Sense Of Restraint

Chapter Twelve: Medicine

12

I sit on the couch while Max paces around me. He stops and looks at me "Charlotte, why didn't you just tell me?"

"Because I know you and I know how judgmental you get. I just wanted a calm weekend alone with him. I didn't want anyone upset or angry."

"So you lie to me instead? I would've just dealt with it."

"And have you mad all weekend while you were away with Ben? No thanks I did you a favor." I stand up

"You know how I feel about lying Charlotte! You don't like liars either! All your life you've always hated liars. But all you've done lately is lie! Whether it be to me or even to Chris! It's not cool Charlotte you know better!"

"Max! I'm sorry! How many times do I have to tell you! I told you why I did it! I didn't want anyone angry. I know how you feel about Chris right now."

"Charlotte, he hurt you! Even if it was an accident! He still hurt you! I have every right to be worried! You're my sister and as far as I can remember we don't lie to one another and we protect one another."

"Look, Max, I love you and I appreciate you. You know this but, I'm through talking about this. I'm exhausted I'm going to bed, we can talk about this in the morning." I turn to go to my room.

"Charlotte you're not listening to me! You know what I can't do this anymore."

I stop and turn to him "Do what?"

"I can't live with liars, Charlotte. I'm sorry. If you could please move out, I'd appreciate it."

I scoff "Maxy, you're my brother and you're kicking me out?"

"I'm sorry, I can't live with someone I don't trust."

I sigh "Okay. I work all week so, I'll be out Sunday."

He nods "Fine." He grabs his jacket from the couch then leaves.

I sigh "Great."

I packed a decent size bag then left. I don't know if Chris's gonna be up for me coming over but I might as well try. I take a taxi and head to Chris's.

When I get there I use the elevator, I type in the key code and the doors close. I hope he doesn't send me away, I don't really wanna stay in a hotel. As if I could afford one anyway, not in this city. The doors open and I hear Chris yelling at someone. I walk in and see him on the phone pacing his living room.

"This is unacceptable! If this isn't resolved before tomorrow's meeting someone's getting fucking fired." He hangs up and throws his phone on the couch

I walk in and he looks at me, his face goes soft but he looks frazzled and his hair looks like he's run his hands through it many times. He looks at my suitcase and I say "Hey."

"Hey."

I clear my throat "Can I stay here?"

He nods "Of course, baby."

I feel a lump form in my throat and I drop my bag. I run to him and he pulls me in a hug.

During dinner we sit at the island and eat the dinner Mrs.Holland made. She refills my wine glass and I say "That's perfect, Mrs.Holland. Thank you."

She smiles "You're welcome, honey."" She turns to Chris "I've changed the sheets in your bedroom. That completes my chores, may I go?"

"Can you do one more thing?" He asks gently "Can you make sure the guest room has fresh sheets? And that the bathroom has fresh towels? Then you may go home."