Semi Edited

Cover on the side sent to me by @nerdkiddo . I love it!! Thank you <3

Song on the side is....Still Breathing by Mayday Parade. I think it fits Gage really well!

Gage's POV

The rest of the week after going to the Empire State Building with Carter I couldn't get her out of my mind. The image of her leaning over the side of the building with the wind in her hair was something that I could erase from my mind and I didn't want to either.

What scared me the most is that I was starting to feel something towards her. Something other than hatred or annoyed at her. She sure knew how to make someone like her. Carter had this innocence about her that just drew you in and made you want to learn more about her.

For someone that came from money she wasn't like those snotty bratty girls I went to high school with. The girls or even guys that thought they were all that because they could afford the newest iPhone. I of course knew her father was Ashton Miller, the most well known business man in New York. And of course her mother who is a famous author.

When I first met her I had no clue who she was and honestly didn't care but when Dylan came home telling me all about how he met the Carter Miller. He made it seem like she was someone famous. When I realized it was the same girl he was talking about I did judge her. It was wrong of me to do so but I couldn't help it. Having grown up with people 'like' her I thought she would be the same, now that I know her though she isn't. Carter is far from one of those snotty, bratty kids.

I sighed looking down at my phone. I was looking down at the picture Carter had taken of both us on top of the Empire State Building. When I took her phone I quickly sent it to me, I had no idea why. I had just found myself grabbing her phone and sending it to me. It was a great picture too.

The wind had blown perfectly in that moment where it lifted the stray ends of Carter's hair away from her face. A wide smile was spread across her face as she stared into the camera. My own face had a soft smile on it as I gazed down at her. I hadn't even realized I was looking at her when she took the picture.

I almost didn't want to admit it but I had a great time. Who knew sneaking inside the Empire State Building and going to the top would be so fun. I could tell Carter was nervous at first but when we did get up there the smile on her face was worth it all.

As I was looking at the photo my phone started vibrating and the picture disappeared showing a familiar number. Smiling I swiped to answer.

"Hi grandma." I said into the phone.

"How's my favorite grandson doing?" My grandma Rose asked.

"Grandma I'm your only grandson." I replied the smile on my face growing as I heard my favorite person's voice.

My grandma Rose and I were really close. After my mothers death when I was 14 I moved in with my grandma. She took me in when there was no one else and to this day I still couldn't thank her enough. With my father out of the picture since I was little I had no one but my grandma. She always made sure I made it to school on time, that I did my homework, did my chores, and keep me out of trouble; although that didn't work all the time.

At the time I went to live with my grandma, and afterwards, I was in a bad place. The death of my mother was too much for my younger self and I couldn't stop myself from acting out. During school I'd pick fights with anyone and everyone, I'd ditch to smoke out back with the other junkies in the school. I was severely moody and rarely listened but my grandma helped me through it. She accepted me even after all the things I did. While she did scold me she wasn't too rough about it and let me learn from my mistakes.

I was my grandmas only thing left in this world and when I realized that I got my act together. I stopped smoking and drinking. I went to school regularly and ended up getting good grades, good enough grades to get me a scholarship to go to Columbia. Although I never really stopped with fighting I just ended up doing the underground kind. The money I won from my fights I helped with paying her bills. She never questioned how I got the money instead insisted I keep it most of it for the future.

With my grandfather passing just a few years before my mom, my grandma was left to teach me everything about being a man. That of course got a little awkward when I went through puberty and had to have the 'talk' with my grandma, but other than that it was great living with my grandma.

If it wasn't for my grandma during that time I don't what I would have turned out like. I would not be the same guy I was today without her honestly.

"How has school been? Doing your homework?" She asked bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Yes grandma." I rolled my eyes. "Things have been pretty busy with tests coming up but nothing too big."

"Good. So what have you been doing? Please tell me you have been treating the girls right over there." Immediately my thoughts went straight to Carter.

"Of course I have, it's me Gram."

"Yeah, yeah you couldn't even get a gorilla if you tried." Rose joked to me.

"Nice way to boast my confidence." I muttered.

"No problem sweetie." She laughed through the phone. "How's Dylan doing?" Dylan was just as close with my grandma. He was always over at my house during high school, he practically lived there.

"Same as all always. Picking up girls and being a pain in my ass."

"So the usual." I could hear her grin through the phone.

Hearing her voice I realized how long it has been since I have seen her. With being so busy with school, fights, and even hanging out with Carter I haven't visited her in almost a month. Wow I'm a great grandson.

"What are you doing tomorrow grandma?" I asked suddenly. Tomorrow was Sunday and I knew I had no plans.

"Just going out with my boy toy. Why?"

"Ha Ha very funny Grams. Well I am coming over tomorrow okay?"

"You better it has been ages. You know I've been withering away over here waiting for your presence." I laughed knowing she was kidding. My grandma was definitely not just sitting around waiting for me. For being in her 60's she was very active. She is always doing something to keep her busy whether it be gardening, redecorating the house, or going to her weekly book club.

"Don't worry I'll come right over and make you young again old lady."

"Sounds good sweetie. Make sure you eat dinner and get homework done tonight." Even through the phone she mothers me.

"Will do grandma. See you tomorrow. I love you." I said before hanging up smiling. I always loved talking to my grandma.

Following my grandma's instructions I got to work finishing up my English homework that is due monday.

*****

"Dylan come on!" I yelled down the hallway to Dylan. It was currently 12:30 in the afternoon and Dylan was taking his own sweet time getting ready as usual. We were suppose to have left 5 minutes ago but according to him he had to look just perfect to see grandma. Stupid if you ask me, my grandma has seen him in so much worse conditions.

"I'm doing my hair!" He yelled back at me.

"Fuck your hair, lets go." From here I could hear him gasp at my words.

"Don't be rude to my hair! Just because you are jealous."

"You have 5 minutes!" Suppressing a groan I went a sat down on the couch. Sometimes I wondered why I was friends with Dylan, mostly times like this. I mean it wasn't like I didn't care about my outfit because I did try to look nice but I didn't put as much thought into as him.

Just as I was taking my phone out to browse through Twitter a series of hard knocks came at our front door. Confused at the sound I stood up. We weren't expecting anyone today. The knocks came again and I grumbled under my breath.

"I'm coming, jeez." I opened the door and was met with a fist to the chest.

"Sorry." A voice squeaked out. Looking down my eyes widened at the scene before me.

"Carter?" Standing at the door was Carter who had tears streaming down her face and her hair was all over the place like she had ran here. "Are you okay?" I asked. Of course she isn't okay you idiot she has clearly been crying. I mentally yelled at myself. She didn't answer instead she lunged for me and wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly.

I stumbled back slightly caught off guard. I could feel her shoulder shaking as she started crying again. Automatically my arms came around wrapped themselves around her shoulders, holding her to me.

A million questions ran through my mind but I pushed them all back as I stood there hugging Carter back as she silently cried against me. I wanted to know why she was crying and why she came here but I knew she couldn't answer at the moment.

After a few minutes I gently moved us backwards so I could shut the door, she wouldn't want someone to walk by and see her crying. She didn't once let up on her grip and to be honest I didn't want her to either. Carter felt good inside my arms, like our bodies were pieces of puzzles together.

"Hey ready to-" Dylan started to say as he walked out but stopped when he saw Carter in my arms. He raised and eyebrow but came forward a concern look on his face. He looked between both us silently wondering what is going on. I just shook my head at him not knowing myself.

Dylan stood there concern written all over his face as he watched Carter cry. She seemed to be settling down a little which was good. Seeing how concerned Dylan was for her I noticed how hooked her has gotten him as well. It was hard not to like Carter.

After about 5 minutes she settled down and was now just holding onto me quietly. My right hand was softly rubbing circles on her back as my left held her tightly. Her hands had my shirt fisted in them not letting me go. Dylan had taken a seat on the edge of the couch waiting for Carter to pull away or to at least do something.

"It is okay." I said soothingly, or what I hoped was in a soothing way.

My mind couldn't help but wonder why she was crying in the first place. Did something bad happen? Did she get in a fight with her friend, Macey I think it was? Did her brother get hurt? All these questions flew through my mind and when I thought of her being hurt by someone I squeezed her tighter. If someone had hurt her they would regret it. No one messes with my girl. By the look on Dylan's face he was thinking the same thing.

Wait when did I start thinking of Carter as 'my girl'? Only a month ago I didn't want to be near her and now here we are with me thinking of her as mine. I wanted to scold myself for thinking such idiotic thoughts but Carter moved around in my arms, halting whatever I was thinking.

"I'm sorry." She whispered pulling away slightly. She loosened her hold on me but didn't let me go.

"You don't have to be sorry." I found myself whispering back to her. She looked up to me and I swear I felt my heart skip a beat. Her blue eyes were shining bright although they are red from crying. Her cheeks were tear stained and puffy but she couldn't have looked any cuter to me.

Unconsciously I lifted my hand and wiped away a few tears that were stuck stubbornly on her face. Gently I use my thumb to graze her cheeks all the while staring down at her. I felt like I was in a trance and couldn't look away from her.

"What happened Carter?" Dylan decided to ask in that moment. He broke me out of whatever trance I was in. Carter blinked a few times clearing her mind and took a step out of my arms. I cleared my throat and stepped back as well feeling awkward. Inwardly I was cursing at Dylan for ruining the moment.

"I don't want to talk about it." Carter mumbled playing with her hands.

"You don't have to. Only when you are ready." I said sending her a small smile. If she didn't want to tell us we had to respect that. Eventually she probably would but for now we'd have to accept that.

"Are you okay at least?" Dylan asked.

"Yeah or at least I think I will be." She sent him a watery smile. Whatever happened she wouldn't be okay for a while, that I knew. "I'm sorry for just barging in here." She wiped at her tears while taking a deep breath.

"That's okay you are welcome any time." Dylan said before I could. I watched as she got herself together and looked between us. I noticed something flash in her eyes before it disappeared as quick as it came.

"You guys were going somewhere huh? I am sorry I should probably go and let you guys get back to whatever you were doing." She rattled off. Although she said she should leave she stood still in the same spot. Just looking at her I knew she did not want to go back to her dorm.

"You can come with us." I found myself saying suddenly. Both her's and Dylan's eyes snapped towards me, both in surprise. "What?" I raised an eyebrow at the both of them.

"No I don't want to intrude." Carter shook her head.

"Well we can't let you just go back to your dorm all upset. You can come with us and get your mind off of it." I said. I could see she was tempted to come with us but her good manners were holding her back.

"Car you have to come. Gage's grandma makes the best lasagna ever!" Dylan said smiling at her. He stood up and came to stand beside her. She looked over at me almost like she wanted my permission which I already gave.

"Come on." I gestured with my head to the door. With a small smile I grabbed my keys by the front door and opened it wide for her. Along with a soft nudge from Dylan she finally nodded and headed out the door. Following behind her Dylan wiggled his eyebrows at me before quickly ducking out of the way of my hand. Shaking my head I closed the door behind me and followed after the two.

Why I offered for Carter to come with us to my grandma's I can't tell you. Just seeing her standing there looking broken I couldn't leave her. Something so bad made her cry and I couldn't make her go back to her dorm to be alone. Besides I could be kind of selfish and keep her near me today. Maybe find out what happened.

As we headed for my car Dylan and I stood on either side of Carter almost like a shield, protecting her from harm. Dylan kept making jokes or telling her stupid stories to make her laugh and it somewhat worked. She would laugh softly at them but not her full blown laugh like she usually does. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. My heart constricted at the sight but I pushed my feelings aside for now.

The car ride to my grandmothers didn't take long. With it being Sunday and 1:00 now there wasn't too much traffic, plus she only lived like 20 minutes away. The neighborhood I spend my teenage years wasn't a terrible place it wasn't on the rich side of town either. It was a well kept neighborhood that had houses lined up on both sides for multiple blocks.

Some of the houses were run down because they had been there for years while others looked brand new. My grandma's house was a mix of both. My grandfather did a good job of replacing the roof years before and my grandma always kept up on the lawn and garden, making sure it stayed nice all year round.

Driving down the street a few younger kids ran around playing what looked like tag and a few others playing football. I smiled at the sight old memories coming back into mind. While I was a trouble young boy I did make friends and we would play football on the streets as well a night games until our parents called us in for bedtime. Dylan of course was one of those.

It wasn't long until I pulled into the driveway of a very familiar home. It was a simple two story house but the light blue paint on the outside with some brick on the edges, the nice mowed lawn and well kept flower beds, were home to me. A big tree stood tall off to the side of the lawn giving it plenty of shade. Apparently my grandfather planted it the moment he bought the house for Gram and has been here ever since.

We all piled out of the car, Carter slower then any of us. She looked nervous to be here. I mean after all it was my grandma's place, the person that practically raised me, she didn't know that but still. She had nothing to worry about though Gram would love her.

Dylan bounding ahead I went to stand in front of Carter.

"Hey don't be nervous."

"Yeah right this is your grandmothers place. I wasn't even invited." She breathed out and I could see the panic look on her face.

"Carter it is okay, she won't mind. Just be yourself she will love you." I sent her a smile while grabbing her hand. Getting a small nod from her I tugged her after me to the front door. "Take a deep breath it will be fine." Beside me Carter did so as I entered the open doorway. Inside I could already hear Dylan talking to my grandma.

Closing the door behind me I was met with the wonderful smell that is my grandma's house. She always had some kind of candle going making it smell amazing here. Once you entered inside you walked down a small hallway that lead to the open kitchen and living room. The master bedroom was downstairs by the living room and the other two were upstairs.

I felt Carter's hand tighten around mine as I lead her towards the living room where Dylan and my Grandma's voice were coming from. When we entered I noticed Dylan already had cookies stuffed into his mouth. He never wastes anytime. Besides me Carter stifled her laugh at him.

"There you are sweetie!" My grandma Rose stood up and made her way towards me. I had to drop Carters hand to hug her back. Rose stood at about 5'6 and I swear she was starting to shrink a little. She was kind of a stout women but she could kick your butt to china without so much as breaking a sweat.

"Hi grandma." I hugged her back relaxing in her hold. I hugged her tightly missing her hugs. When she pulled away she stepped back and peered back at Carter. Carter had moved a little bit behind me out of our way when we hugged.

"Now who is this gorgeous little thing?" She asked. Gram wasted no time in pushing me to the side to get to Carter. "My aren't you cutie." Grandma said as she grabbed Carter and took her in her arms. I held back my laughter at Carter's surprised face. My grandma was a hugger.

"Gram this is my...um friend Carter Miller. Carter this is my grandma Rose." I gestured between them. Rose raised an eyebrow at the word friend but thankfully didn't say anything about it.

"It is nice to meet you." Carter smiled at her.

"Nice to meet you too. Gage never brings girls home to meet me." She smirked in my direction clearly waiting for my reaction. I sent her a look of which she just waved me off.

"Come sit you two. Have some cookies before this fat ass eats them all." Rose said sitting down in the chair and looking over at Dylan who was in fact eating another cookie. I watched Carter giggle at my grandmothers words as she took a seat on the couch. She already looked happier then before which was good. Maybe bringing her here was a good idea.

The first thing that greeted us as we sat down was my Gram's cat, Snicker doodle. Grandma rescued her a few years ago from the animal shelter. Her light grey fur and little paws were too adorable for my grandma to resist. Snicker doodle came right up to me and rubbed her body against my leg.

Reaching down I went to pet her only to have her dodge my hand. Because she