16

Scott's Diary. Note 1:

November 15, 2015
Time: 6:00 P.M
Location: On the dock

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I'm sitting in the same spot as always. I don't even know why I'm writing in a diary. Diaries are for women, right? But in this case, I don't care because I have no one to talk to. I don't trust anyone anymore. Strange things are happening in this town. Very strange things that make me want to leave. I've lived here most of my life, and my friends and girlfriend are here. But still, I feel alone. My best friend is Kayler Brown, and friends are not supposed to keep secrets or betray each other, but I think he's betraying me. I know very well that Paige is in love with him; she doesn't even hide it.

What I mean is that Kayler might have kissed Paige at the party last night. I don't know for sure since I wasn't there because I had to take care of my mom; she was sick. So they went alone. They posted a couple of photos of them drinking, dancing, and hugging. It's strange because Kayler had made it clear to me that he wasn't interested in Paige. In fact, he told me he didn't want any serious relationships right now. He just wanted to have fun with girls and go to parties. I believed him. But Paige has been more distant and spends more time with him. They hardly even talk to me anymore.

I need answers. Besides, I have something else to say: there are wolves in this place. They are huge and wild. I've seen them, I've heard them. And I don't trust them. I don't trust that new group Kayler has been hanging out with lately. I don't know why, but they are dark and have something to do with this. I also heard that Connor got into a fight with Kayler that night at a party. I heard it was over a girl. Those two have always been rivals over girls, and if there's one thing I know, it's that if Kayler Brown fights someone over a girl, it's because he cares about her. A lot.

P.S: I'm attaching this photo here. It's from the party last night where Kayler was having a good time with Paige. My girlfriend.

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Sincerely,
Scott Campbell

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**KAYLER**

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"I really appreciate you wanting to take care of her, Kayler. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without you. I think my daughter would be a mess... actually, I think she already is," Mrs. Lane laughs, and I follow. I put the envelope with the pills in the front pocket of my pajama pants and scratched my chin.

"Don't worry about her, I'll take care of her. I always do, and I feel good doing it," I reassured her a bit. "Are you staying around for a while? We can go out for breakfast somewhere if you want."

She looks at me with adoration; I guess this lady loves me, but who doesn't?

"Thanks, Kayler, but Mike and I just came to give you this news. The house is alone, and I don't trust leaving it like that. I also took the opportunity to bring some things for Carolina." She grabs her purse.

Things? I didn't notice she brought any, and Carolina didn't mention anything to me either.

"I'll go call her to say goodbye," I announced, heading up the stairs. When I reached the room, Carolina was looking at herself in the mirror, but something told me she was pretending. "Your mom is leaving, so you have to go say goodbye," I told her as I approached and wrapped my arms around her waist. She always smelled so good, and it felt like my arms fit perfectly around her body. It's as if we were made for each other. And I want to believe that's true.

"Alright, I'm going down," she takes my hand and kisses it, then breaks free from my grip and leaves the room. I frowned at her attitude, thinking we were okay this morning. I sighed and let myself fall onto the bed. There's always something bothering her, and I'm supposed to be the one upset since she gets calls from unknown numbers and doesn't trust me enough to tell me about them.

I've been patient. I know being one of us has been hard, the move, university. Everything. Sometimes I wonder if we can get through this. Together. If not... I shake my head to dispel those thoughts and head to the shower.

---

Once ready, I went downstairs looking for Carolina. I found her sitting on the couch with her cell phone. The TV was still on. I sat beside her and kissed her on the temple. She immediately put her phone away and smiled at me.

"Mom told me to give you a goodbye hug from her," she says, hugging me and planting several wet kisses on my neck. I smile like an idiot while I hug her back. I want to believe everything is fine. But there's something that prevents me from fully believing it.

When she pulls away, she looks into my eyes, as if thoughtful or debating whether to say something. But she doesn't, she just returns to her previous position, taking the TV remote.

"Sorry for not saying goodbye. I got in the shower and lost track of time," I said.

"It's okay. Mom told me the wedding will be soon. In a month. I'll help with the whole process, so maybe we can go to Lewiston this weekend if that's alright with you," she scans me with her eyes.

"That sounds good. I can see my dad and everyone else. I think the trip will help," I touch a strand of her hair.

"Thanks, I was going to go anyway, so..." she shrugs.

"I know, you're stubborn, and even if I'd said no, you would have gone anyway." I stand up. "I'll be out for a while; I have some things to do," I grab my coat and put it on. Carolina stands up and comes to me.

"Don't take too long, okay? I don't want to be alone here for too long," she gives me a short hug and a peck on the lips.

"Alright," I take her face and kiss her forehead.

I head towards my car and, once inside, start it. I need to think clearly. Yesterday everything was fine. Now she feels more distant; maybe she doesn't show it, but I know something is bothering her inside. I know that feeling well. Carolina knows something and doesn't want to tell me. A chill runs down my spine at the thought that she might know about the other thing. She couldn't. I know I gave her the key to read Scott's diary, but she hasn't read it in all these months. I thought she wasn't interested in digging up the past. Besides, I had arranged for that diary to stay in Lewiston.

She brought some things for Carolina. Could it be...?

Leaving the forest and arriving in the city, I turned off and went to a bar. I have to tell Carolina the truth someday, but I don't dare, because I know she might not forgive me. It's a very delicate matter for her and her mother. I don't even want to imagine what will happen when she finds out.

I just know I don't want to lose Carolina Lane.

I park the car at the bar and get out, rubbing my face and entering. Inside, there's almost no one, just a couple of empty tables with two chubby guys drinking beer. I sit at the bar and order a beer too. For now, I don't care what I get drunk on.

When the girl brings me the beer, I drink almost half of it in one gulp.

"Take it easy, Kayler Brown, the whole day is still ahead," she says, but that voice seems familiar, so I look up with a frown. Ah, it's the girl Carolina hates. I laugh unconsciously imagining Carolina right now if she were here.

She's a jealous one. My jealous one.

"I won't be here all day," I respond, taking another sip. But I don't remember her name; I know I watched her one night because I had seen her with Rafael once, but nothing happened between them.

Too bad.

The girl smiles.

"That's too bad. I thought I'd have some company," she leans on the bar with her hands. Is she flirting with me?

I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't.

"You've got two guys in that corner," I said, taking another sip.

She acts offended.

"No, I get it. It's because of your girlfriend, I know. It's good to know there are still faithful men out there," she smiles sideways. "Too bad it doesn't apply to your girlfriend."

I frowned at what she said. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing," she replies innocently. "I'm just saying Rafael and Carolina..." she makes a face.

"Talk."

"Well, they're always together and, I don't know, it looks weird," she explains.

I clench my hands and finish the beer.

A man approaches the bar; I notice he's one of the ones who were at the table in the corner. "Hey, babe, give me another round of beers, please," he says.

Damn it.

Everyone is noticing that Rafael is after Carolina, and I don't like it at all. If we had stayed in Lewiston, none of this would be happening. But she wanted to come to university, and I can't say no. I always say yes to make her happy. Because my duty is to make her happy. If she's happy, so am I.

"Thanks, babe," the chubby man takes the two beers, but before he leaves, I feel liquid on my neck. I stand up immediately and look at the culprit. It's that guy who poured one of his beers on me. "She's mine, get your own," he puts the empty beer on the bar while drinking a sip from the other.

I see red, anger rushes to my head, I clench my fists and hear something breaking in the distance. Maybe it's the beer bottle I had in my hand. I let the shards fall to the ground and approach the man menacingly.

"Do you know who you're messing with, bitch?" I spat through gritted teeth. I’m grateful to be taller than him.

The man looks into my eyes, a bit surprised, but doesn't back down.

"Don't make me laugh, you're just a pubescent teen..." he hesitates.

"Go on, keep talking," I clench my fists more than I can. I have a lot of pent-up anger.

"Idiot. I'm leaving," he plans to turn around to leave, but I grab his shoulder and give him a hard punch in the jaw, making him fall on his back.

I notice his friends stand up and come towards us.

I kneel and punch the disgusting guy again. I feel arms pulling me, but I resist, then I feel a punch in my ribs, making me lift my head towards the three men standing next to me.

I smiled.

Just what I needed.

"This is going to be fun," I murmured to myself.

I beat up the four guys, took some hits too. Broke some beer bottles on their faces and threw them out of the bar.

I don't remember well, but I think I spent the rest of the day drinking and not treating my wounds.