Chapter Fifteen
Benjamin
Leaving Charlotte was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I hugged her tight, fighting back tears as I promised to pick her up the next day. As I kissed her forehead, she clutched Mango like a lifeline. Dad drove us away while Charlotte watched from the porch, growing smaller in the rearview mirror.
While only living thirty minutes from Charlotte brought some comfort, I knew that in a few short months we'd be separated by over two hours at college. Our afternoons together had become so precious to me – I dreaded how empty my days would feel without our baking, TV watching, and long talks.
I tried to distract myself with much needed quality time with Alex, though my mind always drifted back to Charlotte. We'd played board games and laughed together, but an ache lingered that only she could remedy.
Still, one positive note gave me hope – Dad's commitment to change. Hearing he was getting help and supporting my dreams lifted a weight I'd carried for far too long.
No matter how well other parts of my life seemed, the pain in my heart for Charlotte and her lost father was ever-present. Dwelling on the pain only caused her more hurt, so I kept such thoughts to myself. Her protection was my top priority, even if it meant shouldering the burden alone.
Lost in brooding, I almost missed the chime of my phone on the bed. I sighed, knowing any text from Charlotte lately held an undercurrent of distance. Picking it up, her message simply read "when are you coming?" No emoji, no term of endearment – a stark difference from our usual exchanges.
Shit, I was running later than intended. I tossed on fresh clothes and grabbed my things, rushing out with hasty goodbyes. The drive to Charlotte's dragged, my mind spinning through possible reasons for her withdrawn texts and presence this week. Had I done something to cause her withdrawal again?
My grip tightened on the steering wheel as flashes of our better days ran through my mind – the way her eyes would light up at my arrival.
Why the sudden coldness? Dark clouds gathered, mirroring the turmoil in my mind. Had I failed to notice some sign of her pain resurfacing?
Pulling into the familiar driveway felt like arriving at the gallows. I steeled myself and knocked, bracing for what awaited. Charlotte answered, but her smile didn't reach her downcast eyes.
"Hi," I said, my own smile feeling strained.
"Hey," was her quiet reply. She kissed my cheek but didn't linger, turning quickly toward the car.
We drove in silence. Charlotte stared fixedly out the window, her hands twisting in her lap – a nervous tic she hadn't displayed in a while.
"Do you want aux?" I asked, hoping music would ease the tension, but she declined with an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Usually she would jump at the chance to play Taylor Swift, but now she was as silent as the space between us.
The streets passed in a blur as my thoughts raced. What happened in a week? How could I get her to talk to me?
"Are you okay to walk?" I asked as I killed the engine. She nodded silently, still avoiding my eyes.
As we started toward Ash's house, I gently asked, "What's wrong?"
She glanced away quickly. "Hmm?" Oh, nothing. I'm fine."
I reached for her hand but felt her hesitate, stiffening slightly before reluctantly accepting the gesture. We continued in silence.
Before we reached the house, I took a breath. "Char, please talk to me. I know something's bothering you."
YOU ARE READING
breathe
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