breathe

chapter 21 | benjamin

Chapter Twenty-One

Benjamin

Charlotte's curls splayed across my lap as she slept, the fiery red strands contrasting against my jeans. We were curled up on the couch in my empty house, 21 Jump Street playing on the TV though I couldn't remember when exactly she'd drifted off. The movie is comedy gold from start to finish, but she must have been more tired than I realized.

Charlotte had been growing her hair out, and it now fell just past her shoulders in loose ringlets. I loved the way it looked almost as much as I loved running my fingers through the curls, watching them bounce back into shape. She seemed more comfortable this way too, free of the tight braids or buns she often wore for lacrosse.

As the credits rolled, I turned off the TV but remained still, not wanting to disturb her sleep when she deserved the rest. She looked so peaceful like this. The past few weeks had been stressful with exams and extracurriculars piling up. On top of her already packed schedule, she was planning Laurel's birthday party and constantly hinting about prom coming up in a month.

And of course, Charlotte being Charlotte, she'd already made a detailed study plan for finals even though we had over a month and a half to go.

Charlotte blinked her eyes open and smiled softly up at me, still nestled in my arms as if loathe to leave.

"Mmm, sorry," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Don't worry about it. I like watching you sleep," I smiled as she stretched her arms above her head. I could watch her sleep all night.

"What time is it?" she asked with a yawn.

"Ten."

"Already?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise. "I don't wanna go."

"Then don't," I said, pulling her close to me, wishing we could stay frozen here together..

"But Mom's all alone," Charlotte said. "And I told her I'd be back by ten thirty."

"That means you have to leave now," I pouted.

"I'll call you tonight," she promised.

"Okay," I nodded and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. I walked her to the car, reluctant to break contact even for that short distance.

"I love you," she said softly after kissing me. It was a sweet and tender kiss, and I didn't want it to end.

"I love you, too," I smiled. "Don't forget to call me. Or I'll call you at one A.M.."

"You better not," she chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Midnight's the max. I need my beauty sleep." We kissed once more before she climbed in her car, and I watched her drive away before heading back inside.

I sent Charlotte a "miss you already" text, because I did. I hated when she wasn't by my side. Hated the days we went without seeing each other. To distract myself, I texted the only group chat Charlotte didn't know about.

promposal 🪩

i love taylor swift

Y'all come over now

mah hoe 🦄

Do i have to

I dont rly want to make a poster

Or deal w glitter

Or plan a stupid promposal

char's twinnie 👯

ashton get ur beautiful ass in the car and pick me up

lena and i will handle the glitter 🙄