Five Hargreeves: Timeless Temptation

Chapter 18: Run Boy Run

Five's POV:

It had been an hour since Charlotte and I had our little argument. Honestly, I was pretty surprised that she walked off like that; I must have really hit a nerve. I looked over to my window, the sound of heavy rain dripping down my window. I thought she would be back by now, seeing as it was raining cats and dogs, and all she had to cover herself with was a black hoodie.

What an idiot.

It wasn't like I was waiting for her to come back; it just so happened that I was doing some time travel calculations. I knew I would hit a breakthrough soon, and with enough data and research, I knew that old man wouldn't be able to reject my training for time travel.

The rain continued all night and into the early morning. I still found it a little strange that I hadn't heard Charlotte return yet, but maybe she did return, and I was too focused on my work to notice.

I didn't feel bad about what I said to her. It was about time she was pulled up on her actions. I understand Klaus' drinking and being the way he is. I'm sure seeing the dead would make anyone feel like that, but Charlotte? She doesn't have any reason to drink the way she does, and as much as it pains me to admit, she covers herself up quite well, unlike Klaus. If I weren't aware of her outings, I would be just like the rest of our clueless siblings.

Before I knew it, it was time for breakfast. I blinked to the entrance hall, the feeling of electricity running through me as I did so. I wouldn't say I was cocky with my ability, but I knew I was getting better at using it.

Once I arrived and got in the line between Klaus and Ben, I couldn't help but feel like there was something off. Only when I stood behind my seat with the others did I notice Charlotte's empty seat opposite me. Klaus also saw the emptiness and started to fidget with something on his wrist.

Before anyone could ask questions, the old man showed up and told us to sit. We exchanged a few glances; I exchanged a glance with Klaus, who looked worried. I looked down at my plate, lost in thought as I ate.

Surely, she's just resting. She did get shot in the side last night.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Vanya stare at me as if trying to get my attention. I quickly glanced in her direction, and she gave me a sheepish smile before looking at Charlotte's empty seat.

I couldn't help but replay our argument last night in my mind. The way she looked away from me when I was leading up to tell her I knew about her and Klaus' little late-night adventures, the way she winced when I moved her to look at me.

I don't know why everyone is shocked that she's not here.

The sound of four chair legs scraping on the floor distracted me from my thoughts. I looked towards Dad, who was now standing with Pogo next to him.

Hmm, he never leaves a meal unless it is about something important.

Dad proceeded to straighten himself up before speaking to us all.

"Children, I need to take care of an urgent matter. Continue your meal, and Grace will dismiss you all." Without another word, he turned on his heels and moved out of the room at a quick pace, with Pogo following quickly behind him.

What on earth has happened?

After breakfast, Vanya and I decided to hang out. I found it peaceful hanging out with her; we just seemed to understand each other on another level, and unlike the others, she was always happy to listen to my time travel rants.

We both sat on her bed, our backs to her wall. I got out my notebook with my time travel research written inside. I scanned through the pages, preparing to dive into my explanation of my new research. I turned to face Vanya, but I couldn't help but notice that she was lost in thought.