I didn’t keep you waiting too long, I really hope you enjoy this chapter. :)
~four years later~
It was Friday afternoon, I hadn't bothered changing when I got home so i was still wearing them shirt and skirt of my uniform.
I lay on my stomach, on my bed doing my homework. I nodded my head slightly to the music blaring in my ears. It was so loud when the door knocked I almost wasn’t sure if it had.
“Miss Charlotte.” Arthur’s deep voice called from behind the door. I pulled out my headphones and slid off my double bed.
“What’s up?” I smiled as I opened the door.
I wasn't that small but Arthur still towered above me. His dark completion and blue eyes were beautifully unique. He was no more than ten years older than me, but his eyes looked so much wiser.
“Your mother has arrived home from Paris.” He paused for a moment studying my face before he continued, “She wants to speak with you.”
Anger washed over me. “She knows where I am.” I snapped and slammed the door. I immediately regretted it though. It wasn’t Arthur’s fault that she is so cold and unattached. He should have to be the bearer of bad news, especially since she was the shoot the messenger type. I swung the door back open and stalked out, quickly catching up with Arthur. “Fine,” I rolled my eyes to him, “but I am not being all polite and perfect about it.”
“Well” he smiled “no one is expecting a miracle.” I chuckled.
Arthur could always put me in a good mood. I walked into the lounge silently, my mother sat neatly on the couch with a cup of coffee. She was a young and beautiful looking woman. Her hair was pulled back tidily. Her skin was much paler then mine but flawless.
Charlotte, darling” her tone was sickly sweet. “How is school?” she didn’t bother waiting for a reply, “Have you thought anymore about your birthday present?” my birthday was a few days ago but I much to my mother’s dismay I didn't want a celebration.
“What’s there to think about? I gave you my answer.” I spoke as calmly as I could. Her face contorted as it always did when she didn't get what she wanted.
“Oh for god’s sake Charlotte you are acting so childish,” She hissed. “You always talk about traveling and now I am handing you the opportunity to see a new country and to do so in a way that is acceptable to a young lady of your… class… and now you are saying you don’t want to?”
“We have two very different ideas of what classifies as traveling.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You want me to stay with people who you know and have deemed are of an acceptable standard, in their house which you have deemed is of an acceptable standard and only participate in activities that you have previously deemed acceptable for a young lady of our class.” I spat her words back at her viciously. She looked shocked at my reply, she didn’t understand. “Mom,” I composed myself and coolly continued. “I am very thankful for how hard dad and you have worked to give me this life, however, I want to experience different cultures. This may sound ungrateful but I am being sincere. Thank you for the offer but I do not want to stay in five star hotels and only socialise with people who are exactly like those who I have known my whole life.”
She paused, "hum. No I have to say I do not understand." Wow I thought well that’s that then. I was considering trying to argue further when Arthur walked in.
“Pardon me Ms Carter, a phone call.” He said politely. She silently rose from her seat and walked to the phone on the other side of the room. Arthur looked at me and nodded towards the clock on the mantelpiece. My eyes moved to when he gestured. It said 6.30. He raised an eyebrow slightly before disappearing behind the door as my mother but down the phone. What was that about? I thought. 6:30?
“Oh shit!” I exclaimed.
“Charlotte!” my mother stated taken aback.
“Sorry,” a smile spread across my face as I realised that 6.30 meant. “I have to go.”
“What? No we have not finished here Char…” my mother started but I was already out the door heading for the back garden. I could hear my mother calling after me as I escaped down the back steps. I took the last two steps in one jump and started running across the lawn. The wind whipped through my dark brown hair and I used one hand to hold down my uniform skirt from blowing up. When I reached the hedges I squeezed through the gap in the wall and followed the path worn by years of walking until I reached a huge oak tree. Phew I thought as I touched thetree I wasn’t late I thought he hadn’t got here first, I could surprise him. I was looking for some where to hide when suddenly a hand covered my eyes and a strong arm wrapped around my waist from behind.
“Guess who.” He whispered in my ear his warm breath tickling my cheek. His grip around me loosened slightly allowing me to turn to face him slowly but it tightened again pulling me closer. He kept his hand covering my eyes.
Hum who could it possibly be I wonder... my money's on Batman, what about you? x
~Hannah
