Iris hasn't come to school for the pass three days now, worst part is that she doesn't answer my calls, and I couldn't even check up on her because I didn't know where she lived. Whatever happened that day was serious, whether she says it or not I know that. She was desperate and scared, really desperate.
Since she wasn't going to tell me or show up in school I decided to look for Carl, he would tell me I think. I must get to the bottom of this. Carl is most definitely not someone you see everyday in school, one needs to book an appointment with him before you can see me because why haven't I seen him in school since yesterday? "Hey, uhm, Alex right?" I asked, I've been seeing him with Carl since I since I moved here
"Yes"
"Where's Carl?"
"Why are you looking for him?" He asked not sure whether he should tell me or not
"I need to speak with about something private"
"Something private? With Carl?" He had this suspicious look
"Yes" All i need to know was where Carl is, not what he thinks of me. "Emphasis on the Private" i repeated "So can you tell me where he is?"
"He didn't come to school today" I was a bit disappointed "But" he paused "If you really want to speak with him you'll have to leave your number with me"
"Why?"
"So he'll be able to call you" he stated "why else would I need your number?"
"Okay." I typed my number out on his iPhone "thank you" I didn't know if giving my number to Alex as a way of reaching out to Carl was a good idea but I had no other choice. The next minute he's in class and the next he's not. This was an opportunity i had to get to him, i wouldn't miss it.
* * *
I tossed on my bed watching tiktoks and laughing at funny memes when my iPhone began to ring 'unknown number' displayed on the screen, so I answered it.
"Hello"
"There's gonna be a pool party at my house, 9pm. If you have any thing to stay that's your only chance" with that he hang up. It was Carl, with the arrogant personality, it was so obvious plus he mentioned to meet at a pool party really Carl a party.
* * *
I have never attented any party here in LA, not that I haven't ever gotten invited in my two weeks of staying here, I've been invited four times but I decline because I didn't want to and Carl's party would not be first.
I put on my blue Jean trousers and a dark red neck cross crop top I got from Shein and tied my hair up in a ponytail, no too much makeup just mascara and my lip combo then off I went. It's most definitely not a pool party theme but I didn't care, I was going there for a conversation not to party.
As expected the place was full, lively and big. Most were familiar why some weren't. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and dailed Carrot. Yes, Carrot he calls me Tatalia why not call him carrot, it suits him so well
"Come upstairs. The first room to your left"
"Ok…" he hanged up
I was on my way upstairs when Chris appeared out of nowhere "Hey Talia"
I widened my eyes and smiled brightly "Hiii, Chris" the excitement in my voice sounded painfully rehearsed
"you're here?" he asked looking at my outfit "you don't look like you're here for…"
"Chris" Brandon calls out to him "come over here"
"I'm sorry, I got to go"
"It's fine" I smiled, he nodded and stepped out.
I yanked the door of the room open, there he was shirtless for a second I forgot how to breath. His abs are toned, his biceps flex slightly as he runs his hand through his black messy hair — like he doesn't even realize how distracting he is.
I swallowed hard trying to look anywhere else but him, but my eyes refuse to listen. He turns, catching my gaze, and the faint smirk that follows makes my heart skip a beat.
"Like the view?" And there he was, the cocky Carl was back. With his mouth shut he is a good looking guy but with that mouth of his, he is far from it
"Oh, Carrot. Nice to meet you" I said flatly, the corner of my mouth twitching with effort
"Carrot huh" he chuckled "We're giving each other nicknames now"
"You started it, pretty boy. If you don't like it then stop calling me Tatalia"
"No, I like it but I like Pretty boy better"
"Dream on" I said and he chuckled again
"So what brings Natalia Cole to my house?" he paused "Right, she wants to speak with me, privately" he emphasized so much on the privately as he saunters to the door, next minute the door click shut and the next he stood directly behind me, his breath fans my ear.
"What do you think you're doing?" I stuttered
"What do you think I'm doing?" I can feel a smirk form on his lips "So tell me, what is it that is so important that you have to speak privately to me about?" he whispered in my ear, his voice slow, dangerous purr that made my pulse race
"I want is to talk about…"
"You smell so edible" he buried his head on my neck — inhaling so loudly "About What?" I walked away from him
"Iris" I watched his expression change
"What about her?" he moved further away from me