Distant Shores 2: Waves Of Time

Charlie's Confessions

Charlie's Point of View

You step away from the party and continue to walk to the edge of the sand. Coral wanted to come with you, but you told her to stay and celebrate with the Tritons; honestly you feel like being alone right now.

When you're far enough away, you settle down in a soft patch of sand. You stare up at the sky and admire the twinkling stars. It's a warm night out and the cool ocean breeze feels nice, but your heart feels cold.

You fired at a former crew mate. Your crew is your family, and Octavia had been with you since you ran away from your father. She was like a big sister, and to see her change into someone unrecognizable... that was hard to comprehend.

How were you supposed to know there was an evil in her that she hid from everyone except Robert and Samuel. You have no regrets; if you didn't do what you did, Coral would be dead and Edward wouldn't want to live anymore- they're your best friends and you'd do anything for them, so why do you feel so numb?

The gentle crunch of sand beneath boots sounds from behind and you turn around to tell Coral or Edward that you're fine, but instead of them...

"Navy boy."

It comes out in a whisper as Oliver takes a seat in the sand next to you.

"People often hide their inner demons from the world until it's too late to save them. You struggle with those feelings because the Octavia you knew was different and you miss her."

"How did you know I was thinking about her."

He's silent for a minute; his cheeks slightly turning red, before he mutters,

"I notice many things about you, Charlotte."

A little flutter feeling starts emerging in your heart. You've never had that happen before and it kind of scares you. You quickly hide it by looking back towards the water.

"She taught me everything I know. How to tie rope knots, furl a sail, navigate. I wouldn't have become quartermaster without her. I always promised to stay loyal to my crew, but when the mutiny happened I was the only one from my crew that stayed. Maybe I'm not as loyal as I thought."

Oliver surprises you again by gently putting his arm around your shoulder and leaning you closer to him. His body feels hot under his navy uniform and a pleasant shiver goes through you.

"You are loyal though. You chose a crew to stay to the very end with. It may not have been your original crew, but looking back would you change anything?"

You solemnly shake your head. There's never been a doubt in your mind about staying with Edward. Robert's crew was your first family. Edward's crew is your forever family, and you couldn't imagine being with any other group. A couple of tears make their way down your cheek.

"It still hurts."

"And it will Charlotte. There's nothing more painful than seeing someone you love become an enemy and ultimately having to fight them."

He closes his eyes to try and mask some kind of pain he keeps invisible.

"Of course you know what that's like, Navy boy. And I'm sorry you have to go through it. Your father isn't worth your tears."

"Neither is yours. Or Robert, Octavia, and Samuel for that matter. As long as you follow your heart, Charlotte you'll always find your real family, and they're the ones that matter."

You can't help but smile up at him. When you do, you find yourself getting lost in his sea blue eyes. You cautiously reach up and tuck a stray blond hair behind his ear. As your hand moves toward his cheek, he grabs it and holds it there, looking at you like you're the most beautiful thing in the world.

You both sit in silence like that, just listening to the waves crashing, and the night birds cawing. Oliver eventually stands and offers you his hand to help you up.

"What do you say we start living in the present instead of the past? Would you like to head back to the party?"

You solemnly nod and clutch his hand tightly. As you walk back with your arm looped through his, you can't help but ask another question.

"Navy boy, how do you know my heart will make the right decisions?"

He stops walking and turns so you're facing him.

"I know because you have a kind and gentle heart. It's just one of the reasons I've fallen in..."

He stops talking as you hear a loud boom like a firework coming from the party. You can faintly hear Coral yelling,

"Kendrick! This is why we don't let you near dynamite!"

You laugh and smooth down your jacket.

"Maybe we should get in there now to see what they broke?"

Oliver's holding back a laugh as well.

"Of course, but Charlotte maybe later we can talk. There is something you should know."

Your stomach is in knots. You've flirted with many men and hell even women from every port, and not a single one of them could make you feel the way Oliver does. He's the most incredible man. He's smart, protective, caring. It's hard to believe he's not married because you would...well it doesn't matter because when you leave Atlantis tomorrow, you'll leave with your crew and Oliver will leave with his. When are you going to see each other again?

The thoughts halt you in your tracks, because everyone you've ever cared about has left; that's why flirting and fun became your go to play. But now...

Charlotte Mary Anne Smith! Are you in love with Oliver?

Your brain is saying "no" but Oliver just told you to listen to your heart, and it's saying,

"Yes."