The Curse of Your Past // Charlie Gillespie

Chapter 19

"Good Morning Sleepy Head." I smile over at Charlie as he comes walking out of his room. He looks like he literally just woke up, jumped out of bed and decided to come out here. "I smell bacon..." I roll my eyes. "And here I thought you missed me."

He comes walking over to me and wraps his arms around my waist. He rests his head on my shoulder and whispers "I missed you." I turn around in his arms and look up at him. "You just said that because I said that." He shakes his head in pretend shock. "I said that..." He leans in closer to me and whispers into my ear. "... because I love you."

Within a second he lifts me onto the counter. Standing in between my legs he kisses me. For a moment I forget everything around us. "Charlie..." I mumble between his kisses. "Charlie!" He stops kissing me and I immediately regret I said anything. "I hate to ruin the moment but A - the food is about to burn and B - you have to go to work."

I wish we could just live in our little bubble forever but that's not possible. He knows I'm right. He takes a little step back so I can jump down again. I return to the eggs and the bacon and Charlie returns to his previous position, his arms around my waist, his head on my shoulder.

"I'll see you tonight Vic." Charlie gives me a gentle kiss on my forehead before he walks out the door. Once he's gone I busy myself cleaning up the kitchen from making breakfast. After I'm done I sit down on the couch. Today is the day. Max' ultimatum. He said he'll be back today and I have to be broken up with Charlie by then.

I grab my phone from the table and type in his old number. I still remember it by heart. I wonder if it's still his number but it's the only option I have. I made sure to turn on unknown caller ID before calling him. He picks up after only seconds. "Yeah?" Wow, is that how he greats people? Very friendly.

"It's me... Vicky." Saying the nickname he used for me makes me want to throw up. His voice changes immediately. "Vicky... to what do I owe the pleasure." He sounds so arrogant I already hate myself for what I'm about to say. "You said I have until today..." I have to stop talking to take a deep breath. I have to at least sound strong.

"So?" As usual Max gets impatient right away. "I'll talk to him tonight... if I get on that flight with you you'll leave him alone." Max laughs. "I don't care about your little boytoy. Once you're on the plane with us he'll be off the hook." I nod a little, even though he can't see me. "Fine. When do I have to be at the airport?" - "Flight's at 3pm. Don't forget to sell your stupid club." He hangs up without saying another word.

I don't know what to do with myself so I turn on some Netflix and try to think about what I'll tell Charlie tonight. I'm surprised he hasn't asked me about what Max wanted two nights ago but I'm glad he didn't. I wouldn't have known what to say.

I can't tell him the truth because he'll stop me so I have to come up with something that'll keep him away from Max and, more importantly, from me. I should have never dragged him into this. I should have known Max wouldn't give up that easily and that there is no running away.

"Vic I'm home!" I'm still sitting in the exact same spot I sat a few hours ago. To me it feels like only minutes have passed. Charlie sits down next to me. "Vic? Are you ok?" Without looking at Charlie I say "I have to talk to you."

The thought about what I am going to say in a moment hurts me already and I can feel tears forming in my eyes. I try to push them down as best as I can. "What happened?" Slowly I turn my head and face Charlie. His expression is filled with worry. "Charlie... I'm so sorry but... this... is over."

He shakes his head. "What are you talking about?" I takes me more and more strength to fight against the tears. "Us... we're done." I can see his eyes filling up with pain and I can't bare to look at him anymore. I promised myself I would never be the reason he feels pain ever again and here we are. I look down at my hands and focus on pushing back more and more tears.

"Vic... you don't mean that... please... what happened? Was it something Max said?" I wish I could tell him the truth but I can't. It's better that way. It's the only way he's save from him. "I'm going back home with him and my mother." I feel sick. I feel like I'm gonna throw up any minute. I can't believe the words that just came out of my mouth.

Before Charlie can say anything else I add "I don't belong here. It was stupid. I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner." Charlie reaches for my hands and for only a moment I let him take them. "Vic... I love you." I take my hands out of his. I look up at Charlie, a single tear falling onto my cheek. "I love you Charlie and that's exactly why I have to leave."

I get up and walk into my room, my legs shaking so much that I can hardly walk. It feels weird to be in here and not in Charlie's room. I sit down on the bed and finally give in to the tears. I feel so lost... I think I just lost the best thing that I ever had.