Carter's pov-
It was a nine hour flight, nine bloody hours. I know planes are relatively safe environments but I couldn't let myself sleep. I was paranoid something would happen to Miles if I fell asleep. I mean, we're surrounded by strangers. Miles had a fit when the plane took off. I felt awful, I knew he was scared and I'm sure his ears were popping, but I don't know how to help him.
He kept trying to crawl over to me so when it was safe I put him back in my lap. Miles is very clingy but I can't blame him. Growing up in the household we were in is tough, no matter how old you are. He just wants to feel safe. I only had to get up twice during the flight to take Miles to the bathroom.
We had our own private cubicle so I was able to breastfeed in private. I don't necessarily have a problem breastfeeding in front of people. I just don't want them to judge me because of my age. A lot of judgment comes with being a teen mom. It's not like it was my choice, it's not like I asked for this. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change a thing because I love my son but it's not like I wanted to get pregnant at thirteen.
Miles fell asleep in my arms and I ended up looking out the window, watching the clouds. I despise tv so I didn't want to watch a movie or anything and I didn't have a book with me. Tv is just unnecessary noise in my opinion. Miles doesn't like it either, I think he has noise sensitivity. Any loud or repetitive noise sends him into a tantrum. I keep meaning to make a doctor's appointment.
Somehow Miles slept through the landing, which I was grateful for. I managed to get off the plane with him asleep in my arms. Poor little guy was exhausted. When I got off the plane I started looking around but quickly realized I didn't know who I was looking for. I was looking around, hoping they'd have a sign or something.
Miles started to stir and let out he whined, I readjusted him on my hip and tried my best to soothe him. I felt a heavy hand land on my shoulder and my instincts kicked in. I turned around and swung, landing a hard hit on the man's chin. He let out a grunt, " Jesus, relax!" he said, stepping back.
My guard was up and I made sure Miles was facing away from the man, letting myself act as a shield. " Who the fuck're you?!" I spat, feeling protective. Everything is different when you have children. Everything becomes a threat, you're constantly terrified something will happen to them. Fear is a conflicting emotion, especially when you're a parent. I don't care about what happens to me but I'll be damned if someone hurts my baby.
" I'm Caspian, your oldest brother." he said casually, like I already knew about him. " I don't have a brother, you have the wrong person." I told him, backing away. He smiled at me, " Caspian King, you're Carter King." he said and I did my best to hide my confusion. I have a brother? I have a fucking brother. That bitch told me I had no other family. God, she was such a little cunt.
" I'm sorry, I wasn't aware I had a brother." a small frown appeared on his lips but disappeared within seconds. " It's alright, I know the whole situation is messed up." he said with a comforting smile. He started looking around, " I was told there were two of you. You have an older step brother, right?" he asked.
It was at that moment that Miles let out a bunch of baby babble and started tugging at my shirt. Caspian looked confused as he looked back and forth between Miles and I. " I was told he was your older brother, not your younger brother." he said, looking at Miles.
Miles watched him warily, pressing himself further into my body. " Is his age a problem? Because I'll gladly get on the next flight back to France." I said defensively. He quickly shook his head no, " Not a problem, just a surprise." he said, the smile returning to his face. He looked around on the floor for a second, " We can go to baggage claim now. I'm sure you're ready to get out of here."
I shook my head, " Not necessary, we don't have any luggage." I told him. The only thing I had on me was my wallet. I forgot my phone back in my office but I'm not worried about it. I have a building here in New York, I can grab a new phone there and transfer everything to it. I'll also need to wipe the old one.
" You didn't bring anything with you?" he asked skeptically. I was about to say I didn't have anything to bring but stopped myself. " No." I replied vaguely. I could tell he wanted to ask more questions but thankfully refrained. I was more than uncomfortable getting in a car with a stranger but I knew I didn't really have any other choice but to blindly trust him.
I know nothing about cars but I know it's fancy. Correction: I know nothing about most cars. I've developed a few cars and I have a new one releasing soon. He tried to make conversation but I wasn't having it. I was tired, I didn't want to talk. I held Miles all the way home since he didn't have a car seat. It was so damn hard trying not to fall asleep. It's been so long since I've actually slept.
I was nodding off when the car finally came to a stop. I quickly perked up and got out of the car, Miles in my arms. Caspian got out of the car and led me into the house. " We're back!" he shouted, his voice booming throughout the house. I jumped at the sound of his voice, instinctively moving further away from him.
He noticed my reaction and I could see confusion flash across his eyes, but thankfully he didn't comment. There was a herd of footsteps trampling down the halls. Three guys walked into the room, staring wide eyed at us. All of them looked relatively excited to see us. I think it'd be safe to say they're also my brothers. We all have the same eyes, same hair, we share so many similarities.
There was a little bit of an awkward silence, none of us knowing what to say. I watched as their gaze went from me to Miles. " Who's the kid?" one of them asked, gesturing towards Miles. " They got the age wrong, it's her younger step-brother, not older." Caspian answered for me. I really don't mind him answering for me, social situations are not really my specialty. Yet another reason why I keep Jack around.
" We'll go around and introduce ourselves, I'm Caspian, your oldest brother, I'm twenty two."
" I'm Callum, the second oldest, I'm twenty."
" I'm Casper, the third oldest, I'm eighteen."
" I'm Carson, the youngest, I'm seventeen."
They all introduced themselves. After a second they were all looking at me expectantly and I realized they were waiting for me to introduce myself. " I'm Carter, this is Miles." I said.
I felt uncomfortable with them all looking at me. It was at this moment I was grateful I had decided to cover up any marks Chris and Natalie had left on me. I think Carson could sense my discomfort. He decided to break the silence, " I'll show you to your room." he said and I gave a curt nod. I followed him upstairs.
This house is massive. I wasn't really paying attention when we pulled up because I was still in a sleepy daze. But now that I'm awake I'm realizing just how massive this place is. We finally reached my new room, he opened the door and walked in, " This is your room. We weren't expecting Miles to be a baby, so we don't have a crib or anything. I don't know much about babies but he can stay in the guest room if you'd like. I'm not sure if that's safe or not though." he rambled, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
" Miles is going to stay with me, but thank you." I said politely. He gave me a small smile, " Uh- are your bags still in the car? I can bring them up for you." he offered, gesturing towards the doorway. I shook my head no, " We didn't bring anything." I admitted. He furrowed his brows, a look of curiosity came onto his face.
" Oh, uh- you can borrow clothes from one of us until we're able to get you clothes of your own." he said and I thanked him. Part of me wanted to decline but the other part was ready to get out of these torn, raggedy clothes. " Thank you." I replied, unsure of what else to say. There was definitely an awkward tension.
" How old is he?" he asked me, gesturing to Miles, " He just hit four months." I answered. Most people think he's younger, he's such a tiny little guy. I can't decipher the look on his face as he stared at Miles. Maybe shock. I think he noticed my look of confusion, " I just can't believe she had another kid." he murmured, shaking his head in disapproval.
I gave a curt nod. I think it'd be somewhat ironic if she had another child, considering she hates children so much. She didn't even take care of the kids she has now. Apparently she had four sons that she completely abandoned. What I want to know is why me? Why did she take me and not them? She made it clear how much she hates me so why keep me? I will never understand that woman. Thankfully now I don't have to worry about understanding her.
I cleared my throat, " Well, I'm going to take a shower if that's alright." I said and he quickly nodded. " Yeah, of course. You're probably exhausted." he said. He wasn't wrong. It was one in the morning in New York and I hadn't slept in forever. " Thank you for showing me to my room." I thanked him.
He nodded and looked at me one last time before leaving the room. I could see there was a bathroom attached to the bedroom. The bedroom was massive, way bigger than I'd ever need. There was a large white bed and there were even couches in my room. It was fairly plain but that's how I like it.
I walked into the bathroom and filled up the bath. I bathed Miles and I in the fancy bath tub. I honestly cannot tell you how relaxing it was to finally be able to bathe without worrying about being raped. I don't feel entirely safe considering I'm in a house with four men I don't know, but I feel better knowing Chris is dead.
I really still cannot believe they're dead. I'm not sad about it, I really don't know how I feel about it. Part of me can't help but to think about all the good times we had, before Chris started acting like the piece of shit he is. I miss when things weren't so complicated. I wish I had had a happy childhood. But it's too late for that so all I can do is try and give Miles the best life I can.
I just have to tough it out here for a few years until I'm old enough to leave with Miles. I don't know how I'm going to hide the fact Miles is mine. It depends on how involved these people intend on being with my life. I have no problem taking Miles to things like doctor's appointments but I'm not sure if they're going to be comfortable with a fourteen year old taking a baby to the doctors.
I know I'm more than capable of taking care of Miles but I can understand why adults are wary. I'm a child taking care of a child. If they come to the appointment there is a risk they'll find out. I'm just going to have to keep things like that a secret. I don't want them to know I have a child. I know I shouldn't be embarrassed and for the most part I'm not. But there really is a stigma along with being a teen parent.
I don't want them to know what Chris and Natalie have done. For all I know they're going to be just as bad. After all, they are products of Natalie.
A part of me is scared they're going to be like Natalie. I don't know if I can protect Miles from four grown men. If they ever lay a hand on my son I'll run. I won't have any other choice.
I will do anything to protect my son.
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Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Please let me know if you see any mistakes, especially spelling and grammar.
I'll see you in the next chapter.
Word Count- 2272