𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 ~ | 𝘔𝘢𝘹 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 (2)

019 || Coming home

"Charles?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

I looked up at him, trying to make him out. Finally, my vision focused, and I could make out his features. The messy brown hair, the soft dimples, and the warm green eyes. I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"It's okay. I'm here." He spoke gently, his smooth voice soothing.

His hand cupped my cheek, tilting my head up towards him so he could wipe away the tear stains on my cheeks with his sleeve. I blinked gratefully, not being able to gather the words.

"See? Everything is going to be alright." He smiled, his eyes crinkling a little at the edges as he did so. I sniffled and nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me.

"Now let's go get something warm to drink." He got to his feet and extended a hand to help me up. I took it gratefully, clambering awkwardly to my feet. I felt like a bowling ball.

As we made our way up to the apartment, Charles kept a steady pace, allowing me to lean on him for support. As soon as we were inside, he led me to the bedroom. I realized that I was still completely soaked from the rain, and my clothes were sticking to me uncomfortably.

"Okay, I'll leave you to get changed." He told me. "I'll get you some tea." And with that, he left the room, giving me privacy to change. I quickly stripped off my wet clothes and hopped in the shower.

The hot water immediately enveloped me, soothing my chilled body. I relished in the warmth, feeling the tension slowly melt away. After a few minutes, I emerged from the shower, feeling revitalized.

After that, I slipped into a baggy pair of pajamas, dried my hair, and went back out into the living room. I found Charles seated at the table, two mugs of steaming tea next to him. He was on the phone.

I walked over hesitantly, pulling out a chair for myself, and sat down. He gave me a warm smile, passing me my tea. I could hear a voice on the other end of the line, but I couldn't make out what was being said.

I quietly sipped the tea, feeling the warm liquid soothe my throat. Charles watched me. He ran a hand through his hair.

"It's all okay, mate. Just calm down." He was saying, and I frowned.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, putting down my cup and wrapping my cold hands around it. Charles wetted his lips.

"It's Max." He mouthed back. I opened my mouth, but he stopped me. "He wants to talk to you." I nodded, feeling a sudden wave of anxiety wash over me. Why? I had no idea.

I took the outstretched phone a little nervously, swallowing the lump in my throat before holding it up to my ear. Charles gave me an encouraging look before getting up to give me some privacy.

"Max?" I said, trying to keep my voice cool. "What's up?"

"Don't 'what's up' me." His voice was clearly stressed. "What happened? Are you okay? I swear to God that if anyone hurts you, I'll interrupt him, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Max, calm down. I'm fine, really. Just a little shaken up." I told him calmly.

"I just saw the photos. Fuck, love, I'm so sorry I wasn't there." He let out a long sigh. I could hear how scared he had been.

"It's not your fault. I'm just lucky Charles was there." I said, trying to reassure him.

"Yeah, lucky." He muttered, almost to himself. "What if he hadn't?"

"I don't know. But he was. So everything is okay-"

"It's not okay! I should have been there! I should have been the one to protect you." He continued, his voice filled with frustration.