In Charlotte's Eyes

ONE: You Need To Let Go, Parker

Back to bed. Parker lay there, hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. From the open bathroom, water poured out from the sink, echoing gently through the cabin. Peni was inside. Other than that, the room was dead quiet.

Charlotte.

He hummed deeply, unsatisfied. He put his hands over his eyes. Gloom and doom overtook his mind. A despairing sigh forced itself out as Peni walked into the room. Her movement stopped for a moment, as she gazed down at him with worried brows. Towel in hand, she set it down on her bed.  “Parker, you need to let go of her.”

There was a long pause of intense silence. Finally, shakily, Parker responded, “..I can’t.” He sniffled. “I can't forget her.” He kept his eyes hidden.

Another pause. This one even longer as Peni figured out how to approach the situation. Finally, “Parker,” She hesitated. “Have you figured out the real reason why I wanted to go out on a cruise with you?” Parker didn't have the mental energy to give a half assed response. He didn't know. “We’re here because I want to help you get your mind off of her.”

“...”

“I know how much she meant to you, Parker. She was your best friend.”

“...”

“I understand that you'd be so distraught about what happened.” She sighed. “A-And it's even doubly so if what you said happened that day is true.” She muttered. “But for heaven’s sake, Parker, it's been months since then..! It's all you ever talk to me about when you call me..! You keep putting yourself down and hurting yourself by abusing drugs to try and cope with it! You can't keep letting her absence hold you hostage like this..!” She desperately pleaded, hoping he'd listen.

Tired of holding his hands over his head, he grabbed his pillow and threw it over his eyes. Then he let his arms go limp; give up. His will gave in. All he could think about was having Charlotte back.

Peni gulped, upset. “I paid a lot of money for this to happen, because I was determined. I was determined to make some memories to get your mind off of her, to get you off of drinking alcohol..” Her voice faded before picking back up again. “I was okay with going through the hassle of finding and booking a last minute cruise because I know how much you are hurting, Parker..! I was willing to cover all the expenses because I knew that it was a fraction of the amount you sacrificed to try and aid her.” She shakily breathed. “I don't want this trip to be all for nothing. You need. To let. Go, Parker.”

He gulped, feeling like an anchor. Weighing down everyone. Being the burden. The reason all these negative things were happening. He didn't move. He didn't dare to.

“You don't have to forget what she meant to you. I'm not asking that of you.” There was a sense of frustration to her statement. She took an uneven breath to recompose herself a little. “It hurts me to see you hurting so bad and being unable to let go. Tomorrow is a new day. We're going to make the most of it, and you will keep your mind off of her, alright..?” She hoarsely demanded.

A loud breath finally came out of him. He still didn't respond.

“Promise me. You'll get through this.”

“...”

“...”

“..I..”

“...”

“..Prom-ise..”