Butterflies | Charli Damelio

ch. 7

Bella and Vinnie drove home in silence for the most part. The only sound was the hum of the engine and the occasional shift of gears.

**Bella:** "How's Bryce?"

**Vinnie:** "He's locked away in his room. I haven't seen him at all."

Bella nodded, her fingers drumming absently on the dashboard.

**Vinnie:** "So, are you going to keep being awkward, or are you going to tell me what the hell happened between you and your brother? Or why I had to pick you up from your 'girlfriend's' place? And for that matter, why you've got this attitude?"

Bella shot him an annoyed glance, her patience wearing thin.

**Bella:** "My mom is dying from cancer. I found out before I moved here and never told Bryce. She told all my siblings, and Bryce found out I'd known all along. Now he's mad at me for not telling him, like he had some right to know. In reality, he didn't. I was just trying to respect what my mom wanted. She wanted us to live normally, without constantly worrying. I don't agree with her approach, but I respect it. And now Bryce's feelings are hurt? It's not even about him! The world doesn't revolve around Bryce. All my siblings know, and he's the only one who's upset with me."

Vinnie was silent for a moment, taking in Bella's outburst.

**Vinnie:** "I'm really sorry you had to go through that alone."

**Bella:** "Don't be sorry. Everyone's always sorry for me, and I don't need any pity. I was fine before anyone found out."

**Vinnie:** "Bella, you're allowed to let people in. You don't have to keep that guard up all the time. It can be annoying how stubborn you are."

**Bella:** "Whatever."

**Vinnie:** "You're being such an ass."

**Bella:** "What?"

**Vinnie:** "Look, I get it. You're upset, sad, and mad. You got hammered last night and left your girlfriend probably crying. But who gives a fuck, right? Bella, pushing people away isn't the way to deal with this. Grow up and stop acting like the world revolves around you. You complain about Bryce, but clearly, he's not the only one who thinks the world revolves around himself."

**Bella:** "Damn, that's harsh."

**Vinnie:** "Well, someone's got to tell you. Blow off some steam or whatever, but don't take it out on people who are just trying to love you and help you."

Bella went silent, the weight of Vinnie's words sinking in. The rest of the ride home was filled with tension. When they arrived, Bella walked straight to her room, slamming the door behind her. The loud noise startled everyone in the kitchen.

**Thomas:** "What's her problem?"

**Mia:** "Babe—"

**Thomas:** "What?!"

**Alex:** "What we're trying to ask is if Bella and Bryce are okay. They seem to have similar moods right now, but if it's overstepping, don't say anything."

**Vinnie:** "Just family stuff, relationship stuff, you know."

**Thomas:** "Got it."

**Kouvr:** "Trouble in paradise?"

**Vinnie:** "Something like that. She'll probably tell you when she's ready. I know her."

Vinnie headed to his own room but glanced down the hallway towards Bella's. He stood there for a moment, contemplating what to do. Eventually, he walked over to her door and knocked softly.

**Bella:** "What else do you want?"

**Vinnie:** "Just checking in."

**Bella:** "Well, I'm fine."

**Vinnie:** "You don't look fine."

Vinnie pushed his way into her room despite her protests.

**Bella:** "Can you leave, please?"

**Vinnie:** "Can you just let someone help you?"

Bella's resolve cracked. Tears welled up, and she fought to keep her composure. Her anger and frustration mingled with the sadness, creating a lump in her throat. She looked away, nodding silently, acknowledging that Vinnie was right but feeling overwhelmed.

**Bella:** "I'm just going to head to bed. I'm good, Vinnie."

**Vinnie:** "Bella, don't do that."

**Bella:** "Do what? I'm fine. But thank you."

Before Vinnie could say another word, Bella closed the door. He stood outside for a few seconds, feeling a mix of concern and frustration, before finally heading back to his own room.

---

Charli tossed and turned all night, her mind racing with thoughts of Bella. She felt restless and uneasy, replaying their last moments together. Despite her efforts to play it cool and support Bella, she felt the walls Bella had built around herself made it nearly impossible for Charli to fully help or understand her. The night before had been filled with warmth and affection, but now Bella seemed so distant.

It was 5 AM, and Charli had barely slept for more than two hours. She stared at the ceiling, trying to find some comfort in Rebel, who slept peacefully on the floor beside her. Charli decided to start her day early. She took a long, hot shower, got dressed, and took Rebel for a walk.

When she returned, Dixie and Noah were in the kitchen.

**Dixie:** "Hey, Char. I thought you'd still be asleep."

**Charli:** "Nope."

**Dixie:** "You good?"

**Charli:** "Trying to be."

Dixie could see Charli's sadness but wasn't sure how to offer comfort.

**Noah:** "Did you at least get some sleep?"

**Charli:** "Two hours."

**Noah:** "Why don't you try to sleep a bit more? We can take care of Rebel."

**Charli:** "No, it's okay."

**Noah:** "Two hours isn't healthy."

**Charli:** "I tried already. I can't."

**Dixie:** "Do you want to get coffee instead?"

**Charli:** "Sure."

Dixie gave Noah a look, signaling that it was okay, and he continued cooking while Dixie went upstairs to get dressed. Charli stayed in the living room, scrolling through her phone.

**Noah:** "You know she'll come around."

**Charli:** "I know. It's just... I don't know."

**Noah:** "It hurts."

**Charli:** "Yeah."

**Noah:** "You and I are pretty similar when it comes to relationships. We want to make the other person happy and comfortable, to be there for them. Meanwhile, your sister and Bella are a lot alike. They don't really do emotions; they prefer to mask the bad things. It's just how they operate. Give them a day or two before they open up."

**Charli:** "Yeah, thanks, Noah."

**Noah:** "Of course."

Charli managed a small smile before Dixie reappeared.

**Dixie:** "Ready, Char?"

**Charli:** "Yup."

Dixie kissed Noah goodbye and then she and Charli headed out to her car, leaving for Dunkin' Donuts.