Runaway

Comfort

A month and half went by and Charlotte was almost seven months along. She was still in her cast and would be because of how serious the breaks were. She loved living with Michael and Finn and they loved living with her. Charlotte and the two boys were closer than ever. She taught them some Italian and how to cook, while they kept her filled in on the business. Her maternity line was up and running in boutiques all through England and it was very successful. She was also putting together a fashion show for her swimsuit line. Obviously it wouldn't be until after she had the baby, but it was a lot of planning. Tommy was barely around due to Grace. He saw Charlotte maybe twice a week. It really hurt Charlotte and has taken a toll on her, but no one would ever know. Michael told her he'd go shopping for baby stuff with her, so she was meeting him at the office. She asked Tommy to go, but he couldn't because Grace wouldn't let him. Charlotte walked in and her bump was a little bit bigger. She went to Michael's office and sat down as he finished up.
          "You know if you would just let my mom tell you the sex we could actually get more stuff." He said.
          "Nice try."
He threw his head back.
          "How is not knowing not killing you? I want to know so bad."
She shrugged her shoulders.
          "I like to be surprised." She smiled.
          "Well I don't." He said as he stood up.
They started to walk out of his office.
          "You will just have to find out in about two months like everyone else."
          "Ugh." He groaned.
Charlotte laughed and then Michael gripped her arm when they saw who was walking out of Tommy's office. She looked at Michael and he couldn't look away from the priest. Charlotte looked back at the priest who was staring at him and then at her.
          "May God be with you and your baby." He said and then walked out.
Tommy watched the interaction.
          "Are you okay?" Charlotte whispered to Michael.
He didn't blink as he stared off.
          "I'll be outside. I need some air." He said and then walked out.
She made a face and then Tommy walked over.
          "What was that about?" He asked.
          "I'm not sure."
          "You were right about the priest. He's working for our enemy." He said.
          "I never would've been suspicious of him if you weren't there." He added.
She nodded and put her hand on the back of her neck because she didn't know what to say anymore. Charlotte cleared her throat.
          "I'm going shopping for the nursery today. I doubt a crib will come put together...so if you want to come help put it together later?" She said.
He gave her a surprised look.
          "I just figured it's something for the baby that we can do together....and I can't really do it with one arm." She continued.
He nodded.
          "I think it's a good idea. I'll be over later."
Charlotte nodded and then walked outside to Michael shaking. She held his arm and got his attention.
          "Michael, what's wrong?"
          "That priest....he...he..."
Charlotte held his face with her one hand and made eye contact.
          "You're safe, okay? It's me. You can tell me if you want and if you don't...that's okay too, but you're safe."
He put his hand on her wrist and then just hugged her. Charlotte held him and he told her about how the priest used to abuse him and other little boys. She was the perfect one to talk to because she understood and Michael knew that. They talked and she comforted him and he felt better.
          "Come on. Don't we have shopping to do?" He asked.
          "We don't have to go. We can do it tomorrow."
Michael pulled Charlotte towards the car.
          "I want to go. Now get in." He said as he opened the door for her.
The two went and had a great time. They both forgot about all of their problems. They were asked about a 100 times if Michael was the father. Charlotte got most of everything she needed and it was all back at her house. The rest of the furniture like the chair, changing table, and dresser were already put together and where she wanted it. The crib was the only thing.
          "You want to start this now?" Michael asked.
          "Tommy is supposed to come over later and help."
He made a surprised face.
          "Will he actually show?" He asked.
          "He seemed excited about it, so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt."
          "You always do and he always let's you down."
She looked down and he walked over.
          "I just don't want to see you heartbroken again." He said.
          "I know."
He gave a half smile and then kissed her forehead. Michael grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the kitchen.
          "Come on...what are we cooking tonight?"
They cooked dinner together and then ate. This was one of the first nights the house was empty. The night went on and the two were on the couch as Michael talked more about the priest. It was about midnight when Michael fell asleep on a pillow in Charlotte's lap. They really connected over their trauma. Finn walked in the door and Charlotte put her finger to her lips. He quietly walked over.
          "What's wrong with him?" Finn asked.
          "Just a long day."
Finn nodded.
          "Did you get the stuff today?" He asked.
She nodded and he went to the room to see.
          "I can help you put the crib together." He said as he walked back out.
          "Tommy was supposed to come over and help do it, but he never showed."
Finn shook his head.
          "I'm going to kill him. He was at the pub with everyone."
Charlotte just looked at the ground.
          "I remember him trying to leave multiple times, but Grace wouldn't let him. I don't know why he's with her...my guess is that she has something on him....but John and Arthur won't believe me because I'm just a kid."
She grabbed Finn's hand.
          "You're not just a kid. I believe you, Finn."
He smiled and then kissed her hand. Finn sat down on the other side of her and rested his head on her shoulder. They all found comfort in each other.