Stubborn

Carson doesn’t resist as Misty leans down, and he automatically returns the kiss, his hand rising to touch the side of her face. As she withdraws, he stares her in the eye, a spark ignited. “You’re a stubborn thing, aren’t you?” His eyes narrow slightly. “I threaten you, I run away, I try to leave this world completely, and you still insist on reaping the consequences of letting me near. …You just can’t give up, can you?”

A moment passes, and Carson is sucked back to reality and his surroundings. The spark slowly goes out again, and his hand drops back down. He was so confused…so torn. A few weeks ago, he’d had his life figured out and now, nothing made sense anymore. He was pulled between two totally opposite worlds, cowardice ruling his decisions. Yet he could not turn one way or the other, for that same cowardice prevented him from committing. And along with that realization came the guilt. He’d never felt guilty in his life. And now it was all he felt.

Carson shifts his eyes from Misty to the ceiling, his head sinking farther into his pillow. She didn’t know why he’d done this today…no one did. No one could understand…he was utterly and hopelessly stuck, unable to see past the “what ifs” of his immediate future.

His next words prove he is still contemplating his recent choice, a strange depression hanging in his tone…one that was masked by a fake layer of confidence that simply covered up the insecurities beneath. “Why don’t you just take me back to my cell and throw away the key? The world would be better off.”


Jason makes his way across the main floor, stopped by Susanne.

“Hey, Hotshot. Wyatt’s been trying to get a hold of you.”

“Oops.” Jason goes for his cell phone and flips it open, seeing several messages waiting. “Huh…my phone got turned off. Wonder how that happened.”

Susanne throws him an annoyed yet amused look. “Well, Carson’s in the infirmary, just so you know. We’ve been waiting for Nate to get back too so you both can decide your next move. Reese is leaving it up to Nate.”

Jason raises an eyebrow. “The infirmary? What happened? Did Con come back or what?”

“No.” Susanne shakes her head. “I guess he tried to kill himself. Ty found him and Misty worked at patching him up.”

“Oh, great.” Jason rolls his eyes. “Now not only do we have an enemy on our hands, but he’s suicidal.” He sighs deeply. “Thanks, Susanne. I’ll head over there.”

On his way, he glances to Nate’s desk, wondering if he’s back yet.