Lifesaver | Nick & Charlie

Saturday Is A Fishing Day

Charlie Spring

My throat felt tight, like it was closing in on itself, and I could randomly burst with exhausted tears, but I mustered up enough strength to walk into the living room.

Nick and his mom were talking on the couch, and his grandparents weren't anywhere in sight. Before I could decide whether to approach and intervene in the conversation or just awkwardly stand around, clatter emitted from the garage and Frank barrelled through the door connecting to the house.

"Ah, there you guys are. Are we up for fishing yet?" Frank asked, making the other two realise I was there. Nick sent me a questioning look, obviously asking about whether I wanted to go, so I just shrugged.

"Sure," Nick answered for me, getting off the couch. "I'll come help you."

As I was about to offer to help too, Nick's mom called me over to the couch. Curious, but also a little fearful, I joined her, not feeling at all reassured by her polite smile.

"So, how have you found staying here?"

"It's been pretty fun so far," I honestly replied. It was going much better than it would have if Nick hadn't dragged me along.

I couldn't stop thinking about if Nick had told her about why I was here just then. He'd just gotten the full story, after all. What if he was just asking that stuff to snitch to his mother?

The duo returned from the garage with all the gear. "Why don't you guys go set up, and Charlie will meet you out there in a minute," Sarah suggested.

An apologetic look was on Nick's face, and my heart dropped at the sight. He had told his mother, hadn't he? I knew I shouldn't have told him. This was a huge reminder of why I didn't open up to people, even if I thought I could trust them.

"I was wondering something," Sarah started after the duo left. "I know you and Nick barely know each other, but he just seems more comfortable with you. It's like he's more himself with you than his other friends. I guess I just wanted to know why."

Relief graced me at the subject of the conversation not being my runaway and problems, but it was replaced by confusion at the statement.

"I don't know why," I admitted with a shrug. "Nick's great, in my opinion, but I don't know his other friends. So, I wouldn't know if he acts differently around me, and especially not why."

It was true, however, that Nick and I became 'friends' (if that's what we were) quite quickly. But if anyone couldn't figure out why, it was me. If anyone else found out Nick even hung out with me once, it would create a mountain's worth of drama. I didn't want to begin to imagine what all of his rugby friends would say.

"Okay then. Do you know if Nick likes anyone then," she joked, wiggling her eyebrows. "Come on, I need inside sources."

I laughed, glad for the change in my thoughts. "I don't think Nick would tell me if he liked anyone." She looked unconvinced which only added to my confusion.

It must've been obvious, because she continued. "I'm pretty sure that Nick would be more comfortable talking about that sort of stuff with you than his other friends, and I can see why. I doubt you'd react the way his teammates would."

That was true. Nick's rugby friends would probably tease him about it and tell his secret to whichever girl it was. I wouldn't ever do that. Crushes were sworn to secrecy in my books. Yet, I'd also react differently because hearing Nick talk about a girl he liked would make me feel bad.

Because after this little time together, I think I had a crush on him.

How could I not? Nick was perfect.