In Charlotte's Eyes

ONE: Bringing Parker Back

Four days passed. During work, Parker got a text from Rebecca, requesting—although it seemed close to a demand—that he meet her under Aaron’s art bridge. He felt tired after a hard week of work. He needed to take a load off, so he agreed. After work, he went to a fast food place and brought it to Aaron’s art bridge.

He sat alone, eating away. Rebecca wasn't there yet. Usually she would always show up before him, but she hadn't this time. As if on cue, his phone buzzed with a text message from her.

In the message, she apologized for being late, and that she'd be there soon. Parker set his phone down, dismissing the message. He scarfed down the food he had ordered and crumbled the garbage up before tossing it into the river below.

He looked down at the river, a depressed expression on his face. He missed Charlotte. He felt so screwed up in the head. Shortly after, he started beating himself up for littering and damaging the environment.

Footsteps snapped him back to a neutral expression. Rebecca was here. Sure enough, she turned the corner, and..

Parker’s eyes widened.

Aaron was with her. He had a reserved look, eyes half lidded and—while he was looking in Parker’s direction—avoiding eye contact. Rebecca had a smile on her face, as per usual. She waved at Parker. “Hey, Parky. Sorry we're late.”

The candy bar was at a loss for words, suddenly terrified. “A-.. Wh-..! A-Aaron..?” He stuttered in disbelief.

“Did you kill her..?” Aaron muttered, although he sounded afraid of Parker’s answer.

“I-” Parker looked down at his hands, sadly. “N-No.” His voice softened. “No, I would never..”

Aaron looked away. “..Hm.”

“I talked with him about how you feel.” Rebecca addressed Parker. “I defended you, and I was able to convince him to give you a chance!” She smiled, trying to brighten the mood.

Parker let out an erratic breath. “R-Really?” He looked down.

“I wanted to see what your answer would be in person.” Aaron quietly explained. “..You don't sound like you're lying.”

Dismissing the fact that that didn't necessarily mean Parker wasn't lying, Parker was relieved. “So.. you believe me..?” He smiled nervously, but with hope.

The spray paint can let out a low, long sigh. “..Maybe.”

“C’mon, Ron.” Rebecca put an arm around his waist, which made Parker notice the stark difference in their heights. She looked up at him. “Sit with us.”

Aaron’s dark face softened. “Heh. That's what I'm here for.” He joked quietly.

Rebecca sat cross legged between the two, Aaron sitting on her left side, also cross legged. He had brought a backpack and pulled out a mostly full bottle of alcohol. “Yes! Gimme!” The girl was quick to snatch the bottle from him.

Aaron rolled his eyes, chuckling. He looked at Parker with a smile. “You feel like having anything, man?”

Parker was taken aback at how suddenly casual he sounded. Just like old times. He snickered involuntarily, unbelieving. “Uhhh.” He laughed. “..A-.. cigarette- sounds good.”

“Sick.” He dug in his backpack. He tossed him a pack and a lighter. “Go wild.”

Parker picked the pair of items up, still in slight shock of how lighthearted things suddenly were. Rebecca was busy drinking half the bottle when he looked to Aaron. “Do you still think I killed her?”