Angel face, Devil thoughts'

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑 (𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬)

I was sitting alone in my living room at home, startled at where I was and how I had ended up back at my house.Has Charles finally let me go? Am I finally innocent? Perhaps they finally caught the real criminal and freed me from Charles' hands.But why couldn't I remember his urging me to return home?

Everything seems hazy, my vision is cloudy, everything appears light blue, and I can't recognize any colors. Everything seems dull.
I heard footsteps coming down the stairs as I got out of the chair, so I hurried to see who it was, but then I abruptly stopped and started to walk backward.My father was there.He was grinning at me, but all I could think of was what I had discovered about him—that he was a felon. He disgraced our family. He tarnished our family's name.
His criminal past is already well known to most people in this town, which will damage my reputation as well as the reputation of my family.

"Sweetheart," he says, smiling and approaching me as I move backwards.
"You're finally home; I'm glad you're safe." He spoke slowly, smirking.

This doesn't look like the father I've known for 17 years. Suddenly, he grabbed a fistful of my hair, dragging me down to the ground, and I smacked my head hard against the pavement.

I was gasping when I woke up, and my hands were shivering and my body was perspiring.
My face was in my palm as my heart was thumping so loudly. My body needs to relax. There was nobody there when I looked to my side. I finally felt like I could remember everything that had happened last night.

Me and Charles...
That was surprising and unbelievable.
I can't believe Detective Charlie and I—
The door swung open, and my eyes met Charles'. I gulped hard and averted my eyes away from him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, moving closer to the bed. "I heard you scream..." He seemed anxious.
"Just a bad dream," I replied, tightening the comforter around my body. I realized I was just wearing my bra and underwear. I had no idea when I had put on my underwear.
Last night was insane. But I have never felt more alive since I arrived here a few weeks ago.

My body felt lighter, and everything I was feeling weighed less.
"Well, Tris, get your ass up, get in the shower, and meet me in the living room when you're done; we need to get started on the plan we discussed," he stated, moving out the door.

"Uh, Charles, wait—" I hurriedly exclaimed, sitting up and accidentally letting the duvet fall, revealing only myself in my bra.
I was extremely embarrassed, but it wasn't like he hadn't taken it off. I quickly covered myself and returned my gaze to him; he did not even look away.
 
"What?" he asked, agitated.
"What plan are you talking about?" I responded.

He scoffed and stepped closer to me on the bed. "Did you really forget what I told you yesterday?"
I didn't respond; I simply stared at him. When he's this close to me, I always appear speechless.
"Well, since your tiny brain forgot, you are going to confront your so called friends and arrange a meeting with them. You know what exactly to do, right? Or do I still need to tell you things you need to say to your friends," he replied with a grin.
This must be enjoyable for him, as I am sure my friends are a source of amusement for him. He believes they are all not innocent, but I believe otherwise. I knew my friends and knew what was true and what wasn't.

"Oh yeah, I remember. Alright, I will get ready. Am I going to get my phone now or what?"
"No, darling, just get ready; you'll get it in the car," he added before walking away.
"But Charles, how am I going to arrange the meet-up?"

 "Already did, your part is to show up; I'll fill you in when we get in the car," he said, closing the door. I banged my head hard against the pillow. As much as I want to stay here and sleep, I can only imagine how angry Charles will be if he returns and finds me asleep. I got up and went to the shower.

After showering in Charles' bathroom, I dressed in my room before heading to the living room.
Charles was on his phone, and my phone was beside him on the couch.
My eyes opened with joy at finally having my phone after a long absence. I miss holding it, and the phone cover contained Polaroid photos of myself and my friends. That phone was filled with memories of my best friends, and I'm about to accuse them of kidnapping.
When Charles caught me glancing at my phone, he stood up and smiled.

"Don't get too excited, you're not going to use it; it'll just be with you," he remarked, twirling the car keys in his fingers. I couldn't help but stare at his gorgeous hand. Everything about him was sexy. Just yesterday, those fingers were in me, and his hands were around my neck; why is he acting as if nothing happened? He could have at least said something or told me to stay quiet about it. But instead, he says nothing.
"Come on, let's go."

We were both quiet in the car for a time, and I just glanced out the window. He still hasn't given me my phone or told me where we're heading, so I'm completely lost.
After a while, he pulled up in front of the Harmony cafe. I can't remember the last time I went here; all I remember is that Ella, Aria, and Liv begged me to throw a party.
My sole concern back then was that Lucas had broken my heart. I had no idea I would be arrested and charged with a crime just days later.

A lot may happen in a matter of minutes, even seconds.

"What are we doing here?" I inquired before he opened the door.
"We're having breakfast, come on," he said, exiting the car, and I followed behind him.
"Won't people stare at me? They all know about my father now, right? What about me?" I inquired hesitantly.
"They know about you too for being accused, but if you don't act scared, you can prove them wrong that you're not a criminal, so come on, let's have breakfast."
As we both entered, the bell chimed. There was usually a bell ringing as someone entered the cafe, which was annoying, but I still enjoyed it.
I followed Charles to the spot to order and noticed people staring at me. It's 12 p.m.
So there aren't many people here, but the few that are whispering and staring at me. Some guys pulled out their phones to take pictures of me, and I instantly looked down awkwardly. I should have seen this coming.