Semi-Edited!

Love the cover on the side. (Not sure if I already posted it or not) Whoever made it COMMENT so you can get credit :) <3 

Song on the side is Can't Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake. It is just plain amazing and a perfect song to dance to! 

"Carter! Come quickly....it is Gage."

It felt like my entire body was doused in ice cold water. I could hear Dylan yelling through the phone but it was coming out all muffled. My mind wasn't working as I stood still in the middle of my bedroom. My hand was clenching my phone so tightly I was afraid it would snap.

"Carter! Carter!" My name was repeated in my ear. Realizing that it was still Dylan yelling my name I tried to snap out of it.

"Y-yes?" I stuttered out.

"You need to come over. There's a lot of blood and I don't know what to do." I could clearly hear the panic in his voice.

"I'll be there in just a minute. Make sure to have the first aid kit out." I said before hanging up. I could feel myself shaking and my mind was racing. I had to hurry. The only thought I had at the moment was to get to Gage and make sure he was okay. With that I scrambled around my room grabbing my bag, my phone, and running to the bathroom to get our first aid kit. If it was as bad as Dylan made it out to be I'd need both.

Making sure I had everything I needed I snatched my keys up from the counter and ran out the door. All I could keep picturing was Gage laying on the ground with blood pooling out of him. As soon as I left my building I high tailed it to Dylan and Gage's dorm building. Thankfully not many people were out so I was free to run without dodging people. I may have looked like a crazy person running across campus but I could care less.

The moment their building was in view I picked up my pace, my breath coming out in pants. I really needed to get into shape. Now is not the time to be thinking of that. I mentally yelled at myself.

I booked it up the stairs briefly remembering what room they were in. When I saw apartment number 17 I grasped the door handle and barged in. I should have thought more about their door being unlocked but in that moment it went out of my mind fast.

"Dylan! Gage!" I yelled looking around the living room. Where the hell were they?

"In here!" Dylan yelled from what I think was the bathroom. My feet quickly took me in the direction I heard his voice. My heart was pounding in my chest and clenched painfully. What if he was really hurt? How could I stitch him up if it was terrible?

When I reached the outside of the bathroom I could hear noises. I took a deep breath schooling my features. If I was freaked out then he would be to. I had to stay calm and collect. Nodding my head at my thoughts I entered the bathroom. I almost closed my eyes hoping that there wasn't a crap load of blood because I would pass out.

"Hey! I brought the first aid-" I started to say only to stop dead in my tracks. I stared at both boys. Dylan was leaning against the sink with his arms crossed over his chest, and Gage was sitting on the toilet seat. My eyes took in the entire the bathroom only to come up empty. There was not an ounce of blood anywhere.

"Wha-" I stared at Gage who looked up at me in surprise. He looked basically fine besides a small looking cut above his eyebrow. I could see his cheek was slightly swollen but that was it. There was not a lot of blood or anything to freak out over like Dylan did.

"I..." I trailed off not finding any words.

"What are you doing here?" Gage asked looking up at me. His eyes traveled the length of me and I couldn't help but blush. I bet my hair was in a birds nest from running all the way here, my face was probably all red from running up the stairs and being frantic.

"I...I uh Dylan called me." I stuttered out. I took in Gage to make sure nothing else was wrong with him. Nothing else seemed wrong beside the one scratch and swollen cheek. I looked over at Dylan who was standing there with a cheshire grin spread across his face. Slowly it started to sink in. Dylan faked that Gage was seriously hurt to get me here.

"You!" I growled out pointing at him. From the corner of my eye I saw Gage staring between us completely confused. "You little!" Dylan seemed to realize how pissed as I was and even had to decency to look guilty.

"I didn't think you'd rush right over." He held his hands up.

"What is going on?" Gage asked standing up.

"I am going to kill your best friend that is what is going on." Narrowing my eyes at Dylan I lunged for him. He easily dodged my move and ran out of the bathroom. "DYLAN GET BACK HERE!" I yelled turning to chase after him.

For the next few minutes I chased Dylan around their apartment all the while screaming profanities at him. I wanted to strangle him for making me worry for Gage.

"You little shit! He is completely fine!" I yelled at him running around the couch.

"I didn't know you would take it serious!" He yelled over his shoulder at me.

"Why would I not when you call me screaming about blood and that he is severely hurt!"

I continued on chasing him for another few minutes before Gage suddenly stepped in front of me, making me come to a stop. He stared down at me completely confused. Dylan stood on the other side of him like he was using Gage as a shield to keep me away from him.

"What is going on you two?" Gage asked.

"Your little friend called me screaming that you were hurt and bleeding badly. So I ran all the way here worried sick only find out you are fine!" I pointed over Gage's shoulder at Dylan who was looking kind of scared at the moment. Good.

"Wait why did you call her?" Gage turned around to look at his best friend.

"It was a joke. I thought it would be funnier." He rubbed the back of his neck looking guilty.

"So Carter was who you were screaming to on the phone a little bit ago?"

"Yes. I was really convincing wasn't I?" He grinned at the both of us. I couldn't see Gage's expression but I knew was rolling his eyes, while I was scowling.

"You are such a dick." I said crossing my arms.

"I'm sorry Carter. I shouldn't have played that prank on you but come on you have to admit, that was pretty good." I shook my head at him more than pissed. Turning around I went to sit down on the couch. I was out of breath and my feet were hurting from running so much in heels. I didn't even know I could run in heels but apparently when your adrenaline was up you could do anything.

I can't believe I fell for that. I should have known something was fishy with Dylan but being the nice person I am I had to be all caring and worried. The couch dipped beside me making me look at the person who sat next to me. Gage.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine. How are you? How did you get that cut?" I gestured to his face.

"Just a fight. Guy got lucky." He waved me off like it was no big deal.

"Did you clean it and everything?"

"It's not my first cut princess." Gage smiled at me. I smiled back glad he was okay.

"So you had a fight today?" I sat the first aid kit on the ground beneath my feet. He sent me a look almost asking if I was stupid. In my defense it was word vomit.

"Why are you all dressed up?" Dylan asked walking over to sit beside me. I ignored him and kept looking at Gage. I was still angry at him for playing me like that. "Carter! You can't still be mad at me!" He whined.

"Yes I can."

"Carty I was playing! Please don't be mad at me." He grabbed onto my shoulder. Turning I faced him only to grab his shoulders and push him to the ground. He fell butt first onto the ground. "Oww!"

"Sorry man but that is what you get." Gage said shaking his head down at his friend on the floor.

"My own best friend didn't even stick up for me." Dylan muttered. I stuck my tongue down at him. As he continued on sitting on the floor pouting I started to feel bad. Curse me and my kindness. Sighing I reached a hand down to him.

"Come on get on the couch."

"Are you going to push me again?" He asked looking at my hand as if it were a snake.

"No. I won't as long as you don't do it again." I gave him a pointed look.

"I won't." He promise. "Well at least not to you." He muttered under his breath. Smiling I wiggled my hand at him again waiting for him to grab it.

Once he grabbed my hand I helped him back on the couch next to me. I felt slightly bad for pushing him off so rudely so I gave him a wide smile and patted his led to let him know I wasn't angry at him.

A few minutes passed in silence as all three of us just sat there staring at one another.

"So why are you dressed up? Had a hot date?" Gage asked breaking the silence. There was a hint of something in his tone I couldn't place.

"No." I lied shaking my head. "I was with Macey earlier." I had no idea why I decided to lie. For some reason I couldn't bring myself to say I was out with Ethan. Gage stared at me for a minute as if waiting to see if I was lying but I kept my face blank. Something inside of me was talking me not say anything about Ethan to both Gage and Dylan.

"Oh." I rolled my eyes at him although I was curious as to why he wanted to know.

"Smooth." I heard Dylan mutter over to Gage. I glanced over at Dylan to see him shaking his head which made me smile. Although he what he did want not nice at all I couldn't stay mad at him for too long.

"Well since Gage is not lying on the bathroom floor with blood, I think I'll head back home." I said standing up. It was a little after 5 and I bet Macey was wondering where I was.

"Wait you are leaving already Car? I thought we could make cookies, watch movies and play with each others hair!" Dylan whined sending me pleading eyes.

"Aw don't worry young one, we can set up a day where we can do all of that." I patted the top of his head. "We can even talk about boys." I sent him a cheeky smile playing along.

"Boys?! Oh goodie!" Dylan made his voice all high and girly while clapping his arms. Gage just sat there staring at his best friend lost his mind. I couldn't help but giggle at Dylan. He definitely know how to make me feel better.

"But seriously I better go. Macey is probably wondering where I ran off to." I grabbed the first aid kit from the floor.

"Fine go ahead and leave me by my lonesome self."

"I'm here to you dumb ass." Gage grunted out.

"Oh yeah there you are." Dylan said in a bored tone.

"Boys." I muttered under my breath. "I'll see you guys later?"

"Definitely." Dylan stood up and pulled me into a tight hug. With his head near mine it was the perfect opportunity to get back at him, even just a little bit. Reaching up with one hand I smacked the back of his head. He jerked away from me cursing while rubbing the back of his head.

"What was that for?"

"For being stupid." I simply said grinning. I moved away from him to look at Gage who was now standing up. "I'm glad you are okay."

"Maybe I need to get hit more often and have you come running to my rescue." He grinned at me. I blushed seeing how weird it probably is that I came running like a bat out of hell.

"Yeah well that is all you are going to get." I smirked at him hoping my cheeks weren't as red as I thought they were. Feeling Dylan's gaze on us the entire time I took a step around Gage. "Put ice on your eye in a little bit. Will make it feel better." Sending both boys a small smile I made my way to the door.

"Bye you guys." I quickly left not trusting myself. If I stayed there any longer I'd be there for hours and I'd probably do something I'd regret. With the door shut behind me I sighed. What was I doing? I was literally just with Ethan, a guy that I really like, and I come running immediately to Gage when I hear he's been hurt.

Walking back to my dorm room realization came in. I literally just kind of flirted with Gage when I just barely went on a date with Ethan! Did that classify that I was a slut? I mean it wasn't like it was a date with Ethan but it felt like it especially after him kissing me on the cheek.

While I should have been home pining after Ethan I was instead making sure a guy I have barely known for a month is okay. What is wrong with me?

*****

"Why can't I do this?" I muttered pulling my hair as I stared down at the piece of paper in front of me. We were now in our second month of school and apparently both my Art and Photography teachers thought it would be nice to make each student turn in a portfolio at least once a month. The first month they wanted us to get comfortable and the minute we entered the first week of October they pounced on us telling us about a portfolio that was due in two weeks.

About has been about wo weeks since my date with Ethan and Dylan's stupid prank about Gage. Time had passed by somewhat slowly and not much went on. Things were normal between Ethan and I. Neither of us really bringing up our so called date. Thankfully things weren't awkward around us and I was more than happy about that. It would have caused my brother to be suspicious as well. Everything seemed to be like it was before school started.

Things between my brother and Macey seemed fine, both acting like they use to. Amy wasn't around as much as usual which Macey and I couldn't seem to understand. When I did see her she would make up some excuse to leave, leaving my baffled. I thought I did something wrong but with her not talking to me I couldn't do anything about it just yet.

During the week I have seen both Gage and Dylan, and even talked to both over text a few times. During our english class Gage decided to sit next to me instead of a few seats down which surprised me but I didn't say anything, secretly glad. At times he was his normal rude self but he has stopped being totally mean to me which was nice. Of course around others he wasn't so much, if someone so much as looked at him longer than necessary he would snap at them. I wouldn't classify us as friends just yet but we were getting there. My mission of getting him to like me was succeeding.

School has kept us all busy along with Ethan and Luke's football games and even Gage's fights. I hadn't been to another one of Gage's fight since I went with Macey. Ever since I went over there thinking he was hurt I haven't hung out with either him or Dylan. I felt bad but with school, going to football games, and now two big projects I have just been staying home.

I was currently sitting on my bed with my notebook in my hand staring down at it. For the past hour I have stared at the blank sheet nothing coming to mind. For my art portfolio I had to draw, sketch, paint whatever I thought was beautiful. According to my professor it would be anything from a sketch of a book to a portrait of a family member.

Usually I had no problem drawing but these last few weeks I have been really uninspired. My mind wouldn't think and my hand wouldn't draw. Every time I did think of something I'd either shoot it down or when I start drawing it I'd end up throwing it away not liking it.

The topic of something being beautiful to me was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I thought so many things were beautiful and it was hard picking one thing. If I did do a portrait of someone it would probably end up terrible.

Along with that topic for art my photography class was some what the same, I had to take 5 photos of something that brought me happiness. With those 5 photos I had to put them on a poster board or something like a binder with small descriptions of each picture explaining why it brought me happiness. I swear both professors got together and thought of the idea. Professors are sometimes out to kill you.

Both topics didn't sound hard at all, in fact they were probably the easiest thing to do but it made you sit and wonder what really brought you happiness and what did you think was beautiful. To every person those differ but it hit home a lot harder than I would have thought. I don't think they meant for me to think this hard about it but I couldn't help myself.

Because I had be procrastinating on these projects they were due in a week and I still had no idea what to do. That is why I have shut myself in my bedroom hoping for some inspiration. Once I got an idea I could finish all of them in a matter of hours but no luck so far.

Of course when I am suppose to be focusing on my school work my mind decided to wonder. The first thing I thought of was Gage which surprised me. Normally Ethan's face came to mind when I was bored or just on a regular bases honestly. The past 4 years all I have ever thought of was Ethan but now that Gage came into the picture it seems my thoughts wondered to him more often.

I could see his face right now in my mind as I smiled softly down at my notebook. His soft brown hair that curled slightly at the tips. He had that perfect messy bed hair down to a tee. The strong jaw line that I swear could cut a finger if someone ran it across it. I could even see the small smile on his face that he really showed. The dimples on his cheeks I didn't even know was there until the other day. Gage rarely smiled but when he did man it could light up the world.

I don't know why I was thinking about him, which I have been doing a lot lately. Just randomly the image of him would pop into mind making me smile. I have only known him for a month but he has already left a big impression on me. I wasn't sure what that impression was but I didn't care.

A soft knock on my door jerked me out of my thoughts. I yelled come in and glanced over as the door opened. Macey's dirty blonde head popped in.

"Hey I found something at our door for you." A smile appeared on her face as she opened the door wider and stepped inside. Followed right behind her was the exact same face I was just thinking of.

"Gage." I breathed out. His tall figure entered my room and it felt suddenly really small. He had his hands stuffed in the front of him jeans which made his shoulder look wider then they were. I was shocked to see him here.

"I found him standing at the door all awkward." Macey said grinning over at Gage who look uncomfortable under her gaze. I stifled a laugh knowing Mace probably already said something weird to him before coming to my room.

"Uh..." I looked over at Macey giving her the get-out look with my eyes. She held her hands up and nodded understanding me.

"Well I'll just leave you two to talk." She moved around Gage and went for the door. Just as she was about to close it she stopped. "Don't be too loud okay? At least turn the music up." She winked at the both of us before slamming the door behind her. My pillow didn't hit her fast enough and ended up hitting the closed door and falling onto the floor. My cheeks were flaming and I knew I looked like a tomato.

"What are you doing here?" I finally asked after a seconds of silence. Gage made his way over to my desk chair and plopped into it. It felt weird having him here in my room...again. I can't believe he remembered what room we were in from that night over a month ago. It was so weird to think it has been over a month since I ran into Gage late at night and ended up patching him up.

I watched as he looked around my room taking everything in. Everything from the few drawings I had put on my walls, the pictures along my desk with my family and friends, and