Double Trouble (Owen Joyner and Charlie Gillespie)

Emilee -48

We were well into November by the time anything had changed. American Thanksgiving was tomorrow, and I had no idea what to do about it. I walked into Erynn's room, knocking quietly on the door frame as she was writing in her notebook. "Hey, I'm thinking we just get take out, maybe poutine tonight and Osmow's tomorrow?" I offered, knowing the restaurant was her favourite, she shrugged without looking up, causing me to sigh.

I pulled my phone out and ordered Uber Eats, knowing exactly what to get her. Then, I sat at my laptop and wrote for a bit, getting frustrated that I was neglecting my book. When I realized I couldn't focus, I sighed, ultimately deciding to just shut the laptop and lay on the couch for a while.

I hadn't realized I had fallen asleep until I woke up to my phone ringing once again. I was sick of phone calls, sick of people checking in on us. I just wanted Erynn and I to work through this and go back to normal.

"What do you want now?" I snapped, not even paying attention to the name as I picked up. I heard chuckling on the other end before a voice spoke out, "is that any way to greet your best friend?" Charlie joked, causing me to sigh in desperation.

"I'm sorry Char, I'm just exhausted, I haven't been sleeping well. What's up?" I rubbed my forehead with my hand as I leaned against my knees. Charlie breathed out a laugh before speaking. "I need you to come pick me up."

"Charlie, you realize that you're a three-day drive from me right?" I laughed dryly, a satirical tone to my voice. "I'm at the airport in Ottawa, Emilee." My eyes bulged as I jolted into a standing position.

"Could you just please come get me, I'm getting tired."

"Yeah, um- I'm on my way." I hung up as I stood in the same position, assessing the situation. I quickly grabbed the keys, watching Erynn come out of her room.

"I'm going for a walk," she declared, beelining for the door behind me. I nodded, not speaking another word as she slammed the door once more. I sighed, ran a hand through my hair and headed out into the cold November air.

I drove to the airport, extremely nervous. I didn't know if Charlie was alone or not, and part of me was terrified Owen had come with him. Why would he, he's been ignoring you for two weeks. I groaned and turned the music up, trying to drown out my thoughts.

I texted Charlie as soon as I found a parking spot, letting him know which car I was in. No more than a minute later, the brunette came running out with a hockey bag slung over his shoulder. He was alone. I slumped in my seat a bit, breathing out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Hey," he said tentatively as he got in the car. I raised an eyebrow at him, "what are you playing at Gillespie?"

"I needed to see her, I hope you understand."

"I don't know if she's gonna talk to you," I sighed, dropping my head in my hands. "She won't talk to anyone."

Charlie pursed his lips, "I have an idea." I furrowed my brows at him, too tired to argue as I put the car in reverse and joined the traffic to go home. Charlie turned down the blaring music as soon as I got on the highway.

"He didn't mean it," was all he said. I looked anywhere but at my best friend, suddenly feeling claustrophobic about this car ride.

"Why didn't he tell me that himself?" I questioned, a sad tone in my voice. Charlie looked over at me with pitiful eyes, forcing me to look into his piercing gaze. I turned back to the road as silence fell upon us.

When we got to the apartment Erynn was still gone, so I sat on the couch and told Charlie to help himself. The food would arrive soon, but I got a large and I was more than willing to share with the brunette boy.