Almost Gone

Kate and Sam were married. And on a different part of the island on their “honeymoon.” I was beyond happy for them.

And beyond annoyed with Carl.

He keeps bugging me on whether or not I want to get married. And I’ve made my decision … just haven’t gotten to telling him yet …

“Emma? What’s taking so long? I wanna know!”, Carl whines childishly, following me down the hall. It was my turn to do laundry.

“Carl, I’m fourteen … I’m too young to get married. And you’re only sixteen.”

“Actually, my birthday was like a month ago. I’m seventeen.”

“Whatever. We’re still too young.”

“Fine,” Carl grumbles. “But what if —”

“Carl.”

“I’m just saying!”, he says, holding his hands up defensively. “If —”

“How in the hell would that happen, Carl? Honestly.”

“I dunno.”

“Besides, I promised my dad.”

“You never told me you promised him anything.”

“I promised him I wouldn’t get married until I’m at least twenty … and if he liked the guy, eighteen.”

“How is he supposed to like me?”

“I dunno. I didn’t know he was going to die. And then I was gonna get raped. And then I was gonna loose my voice …”

“Emma, calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to fucking calm down, Carl!”, I yell, glaring at me.

“Are you PMSing?”

“Maybe,” I say sheepishly, folding up the laundry. “But, you know what? That isn’t any of your business!”

“Just asking!”

“Yeah, well, whatever,” I say, grabbing the baskets full of clothes.

“So … umm … I heard you sing …”

“Everyone has, Carl,” I say, rolling my eyes, walking into my room and setting my clothes down on my bed. We all got separate bedrooms, now that Sam and Kate got married. Carl’s was right across the hall.

“I know but you were really good! Better than you were back then.”

“Can’t I ever go a day without someone mentioning my past?”

“Speaking of which, you never told me about your mom.”

I froze, shaking my head quickly. “You read my files.”

“Yeah, but it never mentioned your mom.”

“Carl … maybe another day. Okay?”

“Okay,” Carl sighs sadly.