Tales of the Underground: Blinded - 50. St. Carter

I tried my hardest to force a smile as I looked to my family, but as the world began to spin fell back on my head. I tried my hardest to hold the pan to my face, but couldn’t keep my hand steady. My Dad went to step forward, but before he could Carter was already by my side. He patiently held it for me as I vomited once more, trying his hardest to hide his disgust.

“Sorry.” I was able to force out as I looked up to him.

“Don’t be.” He smiled, placing his hand on mine.

I went to lean forward once more but as I moved I felt pain radiate through me. I couldn’t help but groan and reach for my head. Before my free hand could get there Carter grabbed it.

“You’re not supposed to touch your face.” He warned, taking a closer look at me.

“It hurts so much.” I complained as I felt my strength began to fold.

My Mom worriedly looked to my Dad as she heard those words. “I’ve never heard him complain before.” She whispered.

“I know.” He nodded before waiving over a nurse. “Can’t you give him something? He’s really in pain.”

“I’ll talk to the surgeon and see what we can do.” She agreed, quickly walking away from the small closed off area.

The minutes felt like an eternity as I awaited her return, until finally she came back with a mirror and two small cups. “Would you like to see?” She offered.

I let out a sigh but forced a nod. As she angled the mirror towards me I could hardly bare the sight. A white bandage wrapped around my head as what looked like a white eye patch sat over my eye. I looked away in disgust as Carter clutched my hand tighter.

“It’s okay.” He tried to comfort. “You’re just as cute as before.”

I fell quiet as the nurse looked on until finally she offered me the two small cups. “It might make you a bit, sedated, but it’ll help the pain and nausea.”

I nodded and bore through the pain as I forced the pill in my mouth followed by a quick gulp of water. At first I didn’t feel anything, but as time ticked away I felt my conscious mind fall away once more.

“How are we doing?” A doctor asked as I tried my hardest to pick apart which of the three mirages was the real one.

“Fine.” I finally managed out. “How are you doing?”

“I see the pain killers have taken nicely.” He laughed, looking over to my parents.

“I thought they said he would only need Tylenol?” Mom asked as concern filled her voice.

“Going forward, yes.” He quickly answered. “But his eye was pretty badly damaged, and he seemed to have a bad reaction to the anesthesia. All in all the procedure was a bit tougher on him than anticipated.”

“Is he going to be okay?” Carter quickly asked.

“He’ll make a full recovery on the same time table we expected.” The doctor nodded his head. “Today just might be a bit rocky.”

“I have to pee.” I suddenly announced, barely able to focus on their words.

“That’s a good sign.” The doctor happily supported. “Why don’t you go ahead, and by time you get back we’ll have a snack for you.”

“This is like preschool.” I announced, as I tried my hardest to get to my feet. I went to stand but found my vision spin once more and quickly fell back down.

“What preschool did you go to?” Carter laughed taking my hand and helping me up. At first I almost fell back down, but quickly began to lean against him.

“I can take him.” Dad offered taking a step towards us.

“I’ve got this.” Carter nodded his head.

“Okay.” Dad cautiously exhaled, looking over to his wife.

I’m not sure how long it took to get to the bathroom, or for me to even use it, but Carter was as patient as I needed. He was calm and caring, the same way he always was.

“You know,” I began as we walked back towards my bed. “I never have to worry about you.”

“Yeah?” Carter laughed, glancing over to me.

“Yeah.” I tried to nod. “I never gotta wonder if you still love me. It’s just like, you’re my boyfriend. You’re the guy I’m gonna marry one day. I don’t doubt that no more.”

“I don’t either.” He smiled as we reached the bed.

“The doctor said to eat slow.” Mom instructed handing me crackers as I took a seat. “When you eat and calm down we can go home.”

I nodded my head and carefully followed her directions. “I want you just as much as you want me.” I suddenly announced speaking the thoughts I had tried so hard to hide.

“What’s that?” She asked with a slight tilt of her head.

“Aaron told me you always wanted a big family,” I forced out, more focused on my food than my words. “and I always wanted a real Mom who actually cares. We both got that.”

“We did.” She nodded her head, quickly wiping water from her eye.

“I’m sorry I didn’t,”

“It’s okay.” She interrupted with a smile. “They’re happy tears.”

“Why?” I cautiously asked, looking over to my dad. “I’m just eating.”

“Yeah.” She laughed as she grabbed my dad’s hand. “I’m just happy you’re okay is all.”

“You don’t gotta worry about me.” I confidently instructed. “But Aaron on the other hand,”

“Okay Riley,” Carter cut off in a laugh. “I think that’s enough talking for now.”

“You so bossy.” I sighed, but followed instructions.

Before I knew it a nurse wheeled a small chair next to my bed. “Your ride is here.” She happily announced.

“I don’t need that.” I shook my head, but as I rose to my feet fell right back down just like before.

“Just do it.” Carter instructed but saw resistance in my eye. “For me?”

“Fine.” I grumbled, forcing myself back up and in the chair.

“Can I?” He asked from behind me.

“Sure.” The nurse nodded as Carter grabbed the handles.

As we began to move the world around me became a blur. “You goin too fast man.” I warned with a shake of my head.

“We’ve barely moved.” He sighed, looking down at me. “Are you going to throw up again?”

“I don’t think so.” I rejected as I took a deep breath.

“Just close your eyes and breath slow.” Mom instructed from behind us.

“You’re very good at this.” I heard the nurse begin as I closed my eye. “Have you ever thought of pursuing nursing?”

“No.” Carter replied in a laugh. “I don’t know if I could do this for anyone but him.”

“We gonna be basketball players.” I explained from the chair.

“Yeah we are.” He giggled once more.

“Well the profession could always need more people like you.” She offered. “So keep it in the back of your head.”

“Okay.” He accepted as they grew quiet.

Once more I lost track of time but before I knew it my Dad was helping me into the back seat. “Do you want to sit back here with him?” He asked my mom.

“Yes.” She accepted climbing in as he quickly made his way to the driver’s seat.

“Where’d Carter go?” I grumbled as we began to drive away.

“He had to drive his car. He’ll meet us at home.” She tried to explain. “Just close your eyes and rest, we’ll be there before you know it.”

I followed instructions, and just like that her words seemed to ring true. By time I opened them I was staring at the front of our mansion with wide eyes.

“You okay?” She asked, noticing the way I was staring off.

“Yeah.” I forced out. “I just, I forgot how big this place was.”

“Oh,” She laughed. “I guess it is pretty big.”

“Big?” I repeated, still too drugged up to think straight. “It’s massive.”

She let out another laugh as Dad opened the passenger’s side door for me. This time when I stepped out I was able to carry my own weight.

“You look a little better.” I heard Carter call out as he approached.

“You look better too.” I giggled, taking a long look at him. “Like way better.”

“Okay, okay.” He blushed as both my parents watched closely. “Dial it down a bit.”

“But I love you.” I offered stepping towards him.

“I love you too.” He smiled grabbing my hand as he reached me. “Let’s go get you to bed.”

“It’s still early,” I complained in a sigh. “and I’m hungry.”

“They did say we should feed him.” Nancy agreed as we entered the house. “Why don’t you both go sit at the table and I’ll get you boys dinner.”

“Alright.” Carter spoke for me as he carefully led me to the table.

Just like before I seemed to lose track of time. I remember Tak and Aaron entering the room but quickly leaving as they saw the shape I was in.

“How are you feeling?” Mom asked placing bowls of soup in front of us.

“Better.” I grumbled, slowly starting to sober back up.

“Good.” She softly smiled as my dad reentered the room.

“So,” He began looking over to his wife. “Nancy, I, and Mr. Williams have been talking, and we agreed that if you both can be mature and responsible about it, that perhaps Carter could spend the night here.”

“Really?” I asked, figuring it was still the drugs talking.

“Yes.” He nodded his head. “That is, if it’s okay with you Carter.”

“Of course.” He quickly agreed.

“Are you sure?” Mom checked, looking into his eyes. “We’ve asked a lot of you today, so none of us would blame you if,”

“I’m positive.” He happily interrupted. “It’s either stay here with him, or stay up all night worrying.”

“Okay.” Dad nodded his head. “Then your dad will come drop off clothes for you, however this is on the condition that you go to school tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Carter accepted with a growing smile.

“Where we gonna fit?” I finally forced out. “I don’t think Aaron would like this idea.”

“Well Tak will sleep in your bed, and you guys can have his room for the night.” Mom suggested. “But again, we expect you both to be mature and responsible.”

“We will be.” Carter replied before I could speak.

I nodded and fell quiet as I began to eat once more. Every now and again Carter would glance over to me and laugh, but tried his hardest to let me eat with as little interruption as possible.

As a knock from the front door sounded out through the house I noticed Walter quickly walk towards it. I heard some muffled small talk fill the air until finally two men entered the kitchen.

“Hey Dad.” Carter smiled as Mr. Williams came into sight.

“Hey boys.” He greeted, taking a close look at me. “How are you feeling Riley?”

“Fine.” I lied, looking away.

“Good to hear.” He nodded his head. “You’re in my prayers, and better yet, in my son’s care.”

“Thanks for letting him stay.” I forced out, shocking almost everyone in the room. “I, I need him tonight.”

“I think he feels the same way.” Mr. Williams reminded me as Carter stood up and grabbed a bag from his hand.

“How are you Nancy?” He asked, looking over to her.

“Relieved.” She answered drawing a polite laugh from her lips.

“I think we all are.” He agreed, taking one last look at us. “Well I better be off. Be good tonight Carter.”

“He always is.” Dad supported with a smile, and just like that the two men were gone.

“Why don’t you two head to bed before the pain killer wear off?” Nancy suggested as we both stood up.

The stairs took some effort, but once more Carter showed off that patient side I love so much. As we walked towards Tak’s room I noticed Aaron hanging near it.

“How are you doing?” He forced out, staring at my left eye before looking away.

“I’m aight.” I replied, noticing how uncomfortable he was growing.

“Good.” He nodded his head. “This place isn’t the same without you.”

“You was worried bout me.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“No.” He lied, trying to hide his blush.

“It’s all good.” I supported as we entered the bedroom.

“My parents are really letting you stay over?” Aaron asked Carter as he grew closer.

“Yup.” He happily smiled. “I guess they don’t want to leave him alone tonight.”

“He wouldn’t be alone,” Aaron tried to argue. “we share a room.”

“You’d be as much help as Tak.” I teased, taking a seat on my youngest brother’s large bed. “Why’d he get the biggest bed in the house? He don’t even sleep in it most of the time.”

“Where does he sleep?” Carter asked, looking over to me.

“My pare,”

“Riley’s bed.” Aaron happily teased before I could finish my lie.

“Don’t even start.” I warned as Carter looked back at me.

“I wasn’t going to say anything.” Carter giggled as his smile grew.

Before I knew it another small figure appeared in the door. “I didn’t know you two was comin to my classroom today.” He suddenly offered, staring at our feet.

“Neither did we.” Carter replied, trying to draw his gaze up to our faces.

“It was cool. Everyone was askin bout you two after you left.” He proudly bragged, before taking a few steps into his room. “Does it hurt?” He finally asked, looking up to my face.

“Nah.” I lied, noticing him look right back down.

“Good.” He forced out. “Can I, can I help?”

I looked over to Carter, unsure how to answer the question. “I don’t know if there’s anything you can do right now.” Carter answered, thinking over his words carefully. “Riley just needs some rest, but you’ve already been a big help by volunteering your bed.”

“It’s nothin.” The boy blushed as a smile began to form on his face.

“Why don’t we go to bed Tak?” Aaron suggested as he began to back out of the room.

“Okay.” The boy nodded but as he went to take a step back second guessed himself and quickly rushed me. He softly wrapped his arms around me before turning back and leaving the room.

“He’s crazy about you, you know that right?” Carter asked as he began to undo the sheets.

“No he’s not.” I shook my head. “He’s just reactin to the energy in the room.”

“I’ll chalk that up to the drugs.” Carter laughed, not buying a word of my excuse. “While you were gone he was practically counting down the days until you got back.”

“That’s stupid.” I shook my head. “He barely even knows me.”

“He knows you better than you think.” Carter explained, forcing eye contact. “He’s been where you have. You got out, and now, now you’re happy. I think he wants to follow in your footsteps.”

“Well that’s stupid.” I rejected, standing up so he could fully pull the sheets away.

“They’re better footsteps than you think.” Carter warned in a serious voice.

Before I could say anything else my Dad stepped into the room and carefully looked at us both. “Nancy wanted me to check on you boys one last time before bed,” He uncomfortably began. “and really drill into your heads to be mature tonight.”

“We will.” I groaned, fighting off a strong blush.

“I know.” He nodded his head. “But you…” He trailed off, trying to think of the right words to say.

“Are hard headed?” Carter offered. “Never listen? Always break the rules? Make questionable decisions from time to time? Just stop me when I reach one you like.” He teased, looking over to my Dad.

He pointed to Carter and nodded his head. “He gets it.”

“Then you don’t gotta worry about me.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Alright, alright.” He backed off. “And Carter,” He said, looking to him. “I don’t know if we can ever repay you for all your help today.”

“You don’t need to.” Carter rejected. “Riley’s my boyfriend, I, it wouldn’t be right if I wasn’t here for him.”

“You better be grateful for him.” Dad warned me. “People like him, they don’t grow on trees.”

“I got it.” I groaned as he stepped out and shut the door behind him.

“So you’re parents are actually letting me spend the night.” Carter laughed as I began to strip down. “And you’re already breaking rules.”

“Relax,” I sighed. “I’m just sleepin in boxers tonight.”

“Oh.” He blushed as he pulled a pair of basketball shorts out of his bag. “Now how do you really feel?” He asked, starting to get changed himself.

“My head’s killin me.” I groaned. “But other than that, fine.”

“Good.” He nodded his head as we both climbed into bed. “Do you remember what you said to me after your surgery?”

“I was all doped up.” I shook my head. “I only remember puking.”

“You said you don’t worry about me.” He began, looking deeply into my eyes. “You said you know I love you, and that you’re going to marry me one day.”

“I was high.” I tried to dismiss. “I had no idea what I was saying.”

“Okay,” He nervously accepted. “but do you mean it?”

I hesitated for a second as I thought my answer over. I considered lying but as his hazel eyes began to work me over let out a sigh. “Yeah.” I nodded. “But you better not tell anyone bout that.”

“I won’t.” He comforted as a smile began on his face. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I exhaled as I laid down and he turned off the light.

It didn’t take long from there to fall asleep. For spending my first real night with Carter you would think we’d stay up all night talking, but I guess between the surgery and drugs I was wiped out.

The deeper I fell asleep the more I began to dream, until finally I found myself standing in a white room. A sharp pain radiated out of my left eye, and as I reached up to it I felt nothing but blood. My breathing began to grow quick as I removed the hand from my face. As I looked down to my hand I saw a small white orb lying in the palm. I tried to scream but nothing came out as I realized that it wasn’t just any orb in my hand, but my left eye.

“Riley,” I heard a familiar voice try to shake me awake. “Riley it’s okay.” He tried to comfort. “Riley wake up!” He exclaimed, and with a deep breath my body jumped back to life.

I quickly raised my hand to the left side of my face, but as it connected with my bandage I felt a sharp pain radiate through my head. “Are you okay?” Carter nervously asked.

“Fine.” I lied, sitting back up as I felt the normal signs of a panic attack beginning to overwhelm me.

“I’m not kidding.” Carter insisted as concern soaked his voice.

I could feel his eyes staring me down as his heart raced in his chest. “No.” I finally admitted as my mind constricted on itself. “But I will be.”

“How do you know?” He asked in a gulp.

“I don’t.” I confessed, unable to look him in the eyes. “I just, I need you to hold me.” I shamefully admitted.

“Oh.” He exhaled, trying his hardest to draw eye contact. “I, I can do that.” He accepted as we both lay back down.

“Sorry you shouldn’t,”

“It’s fine.” He comforted pulling me closer. “I’ll always be here for you.”

I nodded before picking my head and placing it on his chest. He slowly petted my head as I slowly began to calm down once more. I’ve never had anyone help me through a panic attack so easily. It was like he just, just, understood. This time when I slept there was no nightmare. Carter had chased all the monsters from within my head. He put me back together in a way only he could. I owe him my life for this. I owe him everything.