Bumping Accident | Englot

Chapter 28

Engfa's POV

I booked the first flight to Paris, which leaves in two hours. I hastily pack some essentials into my suitcase and get in my car. Before heading to the airport, I have to make a stop. I keep glancing at my phone, hoping for a message from Charlotte, but there's nothing. It’s been about three hours since she walked out of my house.

I arrive at my destination and just stare at the house for a moment. This whole situation could escalate if Jack opens the door, but I have to do this—I need to talk to Dolly. Plus, it's a Saturday, so he might not be home. I get out of my car and knock. I hear footsteps, and a few seconds later, the door opens, and I’m met with Dolly.

"Engfa, what are you doing here?" she asks, surprised and a little nervous.

"Is Jack home?"

"No, he went to his parents. Why are you here?" she asks again.

"I want to talk. Can I come inside, please?"

She hesitates for a second but then steps back and opens the door wider, allowing me to enter. I walk toward her couch and sit down. She sits across from me, remaining silent.

"Dolly, as pissed as I am, I didn't come here to yell at you. I came to let you know that you still have me in your corner," I say, looking at her.

"What?" she asks, confused.

"I know Jack had a part in this. You wouldn’t have just told Charlotte those things for no reason. Especially since you kno—" I can't continue, so I take a deep breath. "Especially since you know what happened with the assault charge. I just came here to say that when you see Jack for who he is, I will be there for you. You can always count on me; this won't change anything."

She starts sniffling and wipes her eyes with her sleeve.

"Engfa, I'm so, so sorry. The second I said all those things, I regretted them. I shouldn't have. You look like someone just ran over your heart with a truck," she mumbles the last part, but I still hear it.

"You're forgiven. We'll wait for you, Dolly. You're always welcome back. I love you; that's all I came here to say," I say as I stand up to leave.

Dolly looks at me for a second before bursting into tears.

"You left. You left and expected all of us to be fine. We needed you. I needed you, and you weren't here," she says, coming toward me.

"I know," I reply, looking down. "I should have checked up on you all."

"Jack was there; you weren't, but he was. What am I supposed to do? I miss you all. When you left, we weren’t the same."

I look back up at her, and I can't control it anymore. I let my own tears fall. I open my arms, and she rushes to me, giving me a hug.

"I'm here now, and I'm so sorry for not considering how my actions would affect you all," I say, still hugging her.

"I just ruined your life, and you're the one apologizing to me?" she says as we pull back from the hug, and I wipe my tears.

"You didn't ruin my life. Charlotte just needs time, and she's right—I need to find a way to talk to her. I need to learn how to be vulnerable."

I glance at the clock in the living room. I have to leave now if I want to make my flight.

"I have to go now, or I'll miss my flight."

"Your flight? Are you leaving again?" she asks.

"I can't stay here this week. I thought I could manage it with Charlotte by my side, but I'm sure she won't want to talk to me for a few days, and I just can't stay here. I'll be back Friday."