CHASING CHARLIE GRAY

35

Where are you right now?

It took some time for her to respond so I got dressed in the meantime and when I was done she had responded.
                                       Charlieeee
                            Community pool

I had woken up earlier and Charlie's side of the bed was empty, I checked the entire house after that. The sun wasn't even up yet.

I'm comin 2 get u

                                          Charlieeee
                                             Okay

I spent most nights with Charlie, with both of our parents being away more often than not, we were all we had.

Her car was still here, had she walked?

I grabbed a towel and some warm clothes for her before setting out.

The pool was members only and very secure, everyone had keycards. I called charlie when I was outside and she came and unlocked the door for me.

Her hair was plastered to her face and she leaned against the door tiredly.

I didn't say anything, couldn't. So I grabbed her hand and tugged her over to the sidelines to dry off. The door clicked shut behind us.

Charlie didn't complain, sitting quietly as I scrubbed at her head with the towel.

I thought she would make a joke about the underwear I had snatched from the closet for her but she took it silently,  walking off towards the bathroom.

She  came back dressed and dry but just as quiet as before.

"You wanna talk about it?" I asked when we were in the car.

"No"

"You wanna get breakfast then?"

"Yeah"

"One word sentences, cool" I pulled out of the parking lot, heading towards the only place I knew that would be serving actual food at this hour.

She didn't say anything still,  even as we made it inside and took our seats.

I  ordered for us since she didn't seem very keen on speaking. Pancakes, eggs and bacon.

When the food came I started eating but Charlie just sat and stared at me looking lost.

"Eat your food" I nudged the plate closer to her.

"Why aren't you mad at me?" Her hands clenched and she leaned forward slightly towards me.

I sat my utensils down on the table.

"Why would I be?"

"I don't know"

"Have you done anything that I should be mad about?"

"I'm not sure" Her eyebrows furrowed further.

"You're allowed to keep things to yourself. If you wanna talk about it then we can, if not then we don't have to talk about it" I dragged the hair sticking to her face away before retracting my hand.

She looked even more broken than before.

"If this is about you disappearing at 4am then it would be nice to get a text or something next time, okay? "

"Okay" She said simply.

"Good, now eat your food before it gets cold"

"Okay"

We ate in silence for the most part, only ever exchanging words to ask for the other to pass the syrup even though it was in reaching distance for both of us.

And when we were finished I paid for the meal and drove us home. Charlie laid down next to me quietly, stiff as a board before I touched her arm gently.

"It's okay, we're okay" She pressed up against me like a frightened child, clutching onto my hands.

"We are?" Charlie sounded like she couldn't believe it.

I  hugged her, pressing a kiss to her head.

"Yes baby, we are"

We fell asleep like that.

***
This entire book is dedicated to the literal loml kangatarian who inspired me to keep writing this garbage. I'm so glad to have found you when I did and I hope you have the best birthday ever and even though we're miles apart I hold you close to my heart 😭 that was cringey and I think it's song lyrics??? But HAPPY  BIRTHDAY BABE! ❤

If y'all are ever reading a book on here and see me all up in the comments mind ya business 💀