Song: Things change - The lulu Raes
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The phone was picked on third ring. I was standing in the kitchen, making soup for mom to drink. The phone nested between my shoulder and face.

"Why didn't you come to office today?" Asked Blake as soon as he picked up.

"Hello to you too" I replied stirring the soup in the pot.

"Mom was sick, had to rush to the hospital. Can you tell Kaisey on my behalf? I don't have her cell phone" I said walking over to the kitchen counter and sitting on it.

The doctor had discharged mom in the morning, saying she was fine to go. By that time I was already late for work and didn't felt like going. I wanted to stay with mom and make sure she was okay, even though she told me countless times that she was feeling better and I shouldn't worry about her.

Spending a day with her was much needed after that scare last night.

"Oh" said Blake, "how is she now?"

"Better, she was just exhausted and collapsed. Nothing serious thankfully."

"That's great to know" exclaimed Blake.

I jumped off the counter, walking back to the soup. Seeing the texture I decided it was fully cooked and shut the stove off.

"I'll tell the boss. Infact I think you should take a day or two off. I'll even visit the next site on my own. You take care of her. Mothers are really valuable."

I was a little surprised to hear the rawness in Blake's voice. He was saying something that held meaning for him. It was rare to hear this from him even rarer to imagine he would say something like that.

"I...I'll think about it, thankyou so much" I replied to Blake after a pause.

"Okay, goobye. See you later" said Blake and hung up.

Placing my phone on the counter, I got soup bowls out from a cabinet above. Mom was sleeping in her room, drowsy from the medicines given to her. Henry had also taken a day off to make sure she was okay.

I carefully poured the soup in bowls. It smelled divine and I couldn't wait to just sit down and eat it. As I was placing the bowls in the tray my eyes noticed Carter's coat placed neatly on the chest of drawers out in the hall.

My mind shifted back to last night and replayed everything that happened. I don't know how I felt about it, I can never know when it comes to Carter. He always messes up my mind, makes me feel things I can't put name too. Things I can't understand.

I picked up my phone again. Finding his number I pressed the call button after hesitating for a few seconds. Suddenly there was a ringing coming from the hallway scaring me.

Listening to it more carefully I realized it was coming from Carter's coat. I walked out in the hall, the phone still attached to my ears. As I neared the coat, the ringing became louder. I unfolded the coat and saw a light coming from the right pocket of the coat.

I pulled the phone out from it and saw 'Eva' flashing on the screen.

.................................

I parked the car outside the house, it had been years since I came to this neighbourhood. The most expensive neighbourhood in the city. For a few minutes I just looked around the place, stared at the houses some of which had changed, some not. My eyes trying to absorb everything in.

The house that I had specifically come to visit was unchanged. Except new paint and flowers there was nothing different. It looked like it did in high school. Like when I came to work on an english project or the night a gun was held to my temple.

I closed my eyes, repeating the words I had told myself before coming here. I will not think about the memories attached with this house, this place and the human that lived in it. I cannot live them again in my head as they would only hurt me. I was here to just return a coat and say thankyou for a good deed.

Sighing I opened my eyes and then opened the car door. Making sure everything was locked I walked towards the gate. Walking through I saw the garden that I could only see partially through the car, completely.

It smelled good and there were more flowers and trees in there than before. It was well kept like a gardener took care of it.

I continued walking towards the front door, the coat secured tightly in the my hands. The phone still in the right pocket.

As I reached the door I pressed the bell. Stepping back a little I waited for it to open. I just wanted to finish doing what I came for and go back. Staying with Carter for more than a few minutes affects me alot.

After a few seconds the door was opened by a man I did not recognise. He was wearing an apron, his grey hair in light curls.

"How can I help you?" He asked me politely.

Panic set in me, what if this was not Carter's home anymore. I had not considered the possibility that he might have shifted. Anything can happen in five years.

"I- is this the house of Carter William?" I asked.

"Yes it is. He is currently having lunch with his family" he answered with a smile.

Before I could reply to him I heard footsteps coming from inside.

"Elliot, who is it?" Came a voice I remembered very well.

Veronica William stepped forward and came in the view. Looking ethereal as always. She was wearing a crisp red dress, coupled with a red lipstick. Her hair tied in a bun. She had not aged a day, infact had gotten more radiant.

"Eva?" She exclaimed in surprise. "I did not expect to see you here"

I was equally surprise to see her here. I had assumed that Carter lived alone and his parents would be in another country handling their business like they usually did.

"Hello Mrs William, its nice to see you again" I said with a smile.

I wasn't sure if I liked running into her. It had been such a long time since I last saw her. What if she hated me just like her son?

A smile appeared on her face, replacing the shock from before. She stepped forward and hugged me.

"Its good to see you too" she said softly in my ear.

I relaxed in her embrass, this was probably the most welcomed anyone has made me feel since I came back.

"How rude of me, come on in please" she said pulling away.

I wanted to tell her it was fine. That I just came to drop off the coat and would be on my way. I did not want to interrupt her family gathering. It was rare that William's gather and spend time. I did not want to be an uninvited guest.

But she did not listen, walked inside and towards the dining room so quickly that I had to catch up to her.

"I was just here to drop off-" I started but stopped as she opened the door and motioned me in.

"Its fine-" I started again but she cut me off.

"We have a guest today!" She announced walking in.

Internally groaning I walked into the room after her and instantly wished I hadn't. Running off without an explanation would have been better.

In front of me were Carter and Kaisey sitting around the table. Each one of them surprised to see me. I really should not have come.

No one said a thing for a few moments, the room filled with awkwardness. I tried my best not to look at Carter.

"Eva, what......are......you doing here? Asked Kaisey slowly. Her eyes glued to me with a look I could not understand.

"Wait- you two know each other?" Asked Mrs William.

"Yes, Eva is an employee where I work. I'm her boss" replied Kaisey shifting her eyes to Veronica and then back at me, asking me the same question without words this time.

I finally looked at Carter. He was already looking at me and surprisingly didn't look mad. I had expected him to be angry that I came here uninvited and unannounced. But he wasn't, or didn't look like it.

"I came to return the coat. I tried calling but your phone was in the pocket. Thankyou so much for your help" I said hurriedly, wanting to get out of here as soon as I could.

"Why do you have his coat?" Asked Kaisey before Carter could speak.

"He forgot it" I replied then realized how wrong that must have sounded.

"Forgot?" Questioned Kaisey raising an eyebrow.

"Eva's mom was rushed to the hospital two days ago. Eva needed a ride there as her car was in repair." Spoke up Carter instead of me.

I was grateful for that, I didn't know how I would have explained to her without stuttering.

"Why were you two together" prompted Kaisey further.

"Why does it matter?" Replied Carter a little irritated. His eyes looking at Kaisey with annoyance.

"We met coincidentally at the park, Carter was there when our housemaid called." I said quickly so Kaisey didn't think of it in a wrong way.

"Well it was good that Carter was there to help. It must have been hard otherwise. Anyways enough questions, Eva why don't you come and join us for lunch." Said Mrs William walking over to the chair next to Kaisey and pulling it out for me.

"Oh no, its fine. I will get going. You all enjoy your meal" I said placing the coat on a drawer nearby and taking a few steps back.

"I insist Eva, its been such a long time since we've met. Lets catch up" replied Veronica, walking back to her chair and sitting down.

Could she really not sense the uncomfortable vibe the room held?

"Some other time Mrs William. Mom would be waiting for me" I replied, taking a few more steps back.

"I'm sure your mom won't mind if you stay for an hour. Elliot has made the most delicious chicken today with tons of side dishes"

"I think she is busy-" started Kaisey.

"If mom is insisting so much, why don't you stay for a while?" Said Carter at the same time, cutting Kaisey off.

Kaisey's head wiped to Carter, a mixture of shock and disapproval displayed on her face.

I didn't want to stay, really didn't. Being in the same place as both Carter and Kaisey has always been disastrous. But constantly saying no when Veronica was insisting so much also seemed rude.

Huffing I walked over to the chair Veronica pulled out for me. Streching a smile on my face I sat down.

"Okay, I'll stay for a little while."

"That's great! Thankyou so much" replied Veronica excitedly.

Beside me I could sense Kaisey's rigid body. I could sense her disappointment. I wish I had not caused it. I really do not wish to be on her bad side.

I served myself some chicken and potato wedges, the food reallt did look delicious and totally mouth watering. I took a bite slowly and stopped myself from moaning. It was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted.

"You were right, the food is amazing" I commented, hoping to keep the atmosphere calm and normal.

Both Kaisey and Carter had gone back to eating. Carter looked unusually relaxed.

"Elliot is new, well not exactly new. Has been here for four years now. Since we are always travelling I didn't want Carter to be alone, eating junk and sneaking out at night like he did, so we hired him."

"Mom!!" Exclaimed Carter rolling his eyes at her words.

A small smile crept to my face. Carter had a habit of roaming around the city at night. I remembered all the nights he came through my bedroom window.

"He is like family now, have been great over the years."

"That is good to know, Carter did need policing" I replied nonchalantly and then paused.

That was such a casual comment. I have never talked to Carter or about Carter like this ever since I came back. Through my peripheral I looked over at him. He was already looking at me, a small amused smile on his face. I looked away.

"Of course he did!!" Said Veronica, totally unaware of the tension in the room.

"Besides, after what happened with you two and Kaiden that night, I was scared to leave him alone" Veronice added.

Her eyes widened after that. As if she had said something she wasn't suppose to. Her eyes flickered to Kaisey and then to Carter. An apology written on his face.

"Who is Kaiden?" Asked Kaisey.

The atmosphere on the table became tense. I refused to meet anyone's eyes as I took a bite of the potatoes. I will not be the one who answers this question.

I was also surprised to learn that Carter had not told Kaisey about Kaiden. I thought he would have told her everything about his past. I guess he chose to keep his drug delivering life a secret.

"Nobody, can you pass me the salad." said Carter. His voice and body both composed.

Kaisey stared at him for a few second and then passed the bowl to him. A grave expression on her face.

"Is Mr William here too?" I asked, trying to switch the topic and get rid of the thickness surrounding us.

"No, he is in Italy on a business trip"

The rest of the lunch went by quietly, no one saying a word except me and Mrs William. She asked me about mom, how she was doing and wished her getting healthy soon. Occasionally I would feel Carter's eyes shift to me and no matter how much I wanted to, I didn't look back.

Finally after a while I was able to leave, saying my goodbye. I walked out of the front door letting go of all the tension stored in my body due to this sudden lunch. I was utterly exhausted and just wanted to rest.

"Eva" came Carter's voice stopping me in my tracks.

He walked over to where I was standing near the gate, his hair ruffling from here to there in the wind. He looked around for a few seconds before speaking as if he was awkward.

"Thanks for returning the coat" he said.

"No problem at all. Thankyou for what you did that night, it was of great help. Mom and Henry are thankful too."

"That was nothing. No need for thankyou." He said shaking his head.

I had the sudden urge to push his scattered hair back. He was wearing a black shirt with black jeans, looking like the night itself. A huge contrast from his usuall business attire.

"I'm sorry I interrupted your family gathering" I said, not wanting to leave just yet.

"Its okay, I don't mind if its you" he replied and my mind flashed back to years ago when I met Carter's parents for the first time.

'Its okay, I don't mind if its you'

"I should get going" I said pulling myself out of my memories.

"Is your car repaired? I cannot see it. I can drop you off-"

"I think Eva can call a cab" came the sharp voice of Kaisey.

Me and Carter both turned to see her standing a few feet away from us. Her arms enclosed around her as she looked at us. Carter was about to say something, his face somber.

"My car came this morning, its parked nearby" I replied looking at Carter before he could say anything.

"Great then. Goodbye." Said Kaisey with a straight face.

For the first time I heard malice and spite in Kaisey's voice. It was evident that she wanted to get rid of me.

"Goodbye" I muttered quitely and turned to leave.

"Come, we are having dessert" I heard Kaisey say as I walked out of the gate.

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Hello everyone!! I hope all of you are doing well. I realized after the last chapter that you all hate Carter lol. That makes me sad since he isn't as bad as you all think he is.
Anyways here is a new chapter for you. I hope you like it and let me know what you think.

Comment and Vote.

Love,
S. Maham Fatima