my Skull Candy headphones and listened to Adele as I waited on the bus.
It had been a while and the bus wasn’t coming. I looked around and pulled my jacket closer around me. I crossed and uncrossed my legs. This was so embarrassing. I had missed the bus. I got up and started walking across the campus. A red truck pulled up beside me and the window rolled down, revealing Carson. I looked straight ahead, hoping he would just leave. But I don’t even know why I hope anymore. He called out to me.
“Hey! Need a ride?” The sad thing was, I did need a ride. He stopped the truck and opened the passenger door from inside. “You know, that was a rhetorical question.” He grinned that grin of his. I decided to get in. In my defense, it was cold. And I had a long walk. So you can’t blame me for getting in.
“Thanks”, I muttered, pulling the seat belt over my chest. “No problem.” He grinned again and put the truck into gear. His truck was brand new. It even still had a new car smell in it. But I knew that I wasn’t the first girl to sit in this seat. I felt uncomfortable and looked for an excuse to get out.
“You don’t have to take me home.” I looked down at my splotchy red hands. He gave me a funny look as we turned onto the highway. “Okay. How ‘bout my place?” I could tell these words had been used multiple times before. He looked relaxed and calm. One hand on the steering wheel and the other propped on the door. But I was panicking “No. I mean… you can just drop me off here.”
“On the highway?” he laughed. “It’s alright. I can just take you home. Jeez , I don’t know why you’re so scared of me.” He laughed again. I wished he would stop. He had one of those laughs that made you want to laugh along. I tried my hardest not to. From then on it was silent in the car besides me telling him where to go. Which was fine with me. I kept my eyes on the blurry sidewalk out the window, feeling him look over at me every now and then. It seemed like forever before we got to the apartment. He put the truck in park and I leaned over to unbuckle my seatbelt. As my thumb touched the red button, Carson leaned in and put his hand on it too. We looked up at each other. We were so close. He leaned in closer to me, I closed my eyes… and then pulled away. My face flushed. That was too close. I unbuckled, and hopped out. “Um… thanks. For the ride.” I looked up. He didn’t look embarrassed at all. “Yeah. See you, Lauren.” I closed the door and rushed up the stairs to my apartment door and fumbled with my keys. I finally got inside and closed the door. Leaning against it, I rubbed my forehead thinking about how horrible I am. I almost let him kiss me! I heard his truck start up and drive down the road through the snow.
*I'm so excited to have gotten this far! I think I may end this story around chapter 25. It's sad but I'm ready to move on. Maybe my next story will get a lot more faves! *wink, wink* lol. Not sure what it will be about, though. Comment if you have any suggestions and as always, click the heart and follow me!
hannahmichale97