Henry Stickmin: Secret Criminal (Mr Henry Toppat Book 1)

Chapter 5- Betrayer's Self Evaluation

"Charles, what was your first impression of me?" I asked during lunch time.

Charles starred at his food for awhile  and snapped back to reality.

"Oh sorry, Henry, I was just thinking about that awesome arrested you made yesterday! But... he's gone now, I feel like your effort has been wasted..." Charles mumbled.

"Hey, don't worry about it, Charles. We'll be happier once he is captured again!" I encouraged Charles.

"So, your first impression of me?" I continued.

"You know how everybody doubts a criminal? No, I believe I am not like that. I believe meeting everyone for the first time like it is a fresh new start, regardless of their background. But in general, you seem like a very kind person. And now, I'm even dating that person." Charles smiled.

I was so impressed by his answer that I couldn't help but pick up his hand and kiss it. He blushed, and thanked me. Charles is such a honest man.

"Then.. did you have any tough considerations before you wanted to ask me to be your boyfriend?" I asked, but then regret as I thought that this might be a sensitive question, and I was right. Charles rubbed his fingers together for awhile, then looked back up at me again.

"My parents were a little against me dating a male, as it could serve some complications. They actually discussed it with me for a long time and I am so glad that they finally agreed for me to date a male. I am so happy that they respect my choices." Charles spoke sincerely.

Now I see where his good-hearted nature comes from. His parents have raised him to be a caring, sincere and honest person. They have done a good job in modelling the man I know and love today. Maybe I will take some time to visit them before I leave.

I sat in the office Charles and I share while he went to receive our next mission from Galeforce. I looked down at my hands. These hands have done so much throughout my life. Break into banks, break out of prisons, endure beatings and soothe wounds caused by mother. They are an essential aspect of my life now. I can't think of what would happen if I didn't have them with me anymore.

I imagined how our lunch conversation would turn out if I was imprisoned as a betrayer to the government.

"We can't be together anymore, Henry. I'm sorry. I was such a fool to fall for someone like you. What happened to no secrets between us??" Charles pounded on the table.

We were separated by a glass panel, having our conversation through it. Everytime he ends the visit, I was so afraid that it would the last time I would see him.

"Charles..." I didn't know what to say. It felt like my brain stopped working and left me for death.

I promised myself to burn the letter immediately after I get home, and write a response letter. The problem is, I don't know what to write. This response letter is the decider of my future. At this point, I have been provided one last chance to turn back, or I could just proceed with the bad guy path I used to be friends with.

Nothing makes sense in my world anymore. I still haven't mustered the courage to tell Charles. Maybe taking him with me isn't the best option. He has been working so hard his entire life to be a helicopter pilot and is finally one. I don't want to tear down his dream because of my own intentions. But I also want to prove to mother and father that I can make something out of my life, even if it means resorting to criminalised actions.