He Called Her Cinderella

Chapter Twelve

        Overall, the party went well. I can't say I was paying attention to anything because, well, I was on cloud nine and it wasn't going to evaporate any time soon. Charlie was actually a really good kid. No drinking or anything bad. It was just a celebration for the senior team. I felt kind of guilty though. Ever since Charlie and I had actually introduced ourselves, I'd kinda been ignoring Olivia. 

        My conscience gnawed at me, until I finally decided to call her. Walking to a quiet area of the beach, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the first ring.

        "Hey Ruth!" she answered cheerfully.

        "Hey," I sounded a little glum.

        "What's up?" she asked immediately.

        "I miss you," I sighed. "I feel like I've been neglecting you and it's not fair. I stay in your house and everything, but I'm being a jerk."

        "Ruth, for Pete's sake. It's been a day since we really talked and you found dream boy. I would expect you to go out and have fun," she sounded doubtful.

        "I want you to be here," I groaned. 

        "It's okay, don't worry about it," she sighed.

        "Look, I'm coming home. Something's up with you and we need to talk. I haven't even told you about Charlie details," I stood up and walked towards my car.

        "Would you please? Thanks, talk to you soon," Olivia hung up.

        Something wasn't right.

        I walked back to the main group of people, "Hey, I've gotta head home."

        "Babe, what's wrong?" Louise asked.

        "I haven't really been home at all and something's up with Livy," I explained.

        "I'm coming too, if it's guy problems, I've got a solution," she assured me.

        "I don't know..." I trailed off.

        "I'll be there in an hour and a half. That'll give you some alone time," she nodded. "I love a good guy problem."

        I smiled, "Thanks. Where's Charlie?"

        "Over there," she pointed to the water where Reuben and Charlie where racing for the shore.

        "Thanks," I walked over to the water's edge. "Charlie! Where's my keys?"

        "Are you leaving?" he sounded disappointed as he swam in.

        "I need to check in and talk to some people at home," I explained.

        He walked out of the water, dripping wet, "Hold on, they're in my pocket... oh shoot."

        He checked in all his pockets, but they were empty. He bit his lip and looked at the ocean.

        "Okay, well. I needed a new care anyway," I winced.

        "I'll find them, just, uh... ask my mom for keys to a car," he offered. "I'm coming to pick you up at about ten-thirty."

        "We have finals tomorrow," I reminded him.

        "Your point?" he asked.

        "Let me call you later," I said. "Bye!"

        He ran over and gave me a wet hug, "See ya, Ru."