Chapter 9: What Do You Want to Eat?
Carrie gave a bitter smile and gently shook her head, her eyes filled with desolation and helplessness. "Edward, you really don't understand. They all hate me. In their eyes, I'm just a complete freak."
Edward frowned slightly, his expression serious and sincere. "That's because they don't understand you at all, Carrie. You're actually very kind and have something special about you—they just haven't noticed it yet."
Carrie's eyes instantly welled up with tears, as if Edward's words had touched the softest part of her heart. Her voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion. "Thank you, Edward. You're the first person who's ever been this kind to me. No one has ever said anything like this to me before."
Edward looked at Carrie warmly. "Don't mention it. We're friends now, aren't we? Friends are supposed to understand and help each other."
Seeing that Carrie still looked dejected, Edward had a sudden idea. A mysterious smile crossed his face. "Hey Carrie, how about I show you a magic trick? Whatever you want to eat, I can make it appear right now."
Carrie looked startled, and a glimmer of curiosity flickered in her previously dull eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Something to eat? Could it be... cake? I... I haven't had cake in such a long time."
"Absolutely," Edward said confidently.
He calmly pulled out the magic tablecloth he had won in a contest, gave it a dramatic shake in front of Carrie, his movements practiced and theatrical.
Then he quickly whisked away the cloth, revealing a beautifully decorated cake in his hand.
The cake was topped with colorful sprinkles that sparkled like stars, and a mouthwatering vanilla scent drifted through the air. "Here you go."
Edward gently handed the cake to Carrie.
Carrie's jaw dropped in amazement, her eyes wide with delight and disbelief, as if she'd just witnessed something miraculous.
She carefully took the cake, handling it as delicately as if it might vanish at any moment. "Thank you..." Her voice was soft as a whisper, carrying profound emotion.
However, just as Carrie was about to taste the cake, an unexpected dog bark shattered the moment. Carrie's body went rigid, her smile vanishing instantly, replaced by deep fear in her eyes.
Seeing this, Edward quickly reassured her. "Carrie, why don't we head home? Next time I'll conjure up other treats for you, okay?"
Carrie slowly shook her head, terror etched across her face. "I don't want to go home, Edward. I don't want to face my mother—she'll lock me in the prayer closet..."
Edward saw the fear in Carrie's expression. "Don't be afraid, Carrie. I'm here with you."
His voice was firm and steady, trying to drive away her terror.
"But... but Mom is really scary..." Carrie's body trembled slightly, the cake no longer seeming so appealing, her eyes filled with helplessness.
Edward thought for a moment. "Carrie, how about this? You can stay at my house tonight, and once your mother calms down, I'll walk you back. Sound good?"
Carrie hesitated. She bit her lip, conflict written all over her face. On one hand, she feared her mother's rage if she found out; on the other, she desperately didn't want to return to that suffocating home.
"Don't worry, I'll explain everything to my mom. She'll understand," Edward continued persuading her.
Carrie finally nodded. She had no other choice and desperately needed somewhere safe and warm to stay, even if just for a little while.
Carrie raised her swollen, tear-filled eyes. Her gaze was uncertain, but in this moment, she seemed to grasp a lifeline. She stood up obediently, her slender fingers clutching Edward's sleeve tightly, as if it were her only anchor in this chaotic world.
The two walked slowly under the moonlight. The surrounding streets were eerily quiet, with only their footsteps echoing on the empty pavement like the heavy drumbeat of fate.
Edward brought Carrie home. Sarah was mildly surprised to see her son bring a girl home, but she quickly offered a kind smile. "Is this your friend? Come on in and have a seat," Sarah greeted warmly.
"Mom, this is Carrie. She... she can't go home tonight. Can she stay with us for a bit?" Edward asked carefully.
Sarah noticed Carrie's pale face and the terror practically radiating from her eyes, and instantly understood.
A gentle smile spread across her face, her eyes full of concern and maternal warmth. "Of course, sweetheart. Don't be afraid—make yourself at home here."
Carrie slowly raised her head, looking at Sarah with grateful eyes. Her lips trembled slightly. "Thank you, ma'am." Though her voice was barely audible, it carried deep gratitude.
Sarah gently comforted Carrie, her soft words seeming to pull the girl out of the depths of fear little by little. Nearby, Edward tilted his head slightly and asked Lilith in a low voice, "How did things go with her mother?"
Lilith frowned slightly, a complex expression crossing her features. "I absorbed her fear, but... this woman, even I find disturbing. Her mind is severely twisted, like darkness has completely consumed her soul."
Lilith paused, a hint of unease on her face. "Anyway, given her current condition, she'll probably be hospitalized for the next few days."
Edward nodded quietly, murmuring his acknowledgment, and his gaze drifted back to Carrie, who was being comforted by Sarah.
At this moment, Carrie was like a wounded animal, trembling slightly in Sarah's embrace.
Sarah gently held Carrie's hand, her eyes full of concern. "Sweetheart, can you tell me what happened? Did something hurt you?"
Carrie bit her lip, both hands clutching her clothes so tightly her knuckles turned white. After a long silence, her voice broke. "Ma'am, my mother... she always..." Before she could finish, tears streamed down her face.
Sarah gently patted Carrie's back, her voice soft and soothing. "It's okay, take your time. I'm right here listening."
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