The Girl He Craves

Chapter 18
Sophie’s pov
“Hey guys!” Mila chirped as she places her lunch on the table. I smiled, a bit uncomfortable that Carson had one of his arms slung over my shoulder the entire time.
I suppose that’s how couples act, but I didn’t think we were that kind of couple. The awkward ones sure. But the lovey dovey, no way.
Still, I didn’t want to tell him I was uncomfortable so I let him keep his arm there and besides I could feel Aiden’s glare on us. I know shouldn’t but I liked that he was visibly jealous and frustrated.
Mali sits down and stared at us with a small smile.
“I was just telling Sophie that ginger head boy Rob invited me to his party tonight. Carson said.
My brows clench. He did? Maybe I was too busy watching Aiden to pay attention to what he was saying.
Guilt weighed heavy in my stomach.
Mali snorted. “You call him ginger head boy? Classic.”
Carson shrugged and popped a fry in his mouth.” It makes him stand out.” “And stand out he does.’ Mali laughs lightly.
“Anyway, I wanted to go. With my girlfriend that is.” Carson smiles down at me and I nearly winced. The term girlfriend was still so weird. It didn’t help that my heart refused to open up to Carson.
“I don’t know…..” I trailed off. It was not like my foster parents won’t allow me. It
was just that I was never quite interested in partying before.
“Heard ginger head boy slash Rob throws awesome parties. Don’t mind his innocent look that guy is a freak, or so I’ve heard.” Mila winks and laughs a bit louder
Carson chuckles and looks at Mila and me. “So are we on or….” He trails off,
our answer.
*I don’t know it’s on a school night.” I began unsurely but Mila cuts me off.
“Larne people make excuses that it’s a school night babe. Come on this can be a second date for you two. You need some wind under your wings Soph, when have you ever been to a party?”

I glared at her and then sighed. I can never remain mad at Mila for too long.
“Okay fine * I agreed almost biting my tongue since I was this close to changing my mind.
Mila claps and then sighed heavily. ‘Well you two love birds will have to enjoy yourselves without me. I have therapy this afternoon and she usually takes forever to finish on Tuesdays.”
1 serrt her a small smile knowing that she couldn’t skip therapy
‘Anyway, send me pictures so I can live through you two” Her voice goes back to being chirpy
“Does this look good Ingrid?” I asked, turning around to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I was domed in a black short dress that reached mid thigh.
Ingrid leans against the doorframe and smiles at me.” You look beautiful Sophie. Red lipstick would definitely bring out the look. She suggested,
She smiled at me yet her eyes showed her stress lines and the worry painted in them. Her eyes had been like this since afternoon but she hadn’t told me what caused it.
“What’s wrong Ingrid? You’ve been sad since afternoon. And don’t tell me you’re okay I know you’re not. A smile can’t hide everything.” I toli her, turning around to stare at her.
Her eyes drop to the floor and her shoulders sagged as if finally relieved that they could let down that weight. “He was laid off today.”
She was talking about my foster father.
My heart drops knowing how much his job meant to him. “I’m so sorry Ingrid. Where is he?” I asked
I hadn’t seen him the entire day and the house was way too quiet for him to be here. His usually always watching television or stacking up the cards for when their friends arrived.
I suppose game night was canceled tonight.
“You know him Soph. He’s taking it hard and I’m certain he’s at a bar right now. He didn’t want to come home yet. She sighs sadly with a shake of her head.
“I can stay home if you want
“No! You enjoy yourself tonight! This is your first high-school party after all.” She beams and then nods. “I have red lipstick in my drawer in the room, I’ll be right back.” She leaves quickly before I can protest.
The bell rang on the door and Ingrid looks at me in excitement. Uh oh, she’s up to something.
Before I can answer the door Ingrid pries it open. I sighed and walked over to the two.
“So you’re the boyfriend.” Ingrid giggled as she looks at a nervous Carson.
Carson who noticed I was here, sweeps his gaze to me and I saw the relief in his eyes. I smiled. He was so shy.
And then his gaze roamed over me and his mouth parted. His attention didn’t make my heart thunder in my chest neither did I get goosebumps but his attention felt good.
WowHe said.
Ingrid leans over to me and whispers ‘Told you that red lipstick would do the trick.”
i elbowed her lightly and she laughed. “You two have fun!’ She pushes me towards Carson who smiled down at me.
“You look beautiful Sophie” He breathed out
“Thank you’ I smiled, accepting his compliment. It wasn’t every day I got told I was beautiful. Pretty yes, but beautiful hardly.
Carson and I started to walk away when Ingrid called out for his attention. We both turned around only to see that Ingrid was pointing her fungere at her eyes and then at Carsonie.
T’m watching you young man You better bring my girl back in one piece.” She warned. “Or else I have duct tape, garbage bags, and a very sharp knite in the kitchen She threatened
I giggled in embarrassment while Carson chuckled nervously. He told her shakily that he’d get me home safe and then we began to walk towards his car again.
But when we were inches from the car, Ingrid yells. “I also own a car if you were wondering’ So it will be easy to dump the body.
“Oh my God, please get me out of here.” I laughed as I quickened my steps to the passenger’s side
When we got in Carson turns to me while starting the car “Your mom is freaking scary