In Charlotte's Eyes

Invalid

“SI-LOOOOOOO,” Leon paused briefly. “CAVERRRRNNN!” He shouted into the dark abyss.

Kylee and Charlotte laughed as his voice echoed through the cave. Parker chuckled modestly with them. “You goofball.” Charlotte commented lightheartedly. This was the group’s first spelunking trip of the new year.

Leon laughed as well. “C'mon, the whole point of spelunking is to let loose and have fun!”

“SILOOO CAVERNNN!” Kylee echoed his cry. Leon gave her a thumbs up in approval.

Parker chuckled again. “Okay, enough with the shouting, you guys.”

Leon chuckled softly through his teeth. “Right. Let's get in there.”

“Ready, y'all?” Charlotte asked, looking between everyone.

“Absolutely.” Kylee responded.

“Hold on.” Parker stopped the party before they could make their way inside. He walked over and stopped next to a sign a few feet away from the entrance.

“Hm, there's mold down there.” Leon read the sign out for them.

“Yeah- That's a problem.” Parker’s voice was stern with concern.

“Why?” Charlotte asked, a brow raised.

“Well..” Kylee smiled awkwardly. “It's.. more of a problem for-.. you.” She sounded apologetic.

“Yeah.” Parker agreed.

Charlotte frowned in response to that. “So what if there's some mold down there?”

“It could infect you.” Parker stepped next to her, sounding as soft as possible. “Maybe it'd be better if you sit this one out, Charlotte.”

“What?” Charlotte’s eye twitched in annoyance.

“It would be safer..” Leon muttered, avoiding eye contact.

“Are you serious, you guys?”

Parker frowned in sorrow. “I'm sorry, Charlotte. But you're a piece of food! There's a chance you could get infected.”

“You're a piece of food, too!” She pointed at him, full shouting now.

“Your body isn't protected like mine is. Please,” He tried to stay reasonable. “As your friends, we want to keep you safe.”

Charlotte growled, looking at the other two. “Tch.” She looked back at Parker. “And you didn't do the research to find out there was mold down here in the first place?” So much for being the planner of the group. “I did not drive and walk all the way out here to turn away at the entrance. I'm going whether you like it or not.” She forced her way past him, and stood at the entrance.

“Charlotte..!” Parker struggled with what to say.

“We could just do something else instead.” Leon suggested. “That way we won't leave you out.”

“No. We're spelunking. That was the plan and we're sticking to it.” She took a step forward, then paused. She turned just enough so that one eye could look at them. “If you want to leave, then you can. I'm going in.”

Parker groaned quietly, worried. Leon put a hand on his shoulder. “Well, no use continuing to argue, right? Let's just be careful.” He moved past him. Kylee did the same, giving him an apologetic look on her way past. Charlotte led the way forward, and Parker reluctantly followed the group.

…

Parker, despite enjoying the overall experience of the silo cavern, always had a feeling of being on edge during the long hours they had stayed. He was genuinely worried for Charlotte’s health. Things went, overall, smoothly. Everyone else seemed to enjoy themselves.

But even so, they had been down there for so long, and seeing the warning sign when they exited only heightened his worries. He said goodbye to Kylee and Leon, then as Charlotte began walking away, he jogged up to her. “Charlotte, hold on.”

She stopped and turned to look at him. She raised a brow at him. “Hm? What's up?” She was in a better mood now.

He huffed. “I..” He sucked in a breath. “Can I please take you to the clinic?”

“What?” She gave him a weird look.

He sighed quickly, shoulders deflated. “I can't help but shake the feeling of worry for you. I want to make sure you didn't get infected.”

She grunted, brows furrowing. She turned slightly. “Parker,” She looked away. “Please drop that stupid mold bullshit, please.” She muttered.

“I can't.” He frowned in worry. “A mold infection is reversible right away. Once it gets inside your body, it is super, super difficult to get it out.” Charlotte’s expression was against the idea. “Please. It doesn't hurt to check.”

“I'm tired.”

“Well-” He grunted.

“It's fine.” She dismissed. “I didn't get infected. You worry too much.” She smiled lightly.

His eyes averted from her. He groaned, then sighed. “Will you go to the clinic tomorrow, then, at least?”

Her smile disappeared. “Please stop worrying about it.” She tiredly requested, disappointed.

“Please?” He almost reached out and touched her.

“Fine.” She quickly said. “Bye, Parker.”

He felt a small amount of peace from her assurance. He smiled gently, but genuinely. “Goodbye, Charlotte.” He waved, grinning now. “Have a good rest of the day.”

She looked at him and smiled a little. She gave him a hug. “You too.”

-