Finally Free - Charlie Gillespie

Chapter Ten

Charlie
"Bro, that wasn't cool." I sigh shakily watching her leave feeling even worse than before.

"I didn't mean it. I really didn't. I just don't understand why she's talking to me now that you two are here." Savannah places her hand on my knee smiling lightly.

"You told us she hasn't had a great home life and that she's never really felt loved. I think she just has a lot going on that she's trying to process as well as she can. She loves you, but she doesn't want to get hurt again." I look out the door watching her sit on a chair and open her first drink.

"Does she really love me though?" Owen takes his hat off looking at me seriously.

"I know you never believed me when I said that she would talk to Mads about you, but she does. All the time. She even texted me saying Kenedi went to the bathroom nearly crying while talking to her and Sofia." I frown even deeper.

"I promised that I'd never make her cry." I say softly hating myself for all of this.

"Madi said that Kenedi was trying to fix things with you." I rub my eyes in tears.

"Why can't relationships just be easy." Savannah squeezes my knee.

"Because love is worth fighting for." I smile lightly at her then look out onto the balcony.

"She's worth fighting for."

Kenedi
My mom was right.

No one will ever love me. I'm just somebody to everyone. I'm not ever worth anything to anyone and just when I finally start to think I matter to someone, this happens.

I crush the empty can and throw it onto the table opening up a second one. Is Madi even really my friend? What about Haniyah? Sofia? Anna? Any of the girls from the chat?

I hear the door slide open, but I don't turn around knowing my mascara is smeared.

"I didn't mean it." I flinch slightly hearing his voice.

"You did. And that's okay because I know I'm just a stupid fan." He sits down next to me, but I look to the side so he can't see my tears.

"You're not just a stupid fan to me."

"Yeah okay. You don't have to lie anymore."

"Do you really think I'd leave Ecuador early for someone that doesn't matter to me?" I stay silent for a few seconds then ask quietly.

"You left early?" His fingers gently pull my chin to look at him.

"I left a week early because I couldn't wait any longer to see you." I hesitantly look into his eyes. Is he being honest? "I'm being serious."

"I heard you."

"What?"

"I-I heard what you said when you thought I was asleep." He sighs shakily dropping his hand. I look down at my feet not wanting to talk about it. "I got scared because I don't think I can handle being hurt anymore."

"I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. I can't promise that I won't hurt you, but I'm not like your mom. I care about you and I want what's best for you." I hesitantly look up to him sniffling quietly.

"I'm sorry for ignoring you." He smiles lightly.

"I'm sorry for being a dick." I giggle wiping away my tears.

"Are we...are we best friends?" He smiles widely grabbing my hand.

"We always will be. You're stick with my dumb ass." I laugh shaking my head.

"You're such a dork." He pulls me into his lap just holding me. I lay my head on his shoulder closing my eyes.

"I've missed holding you this close." He says under his breath.

"It's weird, but I haven't been able to sleep without you holding me."

"Then I'll make sure to hold you extra tight tonight." I giggle kissing his cheek. He blushes deeply making me smile even wider.

"Also, just so you know, I never took my bracelets or my necklace off." He kisses my hairline and whispers to me.

"I never took my bracelet off either." I look up at him holding my breath when our eyes connect.

Just do it. Just lean in and kiss him. He's less than two centimeters away. Just do it.

No. You have to be completely sober so that you can enjoy it fully. You deserve to enjoy it fully.

I lay my head back down on his shoulder closing my eyes.

"Owen and Savannah are your friends by the way."

"They are?"

"Oh yeah. Savannah almost punched me after you walked out and Owen isn't speaking to me." I laugh intertwining our fingers.

"I barely know them."

"They know you well enough to know you belong in our friend group. Also, it was going to be a surprise, but Jeremy, Carolynn, and Madi are coming tonight." I look up to him jaw dropped.

"No way."

"Yes way." I scream hugging him. He laughs shaking his head. "Oh and Kenny is coming too." I pull back looking at him jaw dropped.

"Shut up."

"I'm being serious!"

"OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU!" He laughs rolling his eyes. "Thank you! Oh my god thank you!"

"Anything for my sunshine." I giggle hugging him again. "One more thing."

"What could be better than all of my idols being here?"

"Sofia and Anna are coming."