𝐈𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝

Chapter Sixteen: Your Turn

I looked over my shoulder to see Charlie slouching in the back, leaning on one of the duffle bags we had packed up from the house. He was frowning slightly and he looked dejected. I sighed.

I hated arguing with Charlie. I didn't regret what I said, but I didn't like how I said it or the fact that we were both angry at each other. It wasn't fair to him. He was always there for me and had my back no matter what. It wasn't fair that I snapped at him and ignored what he had to say.

Maybe I was being a little naive and a little too trusting in people - in Dylan. Charlie had my best interests at heart, more than anyone aside from Raine. I had to trust him or at least listen to him. I glanced back at Charlie one more time before unbuckling my seat belt and preparing to climb to the back.

"Woah, what are you doing, princess?" Dylan tore his eyes away from the road as I climbed over the console. I didn't say anything and settled down next to Charlie.

"Thanks so much for the company," Dylan mumbled sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and leaned my head back against the wall of the van.

"I'm sorry Charlie, I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier," I whispered after a few moments. I turned my head to see he was already looking back at me.

"No, I'm sorry Nora. I was being an ass. I don't think you are naive. I just - I'm worried about...everything," Charlie admitted. I smiled weakly and rested my head on his shoulder.

"I know, me too. It's okay, though, you're looking out for all of us," I sighed before continuing, "I just really miss Connor and I'll give anything to get him back."

"I know," Charlie said softly, "we'll get him back, okay? I promise."

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and I scooted slightly closer to him. I could feel his body tense when I moved closer, but he relaxed a second later. My head rested softly on his chest and I could feel the way his body soothingly rose and fell with each breath. After a few moments, I felt Charlie yawn and looked up to see his eyes closed.

"You're tired," I smiled, "you should sleep."

Before Charlie could deny his tiredness, I slowly got up and left him to rest for a while. I climbed back into the passenger seat, glancing back one more time to see Charlie smiling back at me. I smiled and then turned back to face forward. Within seconds I could hear his soft breathing from the back.

"Finally. God, that was painful," Dylan muttered, keeping his eyes on the road. I ignored his comment and continued watching the trees whip past us.

"Not talking, huh?" Dylan said. "Even after our civilized little chat at the house?"

"Well one civilized conversation doesn't exactly earn you my entire trust," I replied, not moving my head away from the window.

"Oh, please tell me you're not listening to Romeo back there," Dylan whined. I turned to face him.

"So what, I should listen to you? Charlie has a sibling that was taken by Monarch too. He wants his sister back just as much as I do and he'll do anything to save her. We have a little more in common than you and I do," I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Something tells me he'd rather ditch me and Jack and take the vans by himself."

"Well, you said it yourself. You can't blame him for not trusting you," I mumbled, turning back to the window.

"I know that," Dylan said frustratedly.

"So why do you assume we all have to?" I asked, turning my head to Dylan who glanced back at me but didn't say anything right away.