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

33

Charlotte

The next morning, I wake up to the smell of coffee wafting from the kitchen. I get dressed and head downstairs, where my mom is already sitting at the table with two cups of coffee.

"Good morning, Char," she greets me warmly.

"Morning, Mom," I say, sitting down and taking a sip. "This is nice."

"Yeah, it is," she agrees. "I missed having you around."

"I missed you too," I admit. "It's just been so hectic with everything going on."

"I understand. I'm just glad you're here now," she says, smiling.

We talk about my book, and she shares her excitement for its release.

"I can't wait to read it," she says. "I've always known you had a talent for writing."

"Thanks, Mom," I say, feeling a sense of pride. "It's been a lot of hard work, but it's finally coming together."

As we finish our coffee, she asks, "So, what's next for you?"

"Well, I'm heading back to Switzerland for a few days and then to London," I laugh.

"London, huh?" she says, raising an eyebrow. "That wouldn't have anything to do with a certain someone, would it?"

I grin. "Maybe."

She laughs. "Just be careful with the media. They can be relentless."

"I know, Mom. We're handling it," I reassure her.

After breakfast, I finish packing my bags. My mom helps me carry them to the car, and we hug tightly before I get in.

"Drive safe and text me when you land," she says.

"I will, Mom. Love you," I say.

"Love you too, Char," she replies, waving as I drive off.

As I make my way to the airport, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. I'm excited about the future but also nostalgic about the past. The familiar road ahead feels like a bridge between two worlds, each holding a piece of my heart.

When I arrive at the airport, I park my car in long-term parking, knowing it's going to be a while before I'm back here again. I grab my bags and head through security, immediately finding my gate afterwards. It's not long until I board the flight.

I watch a few movies during the flight, and once I land, I text Mick and my mom.

Charlie
Mick
I'm at the airporttt
Please come get meeee

Mick
I'm already here idiot
I'll meet you outside

I go grab my bag from baggage claim and find Mick.

"Good morning, Charlie," he says as I put my stuff in the trunk.

"Morning," I say, yawning. I close the trunk and hop into the front seat.

"Mom misses you, so she's going to be really happy when she sees you," he says.

"I'm so excited, but do you mind if I sleep on the way home?" I ask him.

He shakes his head. "Go ahead. We can talk about your mini Florida trip when we get there." I lean my seat back, curl up, and fall asleep.

About an hour and a half later, I'm woken up by Mick shaking me.

"We're here."

I stretch and yawn, groggily looking around. The familiar sight of the Schumacher house comes into view.