In Charlotte's Eyes

Much To Do

“Charlotte,” Audrey started as the two began the drive to her house. “Thank you for choosing to stay with me.”

“You already told me that.” Charlotte realized how passive aggressive that sounded.

“Still, I have to say it again.” She snickered. “I for sure thought you were going to deny me.”

“Well..” Charlotte didn't really know what to say. “Parker.. convinced me.”

She giggled, amused. “Of course. He's a good man.” She spoke slowly.

Conversation died from there, though Audrey had a content smile on her face. Charlotte leaned towards the window, but kept glancing back at her sister. She needed to say something. She built up courage.

“Audrey,” She paused. “I'm sorry. For-.. what happened last time we talked.”

She hummed in acknowledgement. “I won't lie, what you said did hurt.”

“I don't know why I said what I did.” She replied quickly, embarrassed. “That was just.. shitty of me. I'm sorry.”

“It's okay.” Audrey glanced at her, though Charlotte kept her eyes trained away. “Thank you for apologizing. I forgive you.”

That was a start. Charlotte smiled lightly. “Thanks.”

“What are you guys talking about?” A child’s voice suddenly cut in.

It caught Charlotte way off guard. She snapped herself around to look at the kid in the second row. “Wh-? Who are you?” She asked, dazed. A small vanilla sandwich cookie sat, a curious expression on the child’s face. Oh, right! Audrey’s kid.

Audrey began laughing. “Oh, sorry! I completely forgot to introduce you to my son. His name is Austin! Austin, this is your auntie—Charlotte.”

“Hi, Aunt Charlotte.” He waved with a smile.

Charlotte couldn't lie. The kid was cute. “Hi, buddy.” She quietly replied with a smile.

“Charlotte’s going to be staying with us for a while.”

“Okay. That's cool.”

…

Audrey gave Charlotte a quick tour around the house. All this time and Charlotte had never once been inside her sister’s house. The house was a cool temperature, and had a very clean, organized look. Austin sat in the living room, face glued to a tablet.

“We sold or trashed all of your things during the estate sale.” Audrey informed her. “Sorry about that.”

“It's okay.” Charlotte’s response was automatic. She spent so much time with nothing that it didn't feel bad, even though she knew it should. “You have a nice place.”

“Thanks.” She beamed. “I’m glad to finally introduce you to it, despite the circumstances.”

“Hey, mom?” Austin called, looking up from his tablet.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“I'm bored. Can we play something?”

“No, it's late. You need to go to bed, mister. Go brush your teeth.”

“Tch.” He was disappointed. “Fineee.” He got up, leaving his tablet on the couch.

Charlotte watched as he walked away, towards the bathroom to brush his teeth. “He seems really chill.”

“Yeah.” Audrey made eye contact with her. “I couldn't have asked for a better kid. He's made parenting much easier on me.”

“That's-..” Charlotte paused awkwardly. “Really nice for you. Um..”

She chuckled. “Yeah.”

“I'm- happy.. for you.”

A large grin came to her sister’s face, a sense of sweetness laced in it. “Thank you.”

That exchange felt odd, but also comforting, and it made Charlotte happy. “Yeah.”

There was a pause. “We should go to sleep and get ready for tomorrow.” Audrey stated. Charlotte nodded in agreement. “There are a bunch of things we need to do, so.. let's be well rested for it, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“I don't have a guest bedroom, so are you okay with sleeping on the couch?”

“I don't mind.” She scoffed lightheartedly. “It won't be the first time I've slept on somebody's couch.”

Audrey awkwardly chuckled. “I'm gonna go check on Austin—make sure he's in bed.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

Charlotte was left alone. She walked over to the couch. She laid down on it. It was much wider and softer than any other couch she'd sat on. She could tell it wouldn't be difficult to sleep on. She had to sleep on artificial grass for months. This was basically heaven. She gazed up at the ceiling, eyes half lidded, tired. A long, drawn out sigh escaped her.

“So much to do..”