Saving The Broken Quarterback

3 | A Short Ride To Aunt Carol's House

Ian's POV

"Do you know where to go?" I asked her with a frown. She bit her lip and sighed. "I just moved here!" She said loudly, clearly freaking out. "It's okay. Try calling your Aunt Carol again to get the address," I suggested and she nodded. "Okay."

She let out a breath of relief. "Aunt Carol. Hey, um, I have a ride home but I don't know the address." She blushed as her aunt spoke and I took in her beautiful face. She must have sensed me staring, because she looked at me and bit her lip.

I've noticed within the last few minutes it was a nervous habit of hers. "Okay. See you soon," she said before sliding her phone back between her legs. "It's 6213 Charity Street," she said slowly, as if to make sure she remembered right.

I smiled at the thought of her living down my road, but then frowned. That would mean this angelic beauty would witness my everyday horrors. "You're kind of my neighbor," I told her, scratching the back of my neck.

"Oh really?" She questioned. "That's cool. Maybe you could be my ride?" She asked hopefully. "Of course. It's only actually a five minute drive away," I told her and she sighed. "I feel so stupid. How did I not think to find out the address?" She mumbled and I chuckled.

"It's not a big deal Halie," I told her and she laughed lightly. "If you say so," she mumbled, still embarrassed. "Do you like it here so far?" I asked her while putting my truck in drive. I glanced over at her and she smiled. "I'm starting to like it here," she said softly, a small smile on her face.

She looked away and I frowned. She looked so broken and fragile, like me. I felt the urge to be her protector, but how could I? How could I protect her from her life when I was struggling to keep myself protected? I turned down the road and looked for Halie's house. I spotted her mailbox and my breathing stopped.

She was literally my next door neighbor. I pulled into my driveway and she scrunched up her perfect brows. "This isn't Aunt Carol's House. "No, it's mine. Hers is next door," I told her with a chuckle. She giggled and smiled. "Thanks for the ride, Ian." She hopped out the truck and quickly walked over to her aunts house.

I turned my truck off and climbed out, slowly making my way inside. My mother's car wasn't home and neither was her f**k face man's, so I was safe to shower then leave. Before I made it inside, a female voice called out my name. I turned my head and spotted a beautiful middle aged woman, Miss Carol.

"Hey Miss Carol," I said loudly with a wave of my hand. "Would you like to join us for supper?" She asked with a smile. "I would love to join you. I will come over once I shower," I told her. "Okay honey," she said then disappeared back into her house.

After I showered, I changed into some sweatpants and a muscle shirt then slipped my hoodie over my body. I grabbed my phone, tucking it inside of my pocket and headed out of the door. I decided to check the mail on my way, so I walked over to the road.

A magazine on the road caught my eye. I looked down and spotted myself on the cover. Groaning, I picked it up and tucked it under my arm along with the mail. I saved it all in my truck, making sure I locked the doors. My mother just loved going through my mail and stealing things.

I sighed and made my way over to Halie's house. Knocking on the door, I shuffled my standing from leg to leg, nervously waiting. The door opened, revealing a smiling Miss Carol. "Come in honey," she said through her smile and ushered me inside.

I walked inside and stood there awkwardly, waiting for her to tell me what to do next. "Relax sweet boy. I'm not going to bite you," she joked with a soft smirk. I blushed, scratching the back of my neck. "Sorry ma'am. I'm just not sure what to do," I told her in honesty.

"Oh my child, please come sit. Supper will be ready soon," she informed and I smiled. "Thanks again for the invite," I said politely. "It's not a problem. You deserve someone to take care of you for a night," she said with a knowing look.

"Thin walls?" I asked and she frowned. "Very, very loud voices honey, but don't you worry. That mother of yours will get what's coming to her one day," she mumbled and I smiled. "Where's Halie?" I asked and she scrunched her brows. "I'm not sure. Hold on," she said before excusing herself.

"Halie?!" She called out and footsteps approached loudly. Halie came bouncing down the stairs, dressed in sweat pants and a tank top. I smiled, noticing we were matching. "Oh, hey. I didn't know you were here yet," she said in embarrassment.

"Yeah, I'm kind of early," I told her, yet once again scratching the back of my neck. "Aunt Carol likes you. I'm glad," she said softly and I cleared my throat. "Yeah, um, y'all look nothing alike," I said in confusion.

"Aunt by marriage. My uncle passed," she told me and I frowned. "I'm sorry," I whispered and she smiled softly. "It's okay." She sat down besides me and I scooted closer to her. Her body went stiff and I backed away. "Excuse me," she said before quickly leaving the room.

I frowned and rubbed my face. What is up with her? Every time I'm near, she backs away. Do I make her uncomfortable? I mentally asked myself.

Miss Carol sat besides me and stroked my arm. "It's not you. You seem like a broken lost young man yourself. If you truly want to be her friend, then be patient. She'll tell you when she's ready," she told me and I frowned even harder.