Nothing In This World (BWWM) ✅

Chapter Sixteen

"It's important that I look well kept on my special day. Barbara's gonna cut my hair and style it real nice. You should see my dress when your mama gets done trimming the skirt. I'm so excited to spend this day with my family and yours too. It was fate you know? It's how it was supposed to be."

Charlene tried to keep up with Janis who was making her way out the front door to Cecil's car that waited for her and only her. Janis's party was in two days and the Watson family has been gone every day leading up to. Charlene and Gloria had no problem with that. Gloria would rest while they were out and Charlene would spend time with Lance in the shed. It all worked out perfect every time.

"Drive safe. We will be right here waiting on y'all." Charlene waved and smiled as the car kicked off down the dirt road into town. She was sure they wouldn't drive all the way to the city for a haircut and dinner.

Her mother threw down the dish towel and massaged her shoulders as Charlene closed and put the hatch on the door. "I'm gone take me a bath. Make sure you put those shirts out to air dry and the wrinkles aren't in them."

"Yes ma'am." The moment her mother closed the bathroom door, Charlene was already outside clipping clothes to the lines. She wanted to make sure she spent all her time with Lance instead of working.

She hummed a small tune as she did so and kept an eye on the road. It was about time Lance did his drive back from town where he would usually stop by. Charlene knew she didn't have to wait long because the sound of the clicking in his truck could be heard from miles away.

She almost dropped a thin shirt since she was so exited to see him park right behind his normal pile of bushes and trees. She hung up the last shirt as he sprinted to the shed and she giggled trying to beat him to it.

"No fair! Your legs are longer!" She laughed when he stopped just short of the rickety door.

"Well then you just gotta grow is all." He pulled her into a hug once she was in arms reach. "May I?" Charlene nodded as she knew just what he was asking for. Lance planted a kiss on her forehead, then her nose, and lastly right on her lips. "I've had a girlfriend before. Oh boy did I think she was the one." He pulled Charlene closer to his chest. "You know, sometimes I would hold her and tell her everything I wanted to get off my chest but a part of me kept sayin that maybe I didn't mean it. When I tell you things like how I love you and can't go off without you... I don't hear that voice in my head."

She didn't know what else to do but look up at him as he looked down at her and held her tightly in his grasp. "Some nights I hold myself thinking it's you holding me that tight. Some nights I need you to hold me." Her nightmares vividly flooded her mind but they became blurry after a while. "I've never been treated so poorly by a white. I always thought that even if I did that no one would have my back or care. I shouldn't of told you not to hit him. I should have just said thank you."

"I'd kill him, Charlene." His eyes went dark just thinking about Johnny. Charlene couldn't do much but massage his back in hopes he'd calm down. "I couldn't do what all I wanted to do because you know how bad it'll make me look. Said all those things for Janis when it was really for you. You know that right?" She nodded proudly. "I ain't never told someone I love them so soon either."

"Lance?" Charlene's voice went serious.

The smile fell off his face as he grew nervous. "What's that?"

"How is your father? I figured I should ask since everyone's sayin he ain't doin too well. I know you can't be doin too well either."

Lance brushed off her question with a puff of air. "You think I'm doin bad? I'm fine, Charlene. Me and my old man weren't ever close. I just enjoyed working the land with him is all. It was the best part about growing up... until I seen what it does to your body." Charlene was very familiar with the side effects. "I don't want be in pain when I get up there. That's why I got to go to the city. High school would be all for nothin if I don't."

"You want to go to college?" She asked curiously.

"Hecks yeah! Drive to the city this morning to go to the library and read up on it. My grades and ethics match up. I'm applying as soon as I can. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner. You didn't like the idea of the city no way. Just wanted you to come with me so we can be together."

Charlene faked a smile. She didn't think Lance was ever concerned about her safety and more just being in her presence. After the things Johnny has done, Charlene knew she had to be a lot more careful. "Can we just live in the right now? Discuss the future stuff later although I know it's important to you but... it's not realistic for me."

"I get it," Lance nodded in understanding. "I just wish things was different. Wish we didn't have to hide in here." He took a good look around them. "It's terrible but it's something I'll never forget. How we tried." Charlene couldn't help but blush. "Can I kiss you?"

She nodded. "Even after we die... you can kiss me for all eternity."