nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter fourty nine

Nick and Charlie were seated at the kitchen table, enjoying a quiet lunch together. The smell of sandwiches and fresh fruit filled the air as they laughed and shared stories from school. Everything felt perfect until the familiar sound of footsteps interrupted their moment.

"Hey, boys!" Sarah said as she entered the kitchen, a curious look on her face. "I heard about this party you're going to tonight. What time are you leaving and when will you be back?"

Nick glanced at Charlie, who raised an eyebrow, silently encouraging him to answer. "Um, we were thinking of leaving around seven?" Nick replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "We'll probably be back late, maybe around midnight or so."

"Midnight?" Sarah exclaimed, crossing her arms with a skeptical look. "And what about alcohol? Is there going to be drinking at this party?"

Nick felt a rush of nerves at her questioning, unsure how to navigate this conversation. "I think some people might bring drinks, but we'll be careful. Charlie and I won't overdo it or anything."

"Right, you better not," she replied, her tone lightening a bit. "I just want to make sure you both are being responsible. You know how I feel about underage drinking."

"Yeah, we know," Charlie chimed in, trying to ease the tension. "We'll keep an eye on each other, don't worry."

Sarah studied them for a moment, her expression softening. "Okay, just remember to call me if you need a ride back or if anything changes. I don't want you two getting into trouble."

"Of course, Mum. We'll be safe," Nick reassured her, grateful for Charlie's supportive presence beside him.

With that, Sarah nodded and exited the kitchen, leaving Nick and Charlie to exchange relieved glances.

"Close call," Nick said, chuckling softly.

"Yeah, but I think you handled it well," Charlie replied, nudging Nick playfully. "Now we just have to focus on enjoying the party."

"Right!" Nick grinned, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the night ahead. "Just a few more hours until we can finally let loose and have some fun."

As they finished their lunch, the conversation flowed back to their plans for the evening, both boys eager to create memories that would last long after the party ended.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Sarah returned to the kitchen, a somewhat hesitant look on her face. "Hey, boys," she began, glancing between them. "I just got off the phone with a friend. I won't be home tonight after all. Something came up."

Nick's heart raced a little at the implication. He glanced at Charlie, who wore a knowing smile.

"Oh, uh, okay," Nick stammered, feeling his cheeks flush. "Are you sure that's okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine," Sarah replied, a teasing lilt in her voice. "So, it looks like you two will have the house to yourselves for a while. Just remember what I said about being responsible."

Nick couldn't help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He fidgeted with his sandwich, unable to meet Charlie's eyes. "Um, thanks, Mum," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah noticed Nick's discomfort and chuckled lightly. "You know, I'm not completely oblivious. You're both old enough to handle yourselves. Just—be safe, okay?"

"Yeah, we will!" Charlie replied cheerfully, nudging Nick again with a playful grin.

"Alright then, I should probably get going," Sarah said, picking up her purse. "Have fun at the party, and remember to text me if you need anything."