𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 | 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚢-𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗

The following morning felt strange. I woke up to the sound of Charlie shifting around in bed, his hair messy, and his eyes closed. The sun dug through my curtains---creating a soft orange light that was making me want to fall back asleep. The morning felt unreal. 

There was a knock on my door, causing Charlie to wake fully. He sat up, rubbed his eyes, and glanced to me like he didn't know where he was. The knock persisted, and I reluctantly shoed the boy back into my closet. 

"Y/n?" It was only Rhonda, thank God. "Y/n, are you awake?" I noticed Charlie peek out of the closet, wondering if it was safe.

I nodded to him with a heavy sigh, then made my way to my bedroom door. "Morning, Rhonda." I giggled as I let her in, honestly relieved that it wasn't my parents. As Charlie emerged from the closet, Rhonda started to laugh.

"Shh." Charlie shushed her, though he was laughing quietly too. "It's gotta be done. Plus, it smells nice in there." He sent me a wink, causing me to go red in the face.

Rhonda closed and locked the door behind her, then went and sat on my bed. "What's the plan today?" She asked, along for the ride.

"Another meeting." Charlie said as he dug through his bag for a change of clothes. "I wanted to go on a date with y/n. I promised her a picnic a while ago."

"Isn't it too cold for that?" Rhonda asked, lifting an eyebrow. I thought his sentiment was sweet, regardless of the weather. "Plus, I'm here. What am I supposed to do?"

"Leave." Charlie joked and finally found the sweater he was looking for. She smiled at him, a sacrastic grin. "Ok, ok. Your company isn't the worst."

"That's what I thought." She said and watched his as he took off his shirt and changed it to his sweater. "You're gonna do that right here?"

"Where else? I can't leave, or I'll have my throat slit by Y/n's mom." He explained, throwing his shirt at Rhonda. She professionally dodged out of its way.

"I do have a closet." I giggled, picking up the shirt that Charlie just threw. As I handed it back to him, he gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer to him.

"You like a show." He said quietly. "Don't you?" I felt my face heat up again, and I pulled out of his grasp. Walking back to Rhonda, Charlie began to laugh. "You're too easy, doll."

"You're an asshole." I folded my arms in front of my body, trying my best not to give him a smile.

"I don't know why she dates you." Rhonda laughed, trying to tease Charlie. "She could do much better." I saw something change in Charlie's expression, though he kept the smile on his face. I supposed Rhonda caught on to that as well. "Hey, I'm only joking. You two are cute."

"I know." Charlie laughed, trying to play it cool. I guess he was still upset about Knox. "Let's go meet up with the others."

"Seriously, Charlie. I didn't mean it." Rhonda repeated, and he nodded, still smiling.

"I didn't think you did." He spoke quickly, looking to me. "I won't get caught." He then went over to my window, opening it.

"Alright. I guess we'll meet you outside." I laughed. "I'll bring you some food."

"Here. My keys." Rhonda dug through her coat pocket and then tossed his a pair of jingling keys. "Just don't steal my car."

"Yeah, yeah." Charlie chuckled and then disappeared out the window. I closed it behind him, practically praying that my parents wouldn't notice him slipping away.

-

The night came swiftly and silently. As we walked to the cave, I had the same sinking feeling as I did the previous night. I sure as hell didn't want to have a repeat.