In Charlotte's Eyes

Parting Shot

Intimidate, fake out, parting shot (I hope someone gets this)

-

A day passed. Parker pulled into Audrey’s driveway, an excited smile on his face. Today was the day Charlotte would move in with him. He made his way to the front door.

Inside, Charlotte sat at the dining table, hand on her cheek. She stared down at her phone.

When the doorbell rang, Audrey walked by her to answer the door. Charlotte stood up, Parker already greeting her sister. Audrey invited him inside and he looked and smiled at Charlotte.

“Charlotte!” He beamed.

She chuckled. “Hey, man!” The two shared a quick hug.

“Do you need any help carrying things?”

“Not really, but,” She smirked. “I’m okay with it if you want to do all the work.”

He laughed. “We'll split it evenly.”

…

It didn't take long for them to grab the few boxes Charlotte had. Parker placed the box he carried into the trunk and looked at her. “Is there anything else?”

“Uh, no, but there is one more thing I want to do.” She responded, taking a step back towards the house. “Both of you stay here, I'll be back in a second.” She jumped away and jogged back into the house, leaving Parker and Audrey curious, but they upheld her request, instead making some small talk to pass the time.

Charlotte bolted to her small bedroom. She opened the closet and grabbed the book she had intentionally left out of her belongings.

She sprinted up the stairs and seeked out Austin. He was in his room, fidgeting with a ball on his bed. She brought both arms behind her back. He looked at her quizzically as she approached. “Hey, bud.” She sat on the bed.

He looked up at the mushroom on her head. “Toad’s gotten bigger.” He smiled lightheartedly. Toad was the name he had given to Charlotte’s growing fungus.

She chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah. I have a question for you.”

He blinked, awaiting her question.

“Do you like to read?”

He hummed in thought. “Sometimes.”

“Well, I have a little gift for you.” She handed him the book. The beautiful illustration and giant, cursive title met his eyes. “I want you to have this book.”

“Oh.” He grabbed it, studying the cover. “What's it about?”

“It's a little romance novel.” She grinned.

“Oh.”

“It's the only one that exists, so this book is rare. Take good care of it, okay?”

He looked up at her. “Okay. Thanks, Aunt Charlotte.”

She giggled. “You're welcome. I hope you like it.”

With that, she exited his room and hurried herself outside. She confidently smiled at Parker when he looked at her.

“You ready now?”

“Yeah.” She nodded.

“Awesome!” He opened the driver’s door. He looked at Audrey. “It was nice to see you again, Audrey.” He smiled gratefully. “Thanks again for taking care of Charlotte.”

She laughed. “I should be thanking you for taking her off my hands.” She joked.

“Hey!” Charlotte smirked.

Parker closed his door. The two sisters looked at each other. “Bye, Charlotte.”

Charlotte’s smile softened. “Bye, Audrey.” She hugged her. “Thank you for helping me get through all of this. I would've probably-” She laughed. “Floundered.”

“You're my sister, Charlotte. No matter what happened in the past, I'm willing to help you out.”

It still felt surreal hearing that. She thought about their encounter in jail and she cringed internally. “Thank you.”

“Mhm.” She gestured to Parker’s car. “Now get outta here. Don't keep the good man waiting too long.”

She nodded. “Right.” She moved to the passenger side, but before opening it, she added: “Love you, Audrey.”