Encore Amour (Englot)

Chapter 4: Strained Notes

The flight to Washington DC was unusually quiet, the tension between Engfa and Charlotte palpable even in the confined space of the airplane cabin. Engfa found herself seated beside Charlotte, the distance between them feeling more vast than ever before. But despite the longing in her heart to bridge the gap that had formed between them, Engfa remained silent, the weight of their unresolved issues pressing down on her like a heavy burden.

As they arrived at the hotel, Mr. Nawat's announcement that they would be sharing a room again fell on deaf ears. Charlotte showed no reaction, her expression carefully neutral as she took the room key from Mr. Nawat's hand and made her way to the elevator without a word.

Engfa felt a pang of guilt as she watched Charlotte's retreating figure, the echoes of Mr. Nawat's words ringing in her ears. She knew that their strained relationship had not gone unnoticed, and the weight of Mr. Nawat's concern only served to deepen her sense of unease.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Mr. Nawat pulled Engfa aside, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and urgency. "What's happening between you two?" he asked, his gaze searching. "This tour should be bringing you closer together, but it seems to be having the opposite effect. Look at Charlotte—she's not herself anymore."

Engfa swallowed hard, the weight of Mr. Nawat's words hitting her like a punch to the gut. "I know," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I don't know what to do."

Mr. Nawat's expression softened with understanding. "Engfa, I know you still love her," he said gently. "I've watched you two grow together, and I know how much she means to you. But you can't keep holding back like this. You have to make up your mind before it's too late."

Before Engfa could respond, Mr. Nawat turned and rejoined the rest of the staff, leaving Engfa alone with her thoughts. She gathered her belongings in silence, her mind racing with conflicting emotions as she made her way to the elevator.

When she entered the room, Charlotte was already unpacking her things, her movements precise and methodical. Engfa hesitated for a moment before tentatively attempting to start a conversation.

"Hey, Charlotte, did you see that funny video online about cats wearing hats?" Engfa ventured, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Charlotte's response was lukewarm, her attention still focused on unpacking her belongings. "I haven't seen it," she replied shortly, her tone devoid of enthusiasm.

Undeterred, Engfa tried another approach. "So, what's your plan to do in Washington DC?" she asked, hoping to spark a more engaging conversation.

But Charlotte's response was dismissive. "I don't know, Engfa. I guess I haven't really thought about it," she replied, her tone clipped as she continued to organize her things.

Engfa felt a pang of disappointment at Charlotte's lack of interest, the gap between them widening with each failed attempt at conversation. She struggled to keep her frustration in check, the weight of their unresolved tensions pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket.

Engfa glanced at the time, realizing that it was almost lunch. The tense atmosphere between her and Charlotte weighed heavily on her shoulders, but Engfa knew they couldn't continue avoiding each other forever.

"Char, why don't we have lunch together?" Engfa suggested tentatively, hoping to break the ice between them. "We can order something from room service. What would you like?"

But Charlotte's response was as chilly as the air between them. "I don't care. Order whatever you want," she replied curtly, her tone devoid of any warmth.

Engfa's frustration reached its peak as she moved closer to Charlotte, her voice tinged with frustration and desperation. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Charlotte's arm, turning her to face her. "I don't understand you, Charlotte," she said, her tone rising slightly. "You've been trying to talk and get my attention for the past few days, and now that I'm reaching out to you, you're shutting me off?"