I felt numb.The chatter of the nurses and the doctors as they pass by me was distanced. The familiar beeping of hospital equipment, the ringing of telephones and the monotonous voices on intercoms were all drowned out. The scene around me was in slow motion and everything and everyone was a blur. All I could focus on and think about right now was Carson.The beating...The blood...The fast movements of the paramedics as they tried to keep him stable...His lifeless body...I closed my eyes tight as my hands, my feet; my entire body started to tremble again. I wrap my arms around my body as I began to feel cold. "Are you alright?" Jasmine, who was sitting beside me asked. I didn't turn to look at her, but I could sense the concern in her voice. I nodded my head mechanically as I know I wasn't able to speak. Jasmine wraps her arm around me and gave me a comforting hug. "Don't worry. Carson will be okay." I nodded my head again. I hope she was right.I've been at the hospital for an h

Carson's POVA week later, the next monday, I was doing much better and I was finally ready to go back to school. Mom came by my apartment early this morning to let me know that she and Dad were leaving to go back to Chicago in three hours. They both had stayed at an hotel for the entire week that I was recuperating. They told me that they had no intention of leaving until they were sure I was okay. Even though I told them I was feeling much better, there was no way I could talk them into leaving.Mom has been here now for about half an hour fussing over me and repeatedly asking how I was feeling. Finally, convinced that I was alright, she took up her bag to leave. As she did so, she noticed that I was gathering my books to put into my bag so she asked. "You're going to class today?""Yes, I've already missed one week of classes." I answered. Even though, for the entire week, I've been getting all my class notes from one of my classmates and keeping up with my assignment right here i

Carson's POVSunday evening after Kayla left my apartment to go back to the dorms, I met up with my friends and we decided to go to the gym to spend the remaining of the evening. This wasn't a random trip to the gym, ever since we came to New York, we would normally come here at least three times a month. We were here for half an hour, when I was surprised by Oliver Ross entering the gym. Was this guy stalking me now? Because all the time I've been here, I've never seen him here before. I sat up from the chest press machine I was on, when Oliver walked in our direction. The guys, who noticed Oliver too, got off the machines they were on and faced him when he reached us."Relax boys, no punches will be flung tonight." He replied holding his hands up. However, he was sporting a sinister grin on his face."What do you want, Oliver?" I demanded."I'm merely here to use the gym facilities just like you." He said casually, but I knew that was a lie. He then laughed at some sick joke in hea

Carson's POVSaying what I planned to do out loud to my friends, make the reality of my decision seems more real. I hated what I was about to do and I had to remind myself why I was doing it to stop myself from changing my mind."Are you sure about that, man?" Michael was the first one to speak up.I nodded my head. "It's the only way to ensure her safety.""Are you going to tell her? You know, about Oliver and what you think he's planning?" Jayden asked."Yes, of course. I'm not going to keep anything from her." I replied. "And besides, it will be easier to explain why we have to do this. It won't be for long anyways."When I thought about it, it really was a perfect plan. If Oliver thinks we are not together, he will leave her alone and he'll just have to deal with me. The part that I didn't like was that I was letting Oliver controls our lives and because of him, I won't get to be with Kayla. I had thought about just pretending that we aren't together, but he would know because he'

Carson's POVWhen Kayla left my apartment yesterday, it took a long while to realize what happened. Even now, I still can't believe it. When I had invited Kayla to come over, I never expected the situation to turn out the way it did. If I had known, I would have handled the situation so much better.In a way, I couldn't blame her. If she didn't want to be with me because she thought I was obsessed with Oliver or maybe she didn't want to be a target because of the danger that surrounds me; I get it. I wasn't upset with her. The only people I was angry with was myself and Oliver. Maybe she was right. Maybe I didn't think this through and thought hard enough for another plan.I take a deep sigh as I opened my car door and entered the driver's seat. I sat there for a while and take another calming breath. I guess this is how it should be. I love her so much and I would do anything to protect her. If us breaking up is the only way to accomplish that, then I have to live with it. Even thoug