The Curse of Your Past // Charlie Gillespie

Chapter 42

Jenny, Josh and I decide to just have a chilled day at the beach. I feel kinda bad for not showing Josh more of the city but he says he doesn't mind and I believe him. Josh never lied to me.

That's another thing I really like about him. Even if the truth is brutal, he'll say it. Since Jenny and Josh have only been here for two days so far, which were both quite adventurous, I suppose a relaxed day is probably a good idea.

Once Charlie left for work we changed into our swim trunks and packed a bag with towels, a blanket and some snacks. Being able to go to the beach every day, whenever I want it definitely one of my favorite things about LA. Back at home the only beach I was able to go to was the one I went to with grandpa and that only happened whenever I was with him, so sadly not even close to often enough. Now, I'm at the beach multiple times a week and I love it. Luckily, today is one of the few warm days left so we can actually go swimming. Admittedly, the water is rather chilly but since we already had a few colder days that's not too surprising. After a few minutes in the water it's alright though.

"Guys, I'm gonna go sit at the beach for a little. It's getting kinda chilly for me." Josh and Jenny look at me, worry forming on their faces. "You want us to come?" I shake my head, a smile on my lips. "No... you stay... just don't freeze your feet off." I wouldn't mind a few moments to myself. I love their company but every now and then I just need a couple of minute to myself.

Right now is one of those moments. Ever since the news of Max' trial I was constantly around someone, which was good because if I would have been alone I'm sure I would have started to spiral but now I just need a moment to sit down, think about it and prepare myself for tomorrow.

I know it won't be easy to face Max. To say the things he did to me, the kind of relationship we had, out loud but that's what I'll have to do. I just have to make sure I don't look at him. I can picture his deadly look already. Maybe that's good. Maybe, if the judge sees it he knows I'm telling the truth. I can feel my thoughts drift off to a place where I think no-one will believe the story I tell.

Shaking my head I try to shake off that thought. I know it's ridiculous. Everyone will back up my story. We even have the evidence of Max hitting me from the airport, Ben made sure of that. The buzzing of my phone rips me out of my thoughts. Hey Beautiful, just wanted to check in and see if you're ok. Also, Ben will come over tonight... he wants to talk about tomorrow.

What would we be doing without Ben? He's been so supportive through all of this. Hey Handsome, I'm all good, a little chilly. Alright, should I grab anything for dinner? "Who are you texting?" Jenny and Josh appear infront of me. "Charlie. Ben's coming over tonight to talk about tomorrow."

They both nod. I'll grab stuff but you'll have to teach me. No tutorial this time, promise. I can't stop a small laugh from leaving my lips. Jenny raises an eyebrow. "Guess you'll get another round of Vic teaches Charlie how to cook tonight." I can see excitement spark in her eyes.

"Spice it up a little guys! This was way more fun last time!" Josh shoots a confused look at me and then at Jenny. She just casually shrugs her shoulders and says "Charlie is a very interesting chef... wouldn't be surprised if he dropped the eggs in with the shell." - "Hey!" Charlie says from behind me. They both start laughing.

Josh still seems a little confused but he just goes with it and joins their laughter. "CHARLIE THE BEEF!" I hectically gesture over to the beef that's about to turn into burned ashes. Charlie jumps at my shriek and quickly turns down the heat on the stove. Jenny nearly drops from her stool because she's laughing so hard. "That's the action I came her for" she says through her laughter.

Charlie shoots her a deadly look but I can tell he's fighting real hard to suppress his smile. "All good" he says turned towards me. I take the board, filled with cut peppers and onions, from infront of me over to Charlie and drop them in the pan with the beef. "Did you add the spices?" Charlie looks at me, caught.

"Ehm..." He rubs his neck with his hand. He looks so adorable I just wanna kiss him. "Stop doing that" I say through a little laughter. "What?" Charlie looks really clueless. "That" I say, gesturing him up and down. "Being so adorably cute." He wiggles his eyebrows at me.

"You think I'm cute?" I wanna roll my eyes but I just shrug my shoulders and say "Maybe." His smile grows wider and wider and I can't stop myself any longer. I step closer to him and lean in to kiss him.

"GUYS THE FOOD!" Charlie and I jump apart, both looking shocked. Quickly Charlie returns his attention to the pan on the stove and I look at Jenny who's already laughing again. Josh just rolls his eyes at this whole situation but joins Jenny in laughing again.

Charlie keeps his focus on the pan and for a moment I successfully stop myself from laughing, my hand infront of my mouth but it's just too funny so I burst into laughter too. Turning around to face me Charlie starts smirking too. For the rest of the cooking process we manage to keep our focus on the food.