SHIVER

Chapter 13 - The Power Of Love

I stare at myself in the mirror. Schizophrenia. One week has passed since I was told. I still can't believe it.

My music plays gently in the background as I continue to stare at myself, wondering how it has happened to me. I have been given two weeks off work to recover, but Charlie and Sarah come to visit every day. They don't like to leave me alone for too long, just incase.

The Permanent Rain begins to play, and I turn my head to look around my room. I sigh as the song brings back memories, both sad and happy. I begin to sing along, losing myself in the music.

It's the first time in about three years that I feel like I'm having fun.

A knock on the bedroom door startles me and I rush over to open it. Charlie stands there, with his head resting on his arm which is proped up by the door frame. He has a massive grin on his face with a bunch of roses in his other hand.

"Nice singing, Emily," he smirks at me and hands over the gorgeous flowers. I blush and inhale the sweet scent.

"Th-thanks," I stutter, my blush getting darker. I look down and realise I'm only wearing shorts and a tank top, and I feel very exposed. I glance at Charlie, and am pleased to see his eyes are still staring at my face. He is always the gentleman.

I walk over to my bed and gently place the gorgeous roses down. I hear Charlie follow me. I turn to face him and I flash him a smile.

"How are you today?" Charlie asks as he wraps his strong arms around me. It's a friendly hug, but it makes me wish it could be more. My heart flutters as I breathe in his scent. I bury my face into his chest. I feel safe in his embrace.

"I feel good today," I say to his chest. We hug longer than is acceptable for friends, and The Power Of Love begins to play. I blush again and slowly push out of his arms. He grins at me and begins to sing.

"The power of looove!" he sings, and I giggle at him. He looks at me, grinning.

It is almost as if time freezes.

Before I know what is happening, his firm lips are on mine and we are kissing. It is passionate and it makes me feel tingly. He pulls away and grins at me.

I grin back. He kisses me again, and my heart races. I long for us to be together, and then it hits me.

I'm in love with Charlie McGreggor.

He pulls me closer, resting his hands on my back, kissing me intently. I kiss him back, and my hands run up and down his arms. 

Before we get carried away, there is a sharp cough I look to see Joe standing there, frowning. I push Charlie away, blushing. I didn't even hear him come in, and I look at Joe, guilt eating at me.

"H-hey Joe," I mumble, embarrassed. Charlie looks amused. It's almost as if he is glad Joe caught us, and I tell myself that I need to ask him what the whole deal between the two of them is.

"Hello Emily," Joe says firmly. I feel even more guilty and I don't know why. "I see your absolutely fine."

I notice the edge in his voice, and a thought pops into my head.

Joe is jealous.

"Uh, yeah I feel fine today," I mumble, still embarrassed and confused. Why on earth would Joe be jealous? He is like my brother! He knows I only think of him like this, so there is no point in him thinking it could lead to more. I have explained this to him before when he asked if he ever had a shot with me.

"Well then I shall leave you to it," he says before storming off. Guilt wracks me even though I haven't done anything wrong. I feel anger toward Joe. I now feel upset, and I thought I would have a good day today.

"Emily, are you okay?" Charlie asks me, concerned. I look up at his handsome face with its light brown eyes and his shiny hair framing his perfect features and I nod. I'm okay, just angry. He looks at his watch and sighs. "Well, I have to go meet Sarah as she wants to talk to me. I will see you later, and don't worry about him."

I smile at him, grateful. I wonder what Sarah wants to talk to Charlie about, but I push it from my mind. It is most likely about me.

"Okay, I look forward to it," I tell him, and I lean up to kiss him. It takes a bit for him to respond, and I think he was shocked. It's the first time I have made the move. Halfway through the kiss I feel him grin. It makes me smile too.

We hug again, and I say goodbye, turning up the music after he is gone. I throw myself onto my bed and think about what could be between me and Charlie and why Joe might be jealous. The thought of the way Joe just stormed in gets me angry again and I try to push it from my mind.

Trouble comes on and I jump up and begin to dance around my room, singing. I try to block out the voices in my head, but I can't help but think about what they are saying.

Maybe people would be better off if I was dead.

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I throw myself onto my bed. I'm out of breath from all the dancing, and I grin. I managed to get rid of the anger that Joe had made me feel earlier. I actually managed to enjoy myself.

I slowly sit up so i can look at the clock. 5pm. Charlie should be coming back soon, and the thought of that makes me grin. I stand and head to the bathroom to take a shower. The warm water is relaxing. I spend a good half an hour in the shower before I finally decide to come out.

I slip on a fresh top and shorts. I pad through to the livingroom and I flop onto the couch. I flip on the TV and leave it on an old episode of Doctor Who. The door opens and I turn my head to see Charlie standing there. I grin at him, then realise something's not quite right.

"What's wrong?" I ask him. He shakes his head at me.

"Later, look Emily, I'm very tired and I just want to go home. I will see you tomorrow though," he tells me. Disappointment courses through me and I sigh.

Before he leaves I hug him. He sighs and leans into me. 

"I wont let them hurt you," he whispers in my ear before turning to leave. I look at him and he frowns before saying goodbye.

I am left alone worried about why he would say such a thing. 

I know this much though; he is hiding something from me.

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