Carter's Beloved

Fun. Nightmares.

Carter’s P.O.V:

The bright blue light shone into my eyes. I tried as hard as I could to not blink, tears started forming in my eyes. It froze my entire body as I forced my eyes not to shut.

“You look normal. Do you have dreams of the accident?”  Axel switches off the bright light and my muscles relax. Behind me, I can see the various surgical instruments lining the shelves.

“Not really. I can’t believe I almost died!” I exclaimed and looked back to where he was standing. The remains of his lunch were kept on a table. The dim blue lights made it hard to see.

“Geez how can you eat in here?” He chuckles and shakes his head. I get up from my seat and head towards him. I glance sideways to the mirror hanging on the left side of the room and the light reflects from the back.

I shut my eyes, assuring myself it’s a trick of light, but I can’t seem to forget what happened. My emotions are at war knowing it’s not my fault, but if only I hadn’t gone with her canoeing, she would be safe.

Axel stands next to the counter, sheet in his hand, examining the tests of the body I found. My eyes flick towards the papers, but he pushes them away.

“You must wait for 3 more weeks. It’s the only option you’ve got.” His brows crease in frustration when he sees my expression. Should I tell him about how I’m feeling? 

“Carter, are you sure you don’t know what happened in that accident?” He asks skeptically and I nod. The last week of my life has probably been the most anxious and disturbed. Pestered with questions from left and right, all wanting to know if I had seen the person who almost killed me by pushing us down a bridge.

The police took a while to get there, Madison was losing a lot of blood. It surprises me she survived, even if she’s not awake. The cut on my forehead reminds me it was not a dream and of the harsh memories that come with remembering it.

“No, I didn’t. I did not expect the one person I trusted to doubt me.” He places his hand on my shoulder apologetically. My thoughts can’t help but wander off to the night after the accident...

~Flashback~

“Are you telling me a car comes out of nowhere and slams against you?!” The police officer says heatedly. I nod and see his vein pulsing in his forehead. The room I’m sitting in is small except for two chairs and a table I’m handcuffed on.

“Yes, and if you have no more questions, please uncuff me.” I complain sullenly. My clothes stink of sweat and I need a good day of sleep. I was immediately brought to the police station for questioning after the wreck of the car I had been in, was discovered.

He grunts and peers at me, as if inspecting to see if I am lying or not. Keeping my face impassive, I pick on the cuffs meaningfully, and in no time the key is put into the lock and my hands are free. I rub my sore hands, relieved, checking the marks that have been left there.

“Fine. Go to the hospital and get the cuts checked out. Do not think I’m going to leave your case this soon. There is something suspicious about you boy.” He squints his eyes, monitoring me for anything else and belches loudly. 

Taking this as a sign to leave, I stand up and direct myself out of the room, narrowly missing his massive belly bulging over his belt. What is this country coming to, taking survivors of an accident as suspects? The video footage found in the camera showed what had happened, but the think brained cops don’t seem to have understood..

The station is empty except for a few teens who found it funny to graffiti the nearby Church. I push open the glass doors and step out into the black moonless night. A few police cars parked in the parking lot, a small 24-hour cafe is visible through the palm trees lining the pavement.

My phone rings, I pick up the phone without glancing at who it is. The calm, deep voice of a man speaks to me through the other line.

“She survived. We have little time. Resort to Plan 2B, don’t let anyone know about the bomb, let it remain undetectable by leaking gas outside. LIGHTFOOT out.” The call closed suddenly, barely giving me anytime to answer back. I stare at my phone screen and see the private unknown number who had called me. I redial the number but find the other line blocked.

My heart stuck in my throat, I dial Daniel’s number, waiting impatiently for him to pick up. My pulse quickened, I frowned, cursing under my breath.

“Oh, hi Carter! Are you okay? I heard they took in you for questioning. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop that, Madison didn’t wake up then. It’s a miracle she survived with minor injuries. With the weight of the car pushing towards her, it’s a wonder how we got her back in full shape. I can’t believe it! Ever since I’ve went on a break, bad luck’s been following her ever since. I don’t think I can trust her with anyone anymore.” Daniel rambles upset with what happened.

I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that she’s safe, now. Yet the phone call lingers in my mind. I fight inwardly whether to tell him, but I end up deciding to visit Madison. She had been recently put into a ward, Daniel sat outside holding his head in his hands.

I sat next to him, trying my best to comfort him with sweet words. I glance upwards and stand up to see how she’s doing. Through the glass pane in the door, I see her pale face lying on the bed. Her heartbeat is normal, and she is in a better condition than last time she was here.

Yet the feeling of worry and danger doesn’t go away. If they meant the phone call for someone else and I received it mistakenly, I need to alert someone. I rest my forehead on the glass pane and watch her chest lights rise and fall.

Is it my feelings for responsibility about my superior coming through or something else?

~Flashback ends~