In Charlotte's Eyes

It Needs to Happen

“I need to see him again, but the thought of it also terrifies me.” Charlotte admitted. She and Suzuki sat together on his couch. He had asked her what she wanted to do, and Parker was immediately the first thing she thought about. Her insides urged her to see him again. She couldn't feel satisfied until she did that. Imagining the scenario left her intimidated, though.

“Do you want to go to the police first?”

“No, I..” She shook her head, brows furrowed sourly. “I have to talk to Parker. I can't avoid him for another day.” Her eyes hung low. “I can't keep lying to him.” She muttered.

“I understand.” He nodded solemnly. “Would you like me to set up a meeting for you?”

A large sigh escaped her. “Yes.” Uncertainty clinged to her. “I don't know what exactly I want to say, but.. I need to talk to him.”

He chuckled. “We're in the same boat.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “But don't worry, we'll figure it out together. Parker is understanding.”

Hopefully he would at least hear her out. She wasn't expecting his forgiveness. She couldn't stop thinking about how blatantly disrespectful she had been to him. “Yeah..”

“It's getting late.” Suzuki stood up. “I'm feeling a bit weak from work, so I'm going to get ready to sleep.”

“Oh. Yeah. Okay.” She stood up as well.

“The guest bedroom is all yours, Charlotte.” He smiled warmly. “You can stay with me for as long as you'd like.”

Despite the unease Charlotte felt, having Suzuki with her—supporting her—was very comforting. She smiled. “Thanks, Sue.”

He gave her a quick hug. “Words can't describe how happy it makes me that you're back.” He sighed, satisfied, hands on his hips. “Okay. I'll text Parker tonight and we'll see what we can do.”

“Okay. Thank you so much.”

“I'm just happy to have you back, Charlotte.”

“I'm happy to be back.”