Just Like Home | Charlie Weasley

Chapter 45

When I say I'm back... What I mean is I will be sporadically uploading a chapter whenever the heck I feel like it which will probably be all the bloody time because I just love writing this story so much. This is one of the chapters I've been desperate to get out ever since I first had the idea for this story!

On a side note, I've just made an Instagram/ Bookstagram account for my love of reading and will eventually be posting my writing journey on there. @loveslittlebookshelf if you feel like following! <3

Eleanor almost didn't have the time to think about how she still hadn't heard from Charlie... Almost. From the very moment they had unlocked the door that morning, the shop had been rammed with eager witches and wizards who'd evidently missed their coffee and pastry fixes over the festive period. Regulars and newcomers alike swanned in and out with no let up meaning that Eleanor and Darcie were rushed off their feet. Of course, the sight of such a successful first day back filled Eleanor with a sense of pride, but if you looked close enough, you could tell she was going about her day with an unusual slump in her shoulders, her mouth not quite forming that bright smile she usually wore so well. Darcie noticed it too, of course, but Eleanor hadn't told her that she hadn't actually heard from her boyfriend since some point on New Year's Eve because even saying it to herself made her feel embarrassed. She'd focused on all of the amazing things she'd gotten up to with Charlie whilst they'd been closed when she was talking to Darcie yesterday, failing to mention the silent lover.

"Are you okay, hun?" Darcie muttered quietly to Eleanor as they squeezed past each other behind the ridiculously small counter.

Her sincere and worried voice caused a lump to wedge itself in Eleanor's throat, making her voice come out sounding strange and unusually high-pitched.

"I'm fine!" she attempted, way too brightly and she immediately cursed herself as Darcie's brow furrowed. Except there was no time for either of them to dwell on it, because swarms of customers kept coming through the door.

At around 1pm, the door opened yet again and when she looked up, Eleanor felt herself form her first genuine smile of the day at the sight that beheld her. She chuckled to herself when the man that entered had to duck in through the door to avoid hitting his head.

"You should really think about designing this shop with more than only elves in mind,". The cheery voice, laced with the thick tell-tale accent was enough to make Darcie sigh with relief and Eleanor to smile in both confusion and comfort.

"You took your time, you great oaf!" Darcie scolded her cousin.

"Ay, well I was trying to enjoy my holiday a little longer," Finn teased, his turquoise eyes shining as he grinned.

"Don't tell me she's forced you to come back and help us?" Eleanor asked cautiously, beginning to join the dots as to why Finn was back.

Finn was about to respond, with a no-doubt mischievous response judging by the devilish grin spreading on his face when Darcie interjected.

"Okay, don't take this the wrong way but..." she began gently, reaching out both arms to place her hands gently on Eleanor's shoulders. "It seems like you need to take it easy today."

"Wha—."

"What I mean is... You clearly aren't okay, hun."

"I told you I'm fine," Eleanor protested weakly.

"So you say," Darcie narrowed her eyes. "But I think that perhaps you should focus on some more kitchen stuff, and Finn and I can handle it out here. Then later I'm taking you out for a drink, okay?".

"And I'm coming too," Finn nodded solemnly, earning a glare from his cousin which made him snicker.

Sensing it was no use arguing with Darcie, and seeing as Finn was already here, Eleanor nodded in defeat and offered a small smile to Darcie.