- The Tide Is High; Atomic Kitten -
- The Only Readon; 5 Seconds of Summer -
- Little Do You Know; Alex & Sierra -

Carter Jackson

"Are you carpooling?" Logan asked, leaning against the doorframe. I glanced over at him, stifling a laugh at his outfit choice for the night.

He was over the top, as per usual. Bailey insisted we all dressed to fit the theme of her birthday party, which was a 70s theme. Logan, however, decided to go the extra mile and dress as if he was born in that era.

Or maybe I didn't dress up enough.

Looking at the mirror, I frowned at my appearance. All I wore was a simple button-up, the top buttons undone. I bought a pair of maroon slacks, simply because Ashley had forced me to. I didn't want to wear something so tacky, but she insisted we match as if we were dates to a homecoming dance.

"Well Paige and I are heading out, so I guess we'll see you when you get there. Ashley coming?" Logan asked.

"None of your business," I snapped quickly, fixing my hair.

"No need to be a dick," Logan scoffed, and I was quick to turn and look at him.

"I'm a dick? Look in the mirror."

"I get it, you're butthurt I had that thing with Rory, but it's over with and you can stop acting like that. Plus, you're with someone else anyway. I don't see why it matters." Logan didn't move, despite the dirty look I sent him.

"As I said before, it's none of your business. Either way, you knew what Rory and I had and you just had to step in like you always do." I responded anyway.

There was no point in arguing with Logan, especially since he knew just as much as everyone else. That I 'dumped' Rory for Ashley. If everyone just knew the truth - that this is the opposite of what I wanted - then they'd probably be a bit more understanding and treat me like more of a human and less of a monster.

But then again, Logan probably wouldn't care either way. To him, Rory was fair game when I left her.

"You broke her heart, or did you forget?" Logan asked, standing straight.

"And so did you, or did you forget?" I countered, "Not to mention you did it the exact same way-" I stopped, not knowing whether or not she'd mentioned Asher to Logan. "Doesn't matter. Point is she wants nothing to do with either of us, so there's no point in having this conversation."

"Also meaning there's no point in letting some girl get between us," Logan added.

"Some girl?" I asked, my brows bunching together. "Rory isn't just some girl. She's not someone like-like Paige, or Ashley she's someone who doesn't deserve to be talked about the way you're talking about her, and doesn't deserve to be treated the way we both have treated her."

"If you think she's so better than Ashley, why did you leave her for her?" Logan asked. His tone seemed genuine, with no lace of anger in his features despite us insulting each other only moments before.

I stayed silent as I finished getting ready, not knowing how to answer him. Even if I did, Logan would be the last person I'd tell about Ashley's blackmail. He can't keep a secret to save his life.

"Carter... is something going on?" Logan asked softly.

I took in a deep breath as I applied some cologne, avoiding eye contact. "Doesn't matter. What's done is done and Rory deserves someone who can give her everything she wants in life."

Logan didn't say anything, probably because he didn't know what to say. We were just fighting about Rory only moments ago, and despite how good I usually was at hiding how I felt - what he said about Rory was my weakness. It showed how I truly felt very quickly, and it was to one of the worst people possible.

Snatching my keys from the dresser, I didn't say anything as I slipped past him. He let me go, not pushing the conversation any further.

I was glad, as I was needing to mentally prepare for tonight. Somehow I'd convinced Ashley to carpool with her friends tonight to Bailey's birthday party, giving me time away from the monster. I needed to prepare to see Rory - which was always a challenge in itself.

It's torture not being able to look at her, talk to her, and just overall be near her. It's torture to act like she means nothing to me when she means everything.

The things I said to her when whatever was going on between us ended hurt like hell. I should've been softer, but I was angry at Ashley and myself. At Ashley for doing what she's doing, and myself for letting any of this happen. I wanted to prevent Rory from getting hurt, but it looks like she's still getting hurt despite the fact that I've dropped her completely.

After what felt too short of a drive to Bailey's, I sat in the car for a good minute and a half before getting out. Ashley's car was nowhere to be found, and I failed to see Gwen or Maya's as well. Hoping that they hadn't arrived yet, I decided to get the initial walk-in over with. Grabbing her gift, I turned the car off and made my way inside.

I didn't bother to knock as Bailey gave us orders to just walk in, and immediately it felt like I'd been transported to a club. Bright neon-colored lights flickered off of the walls, the house lights themselves off. The furniture in the living room was moved around to make room for the makeshift dancefloor, along with the giant speakers and makeshift stage.

The stage was just a small black platform in the middle of two speakers, a couple of microphones and a TV screen hung up behind it. It was for karaoke, something Bailey was most excited about.

The couches that used to sit in the middle of the living room were now pushed against the wall, the creme color meshing with the colors of her party perfectly. People were already littered on the dancefloor as they talked amongst each other, and instead of bothering them, I made my way to the kitchen to see if Bailey had been there.

The kitchen was much brighter than the dim living room, and my eyes immediately landed on the beautiful girl whose heart I managed to break.

She was dressed in an orange top, one that tied in the front under her chest. It had a floral print on it, matching the beautiful black skirt she wore almost perfectly. Brown boots that ended just below her knees covered her feet, the overall outfit matching the theme Bailey had asked for. Her hair was styled in fluffy waves, a slight mess to it.

Rory looked breathtaking, and I just stood there in my spot looking stupid as I admired her from where I stood.

It was then I noticed arms wrapped around her waist, and the small smile that had taken over my face immediately disappeared as I glanced over.

Cameron held onto her waist, lifting her from the ground backward. He held her so she sat on his shoulder, her small arms reaching out to finish hanging up what looked to be last-minute decorations.

Jealousy erupted through my body as I watched how close they were. He moved his arms so one held her securely on his shoulder, the other over her thighs to make sure she didn't fall. I know I have no right to feel the way I do, but I can't help it.

"It's so obvious you're still in love with her, Carter." Someone mumbled from next to me, and I looked over to see Layla. She rolled her eyes at my glare, "Oh come on, fucking Cameron? You're jealous of Cameron Letterman?"

"Fuck off, Layla." I snapped.

"No thanks," She shrugged, popping a piece of popcorn in her mouth. "I like messing with you. But seriously though, you've been standing there for God knows how long just staring at her. What's the deal with that anyway? You left her."

"Can everyone just stop bothering me about it?" I asked, not caring how my attitude sounded. "First Logan, now you. Who's next, Griffin?"

Layla rolled her eyes again, and for a split second, I hoped they'd get stuck like that. "Carter, you've never been one to show your feelings. But when it comes to Rory, you're so obvious about it it's sick."

"You're sick for continuing this conversation," I muttered.

Before she could respond, a familiar laugh echoed from the living room. I turned to see Ashley walking in with Maya and Gwen, and all my hope of getting a split second with Rory disappeared.

The day Rory happened to stumble into my room when I was taking care of the stupid baby made me want more. I wanted more time, more conversation, all of it. I enjoyed every second of it, despite the topic of conversation. I wanted to just kiss her and tell her I was sorry, but I couldn't.

Not unless I want all of her secrets to be revealed. I need to get that journal back.

"There you are!" Ashley shrieked, and I just rolled my eyes.

Glancing over, I looked to see we'd caught the attention of the others. Bailey, who had been standing on the ground watching Rory hang decorations looked awkwardly between us and them, before clearing her throat.

"Welcome!"

She stepped up next to Layla, locking her arm with the curly-haired girl. "Glad to see you made it and dressed for the occasion!"

Bailey kindly began to compliment the group of girls standing to my side, while I continued to watch Rory and Cameron. He gently sat her on the ground where she straightened her skirt, the blond boy fixing her sleeves.

Jealousy erupted again, my jaw clenching as I watched their interaction.

Nothing's going on between them, nothing's going on between them, nothing's going on-

"Baby?" Ashley loudly asked, almost as if she wanted Rory to hear. My eyes bounced between the two girls, seeing Rory staring at us.

I couldn't tell what she was thinking, which killed me. I couldn't tell whether she was hurt or if she was happy, but I don't think I'd like either answer.

Cameron glanced down at her before touching her cheek, physically moving her from looking my way. Anger boiled in my blood, but even if I wanted to do anything, I couldn't.

Not with this leech of a girl next to me.

The night continued on as more and more people showed up, filling the house fairly quickly. Now that Ashley was here, I was no longer of free will. I had to do anything and everything she wanted, whether it be dancing on the dance floor with her friends or grabbing her more punch.

Any chance I got, I stole a glance at Rory. She didn't stick by Cameron the entire night - thank god, but I didn't miss how once Miles Thomas arrived, they stuck to each other like glue. She linked her arm with his, and I watched as she straightened his orange shirt out. They matched, much like Ashley forced me to do with her.

Toward the end of the night, it was just our usual friend group. By usual friend group, I mean the group it was before everything happened, except this now included Miles, Ashley, Gwen, and Maya.

I was sat on the couch, Ashley clinging to me as she usually did when Rory was around. I know she's doing it to get a rise out of her, as whenever it's just us she's never like this. She doesn't bother hanging out with me unless she knows the group's doing something together, and she doesn't get gushy with me unless Rory's in earshot.

People took turns doing karaoke, and I just sat on the couch and watched the ice swirl around my drink. It was Hawaiian Punch, something I poured myself so I knew there was no alcohol in it.

"Okay, it's your turn." Bailey announced after Cameron and Griffin did a really horrible-sounding version of 'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction.

I glanced up to see her standing in front of Rory, who looked afraid. She shook her head quickly, stuttering over her words as she tried to tell Bailey why she couldn't sing.

"Please?! It would make me so happy! Layla's even singing!" She motioned a hand back at the curly-haired girl, who looked less than pleased.

Rory glanced around, her eyes landing on mine for only a second. She sighed as she finally glanced over at Katherine, who was sitting on the other side of her. "Sing with us?"

"Of course she will!" Elijah exclaimed, pushing his girlfriend up.

Katherine glared at Elijah before nodding, a smile covering her face as Rory smiled. Rory stood from her seat, handing her blue solo cup to Miles.

Miles smiled at her as she straightened her skirt out, watching as she followed her best friend to the stage.

Bailey, Katherine, Layla, Alexa, Guin, and Rory stood on the platform, Rory and Katherine standing slightly behind the others.

Naia, Quinn, Lilian, Eliana, and Z stood to the side, cheering them on despite the fact that they'd yet to start singing.

Bailey flickered through the music before finally deciding on a song, grabbing one of the microphones.

The song consisted of the girls taking turns singing, Katherine and Rory only joining at the chorus parts.

I watched Rory, not really caring about anyone else standing on the platform. She smiled a beautiful smile, the colorful lights flickering over her every once in a while. Despite the fact that she stood toward the back didn't change anything, my eyes stuck to her as if she were the only person standing there.

Her smile was contagious, and the way she swayed with Katherine along to the music was the cutest thing. Her eyes were bright despite the living room being dim, her rosy cheeks distinguishable even in the dark.

They came up to the bridge of the song, Katherine and Rory doing as they had been the whole song and just singing along. They were unable to be heard due to not having any microphones, but that changed quickly when Bailey shoved the microphone in Rory's face.

"Every girl wants you to be her man, but I'll wait right here till it's my turn. I'm not the kinda girl that gives up just like that,"

I watched as Katherine nudged Rory excitedly, the realization hitting Rory's features that she had sung out loud on her own in front of everyone.

I couldn't help the smile that covered my features, biting the inside of my lip to stop a laugh from escaping. She was so beautiful, so flawless, and she took up every second of my mind.

My eyes trailed away from her for a second, glancing at Miles. He looked at her with a look of adoration, smiling brightly as he bobbed his head along to the music.

The jealous feeling came back and only grew as I looked to see my brother smiling at her as well.

I evened my breathing out as I put my attention back to Rory, those previous feelings washing away almost immediately. I watched as she slow danced with Bailey while Alexa finished the song strongly, the other girls on the stage dancing without a care in the world.

My heartbeat grew fast as she glanced at me, everything else around me disappearing as if it were just us two in the room.

It was then I realized how completely and utterly in love with Aurora Holland I am. Layla was right, everyone who ever had the thought was right. I love her, and I let her go. I let her slip from my fingertips, and now I hate myself because I just wanted to protect her.

"God, she's so annoying." I heard Ashley snark from next to me. I looked to see her giggling with Maya, and it was obvious who she was talking about.

I didn't say anything, not wanting to say something in front of everyone. Not only would it ruin the birthday party, but Ashley could do something with Rory's journal. That's the last thing I want, and that would defeat the whole point of leaving her in the first place.

After a few more songs, I watched as Ashley excused herself to go to the bathroom. She went alone, which meant this would be my only opportunity to confront her about the numerous comments that were made about Rory throughout the night.

Ignoring a few looks from the friends, I patiently waited in the hall for Ashley to finish in the restroom. As soon as she came out she smirked, crossing her arms over my chest.

"Wanting a private makeout sesh, I'm assuming?"

"That's the last thing I want and you know that, Ashley." I snapped. I crossed my arms, leaning back against the wall. "We had a deal."

"What? I'm keeping it, aren't I?" She asked smugly.

"No, and you know it. She's still being mistreated by not only you but your minions, and you're still talking about her. I heard every comment made about her tonight. The deal was she's left alone 'cause you got what you wanted." I angrily told her.

She rolled her eyes, slapping her arms to her sides. "Come on, Carter, it's all fun and games."

"No, it's not!" I exclaimed, before realizing how loud I was being. "This was so you could leave Rory alone. She doesn't deserve this. I only left her because of you, and you're still doing what you were doing before."

"But I'm not reading her journal, am I?" She singsonged, "Face it, Carter, you're stuck with me. No matter how many comments I or the girls make, no matter how many boys break her tiny puny heart. You're mine or the journal gets released."

I didn't say anything, knowing she was right. She made a 'hmm' sound as she turned and walked away, leaving me by myself in the deserted hallway.

Pressing my palms to my eyes, I tried my best to not let my anger get the best of me. I cleared my head, struggling to keep myself from letting any tears fall.

"So there was more to it." A familiar voice spoke from my left, and my head snapped over to see Layla standing where Ashley previously stood. "You did this to stop Rory from getting hurt, didn't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.

"Cut the bullshit, Carter. I heard everything. You're protecting Rory - or trying to at least." She glanced to the side before back at me, "Ashley's blackmailing you."

Sighing, I nodded. "She snuck through Rory's stuff, and took her journal. Her journal has really private things in it. She threatened to expose it if I didn't-"

"If you didn't get back with her and leave Rory." Layla finished, connecting the dots. "That slimy bitch, just wait till I get-"

"No! You can't." I quickly shook my head. "The moment Ashley finds out I told someone, that someone else even knows, she's not going to hesitate to release it."

Layla looked at me before sighing. "You're right. But this isn't right. We can't just let her win."

"There's nothing we can do," I told her, defeated.

"There is, and we'll figure it out." Layla tapped her foot on the ground in thought. She nodded once more before walking away, repeating the phrase to herself.

This left me alone again, alone with my consuming thoughts. I sighed as I rubbed my face. This is going to be messy.

++

Sorry for the icky ending, hope everyone's well <3

Outfit on the left is Rory's outfit <3