Meant to Be

Chapter 12

Charlie

William Weasley

This should be the right door. I lifted my hand to knock but stopped myself. Damn, this was hard. My heart was racing like crazy and I needed every muscle in my body not to run away. I inhaled deeply and quickly knocked on the door not to change my mind. There was no sound on the other side. Great, he's not here. I tried the doorknob and the door creaked open. I poked my head inside. There was nobody there.

I saw another door behind his desk and even though I probably shouldn't be entering his office, I decided to check if he might be in the next room. I slowly made my way to it and knocked. Again no sound.

"Charlie, what the fuck?" I jumped in the air, all color leaving my face.

"Hi." I turned around and waved at my brother.

I didn't know what to make of his face. I obviously scared him. Of course, he didn't expect anyone in his office, especially me.

"What are you doing here, Charles?" I winced when he used my full name.

He only did that when he was really mad, which made sense.

"I came to see you." Every speech that I had prepared was gone instantly and left my head blank.

"To see me?" He scoffed. "Seriously? It's been two years."

"I know," I whispered and bowed my head.

I tried getting closer to him. Merlin, did I miss him.

"What in bloody hell is going on with you, Charlie?" He leaned on his desk and I made my way to the front door just in case I would have to flee. "Mum told me you only came home for Easter last year. Have you gone mental?"

"That's an understatement," I said sarcastically.

Silence fell upon us. I could feel the distance between us. The tension. The awkwardness. I could sense how furious he was with me and I could see it on his face that he was trying hard not to start shouting.

"Look." I swallowed hard. I was here for a reason and I can't chicken out now. If I thought I missed him before, seeing him made me realize just how much I did and I need him back. "I came here to apologize."

"Apologize?" He laughed. "This ought to be good. What are you apologizing for, Charles?"

"I...I..." I completely froze. The tone of his voice threw me off. He had all the right to be angry and I knew exactly what he was doing. "I don't know where to begin."

"Oh, I don't know. I haven't a clue what you are trying to say." He frowned at me.

"I'm sorry for what I've done to you." I started shaking.

This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

"And what was that?"

He did this every time he wanted me to admit I did something wrong. When he wanted me to say it out loud. For me to hear it. To feel regret and to admit my mistakes.

"I slept with Rhylee." I blurted.

There, it's out. Can the pain in my chest stop now?

"She said that she told you."

"That's right, Charlie. She told me." He said through his teeth.

"I know, it should've been me but I just couldn't, Bill." I shook my head. "I felt horrible. I still do. I feel the guilt every day for how much I've hurt you."

"Yeah, I bet you do." He bit the inside of his cheek, narrowing his eyes at me.

"I'm so sorry, Bill. I should never have let it happen. I should've just stayed in my room and do the work there. But instead, we got drunk and I just..." I completely broke down.