Last Chance

Chapter 4

Charlie had awoken to the sound of the bedroom door open. He had gone straight to bed after tucking Juanaflippa in after dinner. Mariana had been washing dishes in the kitchen. He left silently without even taking a step in Charlie's room. Charlie didn't go to sleep right away, instead staring at the ceiling, wondering what exactly he would do now. Does he get a divorce? No, he doesn't care enough, and it would make much of a difference. Does he let him stay? Charlie doesn't think his heart could take it.

With those thoughts swarming in his head, he had somehow managed to fall asleep. Now he is sitting up in bed facing a confused Mariana. He reached over to grab his glasses, his eyes quickly adjusting to the clearer vision and dark. Even in the dark, he could see Mariana's face. It was scrunched up, and his eyes glittered slightly in the moonlight.

"¿Dónde está mi ropa?" He asked, rising an eyebrow.

"In the guest room." He answered, huffing in slight annoyance.

"¿Por qué?"

"Why do you think?"

They stared silently at each other. Mariana ran a hand through his hair. He took a step forward, and Charlie sat up. He stopped.

"Charlie, I-"

"No." Charlie interrupted, "I don't want to hear it -" he got up, "I don't want you here. Not in my bed, not in my house." He was standing in front of Mariana now, tears falling from his eyes. "I am so sick of pretending that I don't love you, but guess what?" He chuckled, "I do! I love you and it hurts to see you every fucking day. So I'm done. You can leave."

Charlie's vision was blurred with tears, but he could clearly see Mariana's face fall, but not with sadness or regret, simply fall without any clear emotion. He walked away and closed the door behind him. Charlie fell to his knees and sobbed. He sobbed until no tears fell anymore.