Four Page Letters (TeacherxStudent)

Chapter 27

Charlotte

"Here's my card. If you need anything just give me a call. We'll keep you updated if we find her." The officer said. I nodded my head and held the door open for them to leave. I turned to see Rosalyn trying to clean up the mess Laura made. Sighing, I walk over to her. "You don't have to do that." She looked up and gave me a small smile. "It's fine." I bent down and started to help her. So much shit is going through my head right now. I cant even think straight.

Rosalyn grabbed my hand and led me to the table. She went and got me a glass of water and a Tylenol. "You look like you need it." Nodding, I tossed the pill back and drank down the water. "Maybe we should.. " She stopped and looked at me. "I think we should just.. take some time apart." Her face dropped as she leaned against the counter. "Why do you think that?" I got up and began pacing back and forth. "For so many reasons Ros." She folded her arms across her chest, "Okay, so name a few." I stopped and looked at her. "Umm because of everything that happened tonight for one. This made me realize I'll never be rid of this fucking lady. She won't leave me alone until she gets what she wants. On top of that she fucking saw you tonight. Do you know what that means?" I asked her. "It means nothing to me." I scoffed, "Yeah well it means a hell of a lot to me."

"Shes been to the school before Ros. What if she remembers seeing you or something. Your life would be ruined all because of me. And I just can't handle that. I can't put you in my mess. I don't know. I just.. I don't know." I sat back at the table, my leg shaking uncontrollably. Good things rarely happen to me. If they do, it's never for long. Obviously this is just one of those instances. I should have known it wouldn't last. "Hey." She started, I looked at her as she made her way to me. She took a seat in the chair in front of me and grabbed my hands. "For starters Charlie, I'm a grown woman. By that I mean I'm very much capable of handling myself. I know the risks of someone finding out okay? And that's a risk I'm willing to take. So whatever happens, happens. Im not leaving you and I'm not letting you push me away. I mean sure you have an abusive psychotic aunt that won't leave you the hell alone. But you know what? We're gonna face it together. It's not your mess anymore babe. Its ours."

I just stared at her and cried. The thought of not having this woman in my life scares the shit out of me. But I know I will do everything I can to keep Laura away from her. I have to. "I'm sorry about all of this. Our night was ruined and I just wanted to have a good holiday with you." "We still can. Actually I had been thinking about something and I guess nows as good a time to ask you." I raised my eyebrow waiting for her to continue. "I mean.. I never like the idea of you staying here alone. And after tonight I really don't think it's a good idea. Soooo maybe you should umm.. I think you should come and stay with me for a while? I mean, of course only if you want to.. I don't want to force you to do anything. Its just with everything going on and what's happened tonight I couldn't live with myself if I left you alone. You don't have to like.. move in or anything. I wouldn't mind seeing an extra tooth brush on my sink though. It's up to you, really. No pressure.." I listened to her ramble for a good five minutes. Explaining why she thinks its a good idea but honestly, that's the last thing I need right now. Heightening the risk of someone finding out about us is not on my to do list right now. No matter how good it sounds to me or how much I would love to wake up to her everyday, I just can't. But maybe I can meet her somewhere in the middle.

"Charlie?" I looked at her. "So? What do you think?" I ran my hands through my hair. "It sounds amazing. It really does. But .." The look on her face broke my heart. She looked as if she already knew the answer. "Its fine Charlotte, it was only a suggestion no biggie." She went to stand but I grabbed her hand and pulled her onto my lap. "Wait, hear me out. How about I come and stay with you for the remainder of the winter break. That way things will cool down a bit around here. But I have to come back and figure some things out. But hopefully that'll put your mind at ease? Even just a bit?" She looked at me before placing a kiss on my forehead. "Literally only a bit. But I'll take it." We laughed together as she pulled us up and she wrapped her arms around my waist. "I just don't want you to feel like you have to face anything alone. I know you have to deal with this shit just know I'm here and I'll always be by your side." I squeezed her a little tighter. Basking in the ambience. After a moment she pulled away. "Come on. Let's go pack some stuff for your mini vacay."

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Christmas had come and gone. It turned out to be one of the best holidays I've had in a very long time. Rosalyn got me a few things. A few books I cant wait to read, a pair of diamond earrings and the most thoughtful gift of all was a locket with a photo of me and my dad inside it. I cried like a baby. She snuck a photo out of my living room of us and had it made for me. In return I got her a few outfits, a designer watch and purse. At first she was hesitant to accept. Saying something about how much it must've cost but I assured her she was worth every dime and then some. But there was one more gift I had been saving and tonight I was going to give it to her.

We spent Christmas night making love to one another for the second time. No word could even begin to describe what that night was. Slow, passionate and honestly fucking hot. I think she was surprised to see I initiated the encounter. But she let me do whatever to her and bells were ringing throughout the night. New Years was special also. She said her best friend had invited her over for the night and she wanted me to come with her. I was a bit nervous. Worried about what her friends would say when they notice the obvious age difference. What we would say when asked the typical "how did you meet" question. She said she mentioned to her friend before she was seeing a girl but didn't go into detail. But she assured me everything would be fine. And it was. When we arrived she introduced me to her friend Elizabeth and her husband. Lovely couple might I add. I did see a certain exchange of looks between Rosalynn and her best friend but her demeanor or attitude towards me didn't change. She was very welcoming and she has the cutest three year old daughter. We spent the night laughing and enjoying one another's company. I felt so at home and the smile that was plastered on Rosalyn's face all night made my heart warm. Everything just felt right. Like I was where I was supposed to be. I imagined many of holidays to come spent with the love of my life. Sitting around the table drinking champagne as we reminisce on times past enjoying the company of friends turned family. Everything will be perfect and I cant wait for that time to come. But for now.. theres things happening in my life that I cant ignore. Things that have to be handled before I can truly be at peace and enjoy my new found happiness. And thats dealing with Laura once and for all.