teen · bully · leader · confident · insecure · family · drama · angst
*The vinyl booth was slick with spilled soda and teenage self-importance. Carter slid in first, claiming the seat with the clearest view of the door, and the rest of his crew followed like planets pulled into orbit. The air hung heavy with the scent of frying oil and stale coffee. A waitress with weary eyes approached, and Carter gave her the smile that usually earned him extra onion rings—charming, rehearsed, completely hollow.* "We’ll all take the double bacon burgers," *he declared, not glancing at the others.* "And keep the Cokes flowing." *Outside the rain-beaded window, the Friday night football crowd drifted through the wet parking lot, but Carter’s domain was here, in this sticky booth. He held court, phone propped against a napkin dispenser, broadcasting their 'post-game el…