In Charlotte's Eyes

Joy

Carlos was peeved. It wasn't often he lost his temper, but today was the exception. He didn't know why he was so upset. He just was. He needed to get away, sulk, and clear his mind.

He was feeling a bit hungry, so he stopped at a cafe. The moody decor of the interior would be comforting as he ate a snack and drank some coffee. He sat alone, staring out the window. The sun shined through the window, greeting him from just above a cluster of clouds.

He thought about Charlotte, even though he left his home to do the opposite. He thought about how all his friends were on good terms with Charlotte. He was alone in not looking positively at her. He hummed deeply.

Perhaps this feeling was similar to how Parker felt for a long time. He gained a bit of empathy.

A familiar figure walked by the window. He looked up. A bread bun walked by the window—Audrey. His eyes widened. She noticed him as well. She grinned at him and waved through the window.

Obligated, he smiled lightly back and waved too. She put up a finger at him and rushed her way inside.

“Carlos!” She greeted, excited. Seemed she was in much higher spirits than he was. “Wow, it's such a surprise to see you!” She sat across from him.

“Heh.” He smirked. “A pleasant one, I hope.”

“It is, yeah.” She chuckled. “What're you doing here?”

“Oh, just,” He paused. “Getting away and relaxing for a bit.”

“I get that, I get that.” She nodded.

“What about you, hm?” He raised a brow, keeping his charismatic smile. “Your kid isn't with you.”

“He's on a playdate with a friend of his, so I get to do whatever I want today.” She giggled, relaxed.

“You seem awfully happy to be separated from your kid.” He teased. “He's that much of a hassle?”

“No, no, it's not that!” She laughed. “I've just-..” She shook her head, laughing lightly again. “I've just had this positive pep in my step since the new year started.”

“Mm?” He raised a brow, intrigued. “What happened? Get a sweet promotion at work or something?” He leaned back.

“No, but I wish.” She giggled. “I just..” She looked up and past him. “Have this proud feeling.”

“Mm, how come?” He took a sip of his coffee.

“Well, I just..” She shook her head. She must be really happy if she's this overwhelmed. “Charlotte said something to me a month ago that's really just.. uplifted me.”

Of course it had to be Charlotte. He wasn't going to sour her mood, though. “What'd she say?” He calmly played along.

She chuckled, shyly, embarrassed. “I know this is gonna sound really trivial, but- she told me she loved me—verbally, out loud.” Carlos nodded, brows raised. He listened intently. “Hah- the reason it's such a big thing for me, is cause, like-..” She fumbled for words. “The last time she said she loved me was years ago. It just.. made me so happy.”

“Hm.” He tried to come up with a clever response, but he was drawing a blank. “That's.. I'm glad to hear that, Audrey.”

“Thanks.” She beamed.

Carlos took another sip of his coffee. He kept his eyes low.

Maybe Charlotte had a bit of merit left.