𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

𝐗𝐈𝐕

·˚ ༘

────────────────────────────────────────

November 5th 2018

ZAHRA NICHOLS

Wether it was sneaky or not, the second we were ready, Charles and I ran out of the villa and into a car. The drive was expected to be silent, so he put the roof down and I spent the entire drive looking out. No talking, no music, just dead silence.

We arrived and claimed a spot in the sand, kicking off our flip flops, and putting down our beach towels, Charles already had eyes on the ocean in front of us. I caught his eyes wandering off to the sea. "You thinking about going out there?" I asked, and he nodded casually. I sat down and Charles made his way towards the ocean.

"I think I'm just gonna lie down for a bit," I said, my voice barely heard over the sounds of the waves. Charles turned back, his expression a mixture of confusion and frustration, as if he couldn't understand why I wasn't joining him. "Are you serious?" he asked, most likely annoyed.

For some reason, I couldn't help but feel angry at him. "Yes, I'm serious," I snapped, my words dripping with sarcasm. "I don't feel like going for a swim, okay? Is that so wrong?" 

Charles opened his mouth to retort, but then he seemed to think better of it, his jaw clenching in frustration.

Eventually, after spending a few minutes in dead silence, Charles stood up, his eyes following a stall nearby. "Want some drinks?" he offered. I was thirsty and my throat was parched, so I nodded. "Mind giving me a hand?" I asked, extending my arm as he helped me to my feet with a roll of his eyes.

Returning moments later, drinks in hand, we settled into silence again. My fingers were tracing the patterns in the sand, and I ended up drawing a flower on the sand. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I caught Charles' eye, and he joined me, drawing his own flowers and bumblebees. 

Whenever our fingers accidentally touched, we'd share a quick smile. Whenever he'd draw something mildly stupid, we'd share a laugh. At some point, I reached for my camera, taking a picture of Charles after I threw sand on his face.

November 6th 2023

ZAHRA NICHOLS

Today felt like a breath of fresh air. Charles and I had finally broken the ice and started talking again, just like normal. He had something planned for tonight, and I don't have any idea, he made sure I didn't. I changed into a long midi linen skirt and a brown tank with a lace trim, and lightly curled my hair. As I fumbled with my earrings, my phone kept on buzzing with texts from Charles, urging me to hurry up.

"You take way too long!" his latest message read. I smiled for a moment, then kept on rushing. Slipping into my shoes and grabbing my bag, I ran downstairs.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Charles was waiting, leaning casually against the wall. The moment our eyes met, something shifted. It's probably nothing, but it's maybe just a silent reminder that we're back. He looked at me with an intensity that made my breath catch, and for a moment, we stood there, completely frozen.