I spin abruptly, not expecting Carter's voice. He stands at the edge of the walkway to the door, observing me. Taking a step forward, he makes his way over towards the driveway. Once he's close enough for conversation, I hesitantly reply.

"Yes, Carter?"

He stops before me, hands neatly placed inside his suit pockets. I spot his silver Rolex shimmering against the moonlight, then I lift my eyes to meet his foreboding glaze. I can tell he's trying to come off as welcoming and possibly desiring, however his eyes give him away.

"I just had a minor question that I couldn't ask previously."

I think he's waiting for me to ask "what?" When I don't, he continues.

"Why exactly are you dating my younger brother?"

The question takes me off-guard, but I respond appropriately with, "We aren't dating."

Which happens to be the unfortunate truth.

Carter's lips pull up in a slight smile while his eyes spark with a mischievous gleam.

"Well that's...reassuring," he remarks, taking a few steps closer towards me.

I involuntarily take a couple back, regarding him coolly, "Why do you ask?"

"I thought you were just putting on a show in front of my parents because Damon asked you to, he hasn't dated anyone in quite awhile."

"I wonder why?" I state with a hint of sarcasm, but not enough for Carter to catch on that I'm aware of his past actions.

"I don't know why anybody would date that accident anyways, the inessential piece of space he is."

That crossed the line and threw me over the edge with anger. The only thing masking my indignation is my utter shock that he would say something like that so easily to me, as if he doesn't care who knows. I notice that Carter is staring off behind me now, seemingly lost in thought, a smug look plastered across his face.

"I find him rather intriguing," I shoot back, hoping the serpent will detect the venom laced in my voice.

Carter finds my eyes again, "Is that so?"

"Damn straight. And I don't appreciate you saying such negative things about him."

He seems taken aback slightly by my response, but more than anything he seems amused; one may even say, enthralled.

"I believe he's all that and more," he says.

"Sounds like a personal problem."

Carter laughs, his eyes crinkling like Damon's do.

"Feisty, aren't you?" he leans in, "I like that."

I stand my ground, but I can't help the grimace that spreads across my face, nor do I mind it. I want him to get the message of the selfish bastard he is. When he sees I'm unaffected, he straightens himself and nods goodbye, walking away with his hands still placed in his pockets. I turn towards my car, deciding not to mention Carter's encounter to Damon; there's no gain in needless jealously, and it's not like anything really happened.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A few weeks pass by with nothing new. Carter returned to Florida, Damon's mood lightened, and everything was good in the land. My weekly routine became repetitive: wake up, go to school, go home and watch Chopped; and on Tuesdays and Thursdays it went along the lines of: wake up, go to school, go to Damon's, hang out, have fun, wait for him to make his usual sexual pass, swat him away, watch him pout, and fall for him more. Then usually comes me returning home to sulk about how with every passing week, I become closer to leaving, and no where closer to being with Damon. It's as if he sees no relationship desire and strictly best friends who make out occasionally; okay, maybe more than just occasionally. I understand why, I know he sees no point in dating anymore, and I'm glad he's let me in thus-far. But, I don't know how much longer I can play this game. I need something solid, stable...secure. I need reassurance that he wants more, wants a bond, and not just him keeping me around while it's convenient. I will not allow Damon to pull the rug of ignorance out from underneath me like my father.

I'm planning my monologue on the way over to his house. Graduation is in a few weeks and I have early orientation at my college. I won't even have the summer here to spend with everybody. So, I figure now is as good time as any.

Parking in front of his house, I step out and make my way to the door. It's do or die; he either wants more or we're cutting it off today; then, at least, I'll have some time to recover before I leave forever. I suck in a breathe of air before knocking on the large wood door. I hear shuffling, and then the door opens sharply. Damon's face is shinning with mysterious glee, and his bright eyes are dancing as he scans me over. The sudden appearance takes me off guard because I don't think I've seen him so jubilant before, but I stand there mesmerized because I also don't think I've ever seen him more radiant.

"Hey, Kitten."

I scowl in disgust, "What the hell did you just call me?"

"Kitten."

"Absolutely not."

"Too bad, I'm starting it for today."

I eye him suspiciously, "It better be just for today."

He just smiles and moves to the side to let me in. I muster up as much courage as I can from the door step to inside the house, then turn to him to say my peace.

"Damon, there's something—what are you so damn happy about!"

He looks as if he is about to burst from excitement, but as soon as I ask, his expression darkens and his whole demeanor changes.

Oh.

He starts a slow prowl towards me, my nerves rising with each step. Once he reaches my side, he cups my chin, raising it up so that our eyes connect. I think he notices the hesitance in my eyes, because he smirks before leaning in towards my ear. He whispers with the slightest voice that it's almost not even there.

"Because today is the day we play strip billiards."