There's Twice as Many Stars as Usual| L.S

3

Charlotte

The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently coaxing me awake from a restless slumber. As I blinked away the remnants of sleep, the events of the previous evening flooded back into my consciousness, bringing with them a sense of apprehension and anticipation. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which I would confront the ghosts of my past head-on. With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenges that lay ahead and rose from bed, ready to face whatever the day had in store

The sound of the shower running signaled that Mick was already up. I quietly slipped out of bed, grabbing a change of clothes as I waited for him to finish. Standing by the bathroom door, I listened to the steady flow of water, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves about the day ahead. As the sound of the shower ceased, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the conversations and emotions that awaited us. Mick emerged from the bathroom, already changed and ready for the day, towel draped over his shoulder. He offered me a warm smile.

"Morning, Charlie," he greeted me.

"Morning, Mick," I replied, returning his smile with a hint of nervousness.

I quickly retreated into the bathroom to take my turn in the shower, hoping that the hot water would wash away some of my anxiety. As I stood beneath the stream, I let my mind wander, mentally preparing myself for the challenges of the day. Once I finished, I emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Mick was waiting for me, his expression reassuring as he sensed my apprehension. With a nod of encouragement, he gestured for me to join him for breakfast, and together we made our way to the hotel restaurant

"So, what would you like to do today?" Mick asked as we strolled into the hotel lobby.

My eyes scanned the surroundings, trying to avoid the inevitable encounter. However, they inevitably halted on the figure of the tall blonde I had been dreading to see. My heartbeat quickened, and a knot formed in my stomach as I realized there was no escaping it. Nevertheless, I forced myself to maintain composure, not wanting to let Mick sense my discomfort.

"I'm not sure," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside me. "Maybe we could explore the city a bit more?"

Mick nodded in agreement, his eyes following my gaze for a moment before returning to me. "Sounds like a plan. Let's grab some breakfast first, and then we can figure out our itinerary for the day."

With a sense of reluctance, I tore my gaze away from the figure across the lobby, silently steeling myself for the inevitable confrontation. Despite my inner turmoil, I knew that facing the past was unavoidable, and I was determined to do so with courage and dignity.

As we made our way to the hotel restaurant, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within me. The thought of encountering Logan filled me with a mixture of apprehension and longing, memories of our shared past flooding my mind. Yet, amidst the turmoil, I found solace in Mick's reassuring presence by my side.

Over breakfast, we discussed our plans for the day, focusing on exploring the city's landmarks and soaking in its vibrant atmosphere. With each passing moment, the tension ebbed away, replaced by a sense of excitement for the adventures that awaited us. As we finished our meal, I felt a newfound determination to embrace the day with an open heart and mind, ready to confront whatever challenges came our way.

Leaving the restaurant, we stepped back into the bustling lobby, the familiar figure of Logan still lingering in the corner of my vision

With a deep breath, I braced myself as we walked past Logan. Part of me wanted to stop, to confront him and demand answers, but I knew that now wasn't the time. Instead, I focused on the warmth of Mick's hand in mine, drawing strength from his unwavering support.

As we left the hotel and ventured out into the city, the weight of Logan's presence slowly faded into the background. With each step, I felt a sense of liberation, as if I were shedding the burdens of the past and embracing the promise of the present moment. Together with Mick, I wandered through the streets, immersing myself in the sights and sounds of the city, grateful for the opportunity to experience it anew.

As the day unfolded, I found myself laughing and enjoying the simple pleasures of exploring with a dear friend by my side. The worries and doubts that had plagued me earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of joy and possibility.

As we strolled back to the hotel, the city's evening lights shimmered around us, casting a magical glow over the cobblestone streets. The air was crisp and filled with the sounds of laughter and music drifting from nearby cafes and bars. With each step, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me, grateful for the simple joys of exploring a new place with a good friend.

Mick walked beside me, his easygoing demeanor and infectious laughter adding to the enchantment of the evening. We shared stories and jokes as we made our way back, the weight of the day's events gradually melting away with each passing moment.

As we reached the familiar entrance of the hotel, I couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. The night had been magical, filled with laughter and companionship, and I didn't want it to end. But as Mick flashed me a warm smile, I knew that the memories we had made would linger long after the night had come to a close.

With a final glance at the twinkling city lights, we stepped into the warmth of the hotel lobby, ready to rest and recharge for whatever adventures awaited us in the days ahead. As we made our way to our room, I felt a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of friendship and the beauty of shared experiences. And as I settled into bed, the echoes of laughter and the promise of tomorrow filled me with a sense of peace and contentment.